Stage Your Love Story at This Historic Landmark
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Located in Muskegon, MI, the Frauenthal Center is a flexible wedding venue with an artistic edge. Couples can rent this historic space for their milestone celebrations. The venue first opened its doors in 1929 as the Michigan Theatre under the ownership of entertainer Paul Schlossman. Originally a chic movie theatre, it now sets the stage for concerts, symphonies, and more. A choice of dramatic indoor spaces is available for holding events large and small. Soon-to-be-weds can take advantage of the venue's regal Spanish design to hold captivating celebrations.
This local theater has been lovingly renovated by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. After receiving a generous sum from local philanthropist Harold Frauenthal, they were able to buy the building. As a result, the Frauenthal Center was born. In the 90s, the property was finally restored to its former glory. The building's classic design is visible from the moment guests step through the door. The happy couple can choose to mark their new beginnings in the Frauenthal Center. Inspired by the Spanish Renaissance style, this space is fitted with traditional red theater seats. Ornate patterns and gold tones create a stately atmosphere. On-stage receptions hold up to 150 loved ones. There is space for theater-style celebrations of over 1,700. More intimate events can be held in Beardsley Theater. This modern space accommodates over 160 guests. For more traditional wedding receptions, consider the third-floor ballroom. This elegant space is ideal for events of up to 275 loved ones. With a flexible floor plan and neutral tones, couples are invited to put their own spin on things. Finally, the Reception Gallery sets the scene for art-inspired events. Creative works line the walls of this stylish venue. A balcony gives guests a bird's-eye view of the lobby below. The gallery can be combined with several meeting rooms to accommodate larger events.
The professional event staff at the Frauenthal Center will work with you to design a one-of-a-kind wedding. Their list of preferred caterers covers a range of cuisines and styles. Their bar services feature a selection of spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic refreshments. They will go the extra mile to make your special occasion stand out.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Ballroom
Historic Venue
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Any questions?
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 11
- Heather HansenGeneral ManagerHeather is from Muskegon and graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She has been on the Frauenthal Center team since 2009.
- Tyler DormanFacility Operations ManagerTyler first entered the Frauenthal Center for the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree in 2008. He currently leads maintenance, stage equipment, theatrical technology, and custodial.
- Sarah SternburghFront of House LeadSarah has been a Companion Animal Leader at Petco and has worked at several local theaters. These include The Playhouse at White Lake, Central Park Players, Muskegon Civic Theatre, and the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company.
- Christine NelsonEvent Booking & Box Office LeadChristine joined the Frauenthal Center team in 2018. She loves working with patrons and clients to create welcoming and entertaining experiences.
- Carter BrownProduction & Technical LeadCarter's involvement in the community has gained him a valuable skill set, ideal for a large performance venue, such as the Frauenthal. One of his favorite parts of his job is being able to work in a historic theatre, cultivating a vibrant atmosphere and bringing events to the community.
- Blake FiliusFacility Operations & Technical AssistantFor over a decade, Blake has worked in stage design, audio, engineering, and a variety of other skilled labor positions to build a skill set tailored to upkeeping and presenting our historical theater. Having spent his entire life growing up in and around the Frauenthal, he was drawn back to join the professional team to support the place that fueled his imagination.
- Jante MillerFacility OperationsJante joined the Frauenthal team in 2016 as a part of Facility Operations. She fell in love with the history of the building and the excitement of hosting important moments.
- Scott BartoszekFacility OperationsScott has been a member of the Frauenthal team for over 20 years. Serving in Facility Operations, he enjoys the opportunity to interact with visitors and work with the variety of shows and events at the Frauenthal Center.
- Hannah MoreyBox Office & Volunteer AssociateHannah has been a valuable member of the Frauenthal team since 2024. She has had a love for theater since she was 5 and has worked through several theatre organizations, which have now landed her at the Frauenthal Center!
- Abagail HichueMarketing LeadAbagail began her career at the Frauenthal Center in 2024. As the Marketing Lead, she’s excited to combine her creativity and love for the arts to help bring unforgettable events to the community.
- Brad HastingsFundraiserJoining the team in 2024, Brad brings 12 years of nonprofit experience and a lifelong passion for the arts to his Fundraising role at the Frauenthal. Brad is committed to ensuring the Frauenthal remains a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible cultural hub for the entire community.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.06 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 5
Kate H
Highlighted review.
5.0
7/10/2024
This venue was just perfect for us. Heather is so easy to work with, and Sarah was awesome day-of. Our guests kept commenting that it was one of the most unique and gorgeous weddin...
g venues they had seen. It made our day really special, and the price is awesome!
Response from Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts on 07/15/2024
Hey Kate! We are so happy to hear that you had a great experience at our venue. It means a...
lot to us that we could help make your wedding day a memorable one. Thank you for choosing the Frau to celebrate such an important occasion. I loved working with you and Sam, and wish you both the best!
Mary-Kathryn H
5.0
1/15/2024
We had our wedding ceremony and reception in the Hilt Ballroom at the Frauenthal Center. It was absolutely beautiful. The lighting and chandeliers gave it the most perfect glow dur...
ing our wedding. Heather was wonderful to work with and all staff was incredibly helpful. Sarah was our day of supervisor and she was the best and so helpful. All of our guests loved the venue and we highly recommend the space for weddings
Response from Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts on 01/16/2024
Thank you for your thoughtful words, Mary-Kathryn! Working with you and Mike was truly enj...
oyable, and we extend our best wishes to both of you!
Any questions?
Lisa L
5.0
6/13/2022
This was amazing for our reception! Our reception was on the stage, Heather was very responsive to all our questions leading up to the day of, and the day went amazingly! Highly re...
commend this place if you are looking for somewhere “different” for a reception, and love theater!
Kacey W
5.0
10/11/2015
If you're looking for a beautiful, romantic, historic place to have your wedding and reception this is it. Having been a Muskegon resident and theater lover my whole life it just s...
eemed natural to get married here. We had both our reception and ceremony here, and the staff was absolutely wonderful. Heather (the event planner) was willing to meet with me multiple times before hand to make sure everything was perfect, and was exceptionally easy to get a hold of if I had any questions. She worked hard to make sure my Master and Mistress of ceremony had help and everything turned out wonderfully. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this place.
Jessica h
5.0
5/22/2012
cant say enough good things about this place, the people were the most helpful and wonderful people I could have asked for, the attention to detail and promptness made for an easy ...
going reception. Would recommend them to anyone having a wedding
Meghan B
5.0
1/17/2012
The Frauenthal Theatre in downtown Muskegon, MI is a beautiful historic theatre that provided an amazing setting for our Christmas wedding. The event coordinator, Heather Jett, wa...
s great to work with, meeting with us as many times as we felt necessary to make sure everything was perfect---and it was! The Frauenthal staff provided a quick transition from the ceremony to the reception (both on the stage). Our guests are still raving about the magical evening enjoyed in this spectacular venue.
Want to book a visit?
Start the convo
*=Required
Use this secure form to reach out and share your wedding vision.
Wedding vendors in Muskegon
Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts
Why use The Knot to message vendors?
Messaging our verified vendors on The Knot is free, safe and secure. Conveniently track vendor messages and planning details all in one place. Our mobile apps make it easy to stay in touch with vendors while you're on‑the‑go. For personalized pricing and package details, sending the vendor a message is the fastest way to get info.