Historic and Modern Waterfront Venue
300+ guests
Holds ceremonies and receptions
AWARD WINNER (5X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Located on the banks of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, The War Memorial is a wedding venue rich in history and culture. Over the years, the establishment has hosted thousands of functions and events, celebrating couples, families, and veterans in the community and beyond. The unique setting blends old with new, channeling its history and culture into a place of integrity, excellence, and honor.
The War Memorial has several venue spaces available to host the momentous occasion. The Alger House was built in 1910 and embodies an Italian Renaissance style. The House comprises a reception room, a library, and dining rooms that are both elegant and traditional in design. Complete with soaring ceilings, stone fireplaces, and French doors overlooking the waterfront, Alger House offers a gracious setting to wed among 70 family and friends.
The Crystal Ballroom, the crown jewel of the newly redesigned, renovated, and built Fred M. Alger Center at The War Memorial, is a truly remarkable space, providing the perfect setting for your reception. Many couples enjoy the panoramic lakefront views from the floor-to-ceiling windows which creates the perfect backdrop for a wedding. Additionally, patrons will be able to egress the ballroom with a new two-story exterior patio overlooking the house, gardens, and water! With sparkling glass chandeliers, rich wood floors set in a herringbone pattern that mimic the original flooring of the Alger House, a ceiling that honors the design of American landscape architect, Ellen Biddle Shipman, and walls of windows overlooking Lake St. Clair, The War Memorial Ballroom offers a truly unique setting for an unforgettable reception. The newly expanded space seats over 300 guests, with additional space for a DJ or band, dance floor, and cake and gift tables.
The Community Room, a brand new space built in 2022 as part of the expanded Fred M. Alger Center at The War Memorial, carries the Ballroom theme of glass chandeliers, herringbone hardwood floors, and an ornately designed ceiling. The attached Reflection Room and grand Colonnade Entrance offer an ideal space for cocktail hour, and your guests will be wowed when they enter the Community Room itself with state-of-the-art accent lighting that will set the mood for the rest of the evening. The Community Room is the ideal space for a wedding of up to 150 guests, with ample space for a comfortable dance floor to dance the night away. Or combine the Community Room with the Ballroom for over 500 guests!
The team at the War Memorial strives for nothing less than a remarkable event for you and your loved ones. The breathtaking scenes, exquisite menu, and impeccable service all serve in curating the wedding day of dreams. The staff is highly trained and professional and aims to provide a personalized experience on the day. From the floorplan settings to the customized cuisine and bar packages, the team is on hand to coordinate it all.
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Pricing details
Starting prices
Reception:
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Ceremony:
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Starting prices don't include service fees, taxes, gratuity, and rental fees. Guest count and seasonality may also affect prices.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Outdoor 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
Guest Capacity
300+
Settings
Backyard
Ballroom
Beach
Waterfront
Estate
Garden
Historic Venue
Park
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Other Desserts
Food & Catering
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Availability
Reviews
4.7
out of 5.081 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
The War Memorial is a highly recommended wedding venue with stunning grounds and exceptional service, particularly from coordinators like Emily, Nicole, and Alondra. The staff, including wait staff, event managers, and banquet managers, were praised for their attentiveness and friendliness, ensuring a smooth and stress-free wedding day. Guests were impressed by the delicious food, beautiful architecture of the Alger House, and the breathtaking views, making it a top choice for hosting weddings and events.Review photos
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Selena M
5.0
9/22/2024
Amazing venue and perfect wedding day. Our guests were blown away by the venue and all other views that came with it! Nicole was very helpful and with me every step of the way.
Alexis R
5.0
6/23/2024
We were married at TWM on June 1, 2024 and it was nothing short of absolutely amazing! Every detail was perfect. The venue itself is stunning - our guests were amazed at how beautiful the grounds are. We worked with Amber and Nicole at various stages of the planning; however, day of, Amber knocked it out of the park with event coordinating! The staff was simply AMAZING - wait staff to event managers (Mike and Brittany), everyone was beyond friendly and attentive to our guests needs. The food was to die for and our guests are still talking about how delicious it was. Everyone at TWM made our wedding day unforgettable!
Any questions?
Chelsea S
5.0
11/04/2023
We were married at The War Memorial on October 27, 2023 and it was the most amazing day ever! We worked with both Alondra and Nicole at the various stages of the wedding planning and they were both incredibly helpful. The venue itself was stunning and the food was amazing! The staff was enthusiastic and helpful the entire night and we received a number of compliments from our guests on their hospitality!
Candee S
5.0
10/30/2023
I can't begin to explain how wonderful my daughter's wedding was. The War Memorial is absolutely beautiful!! You are provided a top notch coordinator, charismatic waitstaff, and fantastic food/beverages. They were also more than accommodating with outside vendors. Best day ever
Ned O
5.0
10/25/2023
The War Memorial - We couldn't have asked for a better experience having our wedding at TWM. Megan, our coordinator, was so phenomenal and easy going to work with, and the staff throughout the day were perfect. Our servers and event staff went above and beyond and we couldn’t be more thankful for them. We couldn't have asked for better treatment on our wedding day, and have absolutely no regrets choosing TWM.
Shannon M
5.0
7/31/2023
My husband and I got married on 7/21/23 at The War Memorial. The staff was AMAZING! From our coordinators to the wait staff to the manager, everyone was wonderful! We got many compliments on the food. This is a beautiful venue that gives you a blend of old fashion character with the Alger House mansion and the new modern ballroom with a beautiful terrace for cocktail hour. The views are incredible. Highly recommend this venue!
Gina P
5.0
6/26/2023
The venue, the location, the food, the staff- everything was amazing! I hope to host another event with the War Memorial and Emily and Nicole in the future!
Medha C
5.0
4/12/2023
The War Memorial was the perfect place to celebrate our wedding reception for our Michigan friends and family. The location, the venue itself, the staff were wonderful and we would definitely pick The War Memorial again!
Olivia S
5.0
2/07/2023
We just had our wedding at The War Memorial and I couldn’t have been happier with our decision! The staff was AMAZING and beyond helpful throughout the entire process! Every single staff member contributed to our day running smoothly and made us feel at ease the entire night. Oh, and the fact that the venue is absolutely gorgeous was a plus! I highly recommend this venue!
Elizabeth S
5.0
1/02/2023
I am not exaggerating when I say that every detail at The War Memorial was absolute perfection. Everything looked so beautiful, it all went off without a hitch and we had the best time—I didn’t want the night to end!! And actually, one of our guests just told me how wonderful the servers were — that she had never been to a wedding where she was so meticulously taken care of.
Our wedding coordinator at TWM, Emily, was so easy to work with and truly took the stress out of wedding planning. She answered all of our questions at every step along the way and just made it the perfect wedding. And the venue itself is so classic and beautiful!
Tori A
5.0
12/06/2022
The War Memorial has always been a gorgeous venue but since the renovations.. just WOW!! It is absolutely breathtaking. Not only is it gorgeous but the staff is amazing (we worked with Nicole-- she is the BEST). I was also told by many guests that it was the best food they have ever eaten at a wedding. This place is WORTH it! I cannot explain in writing just how beautiful the ballroom is with those stunning views. I am beyond happy we chose TWM for our reception.
Rachel D
5.0
8/27/2022
The Grosse Pointe War Memorial far surpassed any of my hopes about our wedding day. We had our wedding outdoor on the back patio, which has just absolutely stunning architecture. We then had our reception in the Alger House, which has such beautiful architectural details as well. We worked with two different ladies at the War Memorial, first Nicole and then Alondra, both of whom were incredibly professional. Alondra was with us throughout the day and kept everything running so smoothly. She even brought some of our appetizers upstairs while we were signing our marriage license after our ceremony, which was just beyond kind. I had worked with my mom to plan the entire wedding while out of state (I'm currently in my medical training, but wanted to have the wedding close to our friends and family so my husband's grandparents could attend), and it certainly did not look like we had planned the wedding from another state (again, thanks to the incredible professionalism of the War Memorial).
Gabriela F
5.0
12/29/2021
The War Memorial was the perfect venue for our late fall wedding. Everything was beautiful down to the last detail. Emily was perfect to work with and was extremely attentive throughout the entire evening.
Kelsey P
5.0
8/26/2021
We had our ceremony and reception on the lake-front lawn of the War Memorial and we could not have asked for a better venue! The venue itself is so beautiful, the food is amazing, and the staff are so great to work with. We booked The War Memorial over a year and a half before our date and we were in touch with our coordinator the entire time. They responded to emails and informed us of updates in a very timely manner. I highly recommend booking this venue!
Mary B
5.0
8/21/2021
Beautiful venue! So, the original wedding date was August 2020, and we cancelled in April and rescheduled for 7.30.2021. We were notified in January that all 2021 weddings would be held outside, under a tent due to covid and early construction on the ballroom. Born and raised in MI, I knew that the weather is always unpredictable. Definitely not a happy camper, however, from a business stand point I understood their decision. We worked with Emily at GPW and could not be happier with the outcome. It must be said, we were given the most perfect weather the day of, 75 degrees, dry, and sunny! The duet plate was delicious, service was impeccable, and the bar service kept -up with our thirsty guest! Zero complaints. I too was concerned about the unsightly construction, however, the surrounding grounds and interior are so beautiful that it was not an issue. Many thanks to the entire staff for making the most beautiful and memorable day for the happy couple! MOB
Courtney D
1.0
7/18/2021
Would not recommend this venue if you want solid planning of your special day. Lots of last minutes decisions made on location along with moving our wedding 3 times due to covid and the venue blaming that on why they were renovating their ballroom. We planned for the beautiful back lawn and ballroom and we got an alger house with 3 different rooms for our guests who barely fit and no A/C on a humid day. Extremely unprofessional.
Camryn F
5.0
7/08/2021
The War Memorial was the most perfect backdrop for our wedding day. I cannot say enough great things about the communication, staff and entire planning process. When we originally booked, we planned on having our reception in the ballroom. However, with changes due to covid we had to have it outside on the back lawn due to construction. The War Memorial was great at communicating these changes to us and made sure we were comfortable with the new set up. The compliments are still coming in from friends and family about how amazing the food was as well as the grounds and everything in between! I would recommend anyone to get married here!
Sara B
5.0
12/22/2020
The War Memorial saved my wedding since I had to find a new venue only one month before our day due to covid. Our event planner Emily was quick to respond and was ready to help make my day the best it could be. I am so glad the War Memorial decided to take initiative and pour concrete and buy their own tent to accommodate a covid wedding. For a “second choice” wedding reception venue I truly think I got lucky and ended up with the perfect place. I can’t recommend it enough!
Sarah S
5.0
11/01/2020
If I could give The War Memorial a higher rating, I would! My husband and I had a lot of stress trying to replan our wedding during the pandemic. Originally, we were only supposed to use The War Memorial for our ceremony, but wanted to try to do a dinner there afterwards as well. Unfortunately there was no availability, but then the team contacted us as soon as there was a cancellation, and my husband and I could not be happier with the service we received. Our contact at The War Memorial was Nikki and she is the most amazing person! Nikki was right there with us every step of the way providing her insight and making sure everything was exactly what we wanted. I felt completely at ease and that was because of the team at The War Memorial. It is an absolutely gorgeous setting, but the people are what made the day so amazing. Leading up to the day was also so much less stressful because of the support from Nikki and her team. I don't think we have received this high level of service before. Not only that, but the food was absolutely incredible!! I could go on and on, but I'll just finish with I don't think our day would have been as easy and carefree without the team at The War Memorial.
Dominique P
5.0
10/20/2020
The War Memorial was a dream venue for our wedding. Due to COVID we had to move outside to a tent. Emily at the venue made sure everything was perfect with this change and people felt at ease! They had the details down and the communication was amazing. We just sat back and had a relaxing wonderful wedding.
Candace M
5.0
10/15/2020
We could not have imagined having our wedding anywhere else! Once COVID changed our indoor wedding plans, we were panicked to try and find a place to host our wedding and the team at the War Memorial took us in and made everything such a breeze. The entire staff was incredibly professional, kind and understanding to all of the ever-changing needs. Their outdoor space has concrete flooring under the tent, which allows you to avoid any messy shoes/dress situation in case of rain and the tent is incredibly spacious and can easily fit the 100 guests, plus dancing/DJ/bar area if needed.
Honestly, our wedding there was a total dream come true!
Megan K
5.0
10/13/2020
I can't speak highly enough about the GPWM and the customer service we had working with our event coordinator - Nicole. This was our second back-up venue since we were unable to host our event inside due to covid restrictions and we were scrambling to re-plan everything in two months. Nicole was extremely responsive to all of our multiple emails/phone calls during this process. The venue did an amazing job making us feel comfortable everything was going to work out. The food was also delicious and they were accommodating to all of our guests dietary restrictions. I cant say enough wonderful things about our experience working with all the staff. I am so grateful we went with them for our wedding day
Tara L
5.0
11/11/2019
Hands down the most breath taking venue known. The staff are absolutely incredible. Not to mention the AMAZING food. Everything was set up so nicely and staff were attentive to our guests needs. If ever you needed a drink (being the bride and groom) they were there for you. I must also mention that the wedding coordinator, Alondra Kennedy is PHENOMENAL. She is an absolute sweetheart and is very detail oriented. She will cater to any or all of your needs. Please don’t even think twice because The War Memorial is the ULTIMATE venue. I promise your guest will rave about this place!!!
Stephanie D
5.0
11/06/2019
Our wedding at the War Memorial this past weekend was everything we could have ever asked for and more. We are so thankful to Alondra and her team for all their assistance during this time (especially because Alondra took my calls at all hours and was fantastic at responding to my emails - no matter how crazy they were). I am forever grateful to everyone there who made our day so special and memorable.
Stephanie F
5.0
9/06/2019
Everything from start to finish was perfect. I worked with Emily and Alondra and planning was a breeze thanks to them. When it came to wedding day everything was amazing. Service and Food were top notch. They were quick to act on an emergency situation we had. Unfortunately the grooms dad had a fainting incident and had to be rushed to the hospital. Not only did they have an ambulance there quickly but they were amazing at getting everyone back on track and truly made our wedding flawless. I couldn't have been more happy, this venue is worth every single penny. Our guest haven't stopped talking about the day.
Jessica J
5.0
7/11/2019
The War Memorial offered us a once-in-a-life-time wedding. It is an incredible venue. Alondra is simply the best: professional, accommodating and responsive. We recommend this venue for any wedding -- large or small.
LeeAnne S
5.0
7/02/2019
We were so happy that we chose to get married at the War Memorial! Our day couldn’t have gone better. Alondra was such a huge help in helping us initially coordinate and finalize all the loose ends up until the actual wedding. She remembered all the little requests we had asked for and we truly appreciated it. All our guests loved the food and the dessert! We would definitely recommend this venue to anyone wanting a unique and charming setting for their wedding with a smooth planning process!
Lorna M
5.0
4/22/2019
I had the pleasure of introducing the WM to a couple that stayed out of state and was looking for a venue that was historic and had old character.
Once they saw the War Memorial, they fell in love and rented the Alger house and the Ballroom. This wedding had so many details that we had to extend the cocktail hour to make sure all details will be added and the change of design would be implemented from ceremony to cocktail hour and the reception.
I was amazed at how The War Memorial is all about teamwork! Everyone was on board to get the job done to make our client's vision come to life.
The staff was great and Alondra was super patient and helpful with myself and my clients.
Can't want until the next wedding!
Kristin C
5.0
9/27/2018
The War Memorial was the absolute perfect venue for our wedding! Every single staff member was extremely helpful and nice. Emily our coordinator went above and beyond during the entire planning process and day of. The food is amazing and all our guests loved it. We loved having our wedding here!
Juliana P
5.0
9/23/2018
After long, stressful process of trying to find the perfect venue, The War Memorial was the last venue of the day and last I could think of. Once going into the ballroom, I feel in love with the view and was envisioning everything I could do with it, not to mention the gorgeous view of the lake. The ceremony site outside was just as beautiful, the garden and flowers that are already there made things so much more easier and put me at ease! Alondra could not have been more of an angel! She answered every email within 24 hours or less, even while she was on vacation! She is so dedicated to making sure you have your perfect day! It rained the day of my wedding, up until 30 min prior to my ceremony and Alondra was willing to do whatever I wanted, even if it was sprinkling! I would redo my day over and over again, The War Memorial was perfect!!
Marissa F
5.0
9/18/2018
The War Memorial provided me with the wedding of my dreams. My day could not have been more perfect. We had our ceremony right outside on the lawn and our reception in the glass room. Alondra was my wedding coordinator and she was amazing. My day would not have been as smooth if it wasn't for her. I was complimented by ALL of my guests on the beautiful glass reception room overlooking Lake St. Clair and the beautiful grounds on the property. My guests also were raving over the food! We had salmon nicoise and plum chicken and I honestly ate my entire plate. I would recommend this venue 100%.
Lauren Y
5.0
8/22/2018
Our wedding at the War Memorial was absolutely unforgettable! Alondra was our coordinator and was so accommodating and on top of things throughout the whole process! She took care of last minute requests without pause and helped everything to go smoothly. At no point during the day did I feel stressed or worried that something was not going to be taken care of because she took charge and was readily available behind the scenes. The actual venue was so beautiful and made for some incredible pictures!
Katie B
5.0
8/16/2018
The venue was absolutely amazing! The most beautiful venue I have ever been at. Alondra is just the best! She made it all happen and was such a pleasure to work with!
Thank you Alondra!
Kimberly B
5.0
7/24/2018
It is said that no wedding is perfect, but if 99.9% perfect is what you are looking for, then have your ceremony and reception at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.
There are many reasons I am giving the GPWM 5 stars. The venue is gorgeous inside and out and is very well maintained - you and your guests will be in awe on your special day. There are more beautiful locations for photos than you will have time to take advantage of. There are so many special places for your guests to enjoy - Outside the front and back gardens are gorgeous, the covered porch in front of the ballroom is great for lingering with a beverage, the terrace offers a wonderful view, the fountains are so pretty, and of course the lake shore is stunning. Inside the historic building is elegant and beautiful, and stupendous is the only word for the ballroom with its amazing view of the lake and gardens.
The menu options and the quality of the food are another reason GPWM deserves 5 stars. We had guests with lots of different allergies, some of them severe, and Alondra Kennedy and the chef were diligent in ensuring that all our guests would be safe. Our guests raved about the quality and taste of the food, and many said it was the best food they'd eaten at any event - everything was cooked perfectly.
The GPWM is also an excellent value. It's not an inexpensive venue, but you get far more for your money here than any place else in the area. Things that would cost extra elsewhere, like the use of cocktail tables on the covered walkway during cocktail hour, and upholstered arm chairs and side tables on the dance floor for elderly guests to enjoy, was added at no cost. I didn't have to ask for these items, Alondra Kennedy suggested them to make sure our guests would be able to linger longer and make the best use of the space.
And now the best part of having your wedding at the GPWM: the impeccable service. Alondra Kennedy made my daughter feel that she was the most important bride in the world, and she always had time to answer questions and make suggestions. She also managed everything flawlessly on the day of the wedding, including the ceremony. No one was nervous because Alondra had everything under control and she radiates calm confidence. She is kind, efficient, knowledgeable and extremely professional.
You will not regret having your wedding at the GPWM. I hope your wedding day is as wonderful as my daughter's was - if you have it at the GPWM, it will be!
Emily M
5.0
6/28/2018
Words cannot describe how I feel about the War Memorial and their staff... but I will do my very best.
I started out with one coordinator and then about 6 months before my wedding she left. Luckily, every person at the War Memorial is AMAZING, and Alondra, our new Coordinator, showed me that. She was exceptional in every way- went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable with the change in staff, made sure everything we discussed previously was still honored, was able to customize our bar package for my gluten-free needs and made sure the entire day-of meal was okay for me to eat, among a million other things.
Alondra ran a tight ship with the planning but was even more amazing on the day of. She helped to ensure our day was perfect and took care of every issue as it came up flawlessly. She even followed behind me when I walked through the garden to ensure my train did not get damaged and fluffed it for me before I walked down the aisle... yet she is not in a single photo!
This venue is more gorgeous than photos can show and the renovations they have done are stunning. Every guest I had complimented the venue and couldn't get over how gorgeous it is.
I honestly could not have had a better wedding day and wish I could do it all over again. Thank you to the entire War Memorial Staff, but especially Alondra!
Megan B
5.0
6/24/2018
Our Wedding at the War Memorial was amazing! First off, the venue is stunning. Every part of this property is photo worthy. We got ready onsite and even the upstairs is pretty. The gardens in June were gorgeous and who doesn't love a good lake view?
Next was the food, everything was so good. We ended up getting a duet plate. The chicken was tender, not rubbery like it can be with that large of a group and the filet you could cut with your fork. My guest couldn't stop raving about it.
And then Last but certainly not least was the staff. They were all beyond amazing. Alondra the event coordinator helped us through out the whole process from start to finish, and then helped us get the day to run seamlessly. She was very friendly and easy to work with, and very good at her job. But everyone else who was there was super on it too. I've never seem a better coordinated wait staff.
Seriously nothing went wrong, the whole day didn't have a snag. Despite the rain, we still had the ceremony outside since there was a break in the storm. The Grounds staff were out there drying chairs with a leafblower so nobody got wet. They even set up a plan B, even though we didn't need it.
Their attention to detail, professionalism and kindness were amazing. I highly recommend The War Memorial as a venue. You will have a wedding no one will forget.
Samantha B
5.0
11/22/2017
Hands down amazing venue!
The food was beyond wonderful and the portion size was fantastic. Usually catered food is mediocre and you're always hungry after the fact - this was not the case.
The staff was great to work with and the location itself is beautiful and can't be beat. I think this is a hidden gem in metro Detroit.
My wedding was more amazing than anything I could have dreamed of and the War Memorial made that happen.
Allison G
5.0
11/15/2017
We had our wedding at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial in September 2017. It was everything we could have hoped for and more. People continue to rave about the service, presentation, food, and beauty of the venue. The day of servers were absolutely excellent! Every request was delivered. Every server was exceptional but an extra special shout out to Cheryl and William.
Andrea was our wedding planner. We want to express our sincerest gratitude for her attention to detail, impeccable taste, honest opinion, and overall get-it-done attitude. She made our day perfect! Thank you a million times, Andrea!
If you are considering the War Memorial you truly cannot go wrong. I know some brides say no wedding day is perfect but I can honestly say our day was exactly what we visioned, planned and hoped for. The War Memorial gave us a day we will cherish for a lifetime! It was perfection! Thank you!!
Gina A
5.0
10/04/2017
I can't say enough about this venue and the wedding coordinator, Andrea. We had an outdoor ceremony and reception in the ballroom. Andrea truly went above and beyond in every aspect of the planning process. She was extremely professional and prompt when answering emails and phone calls (within the hour!). She was extremely on top of every detail. Everything on our wedding day went perfectly- even better than we expected. We had multiple guests tell us it was the best wedding they had been to. There are so many stunning photo backdrops. Even though our reception was in the ballroom, we were able to take a couple photos in the library of the Alger House. The food and cocktails were amazing, the servers and bartenders were great and the cocktail hour was elegant with the butler passed hors d'oeuvres . If you're even considering The War Memorial as a wedding venue, I would highly recommend it!
Kim K
5.0
9/07/2017
My daughter’s wedding on 8/18/17 was exquisite. Grosse Pointe War Memorial offers rich history with a gorgeous view of Lake St. Clair, beautiful gardens and an elegant ballroom. Andrea was our wedding coordinator and she was a pleasure to work with. Andrea was professional, prompt, organized, and we respected her opinion. Andrea went above and beyond to make sure this was a perfect fairy tale wedding for my daughter. I felt as if Andrea cared about my daughter’s wedding as much as we did. I can’t say enough good things about the War Memorial. The service was impeccable by all of the staff at the reception, which includes the banquet manager Nikki, bartenders, to the wait staff, to the chefs and cooks. The food was phenomenal and our guests raved about the plated short-rib dinner that was served. The appetizers served before the reception was done with elegance by the staff and even honored my request to serve our guests appetizers out into the gardens. Overall experience and customer service has been truly exceptional. I highly recommend Grosse Pointe War Memorial as your wedding venue.
Nicole C
5.0
6/29/2017
The best desicion I made regarding our wedding was chosing to have our ceremony and reception at The War Memorial. First of all, it was the first and only venue we looked at because there are no other venues that will compare. We had our ceremony on the back steps and reception in the ballroom. The grounds and venue are absolutely breathtaking and the view is to die for. I cannot tell you how many of our guests kept complimenting us on how beautiful our venue was. On top of that Andrea, our coordinator, was simply amazing. She made the whole wedding process bearable and quite easy. She was always a quick email away and answered all of my questions (no matter how ridiculous they were) promptly. On our wedding day she kept everyone informed of the timeline and made sure everything went smoothly, thanks to her everything was perfect. The service and food at the war memorial was also impeccable. Everyone kept raving about how good all of the food was and how incredible the servers were. All evening the food and beverage manner went above and beyond to make sure everything my husband and I had everything we needed and more. If you want your food to taste amazing, your guests to be wowed at your venue, and your day to turn out perfectly then have your wedding at The War Memorial; I assure you that you will be quite pleased with your decision.
Lauren W
5.0
6/12/2017
I don't know why anyone would bother looking at other venues if you're in the market for a historic mansion setting. The War Memorial offered us everything we could have possibly hoped for. Tremendous thanks to Alondra and the GPWM serving staff for such a flawless day.
Best choice we made for our wedding was choosing the War Memorial. After a bit of stress trying to find a good venue in the area that could sit a smaller wedding (our final guest count was 70), we came across the War Memorial and instantly fell in love and knew we didn't need to look anywhere else.
Alondra, the coordinator, made the process so incredibly easy and we were thrilled to work with her. We held our wedding on the Alger House side (the smaller of the two venues, compared with the larger ballroom that seats many more), and it was absolutely stunning. We received dozens of compliments from our guests on the beauty of the place. We didn't need a large flower budget or extra decor budget either because who needs to add extra decorations to a historic mansion?!
They provided everything - chairs, linens, DELICIOUS FOOD (dinner was absolutely fantastic), wait staff, card box, table numbers -- you name it, pretty much they offered to let us use it.
For how stressful planning a wedding is, GPWM did a fabulous job taking a lot of stress off of us. We can't recommend this place enough.
Charles S
2.0
6/11/2017
While overall the wedding and reception and dinner that we held at the GPWM went extremely well, the entire event was overshadowed by thefts that occurred during the afternoon/evening from the room in which the bride and bridesmaids left their purses. The bride's mother explicitly arked if the room would be safe, and the head of events at GPWM assured her it would be. Imagine that you were about to leave on a honeymoon and found your purse open, cash gone, as well as the maid of honor's. And imagine that the staff at GPWM then refused any liability, arguing that they did not say the room was safe and claiming they told the bride! So we are out several hundred dollars, and also despite guarantees for 2 week return of security deposit, that also has not been returned 3 weeks later. Very disappointing after an otherwise lovely event.
Nancy S
2.0
6/11/2017
Lovely venue, good food but wedding marred by theft of $280 from bride's bag, maid of honors purse. Mom asked coordinator if area was secure and was assured it was. Subsequent calls resulted in being told it was NOT their responsibility. No signs posted by GPWM. Very disappointed in their customer service. Cannot in good conscience recommend, due to lack of good customer service. BTW, bride's purse found in middle of the floor, not in her duffle bag.
Kelly Z
5.0
12/19/2016
The team made my wedding vision a reality and made my guests feel welcomed! Food was hot and tasty, bar was stocked, wedding planning team was attentive and easy to work with! I would definitely recommend this venue!
Jaclyn O
5.0
12/01/2016
We stumbled upon the War Memorial while searching online for a wedding venue. We had no prior knowledge of it, however after visiting the venue and meeting with the wedding coordinators on site, we were beyond impressed! The venue is beautiful, clean, and kept up well. We also liked that the staff all dressed professionally in uniforms. It's clear that their wedding coordinators are very experienced and knowledgeable and thought of everything down to the smallest details. They were very helpful in walking us through the planning process step-by-step. Our day-of coordinator was Andrea, she did an excellent job keeping everyone organized and on schedule throughout the day. All of our concerns and questions were addressed immediately. We received a lot of compliments from our guests about how delicious the food was and also that it was served hot! We went with plum chicken, short ribs, and stuffed mushrooms as our food choices, all were delicious! We felt that the pricing was pretty on par with other venues we had considered. Overall I think we spent about $100/person, but we upgraded a few things including one of the meal choices, and the bar options. If you're looking for a venue that is elegant, classy, affordable, and appropriate for a more formal style wedding definitely check out the War Memorial!
Sofia U
5.0
10/20/2016
This review is specifically for the new catering and sales manager, Nikki. I did not get married at the War Memorial but I did work with Nikki, prior to her move to Grosse Pointe, for my wedding. There are not enough words to explain how amazing Nikki is, and if you are considering having your wedding here know that she will be your support, friend and make sure everything is perfect throughout the entire process. Nikki has a very fun and upbeat personality, but she is also very organized and on top of things. Her responsiveness to emails is prompt and she is quick to make adjustments to your order when needed. Nikki will make sure you have all the information you need and will make sure your day if perfect. She left just two weeks before my wedding, but was so amazing at making sure the girl that took over had every tiny detail we had ever discussed. From what I was told, Nikki requested photos from our new venue coordinator during my wedding - that is how committed she is to each and every couple!
Erica C
5.0
8/08/2016
My husband and I had the wedding of our dreams at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. I couldn't tell you how WONDERFUL, AMAZING, KIND Andrea was through the WHOLE process helping plan our wedding. Andrea was never late on any email, or phone call. She was always on time for everything. She made the whole planning process so smoothly, and never ever had me feeling stressed once. I knew as long as she was there everything would go according to plan, and it sure did! Our ceremony and reception was truly perfect. All our guests couldn't believe how beautiful the venue was, some said it was their favorite venue they have ever seen! We had sooo many compliments on how great the food was, everything was prepared perfectly. We chose the salmon and chicken picatta (best part it was steaming still when it came out :) ) The waiters were constantly filling up everyones waters and made sure everyone was satisfied. We got married end of July, but that didn't bother us because the AC was turned up at perfect temperature. Like I said before, if you're looking for a venue I highly recommend this one. Ask for Andrea no matter what, she is truly an amazing employee and wonderful at what she does but, also she is just a great person in general!!!!!!
Emily B
5.0
7/24/2016
We could not have asked for a better venue for our ceremony and reception!! The location is amazing being right on the lake. We received so many compliments from the food to the staff and everything in between. Andrea was amazing to work with and so responsive. We were not stressed at all knowing how organized her and the whole staff were.
Lindsay L
3.0
3/08/2016
the venue was gorgeous...however, the communication from the coordinator and attention to detail were lacking
felicia m
5.0
10/31/2015
Ask for Andrea!! I fear that wordy reviews are often skimmed & looked over, so if you take anything away from this review, it is this: talk to Andrea. She was incredible.
Like many engaged couples, you browse all of the different wedding/reception venues. For us, we loved the food & consistency of the Italian halls in the nearby areas... But we wanted something classic, historic & with a beautiful ballroom & view of the water, The Grosse Pointe War Memorial was our top contender. We looked at The Whitney (a little small for 120+ guests) & The Colony Club (they took quite a while to get back to us & the lack of communication was concerning.) I do not mean to discount these venues, but as a new bride, I would appreciate this honesty. The GPWM was great with all communication. Our guests LOVED our location. Even more, our wedding was at the very end of October, & we were told that an outdoor ceremony was impossible. Andrea made it possible. Instead of a quick 'no', she waited until the late afternoon to call it & lo and behold, chairs were quickly set up & the ceremony took place on the back steps overlooking the gorgeous water.
Further, she worked hard to make sure we weren't over-paying for teens who were only to eat a meal but not consume alcohol, which saved us money. She made sure that our many guests with food allergies were well taken care of. She was honest. A month before our wedding, the executive chef left & we were so worried about the food (my family can be very picky about their meal.) She didn't have to tell us, but she did & assured us that the food would be impeccable. Frank Turner & Fabrizia (executive & sous chef) are AWESOME. The food, drinks & dessert table were all delicious. For those of you who haven't been to the GPWM (they've recently renovated the ballroom & it's stunning.) please check it out. And to the staff at the War Memorial, thank you!
Sarah K
4.0
10/05/2015
Had an absolutely fantastic wedding day with the War Memorial. The service was incredible, the food was delicious, and our every need was attended to. The venue itself is naturally beautiful and the food prices are really quite affordable. All of our guests raved about the food, service, view, and setting. I'm so glad we chose to have our wedding at the War Memorial.
The only reason we can't give the War Memorial 5 stars is because we did have to go through over three wedding coordinators during our engagement and never received any notice of the change until I contacted them. Also, our champagne flutes were lost the night of our wedding. I'm not sure how this could happen; they never should have been taken off the table by the staff. Now that it has been over a month, our coordinator offered to buy us new ones, but since they were bought as an engagement gift from my mother in law over a year and half ago, they are no longer sold. Once I told her that I've never heard anything more about the matter. If you are having your wedding at the War Memorial and want to bring in priceless heirlooms or other sentimental objects, you may want to rethink that.
Courtney D
5.0
8/28/2015
I loved the GPWM for my wedding. Now under new management/staff, Claudia and Amanda do a spectacular job. They were very accommodating and easy to work with. The venue itself has a much different feel than a traditional hall. It is classic, and the renovation of the ballroom really makes a difference. I had the maximum number of guests (250) and was concerned about the size of the room, but it worked very well. We removed 2 tables for dancing and even with most guests on the dance floor all night, it was more than enough room. It is truly a great site to get married. The food was amazing as well.
Stephanie J
5.0
9/01/2014
If you are interested in getting married outside, I highly recommend you take a look at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. We had our wedding and the reception at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, and everything was perfect.
As an out of town bride, I really appreciate Cheryl's quick email responses and valuable vendor advice. The entire team at the GPWM helped make our dream wedding a reality, and we are so thrilled with how smoothly our day went. The venue itself is so beautiful, and your photographer will be able to get a ton of cool and creative shots. Our guests couldn't stop talking about how gorgeous the venue and grounds were, and they enjoyed their meals.
There's nothing I would change about our wedding day, and the great staff at the GPWM is a big reason why the day went so perfectly.
Victoria P
5.0
8/25/2014
The Grosse Pointe War Memorial is amazing! Cheryl was more than helpful anytime I had a question. If I ever had to leave a voicemail, Cheryl got back to me in a timely matter. I had my ceremony and reception at the Grosse Pointe War memorial and I couldn't have been happier with my choice. The views are amazing and all my guest complemented me for weeks about the overall quality and service at the GPWM. If you are going for an upscale, vintage theme, like myself, this venue is PERFECT! My husband and I couldn't have asked for a better wedding venue. I give the GPWM five stars.
Julie L
5.0
8/18/2014
Grosse Pointe War Memorial was the best venue ever for my wedding. The Staff was amazing, Cheryl who is the coordinator there was very responsive and easy to work with. The cost of hosting the event there was very manageable considering you can bring in your own alcohol. Also, basic linens table settings etc. are all available for use. Planning my wedding there was very easy, and went very smooth. I'd plan another event there in a heartbeat.
Brody D
5.0
6/25/2014
From the minute I began working with Cheryl at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial I became calm about my wedding day. Not only is it the most gorgeous venue to host a wedding, but also the staff will go above and beyond to make sure that your day is perfect. Cheryl responded to my emails (regardless of how annoying or repetitive they were) promptly and always assured me that she would take care of all of my requests. Not only does the War Memorial assist you with the planning of your event, but it also goes beyond to recommend wonderful vendors to provide services such as chairs/tablecloths, music for your cocktail hour or the perfect wedding cake.
The week leading up to the wedding should be a stressful time for a bride, but for me it was not because of the amazing staff at the War Memorial. I knew that everything was taken care of and that the timeline of events was ready to go.
As far as the actual wedding day, everything was perfect. The glass ballroom looked incredible and the cocktail hour spilling out into the courtyard was out of a movie. The staff during the event not only catered to me but also helped my guests when needed. One of my guests is a new mom and a staff member found her a special bathroom that no one else could use so that she would feel comfortable. The friend relayed this story to me after the event and said what an incredible effort that staff member made and how much better it made her night.
Overall, there is nothing that I would have changed about my wedding at the War Memorial. The day was perfect as a result of the professionalism displayed from every single person who works at this facility. I hope to soon be able to host another event at this magnificent venue just for the chance to work again with these wonderful people.
Nicole B
4.0
6/09/2014
The War Memorial is absolutely stunning and the overall expereince was great. Surely there is no perfect wedding or venue but I am in awe of the beauty at this site!
Dawn R
5.0
1/16/2014
Is there a more perfect wedding venue than the Grosse Pointe War Memorial? I think not. From the beautiful gardens and fountains, to the majestic ballroom overlooking the lake, (and not to mention the gorgeous interior of the 100+ year-old mansion)...this venue really has it all. Still, the GPWM offers so much more than just its incomparable beauty. Cheryl Armijo, (Events Manager), is the BEST, and I sincerely mean that. Even my wedding coordinator indicated how amazing Cheryl was to work with, and I cannot say enough good things about her. From our very first meeting, she was the utmost in what every couple needs in an events coordinator. We had so many questions throughout the planning process, and she was always happy to help us. We also had quite a list of last-minute changes, and she took care of them all. And I will never forget how special it was to see her standing at the door of the ballroom once it was all set up for our reception. She really took care of every last detail to make it the fairy tale wedding that I had dreamed about, and I will be forever grateful to her for that. With that being said, I also must commend the rest of the GPWM staff who worked so hard to make our special day so perfect. The food was amazing and the service was impeccable. Even when it was just a minute or so before midnight, (when we were to be out of the building), the staff didn't hesitate to fill our beverages. In fact, I remember apologizing for needing it so late to the server, to which she responded, "why would you apologize? This is your day and we're here to make it special." This impressed me quite a bit as I've been to so many events in which the staff is obviously in a hurry to get the guests out, and that definitely was not the case here. Nonetheless, if you are looking for the BEST wedding venue in the Metro Detroit area, this is it...for so many reasons. A perfect "10" ;)
Allison H
2.0
10/29/2013
Very rigid event planner who doesn't let you go "outside of her box". She was very difficult to work with and came off rude at times in conversations.
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