Wedding Carriages n o Mackinac Island wedding is complete without taking a horse-drawn carriage ride . Lovers for centuries have used the horse and buggy to parade around Mackinac ’ s peaceful , scenic roads . A bride arriving to her wedding ceremony in an elegant carriage makes an unforgettable grand entrance . After the ceremony , the bride and groom can take a romantic ride through the Island , feeling like royalty and having that romantic time to themselves . Bring a bottle of champagne to celebrate or just relax to the cadence of two high-stepping horses .
Local carriage companies on the Island offer private wedding carriages for hire . There are several different colors and styles of carriages to choose from . The carriages are paired with a team of handsome horses and an appropriately dressed driver to accent the carriage .
All carriages offer retractable tops that cover passengers in case of bad weather .
BE SURE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER FOLLOWS YOUR CARRIAGE ON THEIR BICYCLE FOR WEDDING PICTURES ALONG THE WAY .
Many carriage rides begin by picking up the bride and bringing her to the wedding ceremony . If you choose to do this , the carriage may need to be rented for additional time . After the ceremony , the bride and groom climb
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onto their pretty carriage while family and friends watch , taking photos as the couple wave goodbye and ride off . During the ride , guests have a chance to make their way to the reception or dinner , allowing the couple time to be alone together . When the carriage ride is over , guests are usually in place and the newly married couple make their big entrance at the reception .
Be sure your photographer follows your carriage on their bicycle for wedding pictures along the way . Carriages are rented by the hour which allows enough time to ride through the Island stopping for photographs at various locations . The carriage route is usually determined by you , your photographer , and the driver to choose the best route . Carriages typically ride through the downtown area , passing by views of the Mackinac Bridge , lighthouses , the shoreline , through the woods , and atop both east and west bluffs .
42 Mackinac Island Wedding Guide