Michigan State Parks Near Holland Wedding Venues for Your Spring Wedding Proposal or Engagement Photos
According to a recent survey by Brides.com, nearly 40% of couples are choosing destination proposals to create a once-in-a-lifetime moment. And if you ask us? There’s no better backdrop for a spring proposal or a spring wedding than the beauty of Michigan’s lakeshore. Here are Michigan state parks near Holland wedding venues for your spring proposal or engagement photos.
Especially if you’re tying the knot at a place like The Felt Estate, a Holland wedding venue perfectly situated between Saugatuck and Holland, this gem of a venue sets the stage for unforgettable celebrations. Here's the secret: the real magic starts just beyond the estate gates.
For couples dreaming of a Michigan spring wedding, looking for spring proposal ideas, or locations for spring engagement photos that are breathtaking - these nearby Michigan State Parks and local parks offer photo ops (and memories) that feel straight out of a storybook.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park trail leading through the forest to the dunes near Holland wedding venue, The Felt Estate. Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
If you're envisioning a forest setting or endless lake views as a backdrop, Saugatuck Dunes State Park is calling your name.
This is not your average beach stroll. Here, towering dunes roll down into quiet, secluded stretches of shoreline that feel miles away from reality. The 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan beach here are largely untouched, meaning you’ll find space to breathe, twirl, and savor the moment without crowds in the background. You’ll also find miles of trails and almost a thousand acres of forest and natural preserve.
Engagement Photo Session Tip: Pack your walking shoes. The hike to the beach is just over a mile long and there are multiple trail heads from the Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Holland wedding venue, The Felt Estate. For engagement photos, aim for golden hour when the dunes practically glow.
Address: 6575 138th Ave, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Contact: (269) 637-2788
Dunes along Lake Michigan at Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Michigan. Photo courtesy of Michigandnr.com.
Holland State Park
Holland State Park offers classic Lake Michigan views that have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Think soft-sand beaches, sparkling blue water, and the iconic Big Red Lighthouse standing guard at the harbor.
Want a foolproof spring proposal idea? Stroll along the boardwalk at sunset. As the sky bursts into color behind Big Red, drop to one knee. It's cinematic without feeling staged, intimate without being isolated.
Engagement Photo Session Tip: Couples often head straight to the beach, but stop by the Ottawa Beach General Store for some hand dip ice cream and cute “date night” photos.
Address: 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424
Contact: (616) 399-9390
Holland State Park, north of The Felt Estate - a wedding venue in Holland, is a beautiful location for Spring engagement photos. Photo courtesy of michigandrn.com.
Van Buren State Park
Looking to explore just a little outside of the Holland and Saugatuck area? Van Buren State Park, about 35 minutes south of The Felt Estate, delivers with its dramatic sand dunes and rich forest trails.
Spring here feels almost enchanted with new leaves shimmering in soft greens and the trails seemingly hum with the promise of new beginnings. It’s fresh, real beauty for a couple who wants something different.
Spring Proposal Idea: Pack a blanket and a little charcuterie picnic, hike the Dune Trail (about 1 mile), and find a private nook overlooking Lake Michigan. Cue the romance.
Address: 23960 Ruggles Rd, South Haven, MI 49090
Contact: (269) 637-2788
Mount Baldhead Park
Looking for engagement photos with serious wow-factor and a little adventure mixed in? Mount Baldhead Park in Saugatuck offers panoramic views that are absolutely worth the climb.
You'll tackle 303 wooden steps through a forested dune landscape, but at the summit? Pure magic. In the spring, Lake Michigan sparkles on one side and the Kalamazoo River winds its way through a sea of green on the other. It’s dramatic, it's romantic, and it gives your session a feeling of accomplishment and awe.
Spring Engagement Tip: Bring a change of shoes for the climb (hello, comfy sneakers) and dress in layers to have a few more clothing options for the stunning photos.
Address: 769 Park St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Contact: (269) 857-7721
Mount Baldhead Park scenic views for spring engagement near wedding venue in Holland. Photo courtesy of Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Oval Beach
If you’re dreaming of that classic beach engagement session or spring proposal - the kind with bare feet in the sand, soft pastel sunsets, and gentle waves lapping at the shore - Oval Beach is a must.
Named one of the best beaches in the country by Conde Nast Traveler, Oval Beach captures the easy, natural beauty of Michigan’s lakeshore without feeling crowded in spring. It's the kind of spot where you can slow down, breathe it all in, and just be together.
Spring Proposal Tip: Early May mornings at Oval Beach offer soft, diffused light and almost no one else around. It's pure, peaceful magic and perfect for an intimate proposal before the rush of summer tourists.
Address: 690 Perryman St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Contact: (269) 857-1701
Spring wedding reception at Holland wedding venue. Photo courtesy of Alasandra Photography.
Spring Weddings at Holland Wedding Venues
Of course, after your engagement session or proposal, there’s no better place to bring your full wedding vision to life than the Holland wedding venue, The Felt Estate. Its historic mansion, gardens, and scenic views of Saugatuck Dunes State Park make it one of the most sought-after wedding venues for a Michigan spring wedding.
Imagine starting the day in the Estate’s sun-drenched suites. Stealing away to the forest for your first look. Then returning to the grandeur of the mansion to exchange vows at the water garden. Spring in West Michigan isn’t just a season, it’s a feeling. A rush of fresh air. A burst of color. A perfect beginning.
Whether you're dreaming up spring proposal ideas or planning a full Michigan spring wedding weekend these parks, and The Felt Estate, are ready to frame every unforgettable moment.
The Felt Estate is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve history through preservation of the Estate; protect the environment with the responsible use of the natural and built environments; and educate through tours, classes, field trips, and seminars.
We’re proud to support locally owned wedding venues and vendors including: Somos Family Weddings & Events, Amelia Grove, 22 Acres Farm, Cold Spring Farm, Rough & Ready Vineyards, and Estate at River Run*.
If you’re a locally owned venue looking for a network of support for your small business, contact us.
The Felt Estate strives to be welcoming and accessible to all, fostering an inclusive environment (*denotes venue/vendor has been verified as inclusive.)