Bay View Inn
Select services venue
The venue will provide the space, plus a few extras.
Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing
Starting at $4,000
Guest capacity
Up to 100 seated guests
About this venue
Our charming Country Inn built in 1886, has been enchanting visitors for over 130 years. Located in the historic association of Bay View, Stafford’s Bay View Inn boasts 31 Victorian style rooms, many overlooking the crystal clear waters of Little Traverse Bay. The Inn provides an intimate atmosphere and can be rented in its entirety, or in part, for special events. Each area boasts a singular feel all its own and includes Stafford’s signature hospitality service. Our promise to you is a memorable event with historic charm.
Our event spaces
Howard Room
Our largest, private event space can accommodate small to large groups. This space features a built-in dance floor.
The Howard Room is the perfect setting for a wedding reception or party for you and your guests. Say "I Do" in a stunning waterfront ceremony surrounded by lush greenery with the backdrop of an enchanting Victorian inn. Then, enjoy a night of dancing and the best catering services Northern Michigan has to offer.
Guest capacity
Up to 96 Seated
Up to 120 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement
Guests often feel this space is
“Luxurious and chic”
Included in this room:
Dance Floor, Chairs, Tables
Room cost
400
Howard Room
Our largest, private event space can accommodate small to large groups. This space features a built-in dance floor.
The Howard Room is the perfect setting for a wedding reception or party for you and your guests. Say "I Do" in a stunning waterfront ceremony surrounded by lush greenery with the backdrop of an enchanting Victorian inn. Then, enjoy a night of dancing and the best catering services Northern Michigan has to offer.
Guest capacity
Up to 96 Seated
Up to 120 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement
Guests often feel this space is
“Luxurious and chic”
Included in this room:
Dance Floor, Chairs, Tables
Room cost
400
Available services that can be provided by Bay View Inn
Services & amenities
- Bar services
- Catering services
- Clean up
- Dance floor
- Dressing room / Bridal Suite
- Event coordinator
- Event rentals
- Event staff
- Liability insurance
- Lighting/Sound
- On-site accommodations
- Service staff
- Set up
- Wedding cake services
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wifi
Transportation & access
- Wheelchair accessible
Rentals
- Barware
- Chiavari Chairs
- China
- Flatware
- Glassware
- Lighting
- Linens
- Sound / AV
- Standard Chairs
Accommodations
- Bedroom suites
- Double bed rooms
- Honeymoon suite
- Luxury suites
- Room blocks offered
- Single king rooms
- Single queen rooms
Reviews
Write a review4.6 out of 5
100 reviews
- LM
Lisa Myers
This was my first time in the area and I couldn't have been happier with my choice of lodging. From day one through day 3, the staff were WONDERFUL! Always available to help, friendly and courteous. We ate in their dining room twice and both were very good. Do yourself a favor and do the Sunday Brunch if you are there! Our room was clean and charming (the whole Inn is honestly!) In the evenings we relaxed on the porch and on the chair swing by the bay. I can't say enough nice things and we will DEFINITELY come back again.
Bay View Inn•Sep 25, 2026Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear your stay was enjoyable. Looking forward to your next visit!
- AC
Alice Cason
Wonderful stay, convenient as a central site for sightseeing the area by car. The advantage of staying away from the "hustle & bustle" of downtown and being by the lake for rock hunting was ideal!! The staff was exceptional, (shout out to BobbieJo?) friendly and informative. Also, but not least important, housekeeping and hotel cleanliness was topnotch. Bay View Inn is a beautiful and well maintained property.
Bay View Inn•Sep 25, 2026Thank you for your exceptional review. I'm delighted that you enjoyed your stay and it is truly rewarding to read your review. Take care and hopefully we will see you soon.
- SJ
Shannon Jordan
My husband and I recently stayed here with our 15-month-old daughter and had an amazing visit! Corey at the front desk provided wonderful service throughout our stay and made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. We especially loved stopping by the social hour for a drink while our daughter napped, and we couldn’t get enough of the beautiful views of the bay and the lovely walking paths. Christopher also provided excellent service at breakfast. The location was perfect, with easy access to downtown while still offering a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We would absolutely come back again and highly recommend this beautiful inn!
Bay View Inn•Sep 15, 2026Thank you for your recent visit and for your very kind review. I'm glad you enjoyed our social hour. Looking forward to your next visit! Cordially, Corey E. Innkeeper
- LS
Larry Snyder
Second year there, not sure why my wife likes it so much. The menu never changes, it's always the same food and lord its expensive. The old people get up early and hog up the good seats on the porch, and they stay there all day long. No table in the room if you wanted to go get a pizza and bring it back, a wall mounted television would be nice. DO NOT!! Get room 44, its the worst the shower is so small, that you have to turn it off to lather up, then back on to rinse. Horrible! Social hour is just that, only 1 hour and barely any mixed drinks, seems like they are catering towards the elderly. I know I'll get stuck going back next year, guess I'll make the best of it.
Bay View Inn•Sep 10, 2026Thank you for staying at our Inn and sharing both positive comments and concerns about your recent visit with us. Our guests’ opinions and needs are of utmost importance to us. Please feel free to contact me at 231-347-2771, I would like to discuss your stay further with you. Sincerely, Corey E. Innkeeper (231) 347-2771
- HN
H E Neale
We only had lunch....adequate meal
Bay View Inn•Sep 4, 2026Thank you for this review. I'm glad you enjoyed our restaurant and hopefully we will see you soon.
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