Nestled in the gentle embrace of the St. Joseph River, immediately south of the Michigan-Indiana state line, lies the quiet, mid-sized city of South Bend, Indiana. South Bend's official population is rather small, hovering around 110,000; however, as the capital of Michiana (the region encompassing the intersection of both states), the city serves nearly a million people. It's also the home of the University of Notre Dame, and as such has a cosmopolitan nature typical of cities many times its size.
Though Chicago's just 95 miles away, there's no need to abandon South Bend in favor of the Windy City if you're tying the knot. It's easy to find all variety of vendors to help with your wedding planning, from jewelers offering the finest platinum
wedding bands to dressmakers who can produce designer
wedding gowns equal to anything worn by a fairytale princess. A quick glance at the phone book or Google will also reveal dozens of wedding venues, from tiny chapels to fabulous country clubs that can handle hundreds of guests.
The most famous event hall in South Bend is without a doubt Palais Royale, a romantic venue much beloved by couples uniting in wedlock. A local favorite (it's won a South Bend Tribune Readers Choice Award for five years running), Palais Royal first opened its doors in 1923. Among its most impressive features are the huge ballroom and it's classic European décor, which will add an indefinable touch of class to any event. The staff of Palais Royal is there to help you at all levels: in addition to its high level of service and custom-designed food, the facility maintains an exclusive list of preferred wedding providers to aid you in your quest to put together the best possible service and reception, whether you need a good photographer or a wedding planner who can find a wonderful shop with all the informal
wedding dresses you've dreamed about.
While as a facility it's more oriented toward getting out on the links than to getting linked, the South Bend Country Club also offers an unforgettable place to celebrate your special day. Their reception hall can accommodate up to 200 people, and they offers a wide range of assistance -- including dedicated wedding specialists eager to see to your needs. Not only can they provide a fabulous meal for your wedding dinner, they'll happily arrange your wedding rehearsal, and help you shop for the right flower arrangements and wedding favors - so you can focus on other important things, like buying your matching wedding
bands.
The Riverside Terrace is located in Mishawaka, Indiana, on the shores of the mighty St. Joe (hence the name). While not exclusively a wedding venue, the Terrace has a country-club feel, including an exterior deck with lovely views of the river and a big, beautiful ballroom that can accommodate hundreds for dinner or dancing. They also offer a complete catering service, so you never once have to wonder how you'll feed your wedding party, or where you'll get the flatware, china, linens, and service to make your wedding extra-special. It's all included, because they know how to treat you with style.
Now, the wedding venues listed here are only representative of the full range of such facilities available in South Bend and its immediate environs; there are many, many more. However, we think this will give you some idea of what's available to Michiana residents, and will help you get your own search off to a good start!
