Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site - Unique Wedding Venue - Shelby Township

There is a magical boulevard situated behind the stately stone pillar gates of the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site. Step through the decorative wrought iron arch and into a time which transports you back 90 years, a time where even the most industrial of buildings created a slower and refined elegance.

The site is almost a town within a town, complete with slate-roofed buildings designed by renowned Architect, Albert Kahn, it’s own water storage tank and even a wooden timing stand, for viewing the original test track.

This Shelby Township gem on Van Dyke Avenue, is a genuine passport back in time…

North entrance gate at the Packard Proving Grounds

tree lined boulevard – lovely spot for an outdoor ceremony

Mary Anne Demo, Packard Proving Ground Event Coordinator

The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site provides a memorable backdrop for any wedding or event. Visitors are transported back in time; stepping right into the 1920’s, almost as if it was still owned by the Packard Motor Car Company. Today, this historic venue, between 22 and 23 Mile Roads, also plays host to the Shelby Township Farmers Market, and various community events, in addition to the hundreds of romantic, vintage weddings.

Mary Anne Demo, the site’s Event Coordinator, says the site holds a special place in her heart. “When I was a kid, I would come with my dad to car shows that were held here. The one I remember was called Carnival of Cars. It always fell in June right around my birthday. Occasionally, in some years, it would be on my birthday. It was always bittersweet for me because we couldn’t do my birthday cake and presents until we got home from the car show. As a kid that it was an awfully long day waiting. As I would wander around the place, I wondered what was in these buildings and what was the story about them,” Demo fondly reminisces.

Years later, Demo, entrepreneur and magazine publisher, contacted the Packard Motor Car Foundation (the Foundation who now owns and operates the non-profit) to inquire about using the historical site for the Shelby Township Farmers Market. Her hope was to help generate well-needed publicity and revenue for the often-overlooked non-profit.

As the community became more aware of the historic site and the popularity of having weddings in unusual places became trendy, it gave rise to couples wanting to use the Packard Proving Grounds for their own unique vintage wedding and reception.

According to Demo, the Packard Proving Ground Foundation board members received numerous requests to utilize the site for weddings, so they decided to give it a try. However, after just two weddings, during the summer of 2013, the board members realized they needed someone to manage the site’s events. This is when Demo stepped in to help.

The Unique Packard Proving Ground History Site

What differentiates this venue from other wedding venues? “We are unique in our category. There’s just not that many places where you can have free parking and have 17 acres to sprawl out. Plus, the fact that you can choose your caterer and vendors, that can be a huge advantage!” smiles Demo.

The Site offers couples the choice of having a rustic indoor ceremony or an outdoor ceremony on the tree lined boulevard. Additionally, unlike traditional venues, the organization prides itself on having knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer participation. Some volunteers are more visible, such as those who are Packard tour guides, while others are more behind-the-scenes, some plant flowers and others perform on-site maintenance, just to mention a few positions. In any case, these volunteers are the backbone of warmth and hospitality, often exceeding visitor expectations.

Let’s not forget about the cars. The historic site is home to 14 classic Packard Cars, all of which have been donated to the foundation. “We can place the cars throughout the indoor spaces, too, which is the ultimate fashion accessory and even if the cars are not on display, we also offer a historic tour option that is really popular with our guests,” says Demo. “The venue adds a vintage or classic appeal to any wedding. It offers something different plus, it’s fun to have something historic to check out.” continues Demo.

Due to the property size and exclusive use of the facility; only one event at a time, couples have many options. “Having an outdoor ceremony can be your Plan A, but we also have a Plan B, which is inside another building, the Lodge Garage, in case of rain or during colder weather. We have a separate building for the reception, the Repair Garage. Also, we have a lovely grassy area where you may have outdoor games; corn hole, giant Jenga, and more” relays Demo.

Demo also explained that the site has a paved courtyard between the buildings which is perfect for cocktail receptions. The Repair Garage is most often used as the reception hall, is 6,400 sq. feet and has ample space to include a bar, dance floor, photo booth and other individualized enhancements. The room capacity is 296 people, ensuring a spacious flow within most any floor plan layout.

One of the multiple areas available to the bridal couple is the Lodge, a lovely vintage area that is staged to look like it did back in 1928, it’s an interesting place to take photographs. Adjacent to the Repair Garage is the Tank Building, which is where the vintage cars are on exhibit. Other on-site attractions include the water storage tank, the timing tower building, the aviation hangar and acre-after-acre of lush greenery and open space; all wonderful spots to capture the picture-perfect photographs.

For the couples who are budget conscious, weekday weddings are very appealing. “From a budget perspective, it’s great to utilize our weekday pricing. A Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is $5000 for 6-hours but on a weekday, it’s $300 per hour. So, they can get the venue for about a third of the cost”, Demo states.

Advice to couples before visiting a venue

Demo suggests couples sit down together before they actively begin planning their special day, “I would say, sit down together and really figure out what are the most important things about the wedding to each of them, the things both of them would like – before getting friends and families involved. As the wedding planning process rolls along, the budget will get tighter so you want to be sure that you both get the things that are really important.”

Memorable Life Lesson from a Bride

Demo shared one of her most memorable moments at the site. While reflecting on the many, many special times, one in particular stands out and occurred during the first year that the site began hosting weddings. “I woke up on the morning of the wedding and it was pouring rain. A loud, and long thunderstorm was brewing. Nobody wants crazy weather their wedding day. On the drive into to work I was feeling bad for the bride. Later when she arrived, the bride was wearing the cute bright colored rubber boots, carrying a matching umbrella, with an attitude that I will never forget. ‘Heck, nothing is going to wreck MY wedding’. It was the most amazing inspiring thing to see,” Demo recalls. “I was so impressed by that because you can do all the planning, but there’s a certain point that there are just some things that you can’t control. At that moment the only thing that you can control is your attitude. If you decide that you are just going to embrace it and have fun with it, then everyone else will follow suit”.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the site which first opened on June 14, 1928. To commemorate, the foundation is exhibiting the original Miller 91 race car, which was driven by Leon Duray when he broke a world close-coursed speed record at the Packard Proving Grounds brand new test track in 1928. This classic vehicle will be on display through August 2018.

Visit www.PackardWeddings.com to check date availability and schedule a site tour or call Mary Anne Demo onsite at (586) 739-4800, or email her at maryanne@packardevents.org. Make sure reference Detroit Wedding Day when you call.