( Menu )
Table of Contents / Quick Links
If you’re looking for a Michigan wedding venue with historic charm and a little personality, The Collins at the Clocktower in Chelsea, Michigan, is one you’ll want to check out! It has beautiful historic architecture, black-and-white details, and great spaces for celebrating. There’s just so much to love about this venue.
I’ve had the chance to photograph multiple weddings at The Collins at the Clocktower, and I love seeing how each couple makes the space their own. In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about getting married here, from ceremony and reception spaces to photo locations, pricing, and a few helpful tips from my own experience behind the camera!
Last updated: October 2026.
About The Collins at the Clocktower in Chelsea, Michigan
One of my favorite things about The Collins at the Clocktower is how much character this venue has! Located in Chelsea, Michigan, just outside of Ann Arbor, this historic building dates back to 1906, and I love that so much of its original charm is still part of the space today. With the architecture and the black-and-white details, there are so many fun spots for photos, which is always a plus in my book!
I’ve photographed weddings where couples spent their entire day here, and I really love how convenient that can be. You can get ready, have your ceremony, and celebrate with up to 270 of your favorite people without having to travel between locations. And with dedicated spaces for each part of the day, there’s plenty to work with!
Quick Venue Details: The Collins at the Clocktower
- Location: Chelsea, Michigan
- Address: 310 N. Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118
- Website: The Collins at the Clocktower
- Instagram: @thecollinsclocktower
- Guest Capacity: Up to 270 guests
- Ceremony Space: First-floor chapel
- Reception Space: Third-floor event space
- Getting Ready: On-site bridal suite and groom’s room
- Catering: Open catering policy
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible ceremony and reception spaces
Getting Ready at The Collins at the Clocktower
Another thing I love about The Collins at the Clocktower is that there are dedicated getting-ready spaces right on-site! Having somewhere to get ready at the same venue as your ceremony and reception can make the morning feel a little more relaxed, especially when you aren’t having to coordinate transportation between multiple locations.
The Bridal Suite
The bridal suite is available starting at 9 a.m., giving you plenty of time for hair, makeup, and spending the morning with your favorite people! The space has beautiful natural light from the large windows, gold-framed mirrors, floral wallpaper, and a blue velvet couch that’s perfect for getting-ready photos with your bridesmaids.
As a photographer, I really love those big windows and mirrors! They’re great for capturing all the little moments throughout the morning, like getting your hair done to putting on your dress, detail shots, and those final touches before the ceremony.
The Groom’s Room
The groom’s room is available beginning at noon and has a different feel, with exposed brick, leather seating, and large windows. There’s room for the guys to hang out, get dressed, and chill together before the ceremony.
I love having a separate space like this because it gives us the opportunity to capture both sides of the wedding morning. And if you’re planning to wait until the ceremony to see each other, having separate getting-ready rooms is especially convenient!
Ceremony & Reception Spaces at The Collins at the Clocktower
One of the nice things about this venue is that you can have your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in the same building!
The Chapel & Wedding Ceremony
The Collins at the Clocktower has a dedicated chapel on the first floor of the building, and it’s such a beautiful space for a wedding ceremony! I love the clean, neutral interior and how couples can really make the space their own with florals and other decor.
I’ve photographed ceremonies here for couples who hosted their entire wedding at the Clocktower, as well as couples who celebrated at Collins Off Main afterward. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a dedicated ceremony space without having to get married at a church or travel somewhere separate.
One thing worth knowing is that The Collins at the Clocktower and The Collins Off Main are two separate venues owned by The Collins Collective. If you’re booking Collins Off Main, you can also use the Clocktower’s chapel for your ceremony before heading over to Collins Off Main for your reception. I’ve photographed weddings both ways, and I love that couples have a few different options depending on how they’re planning their day!
And if you’re looking to personalize your ceremony space, The Collins at the Clocktower also offers a few upgrades! You can add ceremony draping to the indoor chapel for $350 or choose an outdoor ceremony at the Clocktower’s gazebo for $2,500, which includes seating. I love that couples have the option of an indoor or outdoor ceremony depending on what they’re envisioning for their day!
Cocktail Hour & Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, guests can make their way upstairs to the third-floor reception space for cocktail hour and the rest of the celebration. The space has a modern, industrial feel, with large windows, black-and-white details, and one of my favorite features, the black-and-white dance floor!
I especially love the natural light in this space, and when the sun starts getting lower in the evening, that golden-hour light coming through the windows is SO pretty! You even get a view of the famous Jiffy Mix factory, which is such a fun little Chelsea detail. The venue also includes round and rectangular tables, chairs for up to 270 guests, and access to its décor collection, giving couples plenty to work with when planning their reception.
If you’re hoping to spend some time outside, you can also upgrade to an outdoor cocktail hour in the gazebo area for $1,500. This includes an outdoor bar setup and cocktail tables, giving guests another space to mingle before the reception!
Pricing is based on information published by The Collins at the Clocktower as of October 2026 and is subject to change. Visit their official website for current pricing and availability.
The Best Wedding Photo Locations at The Collins at the Clocktower
One of my favorite things about photographing weddings at The Collins at the Clocktower is how many different photo opportunities there are! You have everything from historic brick architecture and greenery outside to some really unique spots inside the building. And the best part is that you don’t have to travel far to get a good variety of wedding photos.
Inside the Clocktower & Clockface
Okay, this might be one of my favorite photo spots here! You can actually take portraits inside the clocktower, right in front of the giant clockface. The exposed brick, narrow staircase, and light coming through the clock make for some really beautiful photos. It’s definitely one of those spots I recommend taking advantage of if you’re getting married here!
Another really special detail is that couples can sign their names on the wooden wall inside the clocktower! I’ve photographed couples doing this at multiple weddings, and I think it’s such a fun tradition. You can see names and wedding dates from other couples who have celebrated here over the years, which makes it even sweeter!
A heads up: Access inside the clocktower needs to be arranged with the venue ahead of time, and your photographer will need to meet their insurance requirements. The stairs are pretty steep, so I recommend bringing flat shoes and planning these portraits after your ceremony. It’s also worth allowing a little extra time in your photography timeline so you aren’t feeling rushed!
Historic Architecture & Exterior Portraits
The outside of the building is another great place for wedding portraits. I love the ivy-covered brick, beautiful wooden doors, and stone steps, which work great for individual portraits and wedding party photos. There’s so much character in these little areas, and you don’t need to go far to find a completely different look for your photos.
Outdoor Courtyard & Grounds
If you’re wanting some greenery in your photos, there are outdoor areas around the building that are great for couples and wedding party portraits. I’ve photographed everything from traditional group photos to more candid moments with the entire wedding party here.
I also love stepping back to include the Clocktower itself in a few portraits, especially later in the day when the light starts to soften. It’s such a beautiful building, and I think it’s worth getting at least a few photos that show where you celebrated!
Wedding Packages, Pricing & What’s Included at The Collins at the Clocktower
Another great thing about The Collins at the Clocktower is how much is included in their wedding packages. Their Classic Clocktower package covers quite a few of the essentials, including your ceremony and reception spaces, getting-ready suites, and even access to a large collection of décor. This can be helpful when you’re trying to figure out what you’ll need to rent or purchase separately.
What’s included:
- First-floor chapel and third-floor reception space
- Bridal suite access beginning at 9 a.m.
- Groom’s room access beginning at noon
- On-site rehearsal and chapel coordinator
- Round and rectangular tables with chairs for up to 270 guests
- Black table linens and napkins in various colors
- Access to the Something’s Borrowed décor collection
- Black-and-white dance floor
- Open catering policy and warming kitchen
- Online wedding planning software
- Access to booked-couple open houses
You can see the full list of amenities and available upgrades on the venue’s official website.
How Much Does a Wedding at The Collins at the Clocktower Cost?
Wedding pricing varies depending on your date and package. For 2027, the venue currently lists Classic package pricing from $6,000 to $11,000 for its available dates. For 2028, published prices range from $9,000 to $15,000, with enhanced planning services available for an additional $4,000 on eligible dates.
To secure your wedding date, a $2,500 booking fee is required within 72 hours of booking, which goes toward your total venue cost. There’s also a separate $1,000 refundable security deposit to keep in mind when budgeting.
You can check the venue’s current pricing and availability for 2027 weddings and 2028 weddings.
Pricing and package information are based on details published by The Collins at the Clocktower as of October 2026 and are subject to change.
Catering, Bar Services & Rentals
Another nice thing about The Collins at the Clocktower is its open catering policy! You can choose a caterer that fits your preferences and budget or use the venue’s list of preferred caterers. Just keep in mind that the on-site kitchen is for warming and preparing food rather than cooking, and an additional kitchen fee applies.
For drinks, the venue requires couples to use their in-house bartending service, Collins Cocktails. However, you’re able to bring your own alcohol or purchase it through their local party store, which offers free delivery! This gives you a little more flexibility with your bar budget. You can learn more about their catering options and bar packages on their website.
If you’re planning to rent additional décor or furniture, another thing to know is that rental deliveries and pickups must happen on your wedding day. The venue also has a sister company, Blue Sky Event Rentals, which is worth checking out if you’re looking for rental options!
Intimate Weddings & Elopements at The Collins at the Clocktower
Planning something a little smaller? The Collins Collective also offers Steal Away Weddings, an intimate wedding and elopement package at the Clocktower! Packages start at $999 for up to 20 people, including the couple, with options to add more guests. Your ceremony setup, cake, champagne, and even photos at the clockface are part of the experience, but photography and an officiant are booked separately.
I love that couples have this option if they’re wanting to celebrate somewhere beautiful without planning a full traditional wedding. You can check out the Steal Away Weddings website for current pricing, inclusions, and availability.
Tips for Planning Your Wedding at The Collins at the Clocktower
After photographing multiple weddings at The Collins at the Clocktower, there are a few things I think are worth keeping in mind as you plan.
Parking & Getting Around the Venue
One thing I really appreciate about this venue is that they have designated vendor parking! As a photographer, this makes unloading and loading all my gear SO much easier, especially on a busy wedding day.
For guests, there are several free parking options nearby, including the back lot near the CrossFit gym, the railroad lot, and surrounding street parking. The venue recommends allowing at least 10 minutes to park and find your seat before the ceremony. You can also share their guest parking map and arrival instructions with your family and friends ahead of time!
Plan Ahead for Your Wedding Photos
If you’re hoping to take portraits inside the actual clocktower, we’ll need to make sure we arrange access with the venue ahead of time. I also recommend setting aside enough time for photos around the property, especially if you’re planning wedding party portraits and want to visit several different spots.
And if you’re planning a first look, we can work together to figure out a timeline that gives us plenty of time for portraits without keeping you away from your guests for too long!
Consider Accommodations for Out-of-Town Guests
If you have guests traveling in, there are lodging options in Chelsea and nearby Ann Arbor. One thing worth knowing is that hotels around Ann Arbor can fill up quickly during University of Michigan football weekends, so I’d recommend looking into accommodations early if you’re planning a fall wedding.
The venue also notes that shuttles need to be arranged ahead of time, so that’s something to consider if you have guests staying at nearby hotels.
The Collins at the Clocktower Wedding FAQs
Yes! If you’re hoping to include your dog in your wedding day, the venue allows dogs for ceremonies and photos with prior approval. They must remain on a leash with a designated handler and leave the property after photos.
According to the venue, ceremonies typically begin at 5:30 p.m. and must be finished by 6:45 p.m. This is something I’d recommend confirming when booking, especially when planning your photography timeline!
Yes! The venue allows sparkler exits, which can be such a fun way to end your wedding night. Just be sure to coordinate the details with the venue and your photographer ahead of time.
You don’t have to tour the venue before reserving your date, although I’d definitely recommend seeing it in person if you can! Private tours are available by appointment, and you can find more information on the venue’s official website.
No, the venue’s rental fee stays the same whether you’re hosting your ceremony, reception, or both at The Collins at the Clocktower. Since they only book one event per day, choosing to have your ceremony somewhere else won’t reduce your venue rental cost.
Have a few more questions about planning your wedding at The Collins at the Clocktower? You can find even more information on their FAQ page, including booking details, venue policies, and what to expect on your wedding day!
Meet Sheree, Your Michigan Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding at The Collins at the Clocktower, I’d love to hear from you! I’ve had so much fun photographing weddings here, and with the beautiful architecture and unique photo locations, there’s so much I love about this venue.
I’m Sheree, a Michigan wedding photographer who loves capturing the genuine moments of your day while also making time for those beautiful, creative portraits. My goal is always for you to feel comfortable in front of my camera and have photos that bring you right back to how your wedding day felt.
You can learn more about me on my about page, and if you feel like we’d be a good fit, I’d love for you to reach out here! In the meantime, you can see more weddings and planning resources on the blog!
Sheree Danel Photography | Michigan Wedding Photographer
October 27, 2026
The Collins at the Clocktower: Wedding Guide, Photos & Tips
SHEREE DANEL
