Chateau on the River is a unique wedding venue located within the picturesque grounds of Elizabeth Park in Detroit, MI. Situated along the Detroit River across from Grosse Ile Island, its elegant interior and beautiful views make it an ideal setting for any wedding.
This historic venue holds 190 guests and has both indoor and outdoor capabilities for ceremonies and receptions. It features marble bathrooms, a terrace overlooking the river, and cocktail space adjacent to the Main Hall. Chateau on the River offers all-inclusive packages which include catering and bar services, cake, event rentals, setup and cleanup. They also provide audio equipment, chairs, tables, chair covers, and a dance floor, as well as all barware, china, and linens. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available for guests. As well as ceremonies and receptions, they can also host bridal showers, engagement parties, and non-wedding events.
Bar & Drinks, Cakes & Desserts, Other Desserts, Food & Catering, Service Staff
Settings
Ballroom, Beach, Waterfront, Historic Venue, Museum, Park
Business Attributes
Pricing for Chateau on the River
Option
Value
Starting Cost
Affordable
Cost Starting
Price Range
Couples Usually Spend
Peak Season Months
Peak Season Cost
Peak Season Reception Cost
Peak Season Ceremony Cost
Peak Season Bar Service Cost
OffSeason Months
OffSeason Cost
OffSeason Reception Cost
OffSeason Ceremony Cost
OffSeason BarService Cost
Chateau on the River Reviews
Jean Lankford(other)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 21-05-2022 This venue was amazing, beautiful and affordable. The food was phenomenal. Guests are still talking about it 8 months later. Samantha was kind, respectful and knowledgeable. Their whole staff was amazing. I decided when the time comes, my other two children will get married there as well. They definitely exceeded my expectations. Reviewed on 24-01-2023
Allison Sowards(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We have always loved driving by the Chateau and talking about how we would have our wedding there one day while we were dating, and once we got engaged, it was our first thought! Everything was perfect! Samantha was amazing to work with, she was able to accommodate everything I asked about and helped make our day special! The food was delicious, everyone raved about it! The staff was nice and friendly! If you want an open venue, the windows are perfect! We loved that we could use the outside patio for our private ceremony and that our guests could use it the rest of the night. We also got really lucky weather wise for the end of September so guests were outside all night! Thank you so much Samantha and the rest of the staff at the Chateau! Reviewed on 21-12-2023
Allison King(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We had our baby shower at Chateau on the River and it was an absolute DREAM COME TRUE! Every detail was perfect and Samantha was amazing to work with. She was very responsive and made sure everything was perfect for our big day! Reviewed on 19-07-2023
David Sauve(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 04-06-2022 Chateau on the River, led by Samantha Carroll, did a fabulous job with our wedding. The setting was perfect, the decorations were gorgeous, the food was delicious (several guests commented on how good it was). Moreover, the staff was very attentive and on top of everything. They made the entire experience easy and stress-free, which we appreciated immensely! I would recommend them for any of your event needs. Reviewed on 27-01-2023
Diane Neubecker(other)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 05-06-2022 I can’t say enough good things about Sam and the staff at Chateau on the River. I had my daughter’s graduation party there. The food was delicious. The staff went out of their way to make sure my guests were happy. Sam and the staff were so easy to work with. I received so many compliments from the party. I loved the venue so much I’m already booking for my next daughter’s graduation party in 2024! Reviewed on 26-01-2023
Alane Sauve(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 04-06-2022 Samantha and her team of professionals were so easy to work with and very responsive to any question or suggestion we had. Food was great as was the atmosphere. Highly recommend Reviewed on 26-01-2023
Cheryel S(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-07-2022 We had our 50th wedding anniversary at Chateau on the River and had the best time ever! The venue was absolutely beautiful. The staff was attentive and catered to our every need and the food was beyond delicious. So many compliments to the chef. Our event manager, Samantha was the best. Ask for her. She was so helpful to me in every way. In my opinion, location and the meal can make or break an event and this one did not disappoint. Thank you Chateau on the River for making our day so special! Reviewed on 25-01-2023
Heather Stacey(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 22-10-2022 The Chateau on the River is an amazing venue. It was very clean, set up nicely, & the contact person, Sam was very professional & personable. The owner was also very welcoming & nice! We can’t wait to have kids so we can have our baby showers here! Reviewed on 24-01-2023
Joshua Carroll(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-11-2022 Everything was amazing! Food, staff, the whole night!Planning was a breeze. Sam made everything easy, fun and simple! A huge thank you to Jerry, Samantha and David!! Reviewed on 06-01-2023
Ali Forst(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-09-2022 Our wedding day was everything I dreamed of! Everyone loved the venue and the food was amazing!! All of the staff was great! Reviewed on 02-10-2022
Bridget D(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-06-2022 The venue was beautiful and the Tacos were so good. The venue did an amazing job of catering to my allergies (dairy and gluten). They were very friendly and flexible. Reviewed on 15-06-2022
Jennifer Nelson(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-09-2021 The Chateau went over and above for our wedding day on 9/17/21. We were told it was the best wedding food our guests have ever had! Sam and Jerry were so easy to work with and accommodating. Our day would not have been possible without the Chateau. The venue is absolutely beautiful. I could not have been happier with our choice in venue. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Reviewed on 18-09-2021
Rieale Loveridge(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 02-10-2021 So far, Lezlee has been fantastic to work with during the venue selection process. She has been responsive and is such a kindred spirit. I’m hoping to sign my contract soon after we figure out some minor details for more epic brunch wedding. It amazes me that some want to complain about ‘giving away’ dates. It sounds like in these cases, deposits were never made, and it is made clear up front that until a contract is signed and deposit is made, dates are kept available. Kudos to Lezlee and her team for being so wonderful. Reviewed on 13-02-2020
Samantha Witte(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 06-09-2019 I just had my wedding at the Chateau and I was not disappointed! We invited 184 guests, and the hall capacity is 190. We ended up with 150 guests total, and had plenty of room! This hall is a gem. They have most things already on site, which is a big part of the planning process. The food is incredible. We even had room for a photobooth, which our guests loved. The team at the Chateau is friendly, and can take on any request you may have, and I had a lot! Our day went without a hitch, and I know it's because the event staff had everything under control. It was the best day of my life, and I am truly glad I chose the Chateau as my wedding venue. Reviewed on 11-09-2019
Ashley Tewksbury(bride)2 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 16-05-2020 At first we couldn't get anyone to email us back about an tour and then all of the sudden it's contract this and contract that and we haven't seen anything or discussed a date or $ or ANYTHING! EXTREMELY off putting and pushy...we didn't even go to our tour because of the sour taste we had already been given...what kind of service would we get on the day of our wedding? If it's not spelled out to a T in the contract is it impossible/too late? We're not taking a chance and if you don't want your day to be another sale or typical then we'd suggest you past!! Reviewed on 25-02-2019
Haley Rose(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 15-09-2018 We had a great experience at Chateau on the River! We worked with Lana and Amber, and they were both so attentive and quick to respond to any question we had. We decided to go with the Platinum package, which included table linens, chair covers, chair sashes, a premium open bar, a cheese and fruit display during cocktail hour, and we picked the two-entree option. (You can pick one, two, or three entrees.) Along with the two entrees we picked, there was also a pasta option, salad, several sides, and rolls with butter. It was really awesome to just have one bill to pay at the Chateau instead of a bill for the linens, a bill for the bar, a bill for the catering, a bill for the chairs, etc. We knew that the Chateau was taking care of everything for us, which took a load off our minds. The staff was SO friendly and accommodating! I have heard many times from my family and friends that our wedding was so beautiful and fun, and they felt really welcomed by the staff working there. We had a perfect experience from start to finish and would totally use Chateau on the River again for an event in the future! (They do a lot of wedding showers, baby showers, graduation parties, etc. as well!) Reviewed on 01-10-2018
Sadie Baker(not set)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-07-2018 We had an awesome experience with Kosch & Chateau on the River! :)Lana was constantly on top of responding to emails and calls. It made choosing every detail of our big day beyond simple knowing that she was only an email away at all times. The on-site manager, Jerry, was absolutely amazing. We realized at our rehearsal dinner that we had forgotten to order chair covers. I mentioned this to him just a day before our wedding and he made sure that it happened for us. He went above and beyond, allowing us in & out of the venue the day before and day-of the wedding, as needed - 100% accommodating our timeline. All of the staff members that worked during our reception were awesome as well. I didn't get the bartenders names, but they were great! They knew how to make a good drink, beyond a standard wedding well drink. I am extremely picky about my drinks, so this was a big deal for me. The service that they provided was above & beyond, especially in the fact that we had kids going to the bar for their own pop & waters all night and I know that can get annoying in itself. As far as the food provided from Kosch, it was great! Two weeks later and I still have people asking me where our wedding was catered from. We opted to add the late-night snack nacho & taco bar and it was a hit! Who wouldn't want tacos and nachos at 10PM after drinking for a few hours? My only gripe with the venue is a lack of Bridal area. Prior to the ceremony, I had to stage myself in the women's bathroom. While, there was plenty of room for myself & my bridal party, it was a little inconvenient to have one of my Bridesmaids guarding the door to make sure that people weren't traipsing in and out while I was getting dressed. Everything surrounding our big day was perfect. I would reccomend Kosch/Chateau on the River to anyone who asked. I am sure that their other venues are worth checking out as well. :) Reviewed on 21-07-2018
Lisa Garrison(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 26-08-2019 Awesome if you're looking for a more intimate venue! Jerry, the facility manager, couldn't be more of a dream to work with and the food was fantastic at our February wedding. Our guests are still raving about it! Reviewed on 15-05-2018
Amber Lorraine Shaw(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-10-2017 The location was perfect, the set up was exactly what we asked for and the food was incredible! The staff was friendly and very easy to work with (shout out to Amber, Lana, and Jerry!!) and made our day one we will never forget. So totally worth every penny spent! Reviewed on 16-10-2017
Shawna Stephenson(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 29-04-2017 I could not have asked for a better reception venue! Anything I needed was quickly resolved. From planning, to set up, to coordinating with my other vendors, everyone was so helpful! Amber was fantastic and anything I needed the night of the wedding she had completed within minutes if not seconds. The bar staff were quick, efficient and friendly. The wait staff worked effortlessly. They even had someone who made my plate and carried it to my seat so that I wouldn't get anything on my wedding dress. It's truly the little things thats matter the most!The venue is gorgeous, right on the river. We made the most amazing memories that will last a lifetime! We keep saying how much fun we had and that we could keep reliving it over and over again. Without this amazing venue it wouldn't have been possible! Reviewed on 10-05-2017
Alex Teska(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 26-11-2016 Kosch was a fabulous company to work with. Lana (the coordinator I worked with) was always very prompt at returning phone calls and emails. I always felt assured that she had everything under control. The staff on-site at the chateau were truly a JOY to work with. Jerry and Amber really stood out to me in making sure my day was just as I had hoped. I can't say enough good things. Plus the venue is a gorgeous back drop for any style of wedding. I was married on-site and the river was so beautiful to have in pictures. Reviewed on 13-12-2016
Rebecca Bates(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-09-2016 This venue is beautiful and the staff is amazing. Very easy communication and they have so many options to make your day your own. We had some issues with the weather so it was unknown if we could have an outdoor ceremony on the terrace that we very much wanted. We luckily had a break in the rain and the staff quickly went to work setting up and drying off chairs. Amber was giving me updates as I took cover inside. Engaged couples! You must check this venue out!!! Reviewed on 25-10-2016
Zackery Waltz(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 27-08-2016 This is a beautiful venue! I had my bridal shower there today and everything went amazing. Amber & Lana were great to work with. They always checked on us to make sure everything was going the way we planned. Would strongly recommend! Reviewed on 24-07-2016
Katie Kerns(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-06-2016 Through the planning process they were amazing and would quickly respond to any questions that I had. During my ceremony and reception the workers that night were friendly and took care of everyone. The bartender refused tips because we had pre paid for the jars to come down and she wouldn't take anyone's tips! That is amazing! There was a young man working who would come to me once and a while to see if there was anything I needed. He even made sure I received the kind of cake I wanted! Everyone talked about how great the food was and it really was! I hope toattend a wedding here just so I can eat here again. Had a wonderful wedding! Reviewed on 28-06-2016
Tiffany Davis(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 03-10-2016 We had a fall wedding and this we a great place to have the reception! Reviewed on 20-10-2015
Anonymous (bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-09-2016 My husband and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary at the Chateau and the day could not have been more BEAUTIFUL! Amber and Jerry are quite the dynamic duo and the culinary staff was amazing (with regard to their professionalism and skill level). For any concern that we had, it was addressed as expeditiously as possible. Although we have been married for 10 years, my husband and I are STILL smiling weeks later and are still honeymooning thanks to a wonderful day at The Chateau On The River! This place is truly one of Michigan's best kept secrets! Thank you! - Tanisha B. Reviewed on 23-07-2015
Jessica Whitehead(bride)1 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 06-09-2014 This is a little late getting out, but we held our wedding at the Chateau on the River last September. Up until the day of the wedding, I would say the coordinators did a decent job of keeping in contact with us and answering our questions. However, the night before our wedding, there was a huge thunderstorm and many parts of the downriver area lost power, including the hotel we were staying at the night before the event. The following morning, I woke up and began to get ready for the most important day of my life - only to receive a phone call (as I was stepping into my dress) from the on-site manager, telling me that they had gotten to the hall at 2pm and we had no power. He told me \"you'll have food, since that's prepared offsite, but no music or lights\". He also let me know that they DID NOT HAVE A PLAN. I was very upset, but luckily my husband is quick on his feet and called my mother in-law, who lives in the country and happens to have a generator. She brought it with her, and there were technicians at the Chateau to hook it up. The generator was only powerful enough for us to have a very limited amount of lighting (the bathrooms were pitch-black) and music which kept cutting out every time the ice machine kicked on. We had rented moving lights and prepared a slide show of old family photos for the reception which we were completely unable to use. Despite all of this, our guests were very understanding and we all had a good time. However, we felt that since we provided the generator and Chateau on the River did absolutely nothing to help get our event back on track once they found out that there was no power (which I truly believe should have been checked the night before, since half the metro area was without it), we felt that we should be entitled to a portion of our money back. We left on our honeymoon, and were in email communication with Cass, who is some sort of manager. He was unreceptive to the idea that we should receive a partial refund, but I didn't want to let this ruin our trip, so we waited until we got home to call him. This was one of THE WORST phone conversations of my entire life- he was arrogant and rude, and told us that our contract only covered the food and beverages, so we should not have expected there to be electricity. He kept telling us that \"he heard the wedding went ok\ Reviewed on 13-06-2015
Michelle Siden(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 05-06-2015 I was very pleased with my entire experience with Chateau on the River. Absolutely beautiful venue overlooking the water. Beautiful inside and out. This venue uses Kosch Catering which was wonderful as well. Our main entree was the Chicken Marsala which tasted even better at the wedding than at the tasting. \rThe price was very reasonable also. Much better than the other venues I looked at. \r\rOur event coordinator Lana Kosnik was amazing. She was extremely helpful and responded to all of my emails within minutes over the course of a year. The onsite manager Amber was great too! She called me a few days before to verify some details, and let us in the building from 2-6 the day prior to the wedding to set up. We were also able to get in 4 hours before the wedding to finish, and back in the morning to clean up.\r\rWhile I was in the bathroom freaking out about the rain, my bridesmaids told me they had staff outside with towels drying off everything so I could still have my ceremony outside. \r\rI have nothing but good things to say about this venue & catering company. I would recommend them to any bride!! Reviewed on 13-06-2015
a member (bride)3 out of 5 Rating
I recently used the Chateau for my bridal shower. I worked with the site manager, Amber, that day and she was lovely. She was very kind to my guests and was constantly running to ensure we had everything we needed.\rThat said, Kosch catering who runs this location caused a few shortcomings which ultimately left my group unsatisfied and made it difficult for the on-site staff to do their jobs properly. Cass manages all events through the catering company and while he was always very attentive and kind, it usually took an average of 4 phone calls over the course of several days to get in contact with him. If you spoke to any other member of the Kosch staff they rarely had the information or authority to assist you in any way.\rA great deal of information about our order was never provided to Amber. She was never told we would require a microphone or cake service which resulted in us needing to take care of these details ourselves. Amber was also not provided with adequate serving dishes for our meal. We ordered a sandwich and salad buffet. First, we ran out of vegetarian options for our guests, which was quite embarrassing. Amber was also not provided with large enough serving dishes for the food, which resulted in the buffet running empty halfway through serving in spite of the fact that we had so much extra food that we couldn't even manage to take it all with us when the event was over. I want to emphasize that the girls monitoring the buffet were in constant attendance so this was not a service problem but an issue of the dishes themselves not being able to serve enough people at once.\rIf you are having a wedding here your event will be after park hours. Our shower, however, was going on while the park was open to the public. This resulted in several people coming into the building to use the restroom or peeking in the windows during the party. I personally didn't take much notice and none of these people bothered by guests but some might not like this.\rWhat is a serious problem is the parking. We were promised designated parking for our event which was not provided, so when we arrived for our event another party in the park had taken much of the hall's parking. Those people were not following park rules regarding how to park or what kinds of activities were allowed in the park which resulted in the police being called. While none of our guests were in violation, the police interrupted our party several times demanding cars be moved, even though each time it was revealed that the cars in violation were from the other party. It was very embarrassing and made my guests extremely uncomfortable. The hall needs its own parking to prevent this.\rThis was the second logistics issue, as at the beginning of the party we discovered that the address provided to us (the one listed on the catering website) leads the marina, not the Chateau. Several of our guests got lost trying to follow their GPS because they were being sent to the wrong building. Fortunately a very kind person working the marina spent a lot of time helping our guests get to the right place.\rIt's my understanding that this venue has been open for less than a year so I'd imagine that with time many of these shortcomings will be worked out. Once again, everyone we worked with was very kind and accommodating and the actual site manager did a wonderful job, but ultimately Kosch catering did not provide enough information or adequate resources for our party to be managed well. Reviewed on 19-08-2014