Sojourn Lakeside Resort

Updated January 26, 2024

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Sojourn Lakeside Resort Videos

About This Vendor

Extraordinary Northern Michigan Destination Venue

Sojourn Lakeside Resort is an unique and exclusive northern Michigan destination wedding venue. Our beautiful venue includes immaculate landscaping, a large beach with volleyball under the lights, a Great Hall and Sandbar Lounge on the water for a night of celebrating. The property includes 20 newly renovated elegant yet rustic guestrooms and a family friendly hospitality room to have breakfast or gather for games. Dixon Lake is a clean, all sports lake, that you can paddle board, kayak, ski or fish at your leisure. The recreation field has horseshoes, bonfire pits, tennis, and a baseball diamond. All of this is for the private use of your closest family and friends. This is a wedding weekend that your guests will never forget. Celebrate in Pure Northern Michigan Style.

Amenities & Details

Ceremony Area, Dressing Room, Handicap Accessible, Indoor Event Space, Liability Insurance, On-Site Accommodations, Outdoor Event Space, Reception Area, Wireless Internet

Guest Capacity

Up to 200

Ceremony Types

Interfaith Ceremony, Non-Religious Ceremony, Religious Ceremony, Second Wedding, Vow Renewal Ceremony

Venue Service Offerings

Destination Weddings, Destination Wedding Packages, Destination Wedding Planning, Planning, Rentals & Equipment, Tents

Settings

Ballroom, Beach, Waterfront, Garden, Historic Venue, Hotel

Business Attributes

Woman-owned Business

Pricing for Sojourn Lakeside Resort

Option	Value
Starting Cost	Moderate
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

Sojourn Lakeside Resort Reviews

Katie Lepar (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

What a wonderful location for an outdoor wedding. Our wedding was 9/30/23, which was the perfect time for fall colors! From the start, Joy was incredibly responsive and helpful. There were several life complications that happened on our end affecting the wedding that Joy helped us navigate and reminded us to breath through. We greatly appreciated her understanding, ability to stay calm, and knack for problem-solving! The resort itself is absolutely breathtaking and has all the amenities for friends and family to enjoy their stay. Our friends loved canoeing around the lake and could not stop talking about how Sojourn was the best venue they have ever been to for a wedding. The price is also reasonable for what you get out of the venue. Rob was also super friendly and helpful! Highly recommend this venue if you are looking for a rustic/outdoor wedding that has housing for close friends and family.
Reviewed on 31-10-2023

Craig Bender (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

On behalf of my daughter Nicole Bender Austin and her new husband Tyler Austin and both sides of this newly formed family , Sojourn Lakeside Resort was the perfect place to be married and celebrate their new lives together. From the very beginning ln first quarter 2023 when Nicole reached out to Joy E. Volant, General Manager of Sojourn Lakeside Resort, she was so helpful with a multitude of ideas that allowed Nicole and Tyler to completely customize their wedding experience. All the way through the whole planning process Joy was instrumental in guiding the, soon to be Newly Weds, through an extremely successful and unique Wedding and Reception adventure. In addition to her detailed professionalism, Joy was in regular communication. Joy also kept an unwavering eye on the wishes of Nicole and Tyler. All this superior service does not get lost in the stellar beauty of Sojourn Lakeside Resort, with breath taking views and timeless motif. All of our families and guests commented on the unbelievably relaxed surroundings and over all comfort of Sojourn Lakeside Resort's
Reviewed on 27-10-2023

Lauren Wilson (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

Wow. There are truly not enough words to describe how incredible Sojourn Lakeside Resort is. This place checked every single one of our boxes... romantic, secluded, waterfront, with space to host our closest friends and family to celebrate our wedding weekend. I cannot tell you how many times our guests asked \"how did you find this place?!\" Sojourn is full of elegance, charm, with rustic touches and modern feel. Joy and Rob went above and beyond and never missed a beat to make sure we had the most incredible wedding day and weekend celebration. My only complaint is that I wish we could relive it all over again. Thank you for the incredible memories, Sojourn. We cannot wait to visit again some day.
Reviewed on 13-10-2023

Abe Sierocki (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

They spared no expense in making sure the grounds were perfect. Rooms, facilities, and really just everything else in between functioned perfectly. I would highly recommend Sojourn to anyone.
Reviewed on 07-10-2023

Jeff Glenny (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

Father of the bride, big shoes to fill! Just a few years ago she was your little girl and now she is all grown up and getting married. Your thoughts vacillate between expectations and reality. Is there a middle ground? What if there was such a place that exceeded expectations but also provided a real value, Sojourn is such a place. I cannot tell you how many of our 125 guests came up to me and stated, \"Where did you find this place?\" or \"You nailed it, best wedding I have ever been to\". Your family and friends attending help but I feel those honest comments to me were because of the venue. With 20 onsite quest rooms to book I was a bit nervous. The value of these rooms and what they offer for your guests is unmatched by anything else we have seen. The rooms booked easily and all our guests staying on property were thrilled at the choice to stay onsite. All the amenities and grounds are impeccably kept. You have the whole place for your family and friends. Joy is the person for contact and booking. She is super professional and obviously loves what she has chosen to manage. She is not afraid to kick a wondering or wandering dad back into play and guide the way . From handling the financials to suggestions on wedding day timing she was spot on. Listen to her! Rob her right hand is not only an awesome person but truly invested in making your day special. He anticipates your questions and needs and has all the answers. I appreciated the fact that Joy and Rob were always available but you never felt \"watched\". Clear communication was the key. Sojourn literally means \" a temporary stay\". You will appreciate the your days onsite and only wish for more. Ask about \"extra days\" affordable and worth it for those that just cant get enough! Jeff G
Reviewed on 27-09-2023

Martin Heft (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

Sojourn Lakeside Resort was the perfect venue for our wedding. The pristine grounds are a marvel. From the beach to the Zen garden, every corner is packed with natural beauty. The lodging maintains a quaint alpine feel reminiscent of the surrounding Gaylord MI. A fleet of kayaks, pickle ball and volley ball courts, and a swimming pool with an amazing view of the lake all make sure your guests will never run out of things to do. All of this is made better by a staff dedicated to making your big day as special and seamless as possible. Joy and Rob are a pleasure to work with. They are able to anticipate every need of their clients and are each efficient task masters in their own right. Joy has such a depth of knowledge and resources that make the planning process a breeze. Words cannot describe how lucky we feel having had our wedding at Sojourn. If you are planning a wedding in northern Michigan, this is your place.
Reviewed on 27-09-2023

Kaitlyn Literski (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

Sojourn is the most beautiful place to have a wedding! The resort is updated but still has that rustic feel, and landscaping is beyond perfect. All our guests were so excited to spend a couple nights to celebrate our marriage. Sojourn is so unique and Joy and Rob make the whole experience so easy. Their communication was prompt and responsive throughout the entire wedding planning process! We also used their vendor list and everyone suggested by them was outstanding.
Reviewed on 21-09-2023

Katie Prow (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

2 months, 8 weeks, 60 days, 1440 hours since our fairytale began and we said I do 💗 I’m so glad to call you my husband. I love you so much. To say this day was a dream is an understatement we are so lucky to have such amazing friends and family that made this day more than we could have ever imagined. Our venue was absolutely incredible from the staff, to the florals, to our incredible rooms we got to enjoy for 4 amazing days, to the beautiful beach, the campfires, and every small detail at sojourn lakeside resort that turned our fairytale wedding into exactly what we hoped for and more! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything we are so blessed to have this place to hold such a special spot in our hearts forever 💗
Reviewed on 15-09-2023

Paige Krapohl (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

I got married at Sojourn this past July and it was better than I could have ever dreamed of. From the moment I toured the venue in 2021, I knew I wanted to get married here. The grounds are stunning, buildings are clean and updated, and it feels like your own oasis. Our families & friends enjoyed playing volleyball, kayaking, boating, and bonfires on the beach. I highly recommended renting the pontoon boat, we used it on the wedding day after our ceremony!! I cannot say enough good things about Joy. She is extremely reliable, detail oriented, and actually cares about the people who are staying at the resort. Rob was incredible to work with as well. Making sure our wedding day stayed on time and was exactly how I imagined. This place is accommodating for all ages and was one for the books! I can not wait to return with everyone in 5 years from now to celebrate and create more memories.
Reviewed on 01-09-2023

Aryka Thorson (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

We had the best experience at Sojourn! It truly felt like we were on vacation the entire wedding weekend and were able to enjoy all of the perks the venue had to offer. We played beach volleyball, enjoyed the pool, had bonfires, and took out the pontoon! Joy was amazing to work with and was always quick to communicate with me throughout the entire wedding planning process. The lake setting was beautiful and we truly couldn’t have asked for a more special place for our wedding day. I highly recommend this resort to anyone!
Reviewed on 26-08-2023

Sam Getty (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

We cannot say enough good things about Sojourn! We fell in love with the venue when we first toured it in 2021. The grounds were stunning and we loved that we could stay for 3 days. We were able to spend Thurs-Sunday with our family and swim in the pool and lake, take paddle boards out, have relay races, and finally the wedding on Saturday evening. Our guests loved all the amenities that Sojourn provided. Joy was extremely helpful with the booking and planning process, she knows all the ins and outs of the property and what works best for the venue. Rob was a superstar the weekend of the wedding, helping with set up and ceremony logistics. Not only are they super professional, they are kind and excited to help create your dream day. If you are looking for a venue where you can stay a few extra days with family and friends, this is the place!
Reviewed on 21-08-2023

Rebecca Wenson (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

Sojourn Lakeside Resort was everything and more for our Event! We had previously vacationed at the resort for a few years prior. So when my daughter announced her upcoming wedding it was an obvious choice. Joy and the entire staff go above and beyond the call of duty to make your special day perfect in every way. Not only does Joy work with you every step of the way, but is handling last minute details and situations up until the end of the reception. The grounds are always beautiful and well manicured, all of the staff are courteous and helpful and just super nice people. Weddings can be stressful, and are hard work. They take the hard work out of the equation. Even dealing on your behalf with other vendors and planning down to wire. I could not imagine having hosted our event anywhere else. Lastly, I would like to mention we hosted a wedding with 120 out of town guests. The positive feedback and Rave reviews we received from all of our guests was overwhelming. It just made us relive that much more that we had made the right decision with Sojourn!! Ty to Joy and all of the staff for such an outstanding job!!
Reviewed on 19-07-2023

Amy Hubert (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

my!! We are on our way home from our wedding now and I am in tears at the beautiful WEEKEND we just experienced. Arriving on Thursday and getting all the set up for the wedding done. All our family and friends arriving throughout Thursday night. Spent the whole day Friday with good food, beach, boat, pool, volley ball, fires, and so much more. The workers were AMAZING. Leading up to the wedding Joy would answer any question I had almost immediately. She and her worker Rob were so kind, fun, loving, and on top of everything. The whole weekend went so extremely smooth and the wedding day was more than I could have asked for. If you want a beautiful MI destination wedding, choose this venue. It is/was a literal dream come true. The best part is we can come back for our anniversary one day!
Reviewed on 04-06-2023

Kevin Cousineau (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 13-08-2022
Words cannot express the gratitude we have for Joy and all the staff of Sajorn lake side resort. The resort was truly breathtaking. The wedding was something you see in a magazine. We were promised the best experience and sajourn exceeded all expectations. The weekend and wedding day process was so smooth,simple and most importantly stress free. The recommended vendor list was so helpful, and they all came through perfectly. The day of our wedding came, there was nothing to worry about they coordinated the event perfectly, we got to relax enjoy the time with family, friends and most importantly take every minute in they took care of everything. We still are getting compliments from family and friends on how wonderful of an experience it was. Lastly we just want to thank Joy, Rob, and all the staff at sajourn lake side resort this was a dream come true!
Reviewed on 02-01-2023

Penny Challender (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 03-09-2022
We had the most amazing family wedding at Sojourn Lakeside Resort. A five-star review doesn't seem adequate enough for this incredible venue, the epic customer service, and the next-level attention to detail. Joy and her team are the best. They truly made us feel taken care of so we could relax and enjoy our family and friends. Sojourn is a hidden gem! We will be back for a family reunion!
Reviewed on 25-09-2022

Kathy Carollo (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 16-09-2022
My son and daughter in law had their wedding at Sojourn Lakeside Resort (Sept 2022). It was absolutely magical. Joy and Rob did an outstanding job with all of the details. Our guests were stunned at how beautiful the grounds and venue were. Every picture is like a postcard. It was truly a wedding to remember! I highly recommend Sojourn for anyone who is looking for a beautiful destination wedding in Northern Michigan.
Reviewed on 20-09-2022

Lisa Torok (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-08-2022
Absolutely amazing venue. Staff was first class, efficient, and wonderful to work with. The resort was beautiful and the grounds were well maintained as if we were in the botanical gardens. The flowers and landscape was perfect! Everything was clean, in order and working! The rooms were gorgeous! Plenty of spaces to relax and mingle with guests!
Reviewed on 30-08-2022

Rhuta Dave (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 29-05-2022
We celebrated our 25th anniversary and renewed our vows with very close friends and family. It was really a unique experience and we gathered lifetime memories. We celebrated the event with indian theme including haldi, garba, barat, and actual Indian wedding with all rituals. The property manager Joy was really helpful and she went above and beyond to make our dream event successful ❤️. Can’t thank her enough to include and fulfill our each demand and detail with passion. The property itself has positive vibes and they offer multiple activities to occupy our guests. The flowers pots, lake, beach, wooded area for personalized photo shoot, Wedding Arbor, decorated urns, and so much more was already at the property that we didn’t need any major decoration from our side. I would highly recommend this property for any of the event or just family reunion to gather some memories together. The words can’t justify the beauty of the entire place and hospitality. Thank you Joy and Sojourn 😊😊
Reviewed on 23-08-2022

Ryan Jacobs (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 23-07-2022
It's hard to come up with the right words to describe how INCREDIBLE our wedding weekend was at Sojourn. If you are looking to make your wedding an intimate and fun 3-day experience for family and friends, then this is the place. The resort itself is the epitome of what makes Northern Michigan so special. Our family and friends had a blast going for boat rides, swimming in the pool, playing yard games, and sitting around the campfire. Sojourn was the ideal place for our two families to come together in celebration. Joy and Rob are the DREAM TEAM when it comes to weddings. They answered our questions, assisted us with wedding prep, and were a joy to interact with. Additionally, the other staff members at Sojourn are equally awesome. The landscaping is immaculate, the employees are polite, and were readily available if any issues arose. My wife and I received so many compliments on our wedding weekend and our families were already talking about our next visit to Sojourn before we even left. My wife and I could not have chosen a better place to have our special day.
Reviewed on 04-08-2022

Libby Jacobs (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 23-07-2022
Sojourn was the absolute best place to celebrate our wedding weekend with our family and friends! The resort is absolutely beautiful and our guests were so excited to spend the weekend together. It was so fun to watch our family and friends get to know each other throughout the weekend going on boat rides, playing sand volleyball, and sitting around the campfire. Joy and Rob were phenomenal at answering our questions and assisting us with anything we needed leading up to the wedding and throughout the entire weekend. It was such an amazing way to spend our wedding because we were able to have not just one day celebrating but an entire weekend! I wish we could do it all over again! :)
Reviewed on 04-08-2022

Brian Winter (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 02-07-2022
We had our daughter’s wedding here and have to say it was a great experience. It’s a beautiful setting. The property is well kept and run professionally. They were focused on us having a successful event. I would highly recommend working with Joy and Rob.
Reviewed on 12-07-2022

Maren Winter (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 02-07-2022
Everything was perfect. Simply, perfect. Joy and Rob are so professional and kind. I felt in awe the entire weekend, because they truly do everything in their power to make sure your vision comes to life. The venue itself is so well kept and such a blast to stay at. I heard that the guest that didn’t stay at the resort were speechless when they arrived for the ceremony. I would recommend this location to anyone seeking the perfect unique northern Michigan wedding. PLUS, you get to soak in everything for the entire weekend. You do not feel just like a “time slot” at Sojourn. This venue gave me the wedding of my dreams and I couldn’t be happier!!
Reviewed on 11-07-2022

Kristine O’Neill (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 25-06-2022
If you’re looking for your fairytale wedding venue, Sojourn Lakeside Resort is the place!!My wedding was the most epic weekend of my life! Everything was absolutely perfect! It all couldn’t have happened without the care, love, support, organization, and guidance from Joy and Rob! Everything down to the vendor recommendations.. it was all absolutely perfect!Everyone at Sojourn truly cares wholeheartedly about ensuring that your wedding day is absolutely perfect!! If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing!!
Reviewed on 30-06-2022

Brooke Rajewski (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 04-06-2022
I cannot rave about Sojourn enough! We wanted a wedding weekend and not just half of a Saturday at a venue for the reception. By going with Sojourn our guests enjoyed an extended weekend on a beautiful lake where we hosted the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception all in one location. We enjoyed pontoon rides, campfires on the beach, lawn games, relaxing swims in the pool, fishing, and so much more. Not to mention the property is the perfect backdrop for photos!Joy and Rob were exceptional to work with and helped calm my bridal nerves at every corner. This resort is completely worth it.
Reviewed on 27-06-2022

Rachel Aepelbacher (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 18-06-2022
We had the best wedding ever for our daughter and new son-in-law! When my husband and I took our couple to this venue their jaws dropped and they new it was the venue for them. We loved everything about this private get away. Joy and Rob are so professional to work with and helped us every step of the way! Joy has helped many couples with their event and is very experienced! We listened very carefully to every detail and suggestion to help make our daughter's wedding a success! We are still in the after glow of dreaming of our perfect day! It truly was a dream come true and we are so completely happy we were able to use this beautiful 30 acres of property for 3 days! Highly recommend! 10 stars if I could!!!!!
Reviewed on 22-06-2022

Kala Wagner (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 11-06-2022
We had the pleasure of hosting our family and friends for our wedding at Sojourn Lakeside Resort this weekend. I couldn’t imagine having our big day at any other venue. From the very beginning of our search, Joy was available for any questions we had. It was difficult to make it up north, so she sent all the videos and pictures they had. When we finally met in person, we knew the weekend would go smoothly. Joy made it known that she was there for us and wanted us to have the most stress free time, and that’s exactly what we got this weekend! The resort was so neat and clean and stocked with enough linens and ice for the whole weekend. We met Rob at the rehearsal and he immediately made us feel at ease. He was there for anything we needed for the rehearsal and for wedding day. Our vision for our wedding was to have all of our favorite people together for a fun and laid back weekend. I have never felt more love and happiness, and our guests couldn’t stop raving about the venue and Joy and Rob. It was fun to have control over the vendors and decorations, but Joy gave an extensive list of recommendations for vendors. I will praise and recommend this venue forever!!
Reviewed on 14-06-2022

Cody Rajewski (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 04-06-2022
Rob did a really nice job with everything. He really saved the day multiple times. The venue was beautiful. The owners have really done a nice job putting money back into the place to make Dixon lake great again and restoring the reputation of the resort. The proximity to town and the highway really made it nice. The rooms were worth the money. They lake was great and the complimentary pontoon was a nice touch. We’d do it all over again. Worth every dime. Give Rob a raise.
Reviewed on 11-06-2022

Byron Moser (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 25-09-2021
B. W. Moser Wonderful wooded venue on Dixon Lake. My daughter’s wedding was amazing. The staff were very helpful and accommodating to work with, especially Joy.
Reviewed on 26-10-2021

Leeza Moser (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 25-09-2021
Sojourn is one of the most beautiful wedding venues out there! It was absolutely perfect for our wedding and exactly what we wanted. All of our guests raving about having it for the entire weekend and the wedding party being able to stay on site. Our wedding pictures are beautiful - we got married in the woods section and took pictures in the canoe. Joy was great to work with, she really wants to make her couples are happy and have their dream day. You will not be disappointed booking this venue. It was literally perfect for us!
Reviewed on 05-10-2021

Pam Steiner (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 18-09-2021
We had the pleasure of having my son and daughter-in-law‘s wedding at the resort~ The property is beyond beautiful in every way ~the grounds are very well-kept with many beautiful flowering bushes everywhere ~the rooms are very updated Clean &all amenities you can ask for .Joy and her staff go above and beyond to make sure all your needs are met. The families and guests of the wedding party were very pleased with everything that the resort had to offer ~I would highly recommend them again for a wedding/family reunion
Reviewed on 22-09-2021

Marri Konkle (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-07-2021
We had our wedding celebration this past July at Sojourn and it was everything that we could have dreamed of and we honestly cannot imagine having our celebration anywhere else. It was the perfect location for all of our friends and family to have an \"Up North\" vacation and help us celebrate... from the beautiful lake, the numerous amenities including kayaks, paddle boards, the pool, etc., to the spacious and grand guest rooms to the astounding grounds and flowers and then to the outstanding wedding hall...everything was impeccable. And enough cannot be said about Rob and Joy. They helped us with every step along the way and were always only a phone call away. They assisted us in having to reschedule our celebration due to COVID and coordinating all the last minute changes. Our celebration went on without a hitch and we honestly did not have any moments of stress thanks to them! We cannot recommend Sojourn enough!
Reviewed on 18-09-2021

Therese Shortt (other) 5 out of 5 Rating

This was absolutely the best venue we could ever hope for. The property landscaping is spectacular and you couldn't find a weed if you tried!! Joy and her staff are excellent and full of recommendations. Being able to stay together for almost three days and enjoy everyone for a welcome party the night before the wedding with a bbq and fire pits, beach volleyball, endless corn hole games and dancing under the lighted tent on the patio was fantastic. The reception was set up on Thursday evening to allow us all to enjoy the lake activities on Friday. Then the wedding itself was beautiful outdoors on the lake edge. The wedding party took a champagne toast pontoon boat ride down the lake during cocktail hour. The hall is lovely and is easy to put your own signature on it. The rustic setting looked absolutely elegant after we were done decorating! It was such a great choice and we hope yo return for a family reunion in the future!!
Reviewed on 19-08-2021

Madeline Shortt (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 14-08-2021
Sojourn was absolutely amazing between the venue and the people who run it. Joy was so helpful and always was quick to respond when it came to questions we had leading up. In addition, Rob was extremely helpful when it came to keeping everyone organize during the welcome party and the wedding. You couldn’t find a better place to have a wedding, having Thursday through Sunday to spend time with family and friends on the lake and having 20 rooms right there truly made the wedding what it was.
Reviewed on 19-08-2021

Kaitlyn Guthard (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 24-07-2021
Sojourn Lakeside Resort is the perfect venue! Not only is the place absolutely stunning, but the staff is truly amazing! Joy made the whole wedding planning a breeze, even with the obstacles of postponement due to Covid-19. She provided a trusted list of vendors that truly were the best of the best! Our friends and family loved having the entire property to ourselves for the weekend. We had a blast! Rob was our point person during the weekend and he made sure everything was perfect. Unfortunately they were calling for poor weather the day of our big day, but the staff was prepared to pivot and the contingency plan was just as beautiful. Cannot recommend this place enough!! Thank you Joy & Rob for going above and beyond every step of the way. Cannot tell you how many times during the weekend our friends and family commented on how truly amazing and special this place was!
Reviewed on 26-07-2021

Liz McColl (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 10-07-2021
We fell in love with Sojourn the minute we saw the property and maybe even before! We loved the concept of the weekend experience with our guests and we were not disappointed. The day of coordination, recommended vendors, and calls checking in with Joy really helped ease our minds that everything was on track with our planning. Joy and her team really know what they are doing! The wedding day was everything we could have asked for! I had many guests comment that this was the best wedding they have ever been to, and we owe that to Sojourn. I only wish we had more time to relax and enjoy the lake, pool, and water toys a little longer! We will find a reason to come back though. Thank you to all the staff at Sojourn for making our day so special!I would recommend this venue to anyone who values extra time with family and friends, and wants that \"dream wedding\" with as little stress as possible!
Reviewed on 20-07-2021

Daniel Konkle (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-07-2021
Awesome venue and a great place to have a wedding! Couldn't ask for a better staff or a more beautiful place.
Reviewed on 19-07-2021

Kelsie Caplis (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 26-06-2021
Please do yourself a favor and book this venue! The property is beautiful and the service is unmatched. Joy, Rob, and the Team go above and beyond to make sure your weekend stay is absolutely perfect. I can’t say enough about our wedding weekend experience. It was simply amazing and everything we could have hoped for. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family and taken care of all throughout the weekend. If you are looking for an amazing, stress free venue for your wedding- this is the place!!
Reviewed on 06-07-2021

Olivia Elsenety (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 19-06-2021
Sojourn Lakeside Resort was an amazing wedding venue! We had a whole weekend of fun and memories with our family and friends. Guests were raving about the weekend and how much fun they had on the lake! We plan on booking many more weekends here in the future! Highly recommend!
Reviewed on 20-06-2021

Laurie Hayes (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 10-10-2020
Sojourn Lakeside Resort is the BEST PLACE ever to host a Wedding Weekend with your Family and Friends!!! The Place is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! From the minute you drive in, to checking in, the landscaping , the rooms, the banquet hall, the lake, the pines everything about it. The Staff Joy and Rob were Awesome, they are very nice people, easy to work with and very helpful they took care of all our needs. We hosted dinner outside under the Beautiful White Tent, it was a WOW factor with the round tables , white linens, white lights, beautiful flowers and battery candles and heaters etc.... The Banquet room became our dance floor which worked out fantastically, we had everyone dancing with lots of room and a few tables and chairs and standup tables everyone had plenty of room and it looked Beautiful. I LOVE this PLACE, everything about this place is the BEST!!! Hopefully I can come back for another wedding . I highly recommend Sojourn Lakeside Resort it has my 10 out of 10 vote !!
Reviewed on 28-10-2020

Katie Kabel (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-10-2020
The staff at Sojourn Lakeside Resort will make sure that your special day is perfect. It is a beautiful location with amazing amenities. Many guests at my wedding asked how I found the venue and that it was the best wedding that they had ever been to. It is truly a hidden gem and any event you hold here will be memorable. If your main goal is beautiful photos, the location has amazing outdoor and indoor photography potential.If your main goal is privacy, the entire venue would be yours for a weekend!For what you would get with a traditional one-day venue, you would get during an entire weekend with Sojourn Lakeside Resort for around the same price. We were able to arrive Thursday and have dinner in town with our special guests. We spent all day Friday setting up DIY projects. This gave us enough time to be able to have a laid back Saturday wedding - which is basically unheard of! If you choose this venue you will not be disappointed!
Reviewed on 26-10-2020

Rachel Butler (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 19-09-2020
We had our wedding at Sojourn Lakeside Resort on 9/19/2020 and even amidst the covid craze it was the most perfect wedding! Thanks to Joy and her team everything was truly perfect! Joy is so helpful and was always on top of things! They are efficient and professional yet so kind and personal! When I was panicking due to no return contact from a vendor we had personally hired, Joy told me to stop worrying about it and she would take step in and take care of it - and she did! I wish I could have my wedding over and over - it was such a pleasure working with Joy and her team - and the facility is just breathtaking. I would recommend this place over and over for any event!
Reviewed on 19-10-2020

Daniel Gonzalez (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 19-09-2020
The veune that defines Northern Michigan PURE beauty... but that's only half the package. Joy, Rob and the Staff at Sojourn are beyond first-class. They literally make everything as seamless as possible. My (now) wife and I had an amazing experience throughout our journey, even more mind-blowing, they made it this memorable you forgot there was a pandemic. We will forever be grateful to the Staff at Sojourn for treating our wedding as the most important wedding they ever hosted and catering to our family and friends with the utmost care. Tie The Knot at Sojourn Lakeside Resort.
Reviewed on 19-10-2020

MADISON WARREN (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 10-10-2020
Sojourn Lakeside Resort was the perfect venue to host our wedding at. Joy was extremely knowledgeable and was there to help whenever we needed it. She gave us suggestions that helped make our wedding day run smoothly! Both Joy and her team made planning/setting up a smooth & easy process! The Resort is beautiful and conveniently located. It is only 5 miles away from downtown Gaylord. It was very nice having the resort for the weekend. We were able to set up early, which avoided any added stress. Our rehearsal, ceremony, and reception were all at the resort. It was the perfect weekend!
Reviewed on 14-10-2020

Colleen McGrail Lampert (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 05-09-2020
We could not have asked for a better venue for our wedding. With any 2020 wedding, COVID was a major concern, but the onsite team made sure we had the most up to date information to make our decisions. The venue itself is outstanding. The lakefront is amazing and the point where we got married was an amazing backdrop for our wedding. It is remarkably convenient that there are hotel rooms onsite. We were able to house immediate family, full bridal party and some close friends onsite which helped reduce lots of headaches regarding transportation and getting ready. The fact that you have access to the beach was a huge plus. We were able to host a beach day, rather than a farewell brunch. It was so fun getting to visit with our guests in a casual setting after the completion of the wedding. The staff did an amazing job setting up and tearing down my decor items. I cannot say enough good things!Thank you Joy and Rob for making our wedding extra special!
Reviewed on 21-09-2020

Corrina Curtin (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 12-09-2020
This venue is the full package. A one stop shop for your ceremony, reception, and lodging. It’s run by staff who thoroughly enjoy what they do, and make the whole journey an amazing experience for everyone who attends. I highly recommend this venue to couples looking to get married in Northern Michigan.
Reviewed on 17-09-2020

Dan Curtin (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 12-09-2020
It was my wedding and people cant stop talking about what an amazing venue it is. I highly recommend couples looking to tie the knot go to this place is you like the outdoors.
Reviewed on 17-09-2020

Tammie Floyd (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-09-2020
Tammie F
Reviewed on 14-09-2020

Casey Floyd (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 22-08-2020
My husband and I had the most perfect wedding weekend at Sojourn!! The resort is beautiful and Joy and Rob were such a pleasure to work with. Joy was always prompt with any questions/concerns throughout our planning process, and both her and Rob were so helpful during our stay to ensure we had everything we needed. I would highly recommend!!
Reviewed on 25-08-2020

Sean Baron (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 25-07-2015
My wife and I got married here the summer of 2015. I can't begin to explain the amazing atmosphere and picturesqueness of this resort. Absolutely stunning. The rooms are beautifully outfitted, the amenities abundant, and the scenery hard to beat. And the staff? Friendly, accommodating and professional. If you're looking for a fairy tale experience, this is your place. We love you, Sojourn!!
Reviewed on 14-07-2020

Marlee Eyre (bridesmaid) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 04-07-2020
Joy was amazing! Very Accommodating and professional. Consistent with ensuring the bride was being taken care of and that everything was how she wanted. The resort was so beautiful and perfect!
Reviewed on 07-07-2020

Kaitlin Shamion (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 04-07-2020
Wonderful venue!! Joy, Rob and the rest of the staff are amazing. We absolutley loved having the entire resort to ourselves. Our guests didn't have a bad thing to say about this place. Thank you again!
Reviewed on 07-07-2020

Andee Siler (bridesmaid) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 04-07-2020
Sojourn was amazing! We had the place to our selves. We loved that there was no tv in the room to allow for more together time outdoors. All amenities were wonderful. I love that we could check out via text message, it made the process so much easier!
Reviewed on 07-07-2020

Lindsay Notario (bridesmaid) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 04-07-2020
This was easily the most beautiful outdoor wedding venue I’ve ever been to. I wish I had found it for my own wedding! The grounds are gorgeous and there is so much to do. From the moment you drive in, you instantly feel relaxed at a remote getaway. Everything about the wedding was perfect from the ceremony overlooking the lake to outdoor cocktail hour and dinner to dancing in the great hall for the reception. The rooms are super clean and the hospitality room is a nice bonus for small groups to gather. This place has everything you could ask for and more, whether you are coming for a wedding or a family reunion, the adults and kids will love it the same. We are already planning a time to come back!
Reviewed on 07-07-2020

John Bauer (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating

Pardon the pun & my brevity but it was such a \"joy\" to work with Joy Volant, GM at \"The Sojourn Resort\".You will not find anyone who cares as much for your bride/groom and the outcome of their wedding event. The beauty & serenity of the Sojourn Resort are found in its grounds & on-site accommodations. They truly deliver a private, secure and best \"personal\" experience for you & your guests which cannot be found anywhere else in Michigan. The Sojourn Resort has solid relationships with many of the vendors in the Gaylord/Traverse City area. You'll find that many of your plans and concerns will easily be addressed with the knowledge-base at the Sojourn. Give them a look - you will be glad you did!
Reviewed on 13-05-2020

Lindsey Price (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 20-07-2019
The best venue and staff! My husband and I got married at Sojourn in the summer of 2019 and we cannot say enough good things about this venue! We planned our wedding about 2 and half hours away, yet Joy and the Sojourn team still made us feel connected in every possible way! Joy was a fabulous coordinator and we couldn't imagine our special day anywhere else!
Reviewed on 24-03-2020

Katie Cocklin (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 19-10-2019
I cannot rave about this place enough. From the togetherness of being able to stay on site with our family and wedding party, to the absolutely stunning setting in the trees on a beautiful little lake, I wish I could relive the weekend over and over. On top of the already stunning venue, you truly do get to make your wedding your own if you wish. Joy and incredible staff really were the cherry on top of making my entire vision come together and our wedding weekend one for the books. It was absolutely unforgettable by all who attended. Weeks later our friends and family are still messaging us about the incredible time they had and how magical the venue was. From the bottom of our hearts - THANK YOU so so much Joy, Rob, lance, Chelsea & the entire Sojourn team, for the best weekend of our lives! We’re already planning our next trip to come back!!!
Reviewed on 01-11-2019

Caitlin Martin (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 10-08-2019
Although I may be biased, I think our wedding is the best one we have ever attended! We searched high and low for a venue like Sojourn in Michigan and beyond, and were so happy that we found such a special place. The moment we visited we knew instantly that we wanted to have our wedding there! Joy was a tremendous help from the first time I emailed her. Overall, the venue has anything you could ask for--a lake, a pool, beach area, beach volleyball, shuffleboard, and beyond. Our wedding weekend began on Thursday night, with some casual food and fun. On Friday, we planned a barbecue, and Joy was helpful in recommending places to order from. On Saturday, we had our wedding and reception outside, with a pizza food truck for our meal. Joy was amazing in helping us execute our vision while also providing us with tips to make it go more smoothly.Rob was amazing in helping run our rehearsal, setup and takedown of the wedding reception, and being on hand any time that he was needed. Joy and Rob even went above in beyond in helping a family member with severe allergies.We cannot say enough good things about the resort, and all of the members on staff. Our wedding weekend was one of the best of our lives, and we will forever be grateful to Sojourn! We are looking forward to returning as soon as possible!
Reviewed on 25-10-2019

Allegra Matus (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 12-10-2019
The Sojourn is a magical place and the wonderful staff will help you along the way as you plan and execute your dream wedding weekend (emphasis on weekend because one day/night will not feel like enough time to enjoy the beautiful grounds and amenities, and you won't want to leave). A true Northern Michigan gem!
Reviewed on 22-10-2019

Christina Saily (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 05-10-2019
We loved having our wedding at Sojourn. It was so unique and beautiful. We loved being able to celebrate our wedding for a whole weekend instead of cramming it into one day! We recommend anyone who wants a nice getaway wedding to check out Sojourn!
Reviewed on 14-10-2019

Joe Walczak (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-09-2019
Without a doubt the best wedding venue that I have experienced! The staff were amazing and the location is beautiful. I have officiated many weddings and none have topped my experience at Sojourn Lakeside Resort. I would recommend this venue for any event.
Reviewed on 30-09-2019

Geraldine Thomas (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-09-2019
My son had his wedding here & the venue was really great, the staff was extremely helpful & professional. They managed to get everything set while remaining out of sight. They have a beach front & also a heated pool the shape of Michigan. We were very pleased & would recommend this venue to everyone.
Reviewed on 29-09-2019

Michael Rocca (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-09-2019
This was the best wedding venue. It had everything you would need for an up north wedding. We were able to enjoy Dixon lake with the kayak’s and canoes that’s are already there and we enjoyed sitting on the beach late at night around the bonfire. If you’re worried about bugs, DON’T. Never got bit once. I recommend this place to anyone about to get married. Joy and her staff were very helpful and are willing to assist on any tragedy that occurs.
Reviewed on 25-09-2019

Nicole Alsobrook (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-09-2019
I had my wedding here this past weekend. We had looked at about every venue in Michigan, even booked 3 others but ended up canceling as it was not what we wanted. Sojourn is the perfect wedding venue, it had everything we wanted. A casual relaxing setting that allows you to enjoy nature and the beautiful lake. Sojourn gives you the picture perfect back drop for an amazing wedding. Joy and Chelsea were amazing, they were there whenever I needed them and were beyond helpful. Our guests have not stopped raving about how beautiful the venue is and how much fun they had. Sojourn allowed us to catch up with family and friends for 3 days, it was like a reunion and wedding combined. They have so many different activities for everyone, there is noway someone could be board. My biggest thing was I actually wanted to enjoy my wedding day, and with having a 3 day event and being able to interact with everyone, this allowed me not having to make the rounds the day of the wedding. I actually got to enjoy every part of my day. Sojourn is amazing, the perfect northern Michigan wedding!
Reviewed on 24-09-2019

Misty Mitchell (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 07-09-2019
The BEST wedding venue EVER!! We were married at Sojourn Lakeside Resort on 9-7-19. Our families had an amazing time here. The entire resort was exclusively ours for the weekend! We swam in the lake and the heated pool, kayaked, canoed, played basketball, tennis, football, and shuffle board or just relaxed in a chair! Our weather was a little colder/rainy than we would have liked and it didn’t matter! There are 20 guest rooms which were clean, spacious, and updated. We filled the hospitality room with food and drinks for our guests to enjoy. Joy and Chelsey were a dream to work with! So professional. So accommodating. Anything we needed they were there immediately. Joy was there from the beginning offering help with any detail. She is so friendly and caring. If the guests needed something, Joy was handling it right away! Chelsey was hands on for the weekend and made all the moving parts come together with ease! I was so relaxed for the weekend and everything unfolded just the way we wanted. By the end, Joy and Chelsey felt like family. Our ceremony was outside by the lake and it was beautiful! The grounds are so pretty you hardly need decorations. We had live music on the patio for cocktail hour before dinner. We opted for dinner inside the great hall which connected to the bar area making it easy for our guests. We wanted a relaxed vibe for the reception so we had live music outside on the patio. Guests mingled inside and out while the children played outside. The great thing about Sojourn is you can make this venue into your own style. You could dress it up with traditional stylings and intricate detail or stay relaxed and throw tradition out the door. You can make your wedding day come true just as you envisioned. All weekend our guests commented about what a great place Sojourn is and they were so happy we are talking about planning a family reunion! Joy and Chelsey, you went above and beyond. Thank you for making our wedding day our own! Xoxo
Reviewed on 16-09-2019

Kylie Eisen (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-07-2019
We absolutely loved this venue. We had so many people tell us that it was the best wedding they had ever been to. From the amazing staff (Joy, Chelsey, Lance, and Rob) to the amazing atmosphere, we couldn't have asked for anything more perfect. We highly recommend having your wedding at Sojourn Lakeside Resort in Gaylord, MI! :)
Reviewed on 09-09-2019

William Snow (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-07-2019
Our experience was magical. Our daughters wedding was one of the happiest days of our lives. The Sojourn staff helped achieve a perfect event with every detail addressed. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all involved.
Reviewed on 28-08-2019

Mark Hoffman (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-08-2019
We had an amazing wedding weekend at Sojourn Lakeside Resort. Everything from start to finish was more than our greatest expectations. The venue is beautiful, immaculate and the staff is first rate. Joy worked with us throughout the process and helped us anytime we had questions or needed support. All of our friends and family were blown away by the property and the friendliness of the staff. Everyone had a blast and we are very thankful we chose Sojourn for a memorable weekend. We highly recommend Joy and the team at Sojourn.
Reviewed on 27-08-2019

Kenneth Mattei (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating

This past weekend 8/3/19, my daughter and new son in law, along with both sets of parents had the pleasure of hosting 130 guests at Sojourn Lakeside Resort located in Gaylord, MI. Initially my daughter wanted a destination wedding in Northern Michigan and was looking in the Traverse City area. Searching further they came upon Sojourn which fit their needs perfectly. Quiet, out of the way, and located on Dixon Lake. This was a destination wedding where many of the guests were coming from downstate Michigan. It was their goal to offer their guests a relaxing four days of fun, getting acquainted with families, and spending time with friends. From the moment of your arrival the staff took care of everything. The venue, the staff, Joy, Rob and Chelsea were right there on top of every need, and you couldn't ask for more. Early in the planning process Joy worked with the kids only (their desire), and then the parents became involved to make sure all the final details were handled. The staff was right there the entire way and put our minds at ease. One of the groomsman brought a ski boat up to the resort, and many of the guests spent time on the water. Friday, a number of guests went into Gaylord to shop and site see as well as a few guests pulled out their golf clubs for a round of golf. The wedding was perfect and the staff coordinated the rehearsal on Friday, and the actual wedding that was held outdoors on Saturday. The backdrop was perfect along the waters edge and our photographer and videographer were able to get some stunning pictures. Dinner was catered in by the Otsego Grand Event Center, and we received numerous compliments from our guests. All 20 rooms were booked by our guests at the resort, and we also used Fairfield Inn in Gaylord for guests that were just coming up for the night. Breakfast, lunch and Friday night dinner, we opted to cook onsite with grills provided, and a number of guests got to show off their culinary skills. Everyone left home Sunday morning and had a great time. It's still being talked about a week later. I would recommend Sojourn Lakeside Resort to anyone holding a wedding, family reunion or corporate retreat. Thank you to the staff once again. This wedding will be remembered for many years to come.
Reviewed on 08-08-2019

Debbie Nanry (guest) 5 out of 5 Rating

My husband and I were guests at this resort for a wedding of our best friends son. The resort is beautiful! Pristine rooms, gorgeous landscaping and amazing hospitality from Joy and Chelsea! We would love to host a family reunion there in the future. I would highly recommend this resort for any occasion. They were very helpful and extremely organized. Definitely five plus stars.
Reviewed on 30-07-2019

Kelly Dopkowski (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 12-07-2019
My fiancé and I were married at the Sojourn in July of 2019. The venue and staff far exceeded our expectations! We were married on a Friday and booked the resort for the full weekend. From start to finish, Joy and her team (we worked with Aaron and Chelsea) at Sojourn worked diligently to make sure everything was ready and in perfect condition for our guests. The staff at Sojourn do a fabulous job at balancing being involved and planning with giving you and your guests space to have a great time. Our guests haven’t stopped talking about the venue and so many have said it’s the best wedding they’ve been thanks to the breathtaking grounds at the Sojourn. We will definitely be back at Sojourn in the future , it truly is a one of a kind up north venue. We would highly recommend booking your event at Sojourn!!
Reviewed on 17-07-2019

Cody Anderson (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 08-06-2019
The Sojourn Lakeside Resort was an amazing wedding venue. Everything starting from our initial contact with Joy, to booking the resort, having the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception was fantastic. The people we worked with - Joy and Rob were both outstanding individuals with top-notch personalities, and clearly a genuine interest in ensuring our ideas and needs were met. Joy did a great job providing a document with recommended vendors who are familiar with this resort, and know how to make things run smoothly. Rob coordinated our wedding rehearsal, and did an awesome job rounding up everyone to ensure that they understood what to do during the wedding. On the day of the rehearsal we explained that we had a playlist of songs that we wanted to play during the rehearsal, and that we planned to use a Bluetooth speaker for audio. Rob immediately said while this was possible, he would set up an audio system for the wedding and that all we would have to do would be to plug in the music. On the day of the wedding he coordinated us again, and throughout the night had a wonderfully happy personality. Summary of the staff: Joy and Rob aren't just adequate, they are above and beyond.The resort itself has 20 rooms and sits on a beautiful, small-sized lake. The resort features a welcome center that was used by the bridal party to get ready for the wedding, a hospitality room with tables, fridge/freezer, coffee pot, microwave, toaster, etc., tennis court, volleyball court, fire pit, pool, water-raft in the lake, paddle boards, kayaks, a great room that is used for the reception, and many other amenities. The location and the resort are both beautiful, and left us wanting nothing. What we hoped for our wedding, was to have a celebration that was about more than us - the bride and groom. We wanted our rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception to be a fun and relaxing time that our guests could equally enjoy Sojourn Lakeside Resort was perfect in this regard. Since everything we did was contained on site, the resort served as a family meeting/reunion site of sorts where everyone could spend the weekend relaxing, enjoying the beautiful weather, pool, and lake. After our event, our guests stated just that - how great it was to have a weekend getaway at the lake spent with family and friends during the day, and then being able to walk over to the wedding/reception when the time came. We can't recommend this venue enough.
Reviewed on 27-06-2019

McKenna Corlis (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 25-05-2019
There are not enough words in the world to describe how perfect our entire experience was with Sojourn and its owner/coordinator, Joy Volant, and the rest of her team. My now hubby and I made the 3.5 hour treck up there from southwest MI to tour the venue a year and a half ago, and absolutely fell in love. We knew it would have to be something special for us to make our guests travel into the heart of northern michigan, and it was all that and more. The venue is killer beautiful, and to have the entire resort private for you and your guests is a truly special experience. At every step along the way, Joy was a dream to work with — responding to emails incredibly promptly and suggesting ideas while respecting our wishes for the day. The weekend of, she helped with last minute details, kept us on track, and ensured we and our guests had the best time possible. What a special place. We cannot recommend Sojourn, Joy, and her team, highly enough. You will not regret it!
Reviewed on 02-06-2019

Damien Barrett (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 07-08-2018
It has been a few months since our wedding... and our family & friends can not stop raving about how wonderful our wedding was. We fell in love with Sojourn the minute we drove in. We are so happy we were able to have our wedding there. Joy and her staff did a tremendous job.
Reviewed on 23-11-2018

Mark Witthoff (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 15-09-2018
I couldn't have asked for a better venue and staff from Sojourn Lakeside Resort. Joy has put together the right staff and system to make you have a wonderful wedding weekend. She will work with you at every aspect and help you in the right direction.Staff:Joy and Chelsea are a great team and the instant you meet both of them you know you are in good hands. They will do everything they can with in their ability to accommodate and make sure you have what you need from setup to take down. Joy is professional and experienced and having successful events on this property she will tell you what works and what will not work with your best interest at heart. We had a minor emergency prior to the wedding and we were confident in allowing her to manage the situation for us and were satisfied with the outcome. Chelsea is a worker and I cannot thank her enough for all the running around she did for us. Thank you both for all that you did.Venue:This is possibly the perfect Up North Destination Wedding Venue. The buildings are updated yet still keeping to the history of the property. You're guests exclusive private access to the whole property. Which includes Beach, Hospitality Suite, Michigan Shaped Pool, Lake, Boat House Dock and Water Sports. Shuffle Board and Volleyball. The Tall Pines and surrounding property is amazing with many photo opportunities. We had an amazing weekend with friends and family and many that attended said it was the best wedding they had been to. Sojourn allows you the creativity and unique setting of an Up North Wedding. It has all the necessities yet allows you to put your touch on your own style of wedding. Be ready to put in a little leg work but the pay off will be well worth it ten fold. If you are looking for an Up North wedding Sojourn Lakeside Resort is a must see!! Thank you Joy and Chelsea for the most amazing and memorable weekend. Look forward to visiting.
Reviewed on 01-11-2018

Amber Hawthorne (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 22-09-2018
We got married at Sojourn in late September of this year and I'm so incredibly grateful we did! The venue is gorgeous! The landscaping, the lake the, the great hall, beach & pool, the guest rooms, the bridal suite...everything was so beautiful. The staff is so kind and helpful. Joy has an eye for elegance and pays great attention to detail. Her and Chelsea truly care about your big day and go out of their way to make sure it's perfect. We had so many questions for Joy leading up to our wedding and she was so patient with us and our family members who constantly reached out asking questions. Joy knows the local vendors well which was such a relief since we were planning our wedding out of town. She's seriously a breath of fresh air. I felt so confident knowing she was there making sure we were on track as we planned our big day. My husband and I both highly recommend Sojourn! My cousins want to go back and have a family reunion there and my husband and I would love to spend an anniversary there! Get married at Sojourn, you will be so glad you did and you'll want to go back!! :)
Reviewed on 29-10-2018

Irene Singer (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 20-10-2018
Sojourn Lakeside Resort is
Reviewed on 26-10-2018

Andria Streit (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 06-10-2018
Everything was so wonderful here! It was so amazing to have a weekend away with family/friends, instead of just 1 night! Joy was a pleasure to work with throughout the whole process; her and Chelsey really made the day go by seamlessly. We love Sojourn!
Reviewed on 24-10-2018

Ashley Toyzan (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-07-2018
My now husband and I grew up in Michigan but now live in Florida. After hours and hours of searching for venues and debating on which state to get married in, we stumbled upon Sojourn Lakeside Resort. We instantly fell in love with the place as it reminded us of where we grew up and felt like “us”. We immediately called and spoke with Joy. She was absolutely WONDERFUL! She spent lots of time talking with us and answering our questions. It was refreshing not to hear the standard “I’ll email you the wedding packet to review” like we had experienced with other venues. We were also blown away that she didn’t just want to “sell” us on the property, but instead concentrated on ensuring it was the right fit. Living in Florida, we couldn’t just get in the car and easily drive to see the resort. Dates were booking quickly so we had to go with our gut and book the venue without actually seeing it in person. Joy’s enthusiasm and passion put us at ease in making that decision. When we finally visited the resort, we were in awe. If you think the pictures online are beautiful, GO SEE IT IN PERSON! It truly is a gorgeous and special place!Over the course of the year, Joy spent time helping us plan via phone. We definitely had our own ideas on what we wanted for our special day, many of which were out of the ordinary. Joy was happy to help make them happen and was not shy to politely offer her input and opinions even if they differed from ours. We appreciated that greatly as she helped us see things from a different perspective. Planning from a distance, we often asked Joy for vendor suggestions. She even suggested the caterer we ended up booking and our guests raved for about how delicious the food was! If you book Sojourn you not only get Joy, you get Chelsey and Lance too. They’re a wedding coordination trifecta! Chelsey did a fantastic job handling our ceremony set-up and logistics. She has a great sense of humor and is incredibly sweet and patient. When my husband, “the detail man”, wanted to go every little detail Chelsey was extremely kind and ensured all would be taken care of. She was so much fun to work with! Lance meticulously maintains the 30-acre grounds which cannot be an easy task. Our guests were impressed with the beauty of the resort and loved the newly renovated guestrooms. We can’t say enough wonderful things about the resort and staff. Joy, Chelsey and Lance-Thank YOU for making our wedding everything we hoped it would be! We love you guys! (We’ll definitely be back for a getaway.)
Reviewed on 03-10-2018

Todd Whipple (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 25-08-2018
We held our wedding at Sojourn the weekend of August 23-26. We were looking for a destination type venue without requiring our guests to travel too far. We couldn't have drawn up a more perfect location.I can't say enough about Joy and her team. Joy was so helpful throughout the entire process...helping us booking our weekend, answering any and all questions, always making time for us, helping plan out our weekend, and she even helped us make decisions based on her experiences. I also don't want to forget about Chelsey. She went above and beyond the day of the wedding. We had a bit of rain roll through the morning of and she was out there afterwards with a leaf blower trying to dry out as much of the grounds as possible.The guest rooms, great hall, hospitality room, pool, and beach were all so clean and well taken care of. It was easy to see the time and effort they have put in to make this place look so amazing. There were so many different activities for all our family and friends. We got so many comments on how perfect it was.Our families have stated that we have set the bar for all others weddings because of how much fun everyone had. I would also not be surprised if we return to Sojourn in the future for a family reunion.We cannot thank Joy and her team enough for how perfect they made our wedding!
Reviewed on 02-10-2018

Jacqui Benson (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 15-09-2018
If you are considering Sojourn Lakeside Resort that means you are already looking for a different type of wedding. You aren't the type of Bride or Groom that wants the banquet hall experience. Over a year ago after an exhaustive search I came upon the website for Sojourn Lakeside Resort and immediately called and spoke to Joy. You could hear her passion over the phone and it was only days later that we drove up there to check it out. Check it out! You will be blown away not only by the beautiful perfectly manicured grounds but by the warmth of the staff and their coordinator Joy. We knew this was the place! Over the course of the year, Joy met with us and helped guide us in the right direction with the design and implemtation of our dream wedding. Joy always got back to us, always had an idea and helped solve anything that stood in our way. Joy became family and we were so happy to see her when the big day finally came. You want to walk in and say \" I'm home!\"The whole weekend was amazing! The wedding was legendary. We had the weather on our side and people could not stop talking about the Resort! want to blow your guests away? Give them an experience they will remember? Then pick here! We had a softball game, a Mexican Fiesta on Friday and we were able to set everything up on Thursday so we could enjoy being with our guests. Chelsey and Joy had everything covered from putting out chalk for me so I can decorate the welcome sign to helping corral all my parents through a unique rehearsal and ceremony. They handled things I didn't even know about to make it perfect. The beach was amazing, the pool was crystal clear, the place was clean and tidy and even though you have this amazing backdrop each wedding is truly unique! The bar area huge and every bartenders dream! The Boat launch makes for a fun time for your guests! The patio is a great place for yard games and for everyone to gather. The rooms look like a lodge on the outside but have the interior of a five star Chicago hotel room. This was the wedding we wanted- a true merging of families and we actually felt like we had time with people that attended over the three days. We got to enjoy our hard work and really be present. We would have never had this legendary weekend if it wasn't for Sojourn and the amazing staff. so if you are reading this... Do it! have your wedding there and please invite us because we can't wait to find a reason to go back! Thank you Joy, Chelsey and Lance- We love you!
Reviewed on 26-09-2018

Rachel Paluch (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 03-08-2018
We had our wedding at Sojourn August 2018. The venue is an ideal and intimate location for guests to relax and enjoy nature and each others company. Our guests appreciated the opportunity to stay so close to where our ceremony and reception took place. We had nothing but compliments from our guests and left happy with our decision to wait a year so that we could have our wedding at Sojourn. Joy was quick with responding to questions and giving recommendations. Chelsey was patient and fun while helping make sure our special day went smoothly. The weather was amazing in August and we are so grateful. Couldn't imagine having it anywhere else.
Reviewed on 26-09-2018

Sara Zielinski (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 26-05-2018
If outdoor, family-friendly, intimate, fun, and amazing are what you’re looking for in a wedding venue, stop looking and book with Sojoun - Absolutely LOVED our entire weekend. Joy and Chelsea are above and beyond in what they do. The grounds were beautiful. The superb organization throughout the entire process kept our worries at bay. Weddings take a lot of planning and I loved that we were able to have ALL weekend with our closest friends and family instead of just one evening. Time FLEW by the actual night of the wedding and having that extra time together playing games and hanging out made our weekend not only more memorable for us, but also our friends and family. p.s. We were totally nervous about booking all the rooms up – you will be surprised how many people actually want to be there over the weekend. Take the leap of faith! You won’t regret it.
Reviewed on 17-09-2018

Christine Fogg (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 01-09-2018
My daughters wedding was last weekend and it was magical!! I cannot express our gratitude to Joy,Chelsea and Lance for the work they did to help put this together. From the moment we first came to look at the resort to the last day, Joy was helpful,gracious and professional. We would not have been able to do this without her and her staff. All of our friends and family were amazed at the beauty of the property. As one of my friends said “there was no stone left unturned” every need was anticipated and met. My daughter and my new son-in-law were glowing all weekend, which was the goal!!Thank you, Joy and crew
Reviewed on 09-09-2018

Hilary H (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 11-08-2018
Sojourn is a hidden gem in Gaylord. We were thrilled with every part of our weekend! The venue allows for family and friends to gather in one location and even has volleyball, paddle boarding, kayaking, shuffleboard, a pool, etc right onsite. Our guests commented several times that Sojourn was the most beautiful venue they had been to! Joy Volant, the general manager of Sojourn, was also incredibly helpful in the planning process as well as coordinating the rehearsal and wedding.
Reviewed on 05-09-2018

Kurt Corcoran (other) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 30-07-2018
The absolute best! We were not your typical guests at a resort like Sojourn. I am a high school girls basketball coach and out of desperation I contacted Joy for a place to stay during the local basketball camp. I not only needed a place for myself, but 20 teenage girls as well for 3 days. Needless to say, the resort was incredible. The staff could not have been any more accommodating. Sojourn Lakeside Resort is the best of the best if you're looking for extended stay options. You won't want to leave, I know we didn't.
Reviewed on 18-08-2018

knottie0e6c814a9a9173c5 (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-09-2019
Our daughter was just married at Sojourn and I am ecstatic about the beauty of the wedding and the fun that was had by all. The setting for the ceremony was absolutely beautiful and guests had a wonderful four-day weekend stay enjoying the lakefront property. The reception hall provided an intimate setting for the dinner and ample space for the bar and dance floor. The large outdoor patio, with umbrellaed tables, was an additional place for guests to gather and socialize. The staff at Sojourn were outstanding. Joy had her finger on the pulse at all times, guiding us through steps and procedures, managing reservations, and responding to any questions or concerns promptly and efficiently. Chelsey was our main contact person on the day of the rehearsal and the wedding. She helped organize the wedding party, establishing procedures and timing and coordinating the music. With her guidance, the wedding ceremony went very smoothly. Chelsey was available throughout the reception as well. We are very grateful for Joy and Chelsey; with their help, this wedding was everything we hoped it would be.
Reviewed on 17-07-2018

Tamara Berger (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 23-06-2018
Joy, Chelsea and Lance were just absolutely amazing to work with. They make you comfortable and any insecurities you might have (meaning if you’re indecisive on things like I am), they are RIGHT THERE to suggest what would look best. HIGHLY recommend Sojourn. Your friends and family will love the weekend of relaxing. We were able to kayak, and swim all weekend long. Our friends are still talking about it. Thanks you guys!
Reviewed on 07-07-2018

Heather Ellsworth (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 08-06-2018
Our wedding was simply perfect at Sojourn. The resort is breathtaking and the staff is amazing. At Sojourn, you are given enough freedom to create your dream, but the staff is never more then a phone call away if you need them. They went above and beyond to help us make our big day flawless. Joy is extremely helpful when planning from afar. She was so patient, and always quick to answer my numerous e-mails. The scenery is gorgeous and the atmosphere is both serene and fun. Our guests are still raving about our wedding weekend and all the memories made. The resort allows true quality time with your friends and family. We could not have chosen a more perfect venue for our best day ever!
Reviewed on 29-06-2018

Brian Smith (wedding party) 5 out of 5 Rating

Sojourn Lakeside Resort is absolutely amazing!! Joy, Chelsey, and Lance's level of customer service was beyond my expectations!! As a wedding planner I have been to many resorts and I honestly can't find a single thing I would want to have changed. This beautiful property should be top on your list of places to check out!!
Reviewed on 21-05-2018

Tracy Austin (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 02-09-2017
We could not have picked a more perfect place to have our wedding! We are from the Detroit area and we initially thought this was a bit of a stretch to have our loved ones travel 3-5 hours to come to our wedding. However, when we traveled north to view the resort we didn't realize we would be booking the same day. The beautiful view took our breath away! We immediately could envision those closest to us canoeing, playing shuffle board, sitting around the campfire, swimming in the pool and lake, having drinks, and the time of their lives! I previously viewed MULTIPLE places to host our wedding from backyards and tents, to 5 star halls and nothing compared to this. Many places look great in pictures, but reality is different. My biggest issue with other places was the lack of cleanliness and lack of attention to detail. This was NOT the case at Sojourn. Because of Sojourn Lakeside Resort, and the wonderful people who work there, (THANK YOU Joy and Chelsey!) our friends and family are STILL talking about our wedding months later and what a memorable time they had. Those we have talked to after the fact said it was HANDS DOWN the best wedding they have ever been to, from the ceremony to the reception, to all the details in between. My husband and I were on a cloud the whole weekend. We truly felt we were able to spend time with all of our family and friends because we were able to stretch what would have been a 1/2 hour ceremony and 6 hour reception, into a 4 day Michigan destination get-a-way. While planning our wedding I read so many stories of what a whirlwind it all is and that one day goes by so fast you barely remember anything. With Sojourn's package we were able to savor every moment. Sojourn turned our friends into family and our family into friends. The memories and friendships that were made between the two that weekend will be there for a lifetime!Seriously, BOOK this place! It is worth it!
Reviewed on 27-10-2017

Kayla Havens (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 20-05-2017
We were able to have our DREAM wedding, all thanks to the staff at Sojourn! They worked with us every step of the way so that we could achieve our vision for our perfect day. Before we even stepped on the property, we fell in love with it, simply from looking at photos online. As soon as we visited for the first time, we knew there was something special about the property. We could feel it. We wanted all of our friends and family to experience that feeling as well. And they definitely did. Our guests could not stop raving about the beauty of Sojourn. The trees, the lake, the outdoor games, the reception hall, the history, the lodging, the service-- all of it was perfect, and I'm so thankful my friends and family were able to experience this hidden gem. The team at Sojourn all have servant hearts, and thanks to them, our wedding day was an intimate and joyous experience for everyone. The Sojourn will always hold a special place in our hearts. <3
Reviewed on 19-10-2017

Shannon Olson (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 19-12-2018
Sojourn Lakeside Resort is an absolute dream location for a wedding or any event for that matter. The grounds are absolutely stunning without needing any extra flowers or decorations. The rooms are rustic and cozy with all modern updates and very clean. The setting itself is gorgeous and all of our family and friends kept raving about it being the best wedding they had ever been to. Joy, was very helpful throughout the whole process especially on the day of. She was there for any last minute help and kept things running smooth. Chelsey is an extremely hard worker, answered all of our questions with a smile and did a great job setting up. We had our dream wedding and more at Sojourn, it was no doubt the best day of our lives.
Reviewed on 19-10-2017

Kelly Smith (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-12-2018
Sojourn was absolutely perfect!! We had the BEST day ever! Joy made planning so much fun and was always so helpful! The staff at Sojourn worked so hard to make sure that everything was perfect for our big day. It was amazing.
Reviewed on 17-10-2017

Walter Lamkin (wedding party) 5 out of 5 Rating

The youngest of our daughters recently married the man of her dreams in Gaylord, Michigan, a lovely town in the north of the state, but one with which I was totally unfamiliar. On our first trip there the previous Fall, we visited Sojourn Lakeside Resort, the place where our daughter wanted to be married. It is an extraordinary place, a bit lost in time perched on the edge of a beautiful Northern Michigan lake. It is a place that is vintage 1940's and '50's, but has been fully restored to its ageless beauty. The 22 guest rooms have all been updated in a perfect manner for the location and were most comfortable and spacious. The staff, including Joy, Chelsea and Lance, were terrific as they looked after every need we had. We rented the entire resort for the weekend which included all of the rooms for family (others and friends stayed nearby), so we had the beach, water toys and everything to ourselves. The main lodge is right out of the movie \"Dirty Dancing\" and takes one back to a simpler, happier time. It too has been completely refurbished, but none of its original charm has been lost. The wedding band played in the cavernous main hall with its knotty pine interior and it couldn't have been better. The staff was pleasant, knowledgable, cooperative and willing to provide whatever it was our daughter desired, including the use of the Welcome Center for the bridal party to spend the day primping and dressing. They proved to be problem-solvers along the way with a few small things that arose, none of which I can even recall now. Everything--and I mean everything--went off just beautifully as our daughter and her new husband, together with family and friends, celebrated life to its fullest extent in an evening that won't soon be forgotten--by anyone. Moreover, this did not drain my life savings. Everything was spelled out in advance and was reasonably priced in my estimation. I would recommend this resort to anyone for any sort of event like ours, a corporate retreat (in its truest sense) or to just get away and relax, forget about the world for a bit in a sylvan setting. Thanks to each of the Sojourn staff for helping to make the wedding a day and night for our daughter to remember always. As a dad, that's all I ever wanted.
Reviewed on 17-10-2017

Chelsea Ratynski (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 07-10-2017
If we could give Sojourn, Joy, Chelsey & Lance 100 stars we would! Joy and Chelsey went so far above and beyond our expectations! Our guests couldn't stop raving about the resort & all of the amenities available to us. If we had a question they were there in an instant to help us out. The day of our wedding they were there to take care of setup, photographer coordination, directing the caterer and band so all we had to do was get ready and relax. The rooms were so clean and comfortable- they have a very home-like feel. Sojourn is the most PERFECT place for making beautiful wedding memories with our family & friends- it truly could not have come together any more perfect.
Reviewed on 10-10-2017

Rebecca Paradise (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 16-09-2017
I cannot say enough good things about this venue! We rented the venue for a 3 day weekend to celebrate our wedding with a small group of family and friends and it did not disappoint. We did get lucky with some great 80 degree weather in September which allowed us to take advantage of the lake, pool, and some outdoor yoga which was an added bonus. Joy and Chelsea were so helpful especially with transportation for my handicapped brother from the room area to the great hall. Joy also was on top of any vendor issues we had (we have some issues with the catering company regarding set up, linens, etc) and Joy was on the phone handling them. Our photos turned out AMAZING not only because we had great photographers but because the venue is literally breathtaking. I wish I could repeat this weekend over and over! Thank you Joy and Chelsea for everything!!!
Reviewed on 06-10-2017

Courtney Shay (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 03-12-2018
Sojourn Lakeside Resort was so amazing and beautiful place to have our wedding. Not only was the setting amazing so was the staff. We could not have picked a better place to celebrate our wedding weekend.
Reviewed on 03-10-2017

Angie Royce (wedding party) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 08-07-2017
Our experience this summer at Sojourn was exceptional. Working with Joy, we felt confident that we were going to have a blessed event...and we did. Our daughter's wedding at Sojourn allowed us to not only have a beautiful setting for the ceremony and reception, but allowed us to entertain many of our guests for the entire weekend. The facilities lend themselves to being utilized for lots of fun activities. We even had a mini music festival the day before...Wedded Blissfest and had room for friends to camp onsite. Joy, Chelsea and Lance were very helpful in making our event unforgettable!
Reviewed on 23-09-2017

Rylee Davis (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating

Sojourn Lakeside Resort was the most amazing desitination for my wedding! 35 acres of absolute beautiful property! We had full access to kayaks and paddle boards which were used very much! The pool was crystal clear. The wedding was held on the point of the property touching the water. We had the biggest wedding there yet and the caretakers helped us as much as possible. Everything we asked for was accommodated to! The hotel rooms are beautiful, new and still held old pieces of history in a unique way. I highly, highly recommend Sojourn Lakeside Resort for any kind of get away you are planning. The people who take care of it are just as fabulous of the resort!
Reviewed on 08-09-2017

Andrew Maier (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 08-11-2018
Our wedding day was the best day of our lives, in no small part due to Joy, her staff, and the wonderful site where we held it. Along with our closest guests, we stayed on site for 3 nights at Sojourn and had a great time doing completely different things each night. Since our wedding day, we've repeatedly had guests report back what a great time they had, and how wonderful the property was.We'd highly recommend Sojourn to all couples for a wedding!
Reviewed on 08-09-2017

100 Reviews, with a Rating of 5 out of 5.0

Contact Info for Sojourn Lakeside Resort

Contact	Value
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/sojournlakesideresort
X (Twitter)	sojournstay
Pinterest	sojournlake0193
Instagram	sojourn_lakeside_resort
Website	www.sojournlakesideresort.com
Phone	(989) 370-7873
Address	2332 East Dixon Lake Road, Gaylord, MI, 49735
Email	gather@sojournstay.com

Sojourn Lakeside Resort on the map

Meet the Sojourn Lakeside Resort Team

Joy E. Volant Sojourn Lakeside Resort Manager

Joy E. Volant (Manager)

I am passionate about the lifelong commitment we make to each other when we say \"I do\" and to the value of family and friends providing love and support to the newlyweds. Sojourn Lakeside Resort is the perfect place to honor and celebratethis lifelong commitment.What I do as my profession has meaning and value to my brides and grooms and it just doesn't get any better than that.

Wedding Service Guide (WSG)