About The Revel Center
As a Southeast Michigan wedding photographer who’s photographed a lot of weddings, I work quite a bit on Michigan’s west side. From Holland to Grand Rapids to Traverse City, I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few years traveling all over to capture weddings. Hi, friend! I’m Catie Eovaldi and I’ve been photographing weddings for the past 3 years.
Heading into my fourth year of wedding photography, I believe your wedding photos should truly showcase the emotions, the details, and you in your wedding day. No stiff posing, no “what do I do with my hands”. I crave capturing real, authentic moments. Choosing a venue is really just the first step in wedding planning and bringing your vision to life, so it’s important to pick one that aligns with you.
I had the best time photographing a wedding at Revel Center in Grand Rapids. This venue, located not far from downtown, is a hidden gem. With getting ready spaces, ceremony spaces, & reception spaces, you really can be present at this venue the entire day without the worry of “I have to leave at xx time to be here by xx time”.
The Style & Vibe
I love the laid back, but fun nature of Revel Center. This multi-level venue has so many features it’s really incredible. Starting from the bottom, the basement is covered in a neutral beige brick with wood floors in a herringbone pattern. There’s also a small inset white fireplace downstairs. The outdoor patio spaces have elongated fire pits for guests to enjoy in the brisk spring or fall air. Moving upstairs, the vibe is fresh and industrial. With greenery walls and industrial-style shelves holding trinkets, your guests will love hanging out in this space chatting, playing arcade games (more on that later), and sharing a drink.
This space would be ideal for couples who love something unique and crave joyful connection with their guests. With a more intimate feel centered around connection, this Grand Rapids wedding venue is the perfect place to host your wedding day. And if you’re on the hunt for a photographer rooted in connection, I’d love to connect and check my availability for you!
The Venue’s Getting Ready Suites
Suite Details
The upper level of Revel Center is home to a cocktail hour space and the getting ready suites. There are two spaces available for use. The Riverside Suite is lined in round make up mirrors with neutral white walls. This first space is large enough for a group of bridesmaids or family to hang out in throughout the getting ready portion of the day. This space is also a great spot to store your stuff in throughout the night as its tucked back from the cocktail hour space.
The second space is called The Monroe Suite and is modern in design. Lined in LED color-changing lights with leather couches, this space can also fit a group for the getting ready portion of the day. This space is located across from the arcade on the second level, and is not far from the Riverside Suite.
First Look Near the Suites
My Revel Center couple had wanted to do a first look prior to their ceremony. The space outside the suites is often used for cocktail hour, and it has the perfect little spot for a first look and some private vows. Honestly, even if you didn’t want a first look but still private vows it would be the perfect spot. I cleared out the area so they could have a private moment, and helped arrange them into position. The greenery wall has space on both sides of it, so you can either choose to be in view of one another or hidden.
I often work with couples who choose to say private vows, and I have pride in my work for these intimate moments. Often times I am close enough to capture the moment, but far enough to give you the privacy you want. If you’re considering private vows on your wedding day, connect with me to learn more about how I work alongside couples!
Revel Center Wedding Ceremony and Reception Space
A Revel Center Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony space is located in the Revel Center basement. Your ceremony will have ambient lighting which was perfect for setting a mood. Couples are married against the brick wall with a white inset fireplace. An arch or fireplace florals would fit perfectly here to dress up the space a little more if desired. Similar to the rest of the spaces at this venue, it’s more industrial in style.
Wedding Receptions at Revel Center
Immediately following the ceremony, guests will be directed upstairs while the venue staff flips the space. Flipping a space is industry lingo for changing over the ceremony space to the reception space. Receptions are hosted in the same area where your wedding ceremony will be.
Your head table or sweetheart table is often set against the inset fireplace, with your DJ hanging out on the dance floor on the opposite end. Tables will fill the space in between the 2 areas.
Cocktail Hour at Revel Center
This was my favorite part of the wedding day featured in photos throughout this post. Revel Center has the coolest cocktail hour hang out spot. The upper level of Revel Center is home to greenery walls, a fountain, a comfy couch hang out spot, and a fun arcade.
Cocktail hour at this venue was a blast. While planning their timeline, this couple was very intentional about wanting to attend their cocktail hour. They wanted the opportunity to spend time with their guests and share a drink with them. Both adults and kids were playing in the arcade and enjoying every minute of it. This couple made an effort to really connect with everyone there, taking time to talk to each and every person. And if you’re on the hunt for a photographer rooted in connection, I’d love to connect and check my availability for you!
My 4 Favorite Things About Revel Center Weddings
Cocktail Hour Space
I mentioned this already before, but my favorite part of this venue is the cocktail hour lounge. With a relaxed atmosphere, guests are at ease and light-hearted while planning old school arcade games. There’s plenty of relaxed seating for guests to have a drink and chat.
Outdoor Portrait Spots
The venue has such bright colorful murals right next to it. Under the train tracks, there’s a wall of blue paintings and one that’s more floral and pink in design. This is so fun and unique to this venue! We made sure to use this space well. If you’re looking for photos that are relaxed and not super stiff in posing, check out my work and connect with me here!
Quick Turn Around Time
Sometimes it can take awhile to turn over a ceremony space into a reception space, but Revel Center staff was super efficient with this! Guests were in awe that the space they were just in an hour prior had been transformed to something completely different.
On-Site Parking
It is not often when I work in the city that there is on-site parking. Usually in bigger cities I have to find a parking garage or metered parking, but Revel Center has its own parking lot specifically designated for guests and vendors.
Revel Center Cost
Like many venues in Michigan, Revel Center offers different pricing depending on the time of year. Peak season for Michigan is considered April-November while off-season is often December-March (you know, those cold, snowy months). Catering is not included for this venue, but the venue has several partners you can choose from. There is a fee for using non-preferred caterers.
- Off-Season (Dec–Mar): starting at $1,499–$2,499.
- In-Season (Apr–Nov): starting at $1,699–$3,199.
- Elopements: $400–$500 for up to 50 guests.
- Catering: Outside catering is allowed, though a $400 fee may apply.
Venue Details
- Location: 4 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids
- Address: 1535 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
- Website: revelcenter.com
- Capacity: 200 guests
- Cost: starting at $1,699
More Revel Center Photos
If you’re on the hunt for a photographer for your Revel Center wedding, I’d love to connect and see if I have availability for your day! Contact me here.
