The Grand Banquet & Conference Center

About The Grand Banquet Center

Grand Elegance.
Surprisingly Affordable.

The Grand Banquet & Conference Center in Essexville, Michigan offers three stunning event spaces designed to make your event unforgettable — without the price tag you'd expect. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, a corporate conference, or a grand wedding celebration, we provide the space, the staff, and the service to bring your vision to life.

We believe that luxury shouldn't be a luxury only few can afford. That's why our venue rates are consistently up to 50% lower than comparable facilities across Metro Detroit — with zero compromise on quality or elegance.

20+

Years of Service

Unique Spaces

500+

Events

Our Spaces

Choose the Perfect Setting

From intimate boardroom meetings to grand ballroom galas — each space is designed with elegance and flexibility in mind.

Grand Ballroom

The Grand Ballroom features 132 feet of floor-to-ceiling windows, sparkling chandeliers, two spacious dance floors, and breathtaking views of the gazebo, lush gardens, waterfalls, and Bay County Golf Course. Filled with natural light by day and glowing with elegant chandeliers and moonlight by evening, the ballroom offers a timeless and romantic atmosphere for an unforgettable celebration.

Up to 550 Guests (Min. 275)

Hearth Room

The Hearth Ballroom offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a stunning stone fireplace, a beautiful oak bar with etched mirrors and distinctive lighting, and direct access to the outdoor patio. Guests can enjoy the peaceful gardens and cascading waterfalls, creating a relaxed, rustic setting that's perfect for celebrating with family and friends both indoors and out.

Up to 275 Guests (Min. 150)

Gazebo & Gardens — Includes Indoor Ceremony Room

Exchange your vows in our beautifully landscaped Outdoor Gazebo, where lush gardens, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil fountains create a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony. The vine-covered arbor, flower-lined aisle, and vibrant seasonal blooms provide a naturally romantic setting your guests will never forget. For added peace of mind, an elegant indoor ceremony space is available as a weather backup, ensuring your day is beautiful no matter the forecast. Includes Indoor Ceremony Room for inclement weather or individual needs.

Up to 200 Guests

Celebrations

Beautiful Celebrations Begin Here

Weddings

From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, we make your dream wedding a reality.

Corporate Events

Professional settings with full AV support for meetings, conferences, and galas.

Birthday Parties

Celebrate milestones in style with customized décor and catering packages.

Showers

Bridal and baby showers with elegant setups and personalized menus.

Holiday Galas

Festive celebrations with seasonal décor, specialty menus, and full bar service.

Celebration of Life / Memorials

Meaningful, elegant gatherings to honor and remember loved ones.

Culinary Excellence

Catering & Bar Services

From abundant buffets to beautifully curated food displays, our culinary team crafts menus that delight every palate.

Our Signature Grand Buffet

Includes four signature salads, a fresh garden relish display, two seasonal vegetables, a chef's featured starch, your choice of entrée, an elegantly carved fresh fruit display, and cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls.

Full Bar Service

Enjoy a seamless bar experience with our thoughtfully designed bar packages. Our convenient per-person pricing allows you to plan with confidence, providing exceptional value while eliminating the uncertainty of beverage costs.

Your guests will enjoy unlimited bar service for up to six hours, with standard service available from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For events beginning prior to 5:00 p.m., bar service will begin at your event start time, with the closing time adjusted accordingly to maintain the six-hour maximum.

To ensure a smooth conclusion to your celebration, the standard ending time for both bar service and DJ entertainment is 11:00 p.m.

Bar Policies Bar Packages

Plan Ahead

Value Comparison

Adults: $26.95 • Bar Package (starting at): $14.95/person • Child (6–12): $7.95

Room for up to 550 guests — most venues can't fit your full list.

Event Space

Event Type

Adults

Children (6–12)

Include Bar Package ($14.95/person, adults)

Total (plus tax/gratuity)

—

The calculator reflects Saturday pricing. For Friday and Sunday discounts, please contact us directly.

Cost category	The Grand	Detroit metro average
Venue rental (tables, chairs, linens)	$0 — included	Not included
Catering / food service	$26.95/person	Included in range
Bar service, incl. alcohol	$14.95/person	Included in range
Per guest total	$41.90	$100 – $130
Total for 200 guests	$8,380	$20,000 – $26,000

Not included in either option: flowers/centerpieces, DJ/music, photographer, cake. Bar price shown is the basic package; upgraded tiers available. Friday and Sunday events receive a discount off the Saturday rate shown here. Children's pricing available at a reduced rate ($7.95/child vs. $26.95/adult). Gratuity is not included. Most venues charge an automatic gratuity on food and beverage service of 22–24%. The Grand charges only 18%.

Source: Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area estimate, wedding.report, 2026.

Kind Words

What Our Guests Say

"The Grand Banquet made our wedding absolutely perfect. Every detail was handled with such care and professionalism. Our guests are still talking about it!"

— Sarah & Michael T., Wedding 2024

"We host our annual corporate gala here every year. The staff is exceptional, the food is outstanding, and the venue is stunning. Couldn't ask for more."

— Jennifer R., Corporate Client

"From the moment we toured the venue, we knew it was the one. The Gazebo ceremony was breathtaking and the ballroom reception was beyond our dreams."

— Amanda & Chris L., Wedding 2023

Get In Touch

Start Planning Your Event

We'd Love to Hear From You

Ready to start planning? Reach out to our events team and we'll help bring your vision to life.

📍

660 W Hampton Rd
Essexville, MI 48732

📞

(989) 893-9303

🕐

By appointment only

Where Every Occasion
Becomes Extraordinary

Grand Elegance.
Surprisingly Affordable.