FAQ

What Can I Expect When I Book with the Ballroom at McKay?

Check out some of our frequently asked questions below to learn more about what it’s like to work with the Ballroom and spend time in beautiful, historic Grand Rapids, and please contact us with any questions!

How Much Does it Cost to Rent The Ballroom at McKay?

Corporate events start at $1000, and weddings start at $2,500. Pricing may vary depending upon the nature of your event, please inquire for the most current venue rates.

What is Included For the Price of My Wedding?

In addition to the gorgeous backdrop that The Ballroom at McKay gives your wedding, there is so much included with your reservation. From chairs to tables to highly trained staff, we provide so many of the details that will make your day special. For a list of everything we offer, check out our wedding venue detail page.

How Many Guests Can I Have?

Our wedding venue can hold up to 200 guests. For more information, visit our wedding page here.

Where Should I Park?

Fortunately, our central location right next to Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids provides several options for parking. The closest option is the Ellis Monroe Center Lot, just a one-minute walk. Other nearby options include 128 Monroe Center St NW Parking (a 2-minute walk), and Ellis Parking Structure on Ionia, which is a 6-minute walk (0.3 miles).

Click the links below for directions:

Ellis Monroe Center Lot: https://goo.gl/maps/hFqYmQ6h3f1qw3636

128 Monroe Center St NW: https://goo.gl/maps/rTNzKRGRoH3RzvAL9

Ellis Parking Structure: https://goo.gl/maps/qsXe4W89cnfqEAfdA

What is There to Do & See in Grand Rapids?

Your wedding, anniversary, birthday party, prom, or business conference is only part of the excitement Grand Rapids has to offer! Read on to learn what makes our West Michigan city so special to those who call it home and those who visit.

Breweries

• Grand Rapids Brewing Company — 10-minute walk from the The Ballroom at McKay
• Founder’s Brewing (food & drinks)—4-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• The BOB (multi-level dining, beer, and entertainment) — 4-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Mitten Brewing (food & craft beer) —7-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• The Knickerbocker (food, spirits & beer) — 14-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Grey Line Brewing ( fresh ales)— 9-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Brass Ring Brewing (beer and food) — 17-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Harmony Brewing (beer and food) – 11-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay

Art, Museums & Sightseeing in Grand Rapids

It’s no surprise that just like our grand and sophisticated venue space, the surrounding Grand Rapids is also rich with history and character. Cultural enrichment comes in the form of the famous beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens, a number of museums and the John Ball Zoo.

• Frederik Meijer Gardens — 16-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Gerald R. Ford Museum — 7-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Grand Rapids Art Museum — 1-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Grand Rapids Public Museum — 6-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• John Ball Zoo — 9-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Millennium Park — 15-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• UICA— West Michigan’s largest contemporary art center, 4 minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Grand Rapids Children’s Museum— 7-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Art Prize — An international art competition that takes place each fall through downtown Grand Rapids.

Dining

There’s no shortage of delicious cuisine in the Grand Rapids area, from breakfast to dessert and coffee, you’re sure to find some hidden gems in the city.

• Wolfgang’s Restaurant— 11-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Butcher’s Union— 3-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• HopCat— 3-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Madcap Coffee— 3-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Anna’s House— 11-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Electric Cheetah— 8-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Sovengard— 15 minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• San Chez — 7-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Roses — 14-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay

Nightlife

• Billy’s Lounge — 10-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Pyramid Scheme — 9-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Van Andel Arena— 5-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Devos Performance Hall– 7-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• St Cecilia Music Center — 9-minute walk from The Ballroom at McKay
• Circle Theater —11-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay

Shopping

• Woodland Mall— 18-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Rivertown Crossings Mall— 18-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay

East Town:

• Rebel —11-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Eastown Antiques —11-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay

East Grand Rapids Gaslight Village:

• Blackbird East— 13-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Hoffman Jewelers —14-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Pink Lemonade  —14-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Rosa’s Closet —13-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay
• Shops at Breton Village  — 19-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay. Featuring: Anthropologie | Evereve | Free People | Jos A Bank | Leigh’s | Lululemon | Madewell | Mason Jones | Orvis | RC Caylan Atelier | Southside Flower Market | Talbots | West Elm

Downtown:

• Downtown Market —6-minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay

Transportation

Whether your guests are coming from near or far for your 2023 event, transportation to Grand Rapids is simple.

Air Travel:

Gerald R. Ford International Airport — 20 minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay. Offering international and domestic flights. 31 major market destinations and can connect to most destinations worldwide with one stop.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport — 2 hours 18 minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay. Offering international and domestic flights & 99 non-stop flights.

Chicago O’Hare— 3 hours 13 minutes from The Ballroom at McKay. Offering international and domestic flights & 206 non-stop flights.

Train & Bus Travel:

Amtrak —16 minute walk/ 4 minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay. Offering North American Arrivals/Destinations.

Greyhound — 12 minute walk/ 4 minute drive from The Ballroom at McKay. Offering North American Arrivals/Destinations.

The Rapid — Interurban transportation conveniently located throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area.

Taxi/Rental Car:

What Hotels are Available For Me and My Guests?

Here are some local hotels that are available for you and your guests for your 2022 wedding:

The Amway Grand Plaza – 2 minute walk

Homewood Suites – 3 minute walk

Hyatt Place Grand Rapids – 3 minute walk

JW Marriott Grand Rapids – 3 minute walk

 

Vendors

From flowers to music to décor, we have compiled a list of trusted and recommended vendors in the Grand Rapids area that will help you plan and execute your perfect wedding.

In addition, we have a list of preferred caterers for your wedding day. You can find a list of our trusted culinary experts here.