A celebration of life doesn't have to happen at a funeral home, and it doesn't have to happen right away. If the body is cremated or buried first, you can gather three to six weeks later, which opens up far more places.
Questions worth asking any venue: Can we bring our own caterer? Are candles allowed? Do you need a certificate of insurance? How far ahead do you book, and can you hold a date for a day or two? Is it accessible?
Prices are what each venue publishes, checked November 3, 2026. Always confirm directly. "Welcomes memorials" means the venue mentions memorials or celebrations of life.
Stone ChaletWelcomes memorials
Historic stone estate with gazebo gardens and a pergola patio.
- Capacity
- Up to 100
- Price
- Ask for their package
- Good to know
- Outside caterers allowed
Matthaei Botanical GardensWelcomes memorials
Mid-century auditorium with big windows, plus gardens and a conservatory.
- Capacity
- Auditorium seats 100 at tables
- Price
- Auditorium $1,000 for 6 hours ($450 for nonprofits)
- Good to know
- Catering not included
Leslie Science & Nature Center
Wooded grounds, a 1917 house with a porch swing, and fire pits.
- Capacity
- 25 to 75 depending on the building
- Price
- From $125 to $150 for the first 1.5 hours
- Good to know
- Book at least 3 weeks ahead; beer and wine indoors with a fee
Cobblestone Farm
Three-story oak timber-frame barn on a historic farm.
- Capacity
- 190 seated
- Price
- Weekday 5 hours $490 resident, $610 non-resident (2026)
- Good to know
- Books far ahead; closed mid-December to early April
SPACE by York
Bright furnished room with its own outdoor space and fire pits nearby.
- Capacity
- Up to 100 (50+ seated)
- Price
- Custom quote
- Good to know
- York catering or outside caterers arranged ahead
First Unitarian Universalist CongregationWelcomes memorials
Rooms for small to large groups on wooded grounds.
- Capacity
- 6 to 350
- Price
- Ask
- Good to know
- Rents to the public
Chelsea DepotWelcomes memorials
Victorian depot on a working rail line.
- Capacity
- Up to 100
- Price
- $250 to $500 per event
- Good to know
- Outside caterers allowed; large kitchen
Little Lake Event Center
Lakeside room with a large patio.
- Capacity
- 86 seated
- Price
- Evening or weekend half day $400 to $500
- Good to know
- Bring your own food or caterer
Ladies' Literary Club
Historic women's clubhouse.
- Capacity
- About 80 seated
- Price
- $400 for the day ($200 for nonprofits)
- Good to know
- Linens, dishes and kitchen included
Ypsilanti Freighthouse
Restored rail freight house.
- Capacity
- Up to 170 seated
- Price
- Weekdays $150/hour for residents, 4-hour minimum
Ann Arbor City Club
Historic mansion with a ballroom and garden.
- Capacity
- 180
- Price
- About $1,100 to $3,000 for 7 hours
- Good to know
- Food and drink through the venue
Robin Hills Farm
Glasshouse, barns, a pond and trails.
- Capacity
- 150 to 250
- Price
- Ask
Gallup Park meeting room
River-view room with French doors to a patio.
- Capacity
- 30 seated
- Price
- $50/hour resident, $60 non-resident, 2-hour minimum
Ann Arbor park shelters
Riverside and neighborhood park pavilions.
- Capacity
- 20 to 75
- Price
- From $55 half day on weekdays (2026)
- Good to know
- Seasonal; book 7 business days ahead
Independence Lake County Park
Lake, woods and meadow pavilions.
- Capacity
- 35 to 216
- Price
- $150 to $300 plus park entry
Ann Arbor Senior Center
Practical community building.
- Capacity
- Up to 106
- Price
- About $60 to $78/hour evenings and weekends
- Good to know
- Tables, chairs, AV and staff included; no candles
Ann Arbor District Library program rooms
Branch meeting rooms; Traverwood sits in the woods.
- Capacity
- 60 to 90
- Price
- $125 for 4 hours, plus $75 with food
- Good to know
- Booked by a library-district resident, 3 weeks ahead
Michigan Union and Michigan League
Historic university rooms and ballroom.
- Capacity
- 40 to 350
- Price
- From about $726 for 3 hours
Finding a beautiful place on short notice is a big part of what I do. Tell me what you're picturing.