FAQs

  • Aria at The Whitcomb is located at:
    509 Ship St, St. Joseph, MI 49085

    Aria is the Neo-Classic Mediterranean-style Veranda attached to the historic Whitcomb building, perched on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown St. Joseph. Our location offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, convenient access to nearby hotels, shops, and beaches, and a captivating atmosphere that makes every event unforgettable.

    • The Rooftop: Accommodates up to 250 guests, offering a versatile open space with panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

    • The Garden: Perfect for intimate gatherings, with seating for up to 75 guests amid lush greenery and a serene atmosphere.

    • The Veranda: Hosts up to 250 guests in an elegant open-air setting, ideal for dining and dancing under the stars.

  • Absolutely! We’d love to show you around. To book a tour, simply email us at events@ariawhitcomb.com or fill out our contact form. Whether you prefer a virtual or in-person tour, we’re excited to help you experience the beauty of Aria at The Whitcomb firsthand.

  • Aria at The Whitcomb hosts events from April through November. To check the availability of your preferred date, please email us at events@ariawhitcomb.com. We’d be happy to assist you in finding the perfect date for your celebration!

  • Just one—yours! At Aria at The Whitcomb, we believe your celebration deserves our full attention. That’s why we only book one event per day, giving you exclusive access to our venue spaces for 12 hours on your special day.

  • We recommend booking as soon as possible to secure your preferred date. Once you’re engaged and ready to explore venues, schedule a tour and finalize your date with our team. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so reaching out early ensures the best chance of reserving your ideal date.

  • To secure your date, a signed contract and a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the rental space fee are required. Final payment is due 180 days prior to your event.

    To get started, please email us at events@ariawhitcomb.com or call us at (269) 999-0178. We’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have!

  • We accept payments via cash, check, ACH, and credit card. Please note that a 3% processing fee applies to credit card payments.

    To secure your date, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the rental space fee is due at the time of signing your contract. The remaining 50% is due 120 days prior to your event.

    A non-refundable 30% of the bar and catering fee is due at the signing of the contract. The remaining 70% is due 3 weeks before the event, along with a final guest count.

  • Aria at The Whitcomb offers three stunning venue spaces, each with its own unique charm:

    • Rooftop: A versatile open space with panoramic views of Lake Michigan, perfect for ceremonies or cocktail hours. The Rooftop accommodates up to 250 guests.

    • Garden: A serene and intimate setting featuring lush greenery and a stone path leading to a picturesque ceremony space. The Garden seats up to 75 guests.

    • Veranda: An elegant open-air space ideal for receptions, dining, and dancing under the stars. The Veranda accommodates up to 250 guests.

    Each space offers a breathtaking backdrop for your celebration, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your guests.

  • Aria at The Whitcomb proudly partners with Classic Catering & Events as our exclusive catering provider. Founded in 1997, Classic Catering & Events is a full-service catering company known for its exceptional cuisine and attention to detail.

    When you book your event, their skilled event specialists will work closely with you to create a custom menu tailored to your preferences and vision. They also offer expertise in décor and event design, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.

  • Aria at The Whitcomb offers three bar service options to fit your needs:

    • Marine Bar Package: A fully inclusive bar service featuring a curated selection of beer, wine, and spirits. Staffing and garnishes are included in the price for a seamless experience.

    • Customized Package: Work with our team to design a fully inclusive bar menu tailored to your preferences, including staffing and garnishes.

    • BYOB (Build Your Own Bar): Select the specific beverages and quantities you’d like for your bar, and our team will handle ordering them. This option provides a detailed breakdown of costs, with separate line items for beverages, staffing, and garnishes, allowing you to control the bar experience.

    We’re happy to help you select the best option or customize a package to suit your vision. Let us know how we can make your bar service unforgettable!

  • All beverages must be provided through Aria at The Whitcomb’s bar service. No outside alcohol is permitted on the premises at any time. This is in accordance with state law,

  • The venue is available for your use from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on the day of your event. This 12-hour window provides ample time for setup, your celebration, and teardown. Please note that music must end by 10:30 PM, and last call for the bar is at 10:30 PM.

    If additional time is needed, please let us know—we’d be happy to discuss your options.

  • Classic Catering & Events is the exclusive catering provider for Aria at The Whitcomb, ensuring exceptional food and beverage service for your celebration.

    For all other aspects of your event, you are welcome to partner with vendors of your choice, including:

    • Photography & Videography

    • Florists

    • Wedding Designers & Planners

    • Wedding Cake Bakers

    • DJs or Hosts

    • Live Musicians

    • Wedding Officiants

    Our team is happy to provide recommendations or assist you in coordinating with your selected vendors to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.

  • Yes, there is a private bridal suite located in the lower level of The Whitcomb. This elegant suite includes a beauty salon, private restroom, and provides a serene and comfortable space for the bride and her friends to get ready, ensuring a perfect start to your special day.

  • In the event of inclement weather, our team will transform the Veranda into a beautiful indoor ceremony space. Additionally, couples have the option to book a local church as a backup venue if desired. We’re here to work with you to ensure your special day goes smoothly, rain or shine.

  • Yes! There are several accommodation options in the Stevensville, St. Joseph, and Benton Harbor areas, ranging from boutique hotels to well-known chains. Many of these are conveniently located within a short drive or walking distance from Aria at The Whitcomb, making it easy for your guests to enjoy your celebration and explore the local charm of Southwest Michigan.