When you film weddings in downtown Grand Rapids, you quickly learn the difference between a standard banquet hall and a venue with soul. The Ballroom @ CityFlatsHotel falls firmly into the latter category.
Built in 1926, this space isn’t just a venue; it is an opulent statement of Italian Renaissance architecture. For couples who want their wedding film to feature rich textures and historic gravity rather than empty white walls, this location is a visual masterpiece.
Located in the heart of downtown, here is a detailed breakdown of The Ballroom @ CityFlatsHotel, based on its unique architectural offerings and our perspective behind the lens at Mid-July Media.
Ready to Book a Wedding Videographer? Check availability now »
An Overview: Italian Renaissance Style in Grand Rapids
Located at 83 Monroe Center St NW, the venue’s defining characteristic is its meticulous preservation. The details here are what make it one of the most unique looks in Grand Rapids: think rich walnut paneling, intricate wrought iron railings, and terrazzo marbled floors.
The space comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests, making it ideal for a celebration that feels grand but not overwhelming. The team at CityFlatsHotel brings the 1920s grandeur to life for modern celebrations.
A Glimpse at The Ballroom’s Wedding Venue Space
The Grand Staircase at CityFlats
If there is one feature that defines the cinematic potential of this venue, it is the sweeping Grand Staircase.
The staircase provides a dramatic sense of movement that anchors the room. It is the perfect location for a “First Look” that feels timeless, or for capturing a romantic, slow-motion sequence of the couple descending to join their guests. The art deco iron details against the marble steps allow us to compose wide, symmetrical shots that add a high-fashion, editorial look to your wedding film.
The Spaces within CityFlats Grand Rapids Wedding Venue
The venue offers flexible options depending on the scale of your event, both of which we love filming for different reasons.
The Ballroom & Mezzanine
The heart of the venue is the Ballroom itself, a stunning example of Italian Renaissance architecture built in 1926. The space is defined by its rich walnut paneling, soaring vaulted ceilings, and massive marble columns that bring a sense of history and weight to the celebration. The original terrazzo marbled floors and intricate wrought iron details create an atmosphere of timeless luxury that requires very little additional decor to feel complete.
One of the distinct advantages of this layout is the Mezzanine level. Accessible via elevator, this balcony area overlooks the main floor, creating a dynamic, multi-tiered experience for the reception. It allows guests to mingle above while remaining connected to the energy of the party below, offering a unique vantage point for watching the first dance or simply taking in the full scope of the event.
The Events Room
For more intimate celebrations, the Events Room accommodates up to 150 guests, usually for cocktail hour. This room is a charming gathering space outfitted with its own private bar and private bathrooms, giving guests separation and privacy from the rest of the hotel and downtown area.
Suites and The Parlour
The morning preparations set the tone for the narrative of your wedding film. CityFlatsHotel offers exceptional options for this:
The Ballroom Suite: Members of the wedding party can utilize this dedicated suite, which features a private restroom, large mirrors, and a spacious make-up counter.
The Salon (The Parlour): Beyond the standard suite, you can book The Parlour, the on-site salon. This space can be reserved exclusively for your wedding party to receive private beauty services. For us, filming in a professional salon setting means better lighting and a cleaner background than a standard hotel room, resulting in polished “getting ready” footage.
- CityFlats Hotel: In the same building as the Ballroom is a large urban hotel named CityFlats Hotel. Here, you, your guests, and your bridal party can spend the night before and after!
Downtown Grand Rapids Wedding Photo Ops: The GRAM & Monroe Center
One of the biggest advantages of filming at CityFlatsHotel is the immediate access to some of the best visual backdrops in Grand Rapids. You don’t need a party bus or a 20-minute drive to get variety in your wedding film—it’s all right outside the front door.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM): Located just steps away, the GRAM offers a stunning modern contrast to the Italian Renaissance style of the Ballroom. We love taking couples over to the museum’s exterior to utilize its clean concrete lines and glass reflective surfaces. This gives your wedding video a perfect mix of “historic luxury” (the reception) and “modern editorial” (the portraits).
Rosa Parks Circle & Monroe Center: In the same area, Rosa Parks Circle is also available for photos. Whether it’s the greenery in the summer or the twinkling lights in the winter, the immediate area allows us to capture the movement and life of downtown Grand Rapids. The brick-paved streets of Monroe Center are perfect for walking shots of the bridal party, giving the film a vibrant, urban texture without ever leaving the block.
- Downtown Architecture: There are several public areas within walking distance of the CityFlats Ballroom that provide incredible urban photo ops! Crosswalks, aged brick, shops and storefronts, and more!
Why Mid-July Media Loves Filming Weddings Here
At Mid-July Media, we are obsessed with texture. The Ballroom @ CityFlatsHotel offers a richness that digital cameras love: the warmth of the walnut paneling, the cool reflection of the marble columns, and the depth of the vaulted ceilings.
It is a venue that feels substantial. It anchors your wedding day in the history of Grand Rapids while offering the modern amenities—like the built-in bar and on-site salon—that make the day run smoothly.
Ready to Book a Wedding Videographer? Check availability now »
