Overlook Hubbard Lake — Competitive Analysis
Prepared: January 26, 2026
Market Overview
Michigan Wedding Venue Pricing (2025-2026)
- Average venue cost: $5,000 - $15,000
- Premium venues: $11,000 - $20,000+
- Budget venues: $3,000 - $5,000
Source References
| Venue | Location | Price | Notes |
|-------|----------|-------|-------|
| Stonegate Manor | SE Michigan | $5,600 | Ceremony + reception |
| BlueBridge Event Centre | Northern Michigan | $11,000 | Full service, DJ included |
| Sherman Lake YMCA | SW Michigan | ~$3,000 | Budget option |
| Boyne Mountain | Petoskey | Varies | Destination resort |
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Direct Competitor: Churchill Pointe Inn
Location: 5700 Bennett Rd, Hubbard Lake, MI
Phone: (989) 727-2020
Website: churchillpointeinn.com
Established: 1926 (nearly 100 years old)
What They Offer
- Historic 1920s-era country inn on Hubbard Lake peninsula
- 9 guest rooms for overnight stays
- On-site restaurant (highly rated, "OMG the bread is amazing!")
- Marina access
- "Only full service resort on Hubbard Lake" (until Overlook!)
Season
- Closes October 11
- Reopens June 17, 2026
Their Strengths
- Nearly 100-year history and charm
- Full-service (rooms + restaurant + activities)
- Established reputation on Hubbard Lake
- TripAdvisor #1 B&B in Hubbard Lake
Their Weaknesses
- Dated (1920s aesthetic may not appeal to modern couples)
- Limited capacity (9 guest rooms)
- No dedicated wedding spaces mentioned
- Seasonal operation (closed winter months)
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Overlook's Competitive Positioning
How We Beat Churchill Pointe Inn
| Factor | Churchill Pointe Inn | The Overlook |
|--------|---------------------|--------------|
| Vibe | Historic/vintage | Modern mountain luxury |
| View | Lake level, peninsula | Mountaintop panoramic |
| Exclusivity | Shared with other guests | Private property |
| Sunsets | Lake view | Famous mountaintop sunsets |
| Wedding focus | B&B that does events | Purpose-built for weddings |
| Ceremony space | TBD | Dedicated Overlook |
| Indoor space | Inn rooms | Summit Chalet |
| Outdoor space | Lawn | Grand Lawn for tented reception |
Our Unique Selling Points (USPs)
1. Mountaintop experience — Elevated above the lake, not at lake level
2. Exclusive property — Entire venue reserved for one couple
3. Sunset magic — Panoramic views = legendary golden hour photos
4. Modern infrastructure — Built for weddings, not retrofitted
5. Year-round potential — Winter weddings could be stunning
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Pricing Recommendations
Based on Market Research
Premium tier positioning: $8,000 - $12,000
Rationale:
- Above average Michigan ($5-15K range)
- Below ultra-premium ($15K+)
- Justified by: exclusive property, mountaintop views, destination experience
Suggested Pricing Structure
| Package | Price | Includes |
|---------|-------|----------|
| Weekday | $4,000 - $6,000 | 4-hour minimum, ceremony + reception space |
| Saturday (Peak) | $10,000 - $12,000 | Full day exclusive, all spaces |
| Sunday/Friday | $7,000 - $9,000 | Full day exclusive, all spaces |
| Micro Wedding | $3,500 | Up to 30 guests, 4 hours |
Deposit
- $1,000 non-refundable to secure date (already established)
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Marketing Angles Against Competitors
vs. Churchill Pointe Inn
"Love the lake views? Imagine them from ABOVE. The Overlook gives you panoramic mountaintop views — sunsets that literally take your breath away."
vs. Detroit Metro Venues
"Give your guests a destination experience without the hassle. Just 3 hours from Detroit, your Northern Michigan wedding feels like a getaway."
vs. Budget Venues
"Your wedding day deserves more than a rented tent in a field. The Overlook offers exclusive mountaintop elegance at a price that makes sense."
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Next Steps
1. [ ] Finalize pricing tiers based on summer 2026 availability
2. [ ] Add pricing to website (overlookhubbardlake.com)
3. [ ] Create comparison page vs. other Northern Michigan venues
4. [ ] Get professional photos for marketing comparison
5. [ ] Research additional competitors in 50-mile radius