The Oakley in Holly, MI — A Scenic Blend of Nature, Luxury, and Love
When planning your dream wedding, nothing is more important than the perfect venue, and The Oakley in Holly, Michigan, offers an experience you won’t forget. Nestled in a luxurious, secluded setting, couples can enjoy a blend of nature and elegance, making it the ideal place to start their forever.
About the Oakley Wedding Venue
The Oakley sits on 40 acres of rolling hills near the quaint village of Holly, Michigan. Originally built in 1990 as the McKay Estate, the property was transformed beginning in 2016 into a stunning event venue. The co-owners, Cathy & Ken McKay, operated McKay’s Hardware for over 30 years, and their passion for this land is evident in every detail of The Oakley. Their daughter, Alicia, serves as co-owner and venue coordinator, bringing her graphic design eye and love for weddings to each celebration.
The team at The Oakley is known for treating clients like family, their approach is hands-on, warm, and deeply personal. The venue’s tagline says it best: “We build memories.”
Details of the Grounds
Property size & setting: 40 acres of rolling hills, lush gardens, and natural scenery.
Built & transformed: Originally built in 1990; repurposed into The Oakley starting 2016.
Structure & finishes: High-end interior finishes, modern amenities, and elegant design touches.
Capacity: Seats up to 230–250 guests.
Booking season: May through the first weekend of October.
Photography Opportunities
The Oakley offers a wealth of gorgeous backdrops:
Garden areas & rolling hills
Water feature and lush landscaping.
Indoor/outdoor ceremony space to capture dramatic moments.
A greenhouse (often used for rehearsal dinners or unique photo spots).
Courtyard and patio areas for cocktail hour and candid shots.
Wedding Details
Venue offerings & features
• Indoor/outdoor ceremony space.
• Private wedding suite (with bathroom).
• Indoor/outdoor bar & entertainment area.
• Cocktail hour courtyard or patio.
• Access to greenhouse for special events.
• Spacious reception area with elegant finishes.
Capacity & guest experience
The Oakley is ideal for weddings of up to about 230–250 guests, making it suitable for medium to larger celebrations. Couples often praise the venue’s flow and how the different event segments (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception) feel seamless.Booking & season
The venue accepts bookings in their active season from May through early October. They are currently booking weddings for 2026 and beyond.Ownership & team
The McKay family runs The Oakley, with Cathy & Ken as co-owners and Alicia serving as the lead coordinator. Their family involvement extends to the daily operations and guest experience, resulting in a distinctive personal touch.
The Oakley, Holly, Michigan
From the moment you set foot on the grounds to the final dance, The Oakley in Holly, Michigan, delivers a wedding day that feels effortless, polished, and uniquely yours. With 40 acres of scenic beauty, modern amenities, and a family-run team that treats you like friends, it’s easy to see why couples rave about it.
Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie, and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.
