Cook-DeWitt Center
The Cook-Dewitt Center Auditorium seats 236 people and is just the place you’ve been looking for to host your concert, performance, lecture, service, wedding, or other event! There are 12 rows of chairs on each side of the center aisle and a raised stage at the front.
Located in the heart of the GVSU Allendale Campus, the Cook-Dewitt Center is just steps from the Cook Carillon Tower.
CDC Capacities
Wedding Info
The Cook-DeWitt Center is a beautiful venue to host your wedding ceremony. Enjoy the beautiful view of the ravines during all four seasons!
Whether you want an indoor ceremony at the Cook-Dewitt Center or an outdoor ceremony in the Arboretum, GVSU is a beautiful place to host your wedding.
Please contact Event Services at (616) 331-2350 or [email protected] for further information, questions, to check availability, or to make a reservation.
Alumni, students, faculty and staff will receive 25% discount for room rental.
Reservation Policies
- Reservations can be made up to one year in advance of the requested event date.
- Rooms will be held tentatively for 10 days without payment.
- After 10 days the tentative hold will be canceled if payment and contract have not been received.
- A tentative hold will not be considered confirmed until proper payment has been made and a contract has been signed. (Payment must be made within the 10-day tentative hold.)
- To confirm your room reservation, a deposit of at least 50% of the room cost must be made within 10 days of the initial hold, along with submission of a signed copy of the rental contract (e-mailed to the customer when request is made).
- Sales tax of 6% is added to all rentals.
Wedding Rentals Frequently Asked Questions
Fast facts about the Cook-DeWitt Center Auditorium:
Holds 236 people in 12 rows of chairs on 2 sides of aisle with 10 rows per side (6 seats in front row, west side)
Aisle is 47 ½ feet long, 5 feet 6 ½ inches wide
Stage is 49' x 17'
What instruments are available?
Piano and Organ (pianist and/or organist not provided)
Organ info: Rueter Opus 2142, 1991, two manuals, 32 ranks
What kind of decorations can be used?
No tape or confetti may be used in any manner in the building. Decorations may be used as long as they are removed/cleaned up after the event.
Where does the bride get ready?
The Green Room
Where does the groom get ready?
The Conference Room
Are podiums/pedestals available?
Yes - 2 podiums, 2 pedestals (12.5" x 12.5" x 36" for unity candle and/or flowers)
What kind of sound equipment is available?
Microphones (floor, podium, and lavalier), iPod/MP3 hookup, CD player, etc.
These items are included in the rental price of the Cook-DeWitt Center
Do we have to provide our own officiant?
Yes, the customer is responsible for providing the officiant.
Can we bring in snacks for before our wedding?
Food prepared by the wedding party may be brought into the Cook-DeWitt Center as long as it is removed when the event is over.
No catered items are allowed unless the wedding party uses Grand Valley State University's contracted catering services Laker Food Compay.
The wedding party is responsible for removing everything brought in and for the cleanup. A $50 fee will be assessed if there is lack of compliance.
Will staff be there from Grand Valley?
Yes, event staff will be onsite for the rehearsal and the wedding to assist with any questions. The event staff is also responsible for running any audio/visual requested for the event.
Where can I park for my event in the Cook-DeWitt Center?
There is free parking after 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and all weekend in the metered lot on the south side of the Kirkhof Center and in Lot G and Lot H. You may drop guests off and load/unload decorations at the door of Cook-DeWitt. Parking is prohibited at the Cook-DeWitt Center and surrounding area. Tickets will be issued if vehicles are left unattended.
If you require a parking option prior to 6:30 p.m. on a Friday, please coordinate with Event Services by calling 331-2350.
Rental Rates
The Cook-DeWitt Center is the perfect location to hold your wedding ceremony. Just north of the Cook Carillon Clock Tower on GVSU's Allendale campus, the Cook-Dewitt Center holds up to 236 people and offers a beautiful location to share your special day.
Cost:
$750
Package Includes:
- A 2-hour block of time for a rehearsal the evening before the wedding ceremony in the Cook-DeWitt Center.
- A 6-hour block of time on the day of the ceremony, the entire building is yours for this time.
- Microphone and basic sound system
- Event directional signs will be placed at all three main campus entrances
- Golf carts are available for rent from the Meadows Golf Course. Call (616) 331-1004 for details.
The GVSU Arboretum serves as a lovely location for an outdoor wedding ceremony if you’re looking to get married among towering trees and blooming flowers. The Arboretum is located in the middle of GV’s Allendale campus and is right next to the Little Mac Bridge overlooking the Ravines.
Cost:
$500
Package Includes:
- (4) hour block of time on the day of the ceremony in the Arboretum.
- GVSU Event Services does not provide sound for Arboretum events—there is electricity available on both the east and west arbors.
- Guest parking in Lot M or Lot G, drop-offs can be made at the Arboretum—parking is prohibited (Directions & Parking page).
- Event directional signs will be placed at all three main campus entrances.
- Additional rental arrangements for the following may be made through Event Services on behalf of the client:
- Rooms in the Kirkhof Center for bridal party or reception.
- Tent, chairs, Port-a-John (inclusive pricing provided).
- Golf carts are available for rent from the Meadows Golf Course. Call (616) 331-1004 for details.
Combine the best of the Arboretum and Cook-DeWitt Center for your wedding!
Cost:
$1100
Package Includes:
- (2) hour block of time for a rehearsal the evening before the wedding ceremony in the Cook-DeWitt Center.
- (6) hour block of time the day of the ceremony, the entire building is yours for this time.
- (4) hour block of time on the ceremony day in the Arboretum.
- And other items listed in the above packages.
