Wedding season has arrived, but which Minnesota venues provide the most distinctive and enriching experience? From a remodeled warehouse in the heart of Minneapolis to a serene barn in the country, you can find just about any setting that suits your fancy.
Minnesota History Center
Experience what hundreds of other couples have enjoyed with a wedding at the Minnesota History Center. Choose this venue if you want to combine the time-honored traditions of wedding celebrations with the breathtaking architecture and modern styling of the Minnesota History Center. The History Center is located between the State Capitol and the Cathedral of St. Paul, which makes it a perfect spot to take stunning photos.
Creekside Farm
Conveniently located one hour north of the metro in Rush City, Creekside Farm is a picturesque location for a traditional country wedding. The farm is secluded on 50 acres with rolling hills, open fields, and a beautiful creek. The new barn features modern facilities including heat and air conditioning, but still has that rustic barn design you’ve been looking for. The barn also has a bridal suite and a groom’s room—the grooms room even features a TV and a Wii U to keep the groomsmen occupied. Creekside Farm is open year-round and can set up to 288 guests. You can choose a variety of outdoor locations for the ceremony, such as alongside the creek, in the woods, with the barn as the backdrop, and more.
Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens
Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River and only 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens, is a prime spot for an outdoor wedding with a gorgeous view. The Mississippi Gardens features almost five acres of beautiful land and is part of the National Park Service area. You can choose to have your ceremony on their elevated deck facing the river or right on the bank of the river. Then for the reception, go inside and enjoy their large ballroom that seats up to 330 guests. The venue offers a bride’s room, a groom’s room, and free parking, as well as catering with Mintahoe Catering & Events.
Glensheen Mansion
Glensheen Mansion, perched on the shore of Lake Superior, is a perfect place for a fairy tale wedding. The 12-acre estate features gardens, bridges, and the famous 39-room mansion built with 20th century craftsmanship. Just some of the services included are rehearsal coordination, security, skirted tables, self-guided mansion tours, greeters, and more. Glensheen, the most visited historical home in Minnesota, is LGBTQ+ friendly and is a 2018 Best of Weddings winner by The Knot.
Target Field
Baseball fans will not want to miss the opportunity to get married on Target Field, home of the Minneapolis Twins. Start with a home plate ceremony and photo shoot and end with a reception in one of the clubs or atriums. Target Field also offers event enhancers, including allowing couples to display a slideshow or video on their video boards and scoreboards, giving private tours, and creating custom bride and groom jerseys. They offer a variety of wedding packages in order to satisfy their clients’ needs and fit any budget.
Barn at Five Lakes Resort
The Barn at Five Lakes Resort is the perfect wedding venue for couples looking to get married in a beautiful northern Minnesota location. You will be surrounded by a glistening lake, awe-inspiring woods, rolling fields, and a rustic but sophisticated barn. Not only will the staff at Barn at the Five Lakes make your wedding a dream come true, they also offer accommodations, such as ceremony locations and officiant; food, beverage, and cake for the reception; lodging for guests; and grooms dinner locations and catering.
Mill City Museum
Contemporary meets industrial at this venue that allows room for up to 1,000 guests. Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River, the striking Mill City Museum was built among the ruins of the old Washburn A Flour Mill, a National Historic Landmark. Major renovations done in 2001 brought the 120-year-old building into the 21st century. The award-winning architectural design combines artifacts from the mill’s past with modern steel, brick, and wood to craft a modern space. They put emphasis on preserving the building’s historic integrity.
Aria
Aria, located in the hip North Loop neighborhood in Minneapolis, believes in making dreams a reality by customizing each ceremony and reception to that specific couple. Not only do you receive assistance from a dedicated Aria event manager, but Aria also provides various amenities with each rental, including a private dressing room, furniture, and bar and security staff. Aria wants your wedding to feel luxurious in their exceptionally decorated dressing lounges, three adjacent private bathrooms, and separate bay of sinks.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
From elephant rides to live jousting and mermaids, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival has it all. But did you know they do weddings too? Mid-America Festivals has been creating timeless weddings for more than 40 years. You can choose to have a traditional or Renaissance-style wedding with different location options for the ceremony and the reception, depending on the size of your guest list. Weddings can be held anywhere from mid-May through early October when the Renaissance Fair is closed for an intimate celebration or when it is open for the public.
Nicolette Island Pavilion
Nicolette Island Pavilion is an award-winning premier Minneapolis venue brimming with history and allure. The venue sits on the Mississippi Riverbank and therefore has the best views in town of the Minneapolis bridges and skyline. Nicolette Island Pavilion features high industrial ceilings and exposed brick to give the feeling of an open atmosphere with a splash of character. The venue can seat 500 guests and all events are managed by Mintahoe Catering & Events.
