Great venues do more than hold events—they set the tone for what unfolds inside them. Explore these spaces that shape celebrations, gatherings, and milestones across Minnesota, from intimate rooms made for connection to expansive settings designed for unforgettable moments.
Courtesy of Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Crow River Winery
Elegance meets escapism at Crow River Winery, a picturesque winery, vineyard, and event center overlooking 9 acres of cold-climate grapes in Hutchinson, Minnesota. An experience in its own right, Crow River offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for upcoming seasonal events, including wedding ceremonies and receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and family reunions, or corporate and business events like shareholder meetings, sales presentations, and more.
For hosts entertaining larger groups, Crow River Winery’s Events Center features full amenities, with space for up to 400 guests indoors. The two-story banquet hall is the epitome of timeless elegance, with painted drywall, large windows, and a stone fireplace, ideal for large wedding receptions year-round. Nearby, the Patio Courtyard offers an idyllic outdoor escape, the host to countless summer wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and golden-hour photo sessions.
Beyond ceremonies and receptions, couples often host bridal showers, engagement parties, and rehearsal dinners at Crow River Winery. The best part? Professional event staff takes care of setup, cleanup, and even lighting and sound services, allowing couples and families to focus on what’s most important. Meanwhile, in-house bar and catering services, wireless internet, and free on-site parking streamline the experience for guests and couples alike. crowriverwinery.com
Courtesy of Crow River Winery
The Confluence Hotel
Breathtaking river views abound at The Confluence Hotel, a historic getaway in downtown Hastings that melds modern design with riverside charm. A true one-stop shop, The Confluence boasts 84 guest rooms and suites, an on-site bar and restaurant, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and professional wedding planning and coordination services. Your scenic riverside event awaits.
Ideal for weddings, large-group gatherings, intimate family reunions, and other special celebrations, The Confluence offers a welcoming space to create memorable experiences along the Mississippi River. Event sizes can range from 25 to 300 guests, with a choice between versatile indoor and outdoor spaces—from the elegant ballroom to the scenic waterfront and courtyard.
The proud host to countless love stories, The Confluence is not only a premier wedding destination, but an ideal setting for bridal showers, engagement parties, post-wedding breakfasts, and rehearsal dinners. On-site catering makes planning seamless, while professional wedding planning and coordination services ensure every detail is refined and meaningful. Plus, 84 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites provide comfort and luxury for couples, families, and guests after the nuptials. Room blocks with discounted rates are available for wedding guests staying on-site. confluencehotel.com
Courtesy of The Confluence Hotel
Green Acres Event Center
Enter an atmosphere of rustic elegance when you host a wedding or event at Green Acres Event Center, a historic barn and farm venue in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The oldest standing barn in Eden Prairie, Green Acres was restored in 2009 by Steven Schussler—the well-known creator behind the whimsical Rainforest Cafe. That same whimsy and charm now abound at the barn, where details like crystal and candlelight chandeliers, antique jukeboxes, weathered horse saddles, aged furniture, and a custom-built hayride set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Photo by Eric Vest Photography
Equipped with both outdoor and indoor entertaining spaces, including a 3,100-square-foot great room, a lower-level mingling space, multiple hospitality suites, and two scenic outdoor ceremony sites, Green Acres plays host to everything from corporate events and family reunions to weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and more. With a total capacity of up to 299 guests (255 seated), the rustic barn is equipped to host the large-scale gathering of your dreams.
Convenience is key at Green Acres, starting with its central location just 15 minutes outside of Minneapolis—with close proximity to multiple hotels, restaurants, and the airport. Helpful additions like an on-site lighted parking lot, high-speed wireless internet, handicap-accessible elevator, luxury outdoor bathrooms, and four award-winning catering partners create a seamless experience for both planners and guests. Meanwhile, provided services including a venue manager, catering manager, facilities manager, and attentive servers make hosting easy. Your fairytale farmstead wedding awaits. greenacreseventcenter.com
Photo by Eric Vest Photography
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Entertainment and refinement align at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, an award-winning hotel, casino, and event center in the heart of Prior Lake, Minnesota. Located on the north side of the hotel, Mystic Lake Center boasts 130,000 total square feet of indoor and outdoor space, 30 flexible meeting spaces, and a maximum capacity of 2,177 guests in its largest ballroom. This unique level of adaptability makes the venue perfect for events of any size, including weddings, corporate events, trade shows, galas, and more.
Featuring advanced technology including enhanced audio and visual setups, built-in lighting, HD video screens, and experienced on-site AV teams, Mystic Lake is equipped to deliver an elevated guest experience from arrival to departure. Beyond technology, the dedicated staff is the core of what makes events at Mystic Lake Center special. Planners can enjoy catering crafted by an award-winning in-house culinary team, as well as custom wedding cakes crafted by in-house pastry chefs. Meeting and event professionals work collaboratively with an in-house marketing team to ensure every aspect of your event leaves a lasting impression. mysticlake.com
Courtesy of Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Infuse your event with award-winning theatrics at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT), Minnesota’s largest privately owned restaurant, as well as a lively professional theater and music venue. Spanning 60 years, CDT has hosted over 2,400 ceremonies and receptions, offering a unique setting, quality service, and a delicious and varied menu at exceptional prices. Whether you’re planning a casual rehearsal dinner for 30, a formal wedding ceremony and reception for 250, or a school banquet that exceeds 500, CDT’s experienced banquet managers and staff will guide you through the details of planning your celebration.
With inclusive wedding packages that are value-priced to meet the needs of wedding couples, complimentary wedding consultation, free guest parking, and on-site rehearsal dinners, CDT is a unique spot to bring your wedding to life. Dreaming of a themed wedding? You can work with CDT’s imaginative staff to bring almost any concept to life. CDT is also proud to host many weddings for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
CDT likes to think of itself as the Twin Cities’ best-kept secret when it comes to wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other events. Book a tour with its wedding coordinators to see firsthand what CDT has to offer. chanhassendt.com
Courtesy of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Set on 7 acres along the Upper Mississippi River in Winona, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) blends striking coastal-inspired architecture, riverfront views, and artful inspiration into a one-of-a-kind event destination. The 30,000-square-foot museum features flexible indoor galleries, a dramatic high-vaulted atrium, a state-of-the-art conference and education center, and expansive gardens and riverwalk spaces overlooking the Driftless Region’s bluffs.
Ideal for weddings, business meetings, cultural events, performances, photoshoots, and social celebrations, MMAM accommodates everything from intimate ceremonies to large receptions. Rotating exhibitions—ranging from historic masterworks to contemporary art—create a built-in backdrop that is both meaningful and visually stunning. With dedicated parking, versatile layouts, and an experienced hospitality team guiding every detail, MMAM offers a creative, memorable, and distinctly Minnesota setting year-round. mmam.org
Courtesy of Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Camp Fire Minnesota
Camp Fire Minnesota is a youth-serving organization located on 103 acres of land in Excelsior, Minnesota. From mid-September to mid-May, it offers its property for community events and rentals. Featuring a large community and dining center, rustic cabins, and ample green space, it’s the perfect venue for weddings, family gatherings, and more. campfiremn.org, 612-235-7284
