Minnesota Wedding Venues We Loved But Didn't Choose
At the beginning of 2021, after being engaged for seven months, Peter and I set a date! Wahoo!!!
It might not seem like a huge deal to find a venue, but believe me when I say we (mostly me) struggled with finding the perfect venue for a long time. We went back and forth a million times on venue locations, styles, ambiances, etc. in the quest for the perfect space.
I am a very emotion-oriented person, so if there’s a weird energy from a space or I don’t feel completely comfortable, it’s not for me. My vision for our day is very laid-back, with beautiful natural tones, elements of nature and just fun energy. I’m not a glitzy bride who wants tons of crystals or glitter, but I’m also not a farm-house style gal either. So the trick was finding a space that felt like it was me, even when I had a hard time articulating exactly what “me” was. Oh, and I think now is a good time to mention that because I have worked behind-the-scenes at so many weddings as a videographer, there were certain elements I wasn’t willing to settle on.
It’s at this point that I need to interject and give praise to Peter. Holy cow that man is a saint. I can’t even count the amount of times I told him I didn’t like a space because it “didn’t feel right” without being able to articulate exactly why. And how did he react? As Peter Doebler does: with patience and encouragement, smiling and gently nudging me to keep looking. I really don’t know how he had such a kind heart for me during this time, but thank God for this man.
Okay back to the venues, so when we finally chose the venue, we were elated. The biggest element of the day was solidified and we had a great starting point to start the rest of this planning process. And while I’m not going to tell you where we chose, I will share with you other places in the Twin Cities area that we considered in the hopes that this may help you in your search one day!
Things to consider when choosing a wedding venue
The ‘Flow’: Do you want guests to have different spaces to wander through during the day, like moving from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception in different rooms? Or are you good with flipping a space and having it all in one area?
Decor: Do they have a decor-supply closet for you to borrow from?
The weather: This is a big duh, but I have to remind you that there are some barn venues that don’t have AC, which is something to consider if you are having a summer wedding. Similarly, you will want to ask about heaters if you are planning a fall date outdoors.
Vendor requirements: This will get ya! All venues have a policy on this, typically they have preferred vendors that you have to use for either food, alcohol or both. So if you are set on BBQ but they don’t offer a vendor that offers it, consider chatting with the venue about it prior to booking.
Kitchen Space: There are some venues that have a full kitchen for catering and some that have a warming kitchen where caterers just bring food to warm up. This is important to know if you aren’t doing catering through your venue!
Sound system: How is their sound situation? Yes you will likely have a DJ, but they may also have an-in house system for speeches, reception, etc. I mention this because one venue actually had an incredible set-up that had a deluxe speaker set-up to create an intimate atmosphere for speeches because they know there is nothing worse than people talking when your dad is mid-speech.
Distance from the Cities: Being further from the Twin Cities (or any city) will usually mean higher travel fees associated with your vendors. This is when it becomes important to ask your venue for their recommended vendors because sometimes those people waive the fee if they have a partnership with the venue.
Hotels/accommodations: Consider how close the nearest hotel is for your guests and if you are going to have a shuttle provided for them. Some venues are surrounded by hotels while others may have limited options, be sure that if you are in a more remote area that you contact the hotels to reserve rooms earlier than later.
*Fun fact: September weddings are the most popular in MN, so if you are thinking of a fall wedding, be sure to grab your date soon!
Wedding Venues We Loved but Didn’t Choose
Farmhouse-Style Venues in Minnesota
★ Hope Glen Farm | Cottage Grove, MN
One of my friends got married here a few years back and it was awesome! The venue has an indoor/outdoor feel, with the classic modern farm vibe that is so popular these days. It was split up nicely with space to spread out during cocktail hour and a separate dance floor for those who wanted to dance the night away.
★ Legacy Hill Farm | Welch, MN
I think this place really popped off on social media in the last couple years, and has quickly become a bridal favorite. They do book out pretty far in advance, so if this is an option for you, I would snag it quick! What I love about this space is all the outdoor space and subtle farm-house feel that can be dressed up or down.
★ Redeemed Farm | Scandia, MN
This was actually our #2 choice! Not only was this venue stunning, but the owners were incredibly kind and gentle souls. You can really feel the love and intentionality that they pour into this place. They are the ones with an incredible sound-system that I previously mentioned. They also did a fabulous job of breaking the property into spaces so that each part of the day (ceremony, cocktail hour, etc.) feels like a new experience for the guests!
★ Bloom Lake Barn | Shafer, MN
This is a very barn heavy vibe, so if that’s your thing, this is a great option. The property sits on a large amount of land, with plenty of space for guests to roam outside or spend time in the massive barn. It was actually way more spacious in person!
★ Gathered Oaks | Alexandria, MN
This was initially our favorite venue! The cool thing about this place is they have silos that you can rent out for the weekend where your wedding party can stay! It sounds weird I know, but I think you should check out their website to see what I’m talking about because it’s very unique!
Modern Minnesota Wedding Venues
☆ Pinewood | Cambridge, MN
This place is like stepping foot into a Twilight novel with massive trees lining the outdoor ceremony space. The attention to detail throughout the venue is incredible. They really play into black and white, with the venue being a blank-slate for your decor. The bar was also beautiful and served both the outdoor and indoor cocktail spaces all in one. The only thing I will warn you about is that music ends early-ish and turns into a silent disco.
☆ Nicolette Island Pavilion | Minneapolis, MN
The beauty of this place lies in the location. You are smack dab in the heart of the Cities, but yet secluded from the busy streets as the venue sits on the river. If you are a city-lover I would say this is a great space for you!
☆ The Hutton House | Medicine Lake, MN
I shot a wedding here back in the day and it was such a stunning venue. The space is a blank slate for your vision to come true! The outdoor space is astroturf, so it always maintains that beautiful green color during the ceremony. The inside space is a large building with two separate rooms cocktail hour and the reception. The wedding I shot here was pretty jazzy I must say!
☆ Machine Shop | Minneapolis, MN
Okay this is far beyond my budget, but if you are looking to go crazy then I would definitely recommend the Machine Shop. This is a beautiful layout with the ceremony in the main room downstairs that is flipped for reception during cocktail hour upstairs. The cool thing about it is that the upstairs overlooks below, so you can watch the whole process. It’s a unique venue for sure!
☆ Villa Bellezza | Pepin, WI
This venue has all the Italian vibes. I actually shot a summer wedding here and absolutely loved it. The outdoor winery has a European feel and the inside is like a castle. Food and beverages were also simple since they have a restaurant here as well - which you need to try for a wine-date regardless!
I hope this is helpful for you as you search for the perfect venue! It’s such a fun process so let yourself enjoy the ride, everything will work out exactly how it’s supposed to!