One of the first decisions you make as a couple when you start to plan your wedding is choosing where. Your venue sets the tone for your day, helps solidify your date and plays a huge role in your wedding photography, too! To help you make this decision, I’ve put together a list of some of my top Minnesota wedding venues (in no particular order!)
Top Minnesota Wedding Venues to Consider in the Twin Cities
Basilica of St. Mary | Minneapolis, Minnesota
Who said a church wedding couldn’t be incredible? The Basillica in Minneapolis is a true masterpiece. From the gorgeous exterior and grand staircase to the mile-high ceilings and gorgeous artwork inside, it’s truly a sight to behold. It screams tradition, elegance and is truly a jaw dropping venue for those wanting a more formal, traditional ceremony space. For Catholic couples looking for a space that will feel regal and impressive, the Basillica of St. Mary is an awe-inspiring space.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory | St. Paul
Definitely tailored more for an intimate wedding, but the Como Park Conservatory is a great space for a green, nature-inspired wedding day no matter what time of year it is. In the warmer months, the outdoor space is truly stunning – filled with flowers, greenery and water features to bring lots of color to your day. The indoor gardens keep the spring and summer vibes going all year round and are just a stunning spot for any small wedding.
Hewing Hotel | North Loop Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Hewing Hotel is an iconic spot in North Loop, Minneapolis. It’s known for great cocktails, gorgeous industrial suites and its rooftop with the best views (and a jacuzzi!) It’s a great place for small ceremonies or getting ready photos the morning of your wedding.
The food at the Hewing is to die for and they’re well known for their killer Old Fashioned cocktails (hello whiskey fans!) The spaces have just enough modern flair to give your day a fun, unique feel while still being classically stunning. The Hewing Hotel is a perfect spot for couples wanting the downtown feel with incredible views and even better service.
See more wedding photos from the Hewing here.
Hotel Ivy | Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hotel Ivy is one of the most stunning hotels in Minneapolis and a great location for classic, gorgeous wedding days. Not only does it host a beautiful ballroom and incredible guest accommodations, but it’s also home to one of the most unique wedding ceremony options in the city. Ever thought of getting married in a skyways like these two babes?
Their dusk hour wedding, lit with fairy lights and candles to turn the whole place violet, was one of the most beautiful, unique weddings I’ve ever photographed. I can’t recommend Hotel Ivy enough.
See more wedding photos from Hotel Ivy.
The Lumber Exchange | Minneapolis, Minnesota
I love a Lumber Exchange wedding for couples who really want to be in the heart of the city. The indoor ceremony and reception space is stunning and so unique, but my favorite spot is the rooftop next door. Couples who book their wedding in this gorgeous venue should definitely take advantage of the perfect golden hour views.
The ceremony space is very unique and industrial. The brick interior and tall ceilings mean give you a really dramatic look (and the ability to get some seriously beautiful photos with the view from above!) It also comes with a spacious, beautiful getting ready space and plenty of room off the side of the ceremony space for cocktail hour while the staff flips your room.
Rolling Ridge Weddings | St. Joseph, Minnesota
Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center is a sprawling estate in central Minnesota that’s home to a number of beautiful ceremony, cocktail hour and reception spots. The thing I love about wedding at Rolling Ridge are all of the options available to couples. Indoors, outdoors, woods, gorgeous stone backdrops and a beautiful barn to party the night away.
Most photos you’ll see show the the gorgeous forests and outdoor space on the property, but the indoor spaces are just as stunning. I photographed a wedding there during a tornado warning and we still got incredible photos and one heck of a party.
See more wedding photos from Rolling Ridge.
St. Paul College Club | St. Paul, Minnesota
The St. Paul College Club is a historic mansion filled with charm and a ton of beautiful spots for photos. It makes even big weddings feel small and intimate, with beautiful specialized spaces for any day. Located right next to the governor’s mansion on Summit in St. Paul, it’s central location and easy street parking make it a great option for any day.
Check out more from this top Minnesota wedding venue here.
The Whim | Minneapolis, Minnesota
Run don’t walk and book The Whim for your big day. This spot makes my list of top Minnesota wedding venues for its bright, open spaces, ready for you to customize to make your own. High ceilings, huge windows and a bridal suite that’s to die for making this a venue you won’t want to skip out on.
Top Minnesota Wedding Venues in the Twin Cities Suburbs
These Minnesota wedding venues are all nice and close to the twin cities without being in the heart of downtown. They all come with a little more space and equally stunning views.
Hazeltine National Golf Club | Chaska, Minnesota
It’s one of the top courses in Minnesota for golf and a favorite, classic spot for engaged couples to say “I do!” Hazeltine is set on a gorgeous sprawling space overlooking Lake Hazeltine making it a picture perfect spot for your day.
The large, newly renovated ballroom gives you an elegant feel and the food will keep all of your guests happy all night long. They also accommodate all kinds of fun dessert requests to make your day unique, including an ice cream sundae bar like this couple did!
And again, hello golden hour! The rolling hills and sprawling course create plenty of photo opportunities for you and your babe at sunset, all just a short golf cart ride away from the party inside.
Click on over for more wedding photos from Hazeltine to see why it’s on my list of top Minnesota wedding venues.
Loft at Studio J Wedding Venue | Stillwater, Minnesota
If you’re looking for a laid-back, industrial Minnesota wedding venue, the Loft at Studio J is a fantastic option. Right in downtown Stillwater, but sitting above the street with plenty of space for your whole crew and an awesome wedding party suite, too!
See more wedding photos from the Loft at Studio J.
The Minneapolis Golf Club | Golden Valley, Minnesota
I love a golf club venue for a couple of reasons. You get the beautiful, traditional ballroom feeling and also the gorgeous green space for photos with your new spouse. The Minneapolis Golf Club in Golden Valley has such a great set up for your big day. You enter into a gorgeous lobby space that’s perfect for cocktail hour, have a large ballroom to fit even your biggest weddings and it all opens out to the green for your photography needs.
Northern Stacks Event Center | Fridley, Minnesota
This is a newer space in Fridley, Minnesota but I loved working Nick & Bri’s wedding here. The industrial space is attached to a craft brewery (hello!) It’s a great, all-in-one space for any couple wanting a neutral space to make their own. And as a bonus, the vibe completely changes into a crazy cool artsy one when the sun goes down and their lights go on for dancing.
Click on over for more wedding photos from Northern Stacks.
The Woods Chapel | Orono, Minnesota
If you’re looking for the chance to star in your own live-action Disney film, this would be the place I’d pick to do it. The Woods Chapel is host to a gorgeous, bright cathedral space to say I do, an updated cottage to get ready in and a stunning outdoor space for an outdoor ceremony and your portraits. I was blown away but this little venue in the woods. It shows off the best of Minnesota’s outdoors, especially in the summer and fall.
Top Minnesota Wedding Venues in Greater Minnesota
These venues fall outside of the twin cities and surrounding areas, but are some of my favorites in the state!
Blackberry Ridge Golf Course | Sartell, Minnesota
This one probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s followed me here, but I love Blackberry Ridge. It comes with a fantastic event coordinator, lots of natural light, a fantastic patio space and of course about a million gorgeous spots for photos out on the course. I’ve photographed this venue in all seasons and can truly say that Blackberry is a beautiful venue all year round. From friendly staff, a cute getting ready space to beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, Blackberry is a win every time.
I mean these golden hour photos? If you want these same kind portraits on your big day, Blackberry Ridge might be the perfect for you.
See more wedding photos from this top Minnesota wedding venue here.
Clyde Iron Works & Malting Building | Duluth, Minnesota
It’s not secret that I love Duluth. Really, truly adore her. It’s where I met the love of my life and hubby and I love this venue up along Lake Superior’s shores. It’s a multi-level venue with the coolest industrial feel just down the street from the fun craft breweries in West Duluth. Clyde has multiple set up options for your ceremony and reception and has all the space you need for weddings big and small.
Click on over for more wedding photos from Clyde Malting Building.
Gardens of Castle Rock | Northfield, Minnesota
The Gardens of Castle Rock is a beautiful spot for any nature-loving couple, with multiple ceremony spaces depending on what vibe you’re looking for. This space has so many gorgeous backdrops, you really can’t go wrong with a single one. If you’re looking for an outdoorsy, but super accessible, venue in the South Metro, you really need to check this space out.
Pinewood Weddings & Events | Cambridge, Minnesota
Say hello to your wooded wedding getaway at Pinewood Weddings & Events. Pinewood is truly a photographer’s paradise. The bold, black exterior walls and bright white spaces inside create a gorgeous, neutral backdrop for getting ready photos, your ceremony and reception.
And as gorgeous how the indoor spaces are, it’s the woodsy, outdoor vibe that really draws you in. Their outdoor ceremony space makes you feel like you’re getting married in a fairytale dream filled with tall pines, twinkle lights and gorgeous lounge spaces.
This is also a top venue for this golden-hour-loving photographer! When we sneak away from the reception for photos, we don’t have to go far or take away from your day for perfect shots.
Take a peek at a few of my favorite spots for photos at Pinewood to learn why it makes the list of top Minnesota wedding venues.
Schroeder Farm Wedding Venue | Mankato, Minnesota
If you’re looking for a beautiful, rustic chic venue in the Mankato area, I can’t recommend Schroeder Farm enough. They’ve got a little bit of everything, the cool, modern deck and silo space, the rustic open-air barn and the green space that leads to the woods for that outdoor feel (and incredible golden hour photos!) I am dying to go shoot another wedding there and capture this gorgeous space again.
Check out more from Schroder Farm and Nate & Alicia’s wedding here.
