Lyla Dejesus
Minnesota offers a variety of unique wedding venues, from historic gems to modern spaces, industrial-chic vibes, lush gardens, and captivating historic charm. The state's diverse wedding scene sets the stage for one-of-a-kind celebrations. When looking for an alternative wedding venue in Minnesota, there are several factors to consider, such as budget, location, and amenities. From affordable options like The Golden Bubble, Pond View Barn, and The 3 Ten Event Venue to rustic venues like The Barns of Lost Creek and Mayowood Stone Barn, Minnesota has a range of options to choose from. For those seeking a city backdrop, venues like A'BULAE in St. Paul offer a stylish rooftop experience. The state also offers unique venues like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Arboretum for those seeking a non-traditional setting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Cloud, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Cannon Falls, St. Anthony Main Minneapolis, Chaska, Hastings, Rosemount, Beldenville, Wisconsin, St. Paul |
| Venue Type | Banquet hall, outdoor patio, arboretum, vineyard, industrial arts space, community center, gallery, Airbnb, cabin, beach, lake, barn, golf club, farm, rooftop, historic building, modern building, mansion, museum, zoo, conservatory, park |
| Budget | $483–$1,070, $1,500, $3,000–$5,000, $140 per hour, free |
| Other Considerations | Number of toilets, wheelchair accessibility, heating and air conditioning, financing, packages and add-ons, reviews |
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What You'll Learn
Alternative venues in Minnesota
Minnesota has a wide variety of alternative wedding venues. From historic gems to modern spaces, Minnesota's wedding scene is full of creativity and charm.
The Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is a unique non-traditional wedding venue. The museum has two wedding spaces that can seat 160-250 guests, and everyone gets free admission. You can get some cool photos with the exhibits!
The Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a premier wedding venue with over 1,200 acres of magnificent formal gardens, picturesque landscapes, and nearly two dozen unique outdoor and indoor spaces. The venue is perfect for a relaxed vibe with a casual yet beautiful backdrop. The Arboretum offers several different spaces to host a ceremony, reception, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner.
Woodland Glasshaus at Bavaria Downs
Woodland Glasshaus is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue in Chaska, Minnesota. The property features two stunning atriums nestled in lush, wooded atmospheres. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, as well as bar and catering services.
Mayowood Stone Barn
Mayowood Stone Barn, located in Rochester, Minnesota, is an extraordinary wedding venue that blends rustic charm with timeless elegance. The venue, constructed in 1917, is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, offering a magical backdrop for your special day. The stone barn's historic allure adds a touch of grandeur to your celebration. Mayowood Stone Barn offers versatile spaces that can accommodate sizable guest lists and provide ample room for mingling.
A'BULAE
A'BULAE is a rooftop wedding venue located in St. Paul, Minnesota, serving the Minneapolis area. This stylish venue offers a city backdrop and a rustic elegance that can be customized to reflect your dream wedding day.
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Non-traditional venues
When it comes to wedding venues, a non-traditional venue can be a unique, personalised, and budget-friendly option. Here are some ideas for non-traditional wedding venues in Minnesota:
The Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the perfect venue for couples seeking a beautiful, memorable wedding ceremony, reception, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner. This venue offers over 1,200 acres of magnificent formal gardens, picturesque landscapes, and nearly two dozen unique outdoor and indoor spaces. The Arboretum provides a relaxed vibe with a casual yet stunning backdrop. They only book a select number of weddings each year to ensure each couple's special day is unique.
The Machine Shop
Located in St Anthony Main Minneapolis, The Machine Shop is an industrial and historic building with a modern feel, ample space, and natural light. It is also conveniently located near the Stone Arch Bridge, providing a beautiful setting for wedding photos.
The Como Conservatory
The Como Conservatory offers a wonderful green and colourful space all year round, with a variety of spaces inside and outside for events. The Sunken Garden is a particularly popular spot for exhibitions, so you won't need to worry about flowers!
Airbnb
While Airbnb may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of wedding venues, it can be an excellent option for unique and affordable spaces. From luxurious urban lofts to large properties, Airbnb can offer a wide range of choices to suit your style and budget.
Community Centres
Renting out a community centre, such as the Maple Grove Community Center near Minneapolis, can be a great budget-friendly option. The Maple Grove Community Center offers a banquet hall that holds up to 256 people and an outdoor patio for your ceremony, reception, or cocktail hour.
State Parks
Getting married in a State Park can provide a beautiful natural backdrop for your wedding, and it is often an affordable option. State Parks offer stunning scenery for wedding photos and a relaxed, outdoor setting for your special day.
Other Ideas
Other non-traditional venue ideas in Minnesota include museums, art centres, breweries, theatres, and boat clubs. You could also consider renting a cabin in the mountains, hosting your reception at a lake, or even getting creative with an industrial arts space or gallery.
Remember, with a little creativity, your wedding venue can be anywhere, and you can make it your own special place.
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Budget-friendly options
There are a variety of budget-friendly wedding venue options in Minnesota. The Maple Grove Community Center, near Minneapolis, is one of the most popular affordable venues in the state. It has a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 256 people and an outdoor patio for the ceremony, reception, or cocktail hour. The banquet room ranges from $483–$1,070.
For those looking for venues in Southern Minnesota, the Golden Bubble can accommodate up to 550 people and is family-owned. It includes an outdoor ceremony site, tables, and chairs. Reviews highlight the five-star service of the staff, who ensure everything is to the couple's liking.
The Grand O2 Event Center in Cannon Falls is another budget-friendly option, with venue pricing starting at $1,500 for weddings with fewer than 120 guests and ranging from $3,000–$5,000 for weddings with more than 120 guests. The venue is upfront about its pricing structure and allows couples to choose from a range of add-ons, paying only for what they need.
The Rockwoods, located between St. Cloud and the Twin Cities, is another affordable option with various rooms to accommodate different budgets and guest counts.
For those looking for a unique, non-traditional venue, Peerspace allows local hosts to rent out their spaces for weddings. You can find industrial arts spaces, lofts, and properties big enough to host small armies on Airbnb.
Other affordable venues in Minnesota include the 3 Ten Event Venue in Faribault, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Aster Café, the Wyndham Garden Otsego-Minneapolis, and the New Brighton Community Center.
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Choosing a venue with special significance
In Minnesota, there are numerous venues that offer breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance. Consider the following ideas for venues with special significance:
- The Arboretum: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a favorite among photographers for its ample spaces and cool, unique photo opportunities. It offers a singular backdrop of modern architecture and lush greenery for your union.
- Lake Superior Waterfront: For a memorable destination wedding, Pier B Resort in Duluth offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the Duluth Bridge. This could be a special choice if you and your partner share a love for the water and want a city backdrop.
- Historic Venues: Minnesota has several historic venues that lend a sense of cultural and historical significance to your wedding. These include the Round Barn Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the American Swedish Institute, blending historic elegance with contemporary design.
- The Machine Shop: If you're looking for an industrial and historic building, The Machine Shop in St. Anthony Main Minneapolis is a unique venue with a modern feel and spaciousness. It is also conveniently located near the Stone Arch Bridge.
- The Como Conservatory: This venue offers a wonderful green and colorful space all year round, with a variety of spaces inside and outside. The Sunken Garden is a highlight, where seasonal exhibitions take place, ensuring you won't have to worry about flowers!
- The Land of Promise: An outdoor ceremony space on the shores of Beebe Lake, between St. Michael and Buffalo, offers a beautiful natural setting full of promise and joy for your special day.
Remember, a venue with special significance can be anywhere that holds a unique connection or memorable experience for you and your partner. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and get creative to make your wedding day truly yours!
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What to ask before booking
When looking for an alternative wedding venue in Minnesota, there are a variety of options to choose from. From industrial and historic buildings, like The Machine Shop in St Anthony Main Minneapolis, to modern white barns, like the Redeemed Farm, and lakeside venues like Grand View Lodge, there's something for everyone.
Now, before you book your wedding venue, there are several important questions you need to ask to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly and is as stress-free as possible.
Date Availability
Confirm if your desired date is available and, if not, ask about the surrounding dates. Some venues offer discounts for off-season dates or weekdays, so it's worth asking about availability and potential discounts.
Costs and Contracts
Ask about the total cost, including any additional fees, service charges, taxes, gratuities, and labour fees. Request a sample contract and clarify the deposit, cancellation, and refund policies.
Vendors and Add-On Services
Inquire about any approved vendors, such as caterers, and whether there are limitations if you want to bring in your own. Find out if the venue offers add-on services like catering, and if so, ask about menu options, dietary restrictions, and menu tasting opportunities.
Setup and Breakdown
Determine when your vendors can start setting up on the day of the wedding, and if you can start setting up the day before. Ask if the venue provides assistance with breaking down and returning decorations, gifts, etc. to a designated location.
On-Site Logistics
Check if there is a separate space for guests to mingle after the ceremony and if there are multiple events happening on the same day, how this is handled by staff. Inquire about the availability of parking and whether it is included in the rental fee.
Staffing and Coordination
Ask about the number of staff members who will be on-site during the wedding and if there is an on-site coordinator. Find out if the same person will be your point of contact during the planning process and on the wedding day, and request a meeting with them.
Remember to keep notes during your venue tour so that you can make an informed decision and book with confidence!
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Frequently asked questions
You can search for venues online using terms like "alternative wedding venues Minnesota". You can also use wedding planning websites like WeddingWire, which offer venue lists and vendor managers.
Here is a list of unique wedding venues in Minnesota:
- The Arboretum
- The Machine Shop
- The Science Museum of Minnesota
- Woodland Glasshaus at Bavaria Downs
- Equestria West at Bavaria Downs
- The Lowlands
- Mayowood Stone Barn
- The Luminaire
- The Land of 10,000 Lakes
- Urban Daisy Events
When choosing an alternative wedding venue in Minnesota, there are a few key things to consider:
- The venue's availability on your desired date.
- Whether the venue can accommodate your expected headcount.
- The number of toilets and whether the space is wheelchair accessible.
- If there is air conditioning and heating to accommodate extreme temperatures.
- The financing and whether a contract is required.
Here are some tips to help you find an alternative wedding venue in Minnesota:
- Consider the overall atmosphere and style you want for your wedding. Do you prefer a modern, industrial, rustic, or elegant venue?
- Look for venues that offer unique features, such as outdoor spaces, glass tents, or historic architecture.
- Read reviews and look for venues that have inspired others through their photography or testimonials.
