Even in quaint Midwest gems like Minnesota, wedding venue choices are plentiful. It's hard to make decisions in everyday life, let alone for a day supposed to be the -very- best one. Think about what you want your special day to reveal about you and your future spouse. Do you want to have an intimate wedding to show the closeness you feel to your family and friends? Or do you want to have a massive celebration that includes dancing on rooftops? Perhaps you want both? Whatever it is, you'll be able to narrow your choices to one of the best wedding venues listed below.
St. Paul, Ramsey County - Our Top 3 Picks
Most Elegant - Saint Paul Hotel
Your love story will interact beautifully with this premier hotel located in the heart of the city. With European features and a vintage aesthetic, Saint Paul Hotel is fit for a queen on her most memorable day. If you like the opulence and romance of French Provincial design and want to solidify your wedding day in the history of St.Paul, this is the perfect venue. There are many different packages for up to 500 guests, including multiple rooms that echo the hotel's charm.
Most Scenic - Summit Manor
This beautiful mansion that was built in 1901 comes complete with a perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. Summit Manor is quiet and laid back, the historical landmark offers beautiful details that compliment a traditional wedding. Storybook features like a mahogany and stone staircase make for breathtaking photos you'll cherish forever. The venue is also known for great food packages and is perfect for smaller and more intimate accommodations.
On a budget - K & J Catering
Just because your wedding doesn't have an unlimited budget, doesn't mean that you can't have a great time. K & J Catering figure out the logistics for you, which is especially helpful if wedding planning on a budget is what you are looking for. They offer exceptional catering as well as a space you can decorate to your liking for up to 250 guests. Combining the two factors saves you time and money and offers you and your guests an enchanting wedding complete with a good time. For this venue, all you'll need is a good DJ- which K&J Catering are pleased to recommend.
Minneapolis, Hennepin County - Our Top 3 Picks
Most Elegant - The Van Dusen Mansion
Fit for a fairytale, this mansion offers the perfect setting for any bride. Dark woodwork, natural light through stained glass, and priceless art pieces cover each part of this beautiful landmark.
The Van Dusen Mansion is located in downtown Minneapolis, it was created in the late 17th century and has since been restored. Let your guests take a step back into the past while celebrating you and your partner's new life together. You can also enjoy drinks in the location’s updated speakeasy bar.
Most Scenic - Leopold's Mississippi Gardens
It doesn't get more scenic than this location on the Mississippi River and only 15 miles from downtown Minneapolis. This venue comes complete with sprawling gardens across nearly 5 acres. Drenched in natural light, your vows will echo against a breathtaking landscape. If you want a water element to your wedding without running off to a beach, Leopold's Mississippi Gardens is another option you can consider. The 4000 square foot area is ideal for guests of 200, where they'll have plenty of space to celebrate your big day.
On a Budget - Southview Country Club
This stunning country club presents an all-inclusive set up that allows you to have an elegant day without the price tag. Sweet. The beautiful golf course, maintained to the highest standards, will be the backdrop to a day to remember. You'll be able to customize your menu, invite up to 300 guests, and breathe in the fresh air with vast green views in Southview Country Club.
Rochester, Olmsted County - Our Top 3 Picks
Most Elegant - J.D. Powers at the Hilton
Enjoy the feeling of luxury with this beautiful hotel space. Located downtown, your guests will enjoy a modern city skyline illuminated by sparkling chandeliers. J.D. Powers at the Hilton has a touch of sophistication that makes it an excellent choice for a cosmopolitan couple eager to take on the world. Let the sky be your limit, as the venue can hold up to 800 guests! It also includes a rooftop terrace that looks out onto the city lights and is perfect for cocktail hour. Your guests will also have the luxury of partying into the night and only taking an elevator home.
Most Scenic - Maywood Stone Barn
If you love the barn wedding appeal, this is your dream location. It truly makes your heart melt with a beautiful triangle wood ballroom adorned with flowers and string lights. Say your "I do's" inside or outside of the rustic stone walls that align the property. Maywood Stone Barn will also make your DIY wedding crafts shine, so feel free to customize your space. The country feeling and laid-back atmosphere will set a blissful tone to your wedding day.
On a Budget - Studio 324
Suppose you're looking to have a smaller, stylish wedding, then this is the location for you. Located in one of the city's oldest buildings, Studio 324 offers the charm of the past with today's modernity. Adorned with mid-century furniture and gallery-worthy art pieces, it sets itself apart by embracing a trendy ambiance. Show your artistic side in this brick covered venue that fits up to 110 guests. Your love is unique. Your wedding should be too.
Whether you imagine yourself getting married in a skyscraper or on a luxury golf course, these choices have a lot to offer. Your wedding is a day where you can let your personality and creativity shine. Feel free to go with the look that suits your taste and put your unique spin on the details. Any of these hand-picked options will provide you a beautiful backdrop so that you can have the best day with pictures to prove it.
Dr. Liliana Wolf, psychotherapist, former professor of psychology and international relationship expert, has been preparing couples for marriage at her Coral Gables office for over 20 years. She is an approved and certified provider of online premarital courses in all states extending incentives, Including the State of Minnesota where couples can save time and money in their Minnesota marriage license by showing an Official Minnesota Certificate of Completion. Favored by couples about to be married, her courses have achieved a consistent 5-star rating, positioning her in the top 1% in sales of online courses by the Teachable platform worldwide. Ranked at the top 1% in the specialty of marriage and family nationwide by HealthGrades, Dr. Wolf is at the top of her game both as a clinician and professor.