Planning a wedding is an exciting yet overwhelming experience for many couples. One of the key decisions you’ll make is picking the venue for your special day. You want a location that aligns with your dreams and personality yet is still within budget.
Minneapolis has many stunning locations to host your special day. The options range from historic mansions to modern spaces with breathtaking views. Below, we’ll discuss the nine best wedding venues in Minneapolis to help you find the most suitable spot to say “I do.”
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue
Before we discuss the list of preferred venues, it’s important to discuss some of the key factors you need to know when making this decision.
Budget
Have a budget range beforehand to make the elimination process easy. Pick a venue within your budget range and consider any additional costs you may incur for hiring that space. For instance, check whether you’ll need to hire portable toilets, tents, and seats, and include all this in the venue budget.
Guest Count
Choose a venue that can comfortably host all your guests, plus a few others who may not have confirmed their attendance but were invited. Think of whether the guests will spend most of the time seated or moving around. Rent Minneapolis wedding locations that have an adequate dance floor and floor space for guests to move around and interact freely,
Style
Have a concrete theme or vibe before you begin venue hunting. Pick top wedding venues in Minneapolis that align with your preferred theme, whether indoor or outdoor. Ensure there’s enough room to be creative so that you can explore classic, modern, rustic, or any other preferred theme.
Location
Prioritize Minneapolis wedding venues that are easily accessible for all guests. That means guests can easily use private and public transport to get to and from the venue. Let the venue have ample parking, nearby accommodations, and internal amenities for persons with disabilities, such as ramps instead of staircases.
Best Wedding Venues in Minneapolis
Now, let’s examine the best wedding venues in Minneapolis to understand their benefits, capacity, theme, and unique features.
1. Lumber Exchange
Lumber Exchange is located in downtown Minneapolis in a building built in 1885. The venue has been restored and now offers a blend of historic charm and modern elegance. You’ll enjoy soaring ceilings, original brickwork, and ornate details that offer a beautiful and unique experience.
The venue has multiple event spaces, including the grand Fountain Room and the chic Exchange & Alibi Lounge—this means it can accommodate weddings of different sizes and up to 450 guests at a time.
One thing that makes Lumber Exchange one of the best wedding venues in Minneapolis is its versatility. It offers an unforgettable setting that will immerse your guests in an experience that combines the past and the present.
2. Gale Mansion
If you want an elegant, historic wedding, the Gale Mansion is your go-to venue. It’s a historic mansion with an intimate setting that is a classic choice for a timeless and elegant event. The outdoors is picturesque, with well-manicured lawns and clean pathways ideal for photo and video shooting.
The Gale Mansion is among the best wedding venues in Minneapolis, accommodating up to 200 guests. It was built in the early 20th Century and has remained beautifully maintained to this day. You and your guests will enjoy fresh gardens, grand staircases, world-class catering, personalized service tailored to your needs, and multiple event spaces.
3. Nicollet Island Pavilion
Nicollet Island is one of the best wedding venues in Minneapolis. It offers spectacular views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River. The pavilion has industrial floor-to-ceiling windows so your guests can take in the views during the ceremony.
It has immaculate outdoor spaces where you can take photos and hold your reception under natural light. The venue can accommodate 500 guests and is great if you’re looking for a scenic and spacious venue.
4. The View
The View is one of the best wedding venues in Minneapolis, known for its panoramic views. It offers a great view of the city’s skyline because it’s located atop a high rise with floor-to-ceiling windows. The venue is full of natural light, which is great for ceremonies and receptions.
You can host your wedding in their indoor and outdoor spaces, both of which have sleek and contemporary designs. The minimalist decor and chic furnishings go well with different wedding themes and colors. The outdoor terrace is an intimate spot for cocktail hours, and the entire venue can accommodate up to 300 guests for a stylish and memorable celebration.
5. Aria
Aria’s convenient location and large size make it one of the best wedding venues in Minneapolis. The venue is located in the Minneapolis Warehouse District, housed in a former theater. It features exposed brick walls, towering ceilings, and dramatic architectural details.
You can effortlessly fit your wedding’s theme because the space is versatile, easily accommodating lavish and minimalist celebrations. If you book this venue, you’ll enjoy large windows, an open space, and artful lighting that makes video and photo sessions effortless.
The place can accommodate up to a thousand guests, making it ideal for grand celebrations. Your guests will enjoy historical and contemporary flair, making your big day memorable.
6. The Van Dusen Mansion
The Van Dusen Mansion is all about luxury and romance. Built in the 1890s, it is a stunning example of Gilded Age elegance. The historic mansion has great stonework, grand fireplaces, and richly detailed interiors.
The entire venue is bound to transport you and your guests to a bygone era of luxury. Outside, you can enjoy the landscaped gardens, perfect for cocktail hours, receptions, and lounging. The mansion has multiple intimate spaces that can accommodate up to 200 guests and is ideal for a fairytale wedding full of charm and sophistication.
7. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
If you’re looking for a blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance, the Como Park & Zoo Conservatory is your go-to venue. It’s known as one of the best wedding venues in Minneapolis because of its unique garden-themed environment, which is simply unforgettable.
The venue has multiple enchanting spaces where you can exchange views amid tropical flowers and towering palms. They have spaces with seasonal floral displays, which are a great backdrop for stunning photos. The venue accommodates up to 400 guests, which is convenient if you’re planning for a large reception.
8. The Minneapolis Club
The Minneapolis Club is a private club ideal for couples who want a traditional and elegant wedding. It has a beautiful indoor grand ballroom that is comfortable for all types of weather and an outdoor terrace for some much-needed fresh air during the reception. The ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers a refined and exclusive atmosphere for your big day.
9. The Grand 1858
The Grand 1858 is a beautifully restored 19th-century building located in Minneapolis’ historic Riverfront district. It is featured among the best wedding venues in Minneapolis because of its charming, rustic touch that breathes vintage elegance.
When you book the venue, you get access to a spacious indoor venue with original brick walls, high wooden ceilings, and exposed beams. You can host up to 250 guests and enjoy amenities that blend historical character and modern themes. It’s a great option if you’re looking for character and history.
Conclusion
Minneapolis has some of the most diverse wedding venues. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand mansion, a modern space with skyline views, a charming garden, or a historical building with character, you can find a suitable venue. Use this wedding venue guide to help you identify the best wedding venues in Minneapolis and the perfect place to say “I do” in style.