The 10 Best Wedding Venues in Central Minnesota
Are you looking for the perfect spot to get married in Central Minnesota? There are so many venues to fall in love with. It’s hard to choose one that has everything you want – from style to price to amenities.
As a wedding photographer in Central Minnesota, not only are these some of my favorite places to photograph my couples, but they’re notable venues if you’re looking to get married in Central Minnesota.
In no particular order, I’ve compiled a list of the best places to get married in the Central Minnesota area based on cost, amenities, capacity, and unique features. If you’re just getting started with wedding planning, this is the place to start.
The Regency, Saint Cloud, Minnesota
The Regency
Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 500 Guests
The Regency is located in the heart of Historic Downtown, St. Cloud and is the perfect spot for corporate events, luncheons, and your dream wedding. With a view of the beautifully lit Paramount Theatre and Marquee and easy access to hotels and nightlife, it’s a great event space if you want to get married in the city.
The event space itself is home to alluring unique features like an atrium, water fountain, high ceilings, grand staircase, and industrial brick walls.
They have everything you need to help the day go off without a hitch, including a day-of coordinator, bar set up, microphone, and projector. They’ll help you plan aspects of the wedding during the entire process. Catering is done by Custom Catering by Short Stop, a local vendor.
Pricing starts at $4,000.
Northern Oaks Events
Location: Sauk Rapids Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 300 Guests
North Oaks Events is a log cabin home-turned-events center about an hour north of the Twin Cities in Sauk Rapids. The venue’s natural elegance combines beautifully with a high-end, rural aesthetic. Whether you're envisioning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration with up to 300 guests, Northern Oaks makes sure your wedding day is magical.
At Northern Oaks, the focus is on creating a seamless experience from start to finish. From exclusive access to the venue, fire pits for cozy gatherings, to a pavilion perfect for dancing the night away under string lights, every aspect of your celebration is thoughtfully designed. With amenities like an on-site event manager and full setup and takedown of furniture, you and your guests can simply focus on enjoying the moment.
Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria, Minnesota
The Grand Hall at Bold North Cellars (Carlos Creek Winery)
Location: Alexandria, Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 350 Guests
The Grand Hall at Bold North Cellars located at Carlos Creek Winery is a gorgeous venue in Alexandria. The upscale winery and brewery will provide an unforgettable experience for your guests and beauty everywhere you look. The property sits on 190 acres, which offers stunning views for memorable photographs.
Wedding packages are comprehensive, including everything from fresh floral decorations to day-of venue coordination and reception security. They even provide shuttle service to and from nearby hotels. You can get married outside and then move the party inside for the reception. There’s also a tiered deck which is perfect for a social hour.
If you’re looking for a rustic space, Carlos Creek Winery is perfect.
Pricing starts at $9,000.
Gathered Oaks
Location: Alexandria, Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 250 Guests
Gathered Oaks is a sister property to Rustic Oaks in Moorhead. The barn, overlooking Little Charlie Lake, offers elegant charm.
Gathered Oaks offers both indoor and outdoor spaces – both equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems – so you can get married outside and then bring the party inside. Couples typically get married lakeside if the weather permits, but the ceremony can also be brought indoors. There’s a main level barn, lofted dinner seating, and outdoor patio space, so there’s plenty of room to host guests. There’s even a campfire outside and a fireplace indoors.
Onsite lodging is even an option at Gathered Oaks, so you can have your wedding party and close family stay there. You can even stay in repurposed grain bins!
Pricing starts at $4,000.
Rolling Ridge
Location: St. Joseph, Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 300 Guests
Rolling Ridge, located just outside St. Joseph, boasts “rustic elegance” and they do it well. It's beautifully, thoughtfully designed with gorgeous backdrops around every corner. The owners truly thought of everything at Rolling Ridge. In fact, they even designed the space with video and photography professionals.
You can enjoy the great outdoors while also taking advantage of their historic barn. This makes it easy for you to host your ceremony or dance outside but move it inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Or you could take advantage of both – getting married inside and hosting a dance outside.
Some of their amenities include: Bridal Suite, Rooster’s Roost, Prohibition Lounge, outdoor furniture and firepit, woodfired pizza oven, and playground. They have an onsite kitchen, but you can bring your own dessert and they’ll serve it. Rolling Ridge’s facilities are climate controlled and they spray for mosquitos, so you can ensure your guests will be comfortable no matter where you hold the ceremony and reception.
Pricing starts at $3,000.
The Grands at Mulligans, Sartell, Minnesota
The Grands at Mulligans
Location: Sartell
Capacity: Up to 300 Guests
The Grands at Mulligans in Sartell consistently wins awards for being one of the premier wedding venues in Central Minnesota, and for good reason. Staff can help plan the wedding from start to finish and they’re known for elegant plated dinners and delectable buffets. They can even help you with some of the decor.
Get married outside on a patio overlooking the lush greens of the Pine Ridge Golf Course and a water fountain, then bring the celebration inside to one of two rooms depending on how big your wedding party is. With large windows overlooking the greens, the space is also beautiful during the winter, mimicking the feel of a cozy cabin.
Two weddings can occur simultaneously, however, so if you book here, make sure your guests know which side of the venue your wedding is on.
Pricing starts at $1,500.
Linden Hill
Location: Little Falls, Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 300 Guests
If you’re looking for a timeless, historic space to host your wedding, Linden Hill in Little Falls is the place. Situated on the bank of the Mississippi River, the venue boasts two totally different vibes: elegant garden wedding or stunning historic mansion wedding.
The manicured grounds are lush with oaks, basswoods, gardens, and flowers. It’s truly a majestic oasis with the Mississippi River flowing in the background. If you’re looking for a garden wedding, this is ideal. However, you can also choose to celebrate in the historic Musser mansion to feel like you’re in the middle of an old movie. You and guests will have access to a parlor, dining area, and heirloom-filled rooms.
Their wedding packages include all the features you could want, including a sound system with microphones, bar service, and a final details appointment. But perhaps the best offering they have is a weekend package that gives you use of the space for a rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding and a post-wedding brunch and gift opening the day after the wedding. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a venue that offers a similar package.
Pricing starts at $1,499 during off-peak season and $3,499 during peak season.
Ivory North
Location: Mora, Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 199 Guests
If you’re looking to host a rustic wedding in an old barn, Ivory North in Mora is a beautiful choice. The barn was built in 1900 and offers unmatched beauty in its all-white glory. The barn may have been built over a century ago, but it’s anything but old and stuffy. With modern touches – including an open-air pavilion, modern fixtures, and large windows for a bright, airy feeling – Ivory North perfectly marries the old with the new.
Ivory North is situated on 40 acres and surrounded by fields, flowers, and trees. The venue welcomes people to let down their hair and relax in the outdoors away from the big city.
You’ll have options for an indoor or outdoor ceremony and a dining pavilion and patio area to celebrate all night long. Not only are there handcrafted touches throughout, but there’s something to keep all guests entertained, like a firepit and lawn games.
Pricing starts at $6,000.
Catalyst by Nature Link
Location: Nisswa, Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 225 Guests
Catalyst by Nature Link on Clark Lake in Nisswa is both an event space and wedding venue. The brand-new space, opened in 2022, is tucked away on 14 wooded acres and overlooks Clark Lake. Get married inside or take it outside to get married surrounded by towering pines.
Few venues can boast on-site lodging, but Catalyst offers several luxury cabin and hotel rentals on the property. You and your guests can enjoy modern extravagance as you disconnect from the business of the day-to-day and ground into the present moment of celebration.
The space is divided into a two-story lobby, a reception room, a ceremony room, a large outdoor patio, and, of course, suites to get ready in. With a nursing mother’s room, a vendor room, elevator, and large restrooms, they’ve really thought of everything to ensure your guests are comfortable and you’re taken care of. You can add on a rehearsal dinner or brunch package, too. And, pets are welcome so you can make your pets part of your big day.
Pricing starts at $5,850.
Northern Pacific Center
Location: Brainerd, Minnesota
Capacity: Up to 794 Guests
Located in the Historic Railroad District of Brainerd, the Northern Pacific Center is a great spot to host weddings, receptions, large events, and more. The 47 acre estate is truly unlike any other wedding venue. Maybe that’s because, within the property, there are several different venues you can choose to get married at.
Located in the historic Machine Shop, the train track is still preserved down the center aisle. At Blacksmith Main, enjoy a large industrial space with brick walls, chandeliers, and hanging string lights. With a clean, modern feel – including exposed beams, airy white walls, and an open floor plan – host your ceremony at Luminary.
These historic venues will provide an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Keep in mind that Northern Pacific Center doesn’t include some of the amenities other wedding venues do, like planning services, set-up/clean-up services, linens, a sound system, and more.
Pricing starts at $4,500.
Cross that Off the List! Now It’s Time to Find a Wedding Photographer
So, what do you think? Have you said “I do” to the spot where you’ll say “I do”? Whether you’re looking to host an intimate ceremony or you want to invite 500 of your closest friends and family members, at least one of the places on this list will be able to accommodate your needs. Plus, they’re in the Central Minnesota area, so they’re probably not too far from home.
When you’re touring venues, just make sure you bring with you a list of questions so you know exactly what you’re getting and what you’re paying for.
Once you’ve made your decision, your next item on the checklist is a wedding photographer. You can check out my work here or contact me.
