Top 10 Minnesota Wedding Venues Near The Twin-Cities MN.

Hey there, lovely couples! Planning your dream Minnesota wedding? As a Minnesota wedding photographer, I know how overwhelming it can be to find the perfect wedding venue near Minneapolis-St. Paul. If you’re searching for stunning wedding venues within an hour of the Twin Cities, you’ve come to the right place! Today I’m sharing my top favorite Minnesota wedding venues that I absolutely swoon over – each one offering unique charm and breathtaking photo opportunities for your special day.

Pinewood: Rustic Elegance at Its Finest

This Minnesota venues offers that perfect blend of woodsy vibes with refined touches that make your photos pop with warmth. There’s something irresistibly charming about this rustic beauty. They are an upscale modern wedding venue and events just an hour north of Minneapolis, this venue is nestled in a serene forest of towering northern pines in Cambridge, Minnesota. The natural light filtering through the trees creates the dreamiest backdrop for golden hour photos.

Details:

• Location: Cambridge, MN (about 45 minutes north of the Twin Cities)
• Capacity: Up to 300 guests
• Price Range: $5,000-$10,000
• Booking Speed: Books 12-15 months in advance, especially for peak summer dates
• Website: pinewoodeventscenter.com

Advantages:

• Beautiful outdoor ceremony options with gorgeous natural backdrops
• Spacious reception area with high ceilings that photograph beautifully
• On-site accommodations for getting ready
• Excellent indoor/outdoor flow for unpredictable Minnesota weather

Disadvantages:

• Distance from Twin Cities can be challenging for some guests
• Limited Sunday availability for more budget-friendly options
• Outdoor photos can be affected by mosquitoes in summer months

Redeemed Farm: Countryside Romance

Redeemed Farm, with its restored barn and open fields, gives us that perfect golden hour glow that I’m always chasing! When you’re laughing together under that warm sunset light, it’s pure magic through my lens.

Details:

• Location: Scandia, MN (40 minutes northeast of Minneapolis)
• Capacity: Up to 200 guests
• Price Range: $7,500-$15,000
• Booking Speed: Books 14-18 months in advance, extremely popular for fall weddings
• Website: redeemedfarm.com

Advantages:

• Some of the best sunset photo opportunities in Minnesota
• Versatile spaces for both ceremony and reception
• Charming getting-ready cottage with great natural light
• Owners are incredibly accommodating and helpful

Disadvantages:

• Books extremely quickly, especially for fall dates
• Higher price point compared to some similar barn venues
• Limited indoor options if weather is poor

Woodhaven: Natural Wonderland

Woodhaven combines the charm of Minnesota with a modern, yet classic design that will let you create an unforgettable event. A wedding at Woodhaven is going to be without a worry. 

Details:

• Location: Cannon Falls, MN about 50 mins from the twincities
• Capacity: Up to 250 guests
• Price Range: $6,500-$12,000
• Booking Speed: Books 10-14 months in advance
• Website: woodhavenwedding.com

Advantages:

• Absolutely stunning forest ceremony setting
• Natural light that filters beautifully through trees
• Dramatic landscape features for creative portraits
• More available dates than some of the trendier venues

Disadvantages:

• Further from the Twin Cities, requiring transportation planning
• Terrain can be challenging for guests with mobility issues
• Limited cell service in some areas of the property

Glasshouse: Modern Minimalist Dream

Glasshouse? The name says it all! All that natural light pouring in through walls of windows makes for the most stunning, airy photographs. Your Pinterest board could never! The clean lines and modern aesthetic provide a timeless backdrop that keeps the focus right where it should be—on your love.

Details:

• Location: Shakopee, MN (30 minutes southwest of Minneapolis)
• Capacity: Up to 200 guests
• Price Range: $8,000-$15,000
• Booking Speed: Books 14-16 months in advance, weekend dates go extremely fast
• Website: glasshousemn.com

Advantages:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows create incredible natural light
• Clean, modern aesthetic works with any decor style
• Beautiful indoor options for Minnesota weather challenges
• Getting-ready suites with perfect lighting for prep photos

Disadvantages:

• Books extremely quickly, especially Saturday dates
• Higher price point for the capacity
• Limited outdoor space compared to some rural venues

Paikka: Industrial Chic

Paikka has my heart with its industrial-chic vibe. Those brick walls and wooden beams create the perfect textured backdrop for photos that feel both editorial and incredibly personal.

Details:

• Location: St. Paul, MN (Vandalia Tower district)
• Capacity: Up to 200 guests
• Price Range: $5,000-$9,000
• Booking Speed: Books 12-14 months in advance
• Website: paikkaevents.com

Advantages:

• Urban location with convenient hotel access for guests
• Industrial textures create amazing photo backgrounds
• Beautiful getting-ready spaces with perfect light
• Great rain backup options (always important in Minnesota!)

Disadvantages:

• Limited outdoor photo opportunities
• Parking can be challenging for large guest counts
• Sound can echo in the main space without proper planning

Legacy Hill Farm: Classic Countryside

Legacy Hill Farm brings all the countryside charm with none of the fuss. The rolling hills and that gorgeous white barn create photographs that feel like they’re straight out of a magazine, but with all the warmth and joy that makes your day uniquely yours.

Details:

• Location: Welch, MN (about 1 hour southeast of the Twin Cities)
• Capacity: Up to 300 guests
• Price Range: $7,000-$14,000
• Booking Speed: Books 12-16 months in advance, especially popular for summer weddings
• Website: legacyhillfarm.com

Advantages:

• Stunning white barn with perfect interior lighting
• Multiple ceremony site options on the property
• Gorgeous landscape with rolling hills for portraits
• Excellent vendor amenities and support

Disadvantages:

• Distance from the cities requires transportation planning
• Limited nearby accommodation options for guests
• Higher minimum guest counts for prime dates

Hutton House: Modern Elegance

Hutton House is for my couples who appreciate that clean, sophisticated aesthetic. The white walls and marble details create photographs that are clean and timelessly elegant.

Details:

• Location: Medicine Lake, MN (just west of Minneapolis)
• Capacity: Up to 300 guests
• Price Range: $9,000-$20,000
• Booking Speed: Books 16-20 months in advance, one of the fastest-booking venues in MN
• Website: thehuttonhouse.com

Advantages:

• Perfect light-filled spaces with white walls that photograph beautifully
• Close to downtown but with a secluded feel
• Excellent rain backup options
• Top-tier amenities and getting-ready spaces

Disadvantages:

• Books further in advance than almost any venue in Minnesota
• Higher price point
• Less outdoor space than some rural venues
• Strict vendor policies to be aware of

Bavaria Downs: European Estate

Bavaria Downs gives us that European estate feel right here in Minnesota! The manicured gardens and stately architecture make for the most breathtaking portraits. When you’re strolling hand-in-hand through those gardens, it feels like we’ve been transported to another world entirely.

Details:

• Location: Chaska, MN (30 minutes southwest of Minneapolis)
• Capacity: Up to 400 guests
• Price Range: $10,000-$25,000
• Booking Speed: Books 14-18 months in advance
• Website: bavariadowns.com

Advantages:

• European aesthetic creates unique photo opportunities
• Extensive grounds with multiple portrait locations
• Excellent for larger guest counts
• Beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony options

Disadvantages:

• One of the higher price points in the area
• Books quickly for prime dates
• Specific vendor requirements may limit some choices

Abella: Mediterranean Dreams

This venue brings Mediterranean vibes to the Midwest! The stucco walls, elegant arches, and lush greenery create a romantic atmosphere that translates beautifully to photographs. There’s something about this space that encourages those natural, joyful moments I’m always looking to capture.

Details:

• Location: Chisago City, MN (45 minutes northeast of the Twin Cities)
• Capacity: Up to 275 guests
• Price Range: $7,500-$15,000
• Booking Speed: Books 12-15 months in advance
• Website: abellamn.com

Advantages:

• Unique Mediterranean architecture unlike any other MN venue
• Beautiful courtyard for cocktail hour
• Multiple ceremony location options
• Great for day-into-evening celebrations with diverse photo settings

Disadvantages:

• Distance from Twin Cities hotels
• Limited late-night options in immediate area for after-parties
• Weather-dependent for some of the best photo locations

Van Dusen Mansion: Historic Charm

For couples who appreciate history and architectural details, Van Dusen Mansion delivers in spades! The ornate woodwork, grand staircase, and vintage charm create photographs with depth and character. I love capturing intimate moments between couples against the rich textures and historic elements of this stunning space.

Details:

• Location: Minneapolis, MN (Downtown)
• Capacity: Up to 200 guests
• Price Range: $8,000-$18,000
• Booking Speed: Books 14-18 months in advance
• Website: thevandusenmansion.com

Advantages:

• Historic details create rich, textured photographs
• Urban location convenient for downtown hotel guests
• Multiple levels and spaces for different parts of your day
• Beautiful in all seasons, including winter weddings

Disadvantages:

• Limited outdoor space compared to rural venues
• Separate buildings for different parts of your event
• More strict timeline adherence required
• Downtown parking considerations for guests

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Each of these venues has its own unique personality, just like each of my couples! The beauty of my approach is that no matter which space speaks to you, we’ll create photographs that feel authentically you—natural yet refined, candid yet intentional.

Remember, these spaces are just the background—your love story is always the main focus. I’d love to chat about which venue feels most like “you” and how we can create photographs that’ll make your Pinterest board jealous!

Note: Pricing and booking timelines may vary. Always check directly with venues for their most current information.

Does your venue have you dreaming of all the photo possibilities? Let’s chat about how we can make the most of your chosen location! Schedule a free consultation call to discuss your vision and see how I can bring your wedding day to life through photography here https://odumaphotography.com/

Until next time, Iyoma Mercy (Oduma)