Planning a wedding in northwest Minnesota offers couples a chance to tie the knot surrounded by natural beauty, serene lakes, and rustic charm. From lakeside lodges to enchanting gardens, here are 17 stunning outdoor wedding venues in Northwestern Minnesota that promise an unforgettable celebration.
1. Bear Creek Winery
Nestled among rolling hills and vineyards, Bear Creek Winery offers a romantic setting with panoramic views and a cozy, intimate ambiance. The outdoor ceremony space is framed by lush greenery and rows of grapevines, perfect for a rustic-chic wedding.
2. Bemidji Town & Country Club
Located on the shores of Lake Bemidji, this venue combines elegance with natural beauty. Couples can exchange vows on the manicured lawn overlooking the lake and enjoy a reception in the refined clubhouse with scenic views.
3. Big Sandy Lodge & Resort
This charming lakeside resort features a spacious outdoor area with tranquil water views and towering pine trees. Guests can enjoy onsite lodging, fine dining, and recreational amenities that make for a full wedding weekend experience.
4. The Yard
A rustic and contemporary venue with wide open spaces, The Yard blends modern design with country charm. Its large lawn and barn-style event space offer flexibility for both intimate and grand celebrations.
5. Rainy Lake Ethnobotanical Gardens
Surrounded by forest and lake, Maplelag Resort provides a secluded, woodland setting ideal for couples seeking a peaceful and picturesque ceremony. The venue also offers cozy lodge accommodations and trails for nature walks and biking.
6. Ellsworth Rock Gardens
Located within Voyageurs National Park, this venue showcases impressive stone sculptures and tiered flower gardens. The dramatic natural stonework and lake views create a truly magical and artistic environment for a wedding.
7. East Silent Lake Resort
This upscale family-owned resort offers a blend of luxury and wilderness with its lakeside ceremony sites and elegant reception pavilion. Guests can stay onsite and enjoy kayaking, fishing, and bonfires under the stars.
8. Barn at Five Lakes Resort
A beautifully restored barn surrounded by lakes and woods, this venue exudes rustic elegance. With ample outdoor space and charming indoor accommodations, it’s ideal for a laid-back yet stylish wedding celebration.
9. The Venue at Copper Ridge
Perched on a scenic ridge, this venue offers sweeping views of the countryside and sophisticated outdoor event spaces. The newly built facilities combine natural beauty with modern convenience, perfect for a seamless celebration.
10. Chase on the Lake
Located in downtown Walker, Chase on the Lake features lakefront ceremony spots, a ballroom with historic charm, and full-service wedding planning. Guests can enjoy the spa, restaurant, and water activities during their stay.
11. Forest Edge Winery
Set along the edge of the Paul Bunyan State Forest, this winery offers a peaceful vineyard setting with handcrafted wine and charming rustic details. It’s a great pick for intimate weddings with a personal touch.
12. Black Lantern Resort
This hidden gem offers a blend of cozy cabins, wooded trails, and a scenic lakefront perfect for a private and memorable outdoor wedding. The resort’s secluded atmosphere ensures a tranquil and romantic experience.
13. Rustic Oaks
With a charming barn, wildflower meadows, and riverside ceremony spaces, Rustic Oaks is a beloved venue for outdoor weddings. The historic property also offers lodging and event coordination services for a worry-free experience.
14. Sha Sha Resort
Located on Rainy Lake, Sha Sha Resort offers a relaxed atmosphere with spectacular sunset views and water access. The dock and shoreline make for stunning ceremony and photo opportunities.
15. Buena Vista Ski Area
While known for its winter slopes, Buena Vista also transforms into a gorgeous summer or fall venue with panoramic hilltop views and open meadows. The log lodge and scenic chairlift rides add unique touches to your big day.
16. Skjerven Barn
A vintage barn surrounded by open fields and woodland, Skjerven Barn is a charming backdrop for rustic, romantic weddings. The outdoor space is ideal for lawn games, bonfires, and starry-night receptions.
Why Choose an Outdoor Wedding?
When it comes to planning your dream wedding, the venue plays a central role in setting the tone for the entire celebration. Outdoor weddings in northwest Minnesota offer an unbeatable blend of natural beauty, rustic charm, and tranquil surroundings that make for an unforgettable experience. Here are ten reasons why saying “I do” under the open sky might be the perfect choice for you.
1. Stunning Natural Backdrops
No need for elaborate décor when you have lakes, forests, wildflowers, and sunsets as your backdrop. Nature effortlessly sets the scene for breathtaking wedding photos.
2. Ample Space for Guests and Activities
Outdoor venues often provide more room to accommodate large guest lists and offer flexibility for lawn games, live music, fire pits, and even food trucks.
3. Fresh Air and Open Skies
There’s something refreshing about celebrating love in the open air. Guests can enjoy the fresh breeze, sunshine, and natural ambiance that indoor spaces often lack.
4. More Personal and Unique Settings
From garden ceremonies to lakeside vows or barn receptions under the stars, outdoor weddings allow for unique, personalized settings that reflect your style as a couple.
5. Golden Hour Lighting
Outdoor lighting—especially during golden hour—adds warmth and softness to your photos, giving your wedding album a dreamy, ethereal glow.
6. Connection to Nature
Getting married outdoors invites a deeper connection to the season and the elements. Whether it’s the rustle of trees or the scent of pine, these sensory details create lasting memories.
7. Built-in Entertainment for Guests
Many outdoor venues offer on-site activities such as kayaking, hiking trails, bonfires, or lawn games that keep guests entertained before and after the main event.
8. More Room for Creativity
Outdoor spaces allow you to think beyond the traditional wedding setup. You can design a ceremony arch under a canopy of trees, set up a dance floor under twinkle lights, or host dinner beneath a tent.
9. Relaxed and Inviting Atmosphere
Outdoor weddings often feel more relaxed and informal, which can help guests feel more comfortable and encourage a fun, laid-back vibe.
10. Unforgettable Experience
Being immersed in the natural beauty of northwest Minnesota turns your wedding into a one-of-a-kind event that you and your guests will never forget.
Whether you’re envisioning a lakeside ceremony, a celebration in a flower-filled meadow, or a rustic barn reception under the stars, an outdoor wedding allows you to embrace nature’s beauty and craft a day that feels genuinely you. With the stunning venues in northwest Minnesota, your dream outdoor wedding is closer than you think.