Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by towering trees, dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, and the gentle rustle of nature as your witness. Northern Minnesota forest wedding venues offer a serene, enchanting backdrop that reflects the beauty of your love. From intimate clearings to lush groves, every corner of the Northwoods can be transformed into a magical celebration. Embrace the tranquility and romance of the great outdoors as you begin your forever amidst the whispers Northern Minnesota’s wild.
If you’re envisioning a wedding surrounded by the serene beauty of northern Minnesota’s forests, you’re in luck. The region offers a variety of magical woodland venues that provide a tranquil and picturesque setting for your special day. Here are 16 forested wedding venues in northern Minnesota:
🌲 1. Gather on 3 (The Woods)
Located in Brainerd, this venue offers a rustic yet refined setting among towering pines. The property provides both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for a customizable wedding experience that embraces the natural beauty of the area.
🌲 2. The Emerald Cottage on Hidden Lane
Situated just off Highway 371 in Brainerd, The Emerald Cottage offers a cozy, light-filled space ideal for micro weddings or elopements. With a capacity of up to 60 guests, it’s perfect for couples seeking a personal and elegant venue.
🌲 3. Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort
Just outside Brainerd in Deerwood, Ruttger’s offers a tranquil setting on the shores of Bay Lake. With both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, a large ballroom, and cozy guest cabins, it’s an ideal location for couples looking for a lakefront weekend retreat for their wedding.
🌲 4. Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake
A true Brainerd classic, Cragun’s Resort offers stunning views of Gull Lake and several flexible indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you want a lakeside ceremony or a cozy ballroom reception, Cragun’s can accommodate up to 250 guests.
🌲 5. Madden’s on Gull Lake
Located on a scenic peninsula, Madden’s on Gull Lake is one of the area’s premier wedding destinations. Their waterfront ceremony spaces and elegant reception venues (like The Pavilion) make it easy to host a memorable lakeside wedding with style. Accommodations and amenities for guests are top-notch.
🌲 6. Itasca State Park
There’s something special about starting your new life together at the same place the Mississippi River started its life some 70 million years ago. Maybe plan a honeymoon near the river’s end in New Orleans or even traveling the Great River Road, from the Mississippi’s headwaters to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico.
🌲 7. Shire in the Woods
Situated in McGrath, Shire in the Woods offers a rustic and enchanting environment for weddings. The venue is surrounded by dense forests, providing a secluded and magical setting for your ceremony and reception.
🌲 8. Catalyst by Nature Link
Located in the woods near Duluth, Catalyst by Nature Link combines modern architecture with the natural beauty of its forested surroundings. This venue offers a unique blend of contemporary design and woodland charm, perfect for couples seeking a distinctive wedding experience.
🌲 9. Bearskin Lodge
Situated in Grand Marais, Bearskin Lodge offers a rustic and intimate setting for weddings. The lodge is nestled in a forested area, providing a serene backdrop for your ceremony and reception.
🌲 10. Solbakken Resort on Lake Superior
Located in Lutsen, Solbakken Resort offers a beautiful setting for weddings with views of Lake Superior. The resort is surrounded by forests, providing a tranquil and picturesque environment for your special day.
🌲 11. Silver Rapids Lodge
Situated in Ely, Silver Rapids Lodge offers a unique setting for weddings with its rustic charm and forested surroundings. The lodge provides a cozy atmosphere for your ceremony and reception.
🌲 12. Scenic State Park
Located in Big Fork, Scenic State Park offers a natural setting for weddings with its beautiful forests and lakes. The park provides a serene backdrop for your ceremony and is ideal for couples seeking an outdoor wedding experience.
🌲 13. Timber Bay Lodge & Houseboats
Situated in Babbitt, Timber Bay Lodge offers a unique setting for weddings with its rustic charm and forested surroundings. The lodge provides a cozy atmosphere for your ceremony and reception.
🌲 14. Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
Located in Sandstone, Osprey Wilds offers a natural setting for weddings with its beautiful forests and lakes. The center provides a serene backdrop for your ceremony and is ideal for couples seeking an outdoor wedding experience.
🌲 15. Whitefish Lodge
Located in Crosslake, Whitefish Lodge has everything you are looking for in a northern Minnesota wedding venue. From its rustic charm and forested surroundings, the venue provides a cozy atmosphere for your ceremony and reception. You even have the option of a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the winter months.
🌲 16. Cascade Lodge
From its lakeside location to its woodland chapel, Lakeside Lodge can fulfill all your forest wedding dreams. They offer rustic log benches for 60 guests in a dreamy, woodland setting complete with a creek and a wood footbridge.
Why Get Married in a Forest Wedding Venue?
Couples have many reasons for wanting to be married in a forest, including:
- Natural Beauty
One of the most compelling reasons to marry in a forest is the stunning natural beauty it provides. The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and changing seasons create picturesque backdrops for your photography. Each season offers a unique charm, from the blossoms of spring to the rich hues of autumn, ensuring your wedding photos will be breathtaking.
- Intimacy and Seclusion
A forest setting allows for a more intimate atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of urban venues. This seclusion is perfect for couples looking to create a personal and meaningful ceremony. The serene environment fosters a sense of connection, making it easier to focus on the vows and promises you are making to each other.
- Connection to Nature
For many couples, a forest wedding symbolizes a deep connection to nature and an appreciation for the environment. This choice can also emphasize sustainability, as you can incorporate eco-friendly practices into your celebration, reflecting your values and love for the planet.
- Unique Experience
Choosing a forest venue allows you to stand out from traditional weddings. The natural setting opens the door to creative themes and decorations that reflect the beauty of the outdoors, creating a memorable experience for you and your guests.
What Couples Need to Know About Woodland Venues for Weddings
As with any wedding venue, forest wedding venues have a few key points you need to be aware of in the planning, including:
- Permits and Regulations
While many public parks and forests require permits for gatherings, securing the necessary permissions is crucial to avoid any last-minute surprises. Most forest wedding venues have on-site staff that can help.
- Weather Considerations
Weather can be unpredictable, especially in outdoor settings. Consider the seasonal variations in your chosen area and plan for potential weather challenges. Have a backup plan, such as renting a tent or securing an indoor option, to ensure your day goes smoothly, no matter what. (We had to move our July 13th wedding reception indoors because the evening temps dropped too low to be comfortable! )
- Accessibility and Comfort
When selecting your forest location, consider guest accessibility. Ensure that paths are manageable for everyone, including elderly family members and those with mobility issues. It’s also important to think about seating arrangements, restrooms, distance from parking lot and other facilities to keep your guests comfortable throughout the event.
- Safety and Wildlife
Being in nature means being aware of the local wildlife. While no one expects a bear to come lumbering out of the forest, you can never be too prepared. Talk to your on-site wedding team about potential animal encounters and have a safety plan in place. Additionally, consider the time of year to avoid heavy insect activity that might disrupt your ceremony. They refer to the mosquito as the state bird for a reason! #IYKYK
Hot Tips for an Enchanted Forest Wedding
Planning a wedding can be tricky. There are so many balls in the air. Here’s a few pointers so you don’t miss any critical details specific to getting married in the woods.
- Choose the Right Time of Year
Selecting the best season for your forest wedding can enhance the overall experience. Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Choose a time that resonates with you both and aligns with your vision.
- Select a Scenic Location
Take the time to scout multiple locations before making a decision. Look for unique features such as streams, clearings, or majestic trees that will enhance the aesthetic of your ceremony and provide beautiful backdrops for photos.
- Personalize Your Ceremony
Incorporate natural elements into your ceremony to create a unique experience. Consider using flowers, branches, or even stones that resonate with your love story. Personal rituals that reflect the natural setting can add depth to your vows.
- Consider Guest Comfort
Think about your guests’ comfort throughout the day. Providing amenities such as blankets or cushions for seating can make a significant difference. Additionally, organizing transportation to the site can help ensure everyone arrives safely and comfortably.
- Hire Local Vendors
Working with local vendors who have experience in outdoor events can greatly enhance your wedding. They’ll be familiar with the area and can help you navigate any challenges that might arise, from catering to floral arrangements.
Getting married in a forest wedding venue is a magical way to celebrate your love. With its breathtaking natural beauty and intimate atmosphere, a Northern Minnesota woodland wedding offers a unique experience that will stay with you and your guests forever.
