Getting married outdoors in Minnesota is a popular choice, especially in Northeastern Minnesota. With Lake Superior, inland lakes, and a whole boreal forest, the outdoor wedding venues are pretty much limitless. Here’s a few of our favorites.
1. Black Beach
Located in Silver Bay, Black Beach is a small beach that stretches out into Lake Superior. The black ‘sand’ (really, taconite tailing from former iron ore mines) sparkles in the sunlight and is a favorite spot for engagement photos and senior pictures alike. While this is a great outdoor wedding venue, it cannot accommodate more than a few friends and family in hard-sole shoes.
2. Kitchi Gammi Club
Built in 1883, the Kitchi Gammi Club has been a celebrated venue for generations. In addition to the lavish interior, the club features an outdoor patio and gardens, making it a perfect outdoor wedding venue.
3. Summit Chalet
Located at the top of Moose Mountain and accessed by a gondola, the Summit Chalet is an outdoor wedding venue with unrivaled views of the surrounding Lutsen Mountains and Northern Minnesota.
4. Bayfront Festival Park
Located on the shore of Lake Superior and in view of the famous Aerial Lift Bridge, Bayfront Festival Park is the perfect location for an outdoor, summer wedding. With access to the Family Center, Park Plaza, or the entire Festival Park, you can host both large and small events.
5. Klarhet
If those glass igloos and aurora hotels in Scandinavia are on your travel bucket list, Klarhet may be just the right place for your micro wedding or elopement.
6. Amity Creek Meadow – Event Field
If casual and family-friendly is your vision for your big day, Amity Creek Meadow is for you. A 40-acre field with a small home is your blank canvas for a backyard wedding. Set up lawn games, a dance floor, and a big white tent and you are good to go!
7. Malbay Estate
This 80-acre estate just outside of Grand Rapids features rolling pastures, a lakeside setting, and a remodeled barn for a charming outdoor wedding for you and your closest 200 friends and family.
8. Palisade Head
If you want in-your-face natural beauty that takes your breath away, Palisade Head in Tettegouche State Park may be the best choice for your elopement or micro wedding. It’s a public area so (as you can see from the video below) you can’t set up chairs for 300, but you can say your vows overlooking one of the most beautiful places on earth.
9. Brighton Beach
Budget-conscious couples will appreciate Brighton Beach. You can reserve the area for your ceremony through the city of Duluth’s Parks and Rec department. They even have a handy virtual tour here.
10. Enger Tower Park
Another Duluth area park that is a popular outdoor wedding venue is Enger Tower Park. You can have a small ceremony in front of the tower and walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens to the pavilion overlooking Lake Superior. The city has another virtual tour here.
11. Oldenburg House
Near Jay Cooke State Park, this bed&breakfast hosts a few select weddings each year on their beautiful grounds. If a private estate is your idea of a fabulous wedding, then this is it.
12. Iona’s Beach
Iona’s Beach is a public beach known for its ‘singing’ rocks. The pale pink rocks make a singing noise when the wind is juuuussstttt right. It really is a magical place and perfect for an outdoor wedding.
13. Lake Superior Zoo
You are either zoo people or you aren’t. If you are, Lake Superior Zoo is a great small-town zoo that doubles as a lovely outdoor wedding venue. You can even request animal ‘encounters’ and guided tours.
14. Larsmont Cottages
With 40 acres and 1,300 feet of Lake Superior shoreline, Larsmont Cottages is a beautiful outdoor wedding venue in any season.
15. Camp du Nord
While Camp du Nord is an operating summer camp for kids, they do host weddings in the off-season. Whether you have memories of attending the camp in your childhood or just love the Northwoods, Camp du Nord can make your dream wedding a reality.
16. Vista Fleet
It doesn’t get more ‘outdoors’ than on a boat on Lake Superior. Vista Fleet allows you to get married while underway and then host either a plated dinner or just your cocktail hour with a dinner to follow at another location.
17. Leif Erickson Park & Rose Garden
Leif Erickson Park’s Rose Garden is not only beautiful due to the impeccably manicured grounds but it also overlooks Lake Superior, making the park a top choice among outdoor wedding venues in Duluth.
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Why Outdoor Wedding Venues Are so Popular
Weddings are one of life’s most cherished celebrations, and over the past few decades, the way couples choose to celebrate has evolved significantly. Among the most notable trends is the growing popularity of outdoor weddings. From scenic gardens to picturesque beaches and rustic barns, more couples are trading traditional indoor venues for the beauty of nature. But what’s behind this trend, and how did it come to be? This article delves into the historical context, modern influences, and compelling reasons why outdoor weddings are captivating so many couples today.
A Historical Perspective on Outdoor Weddings
The concept of outdoor weddings isn’t entirely new. In fact, throughout history, many ceremonies took place outside—often because of necessity rather than choice. In early human civilizations, wedding rituals were conducted outdoors, as there were no established buildings for such gatherings. Many ancient cultures, particularly Celtic and pagan traditions, incorporated nature into their ceremonies, choosing natural settings like forests and gardens to signify a connection with the elements and the divine.
As formal religious institutions developed, however, ceremonies moved indoors, particularly in Europe during the Renaissance and Victorian eras. Churches became the standard venue, and couples followed structured traditions for their nuptials. Still, the elite often hosted lavish outdoor receptions, such as garden parties, to celebrate the union in style.
The 20th century saw a shift as couples began to move back outdoors. Post-World War II, weddings became smaller, more intimate, and more reflective of personal values. The counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s, with its emphasis on nature, individuality, and simplicity, led to a resurgence in outdoor ceremonies. This trend, combined with the influence of bohemian style, made outdoor weddings a symbol of freedom and authenticity.
The Modern Outdoor Wedding Boom
Today’s surge in outdoor wedding venues is fueled by several key factors that resonate with modern couples:
1. Connection with Nature:
Modern couples are increasingly drawn to the serenity and natural beauty outdoor spaces provide. Whether it’s a breathtaking sunset, a lush garden, or the calming sound of waves, nature’s backdrop creates a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. Outdoor settings reduce the need for elaborate decorations, allowing couples to let the surroundings speak for themselves.
2. Customization and Flexibility:
Unlike traditional indoor venues, outdoor spaces offer flexibility and a blank canvas for couples to create a setting that reflects their personalities. From choosing a scenic vineyard to transforming a backyard into a dreamy wedding venue, outdoor settings allow for a level of personalization that is hard to achieve in more conventional spaces.
3. Popular Outdoor Wedding Venues:
The appeal of outdoor venues is wide-ranging, with couples opting for everything from rustic barns and elegant vineyards to beaches, gardens, and even deep in the forest. This variety allows for nearly any style or theme to come to life. Barn weddings, in particular, have surged in popularity throughout the Midwest, combining rustic charm with spacious surroundings.
Statistics on Outdoor Weddings
The statistics speak for themselves: outdoor weddings are now a dominant choice for modern couples. According to recent industry reports, 68% of weddings are held outdoors in some capacity. This includes ceremonies in gardens, vineyards, farms, beaches, and even urban rooftop settings. Here’s a breakdown of where couples are saying “I do”:
- Gardens and Parks: Approximately 25-30% of outdoor weddings take place in these picturesque and manicured spaces, ideal for creating a whimsical and floral ambiance.
- Barns and Rustic Venues: Roughly 20-25% of outdoor ceremonies utilize barns, appealing to couples who want a mix of elegance and rustic charm.
- Beaches: Around 10-15% of couples opt for beach weddings, attracted by the sound of the water and the allure of the gorgeous views.
Over time, the number of outdoor weddings has steadily increased, with nearly a 30% increase in outdoor venue bookings since the early 2000s. Warmer climates, such as California, Florida, and the southern U.S., see even higher percentages of outdoor weddings due to their year-round favorable weather.
Cultural and Social Influences
Several cultural and social influences have shaped the outdoor wedding boom:
1. The Rise of Personalization:
Today’s couples prioritize individuality and personal touches over adhering to traditional norms. Outdoor spaces naturally lend themselves to unique themes and unconventional layouts, allowing couples to blend cultural elements, mix formal and casual styles, or even incorporate interactive experiences like fire pits or food trucks.
2. Influence of Social Media:
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have significantly impacted wedding trends. Stunning images of outdoor ceremonies, with flower-strewn aisles and panoramic views, are highly shareable and aspirational. Couples are inspired by these visually appealing scenes and want to replicate them for their own weddings.
3. Celebrity Weddings:
High-profile weddings have also contributed to the trend. Celebrities often host their nuptials in luxurious outdoor locations, including Italian vineyards (we’ve got vineyard wedding locations in Minnesota, too!). These events, widely publicized and admired, set the tone for what a ‘dream wedding’ looks like, pushing more couples to seek out similar settings.
As with any wedding venue choice, outdoor weddings come with their own set of advantages and challenges.
- Natural Beauty: Outdoor settings provide a beautiful, natural backdrop that requires minimal decoration, and in Northern Minnesota, we are all about the natural backdrop!
- Spacious Settings: Larger venues accommodate more guests, making it ideal for couples with extensive guest lists.
- Theme Flexibility: Outdoor spaces allow for a wide variety of themes and layouts that can’t easily be achieved indoors.
Outdoor weddings have become a defining feature of modern celebrations, particularly in Minnesota, combining history, natural beauty, and the desire for personalized experiences. They offer couples the chance to create a one-of-a-kind event that reflects who they are and how they envision their special day. As the trend continues to grow, outdoor wedding venues are likely here to stay, forever transforming how we view the traditional wedding ceremony. Whether it’s under a canopy of trees, beside Lake Superior, or in a rustic barn, the possibilities are limitless.
You can read about our top picks for outdoor wedding venues in Central Minnesota here and NW Minnesota here.
