While getting married in a church or place of worship used to be the norm, outdoor weddings have risen in popularity, making up over 68% of weddings each year. Minnesota outdoor wedding venues run the gamut from lakeside to rooftop and everywhere in between. Here’s 25 of our favorite outdoor wedding venues in Central Minnesota. {You can see NW Minnesota’s here and NE Minnesota’s here.}
Lakefront Wedding Venues
When you think of outdoor wedding venues in Minnesota — the Land of 10,000 Lakes — you have to start with lakefront wedding venues, right?!
1. Cragun’s Resort
A classic Minnesota resort, everyone in Minnesota knows Cragun’s. If they haven’t vacationed there, they know someone who has. From summer fun on the lake to snowmobile rentals in the winter, Cragun’s truly has something for everyone. As an outdoor wedding venue, their lakefront location can’t be beat.
2. Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort
Another classic, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort has been a Minnesota tradition for over 125 years. Become part of that tradition by saying “I do” in the perfect outdoor wedding venue overlooking Bay Lake.
Forest Wedding Venues
There is something magical about saying your vows and celebrating your nuptials surrounded by nature, deep in the forest. If this is your idea of a dream outdoor wedding venue, here’s three great options.
3. Cuyuna Cove
If you are planning an elopement or a smaller, micro wedding with a few family and friends, Cuyuna Cove is the perfect forest wedding venue. With a collection of custom-built cabins, this intimate location is tucked into the woods near Crosby.
4. Gather on 3
Gather on 3 offers a unique wedding structure in the woods and an open patio with four fireplaces for the ultimate outdoor wedding venue.
5. Shire in the Woods
If laid-back is more your style, Shire in the Woods offers an outdoor wedding venue where you and your guests can celebrate all weekend in the cabins or by camping on the premises.
Barn Wedding Venues
Barn wedding venues are another classic option for a Minnesota outdoor wedding. Whether you like their rustic aesthetic or the views of the rolling pastures outside, Central Minnesota has gorgeous barn wedding venues. We have a few listed below, but you can see all of our favorite Northern Minnesota barn wedding venues here and here.
6. Rum River Barn & Vineyard
This picturesque barn is situated on 400 rolling acres of Central Minnesota countryside, making it an ideal outdoor wedding venue for your big day.
7. Swan Haven Weddings and Events
There’s something about wide open spaces that is simple and elegant at the same time. Swan Haven is a barn wedding venue with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the perfect location for an outdoor wedding.
Garden Wedding Venues
Garden weddings are a timeless classic. From sweet-smelling roses to fragrant lavender fields, garden weddings are a beautiful choice for your celebration.
8. Gardens at West Central Research and Outreach Center (U of M)
While U of M’s Landscape Arboretum in the cities is more well-known, their West Central Research and Outreach Center is just as beautiful for a wedding in any season.
Golf Club Wedding Venues
Using the clubhouse of the local golf club has been a thing for a while now. Being able to get married on the 18th tee and dining overlooking the meticulously maintained grass is the epitome of an outdoor wedding.
9. Thumper Pond Resort
Thumper Pond boasts an “18-hole championship golf course carved out of 90,000 Red Pine trees.” We’d say that’s the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding venue.
10. Alexandria Golf Club
Considered one of the “top golf clubs in Minnesota,” Alexandria Golf Club is also one of the most beautiful outdoor wedding venues in the state, too.
11. Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort
Located on the shores of Gull Lake, the Grand View Lodge has beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception sites for you and your guests.
12. Geneva Golf Club
With 27 holes, this public golf course makes for a fun afternoon of golf. More importantly, it’s a beautiful spot for an outdoor wedding venue.
Minnesota Vineyard Wedding Locations
Getting married in a vineyard is at once upscale and rustic. There are just two of central Minnesota’s gorgeous vineyards listed below. See all of the northern Minnesota vineyard wedding locations here.
13. 68 & Vine Veteran’s Winery
If you are looking for an “unforgettable wine experience among the pines,” 68 & Vine may be the outdoor wedding venue for you. Run by two veterans, this vineyard is open for private events seasonally.
14. Carlos Creek Winery
Carlos Creek Winery claims to have the “outdoor ceremony location worthy of your wedding dreams” and we have to say we agree with them. It’s just gorgeous and your reception can be held indoors in the cellars.
Private Estate Wedding Venues
You may think an outdoor wedding venue in a private estate is strictly for the metro area, but you’d be wrong. There are plenty of private estates in northern Minnesota available to host your special day.
15. Emerald Cottage on Hidden Lane
This charming and affordable outdoor wedding venue is a hidden gem in the Brainerd area. With blooming flower gardens, towering trees, and a lovely cottage, this petite private estate has everything you need.
16. Linden Hill Historic Estate
This rambling 125-year-old mansion and grounds offer many options as an outdoor wedding venue. Plus, it is located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.
Unique Outdoor Wedding Venues
Outdoor wedding venues can be traditional, like a golf course or the gardens of a private estate, but they can also be unexpected. Here’s a few locations you probably haven’t thought of that would be a perfect outdoor wedding venue.
17. Long Drive-In
Yes, a drive-in movie theater. If you love drive-ins or have a quirky personality, Long Drive-In is open to hosting the unique outdoor wedding of your dreams. You could even play your favorite rom-com in the background. My vote is for “Somewhere in Time.”
18. Breezy Belle Paddleboat
For a truly unique outdoor wedding, you could get married on the top deck of the Breezy Belle Paddleboat on Pelican Lake and enjoy a private, intimate cruise with family and friends.
19. Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
Most people wouldn’t automatically think of an environmental learning center as an option for an outdoor wedding venue, but Osprey Wilds may surprise you. It has over 780 acres of forest and tons of amenities your ceremony and reception.
Why Choose an Outdoor Wedding Venue in Central Minnesota?
There are many reasons to choose an outdoor wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, or both, including:
- Natural Beauty: Central Minnesota boasts stunning landscapes, including lakes, forests, and rolling hills, providing a picturesque backdrop for your big day.
- Seasonal Variety: Our state experiences vibrant seasons, from lush green summers to colorful fall foliage, allowing for a variety of wedding aesthetics.
- Connection to Nature: Like most Minnesota couples, you appreciate the tranquility and beauty of nature and want to create a serene atmosphere for your special day.
- Unique Photo Opportunities: Outdoor settings offer countless scenic spots for memorable photos.
- Guest Comfort: Fresh air and natural light can enhance the overall guest experience, making it feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
- Adventure and Fun: Outdoor venues often allow for activities like lawn games, bonfires, or scenic hikes, adding a fun element to the celebration.
- Personal Significance: Many couples have personal connections to specific outdoor locations, making the venue feel more meaningful.
These reasons make outdoor wedding venues in Central Minnesota a cherished choice for many couples!
