Fall evokes the senses. The smell of burning leaves, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, the taste of a pumpkin spice latte, and, perhaps most significant, the riot of colors on the trees. If you imagine your wedding with a backdrop of red, yellow, and orange foliage, here are seven epic fall wedding venues in northern Minnesota for you!
1. Catalyst by Nature Link – Nisswa
Tucked in between towering pine trees and the quiet shores of Clark Lake , Catalyst by Nature Link Resort is the perfect setting for a fall wedding. Every view is framed to showcase the lake and the beautiful fall colors.
2. The Yard Weddings & Events – Moorhead
Ceremonies at The Yard are held in front of a huge oak tree on the banks of the Red River, which is a beautiful setting year-round. Autumn, however, makes this fall wedding venue an extra special spot full of gorgeous orange and gold hues. As an added bonus, they have the largest dance floor in the Fargo-Moorhead area so you can get your groove on!
3. Bluefin Bay – Tofte
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Bluefin Bay Resort is a fall vacation destination. Offering guests miles of hiking and biking trails by day and cozy campfires on the beach at night, this fall wedding venue epitomizes everything that is northern Minnesota.
4. Barn in the Woods – Bovey
This beautiful barn with a soaring ceiling and twinkle lights is another romantic fall wedding venue. It is tucked into the woods so you and your guests will be surrounded by fall color.
5. Burntside Lodge – Ely
There’s a reason the Burntside Lodge is listed in the book “1000 Places to See Before You Die.” Located near the entry point of the BWCA, the resort has been in operation for over 100 years and represents the classic Minnesota vacation.
6. Maplelag Resort – Callaway
Mapletag was designed “to create a magical place in the forest, along the shores of Little Sugarbush.” We can’t think of a better fall wedding venue than this.
7. Big Sandy Lodge and Resort – McGregor
Big Sandy advertises itself as the “perfect combination of lakeside retreat, comfortable accommodations, and big fun.” All true, but they truly shine as a fall wedding venue.
Peak Fall Color Info for Northern Minnesota
The Minnesota DNR is super helpful in tracking fall color and understanding what to expect when planning a fall wedding in northern Minnesota. While you can check with your fall wedding venue’s coordinator for their advice, the DNR’s website allows you to check different dates and their anticipated percentage of fall color. You can also compare maps of past years’ color change. One thing to keep in mind is that northern Minnesota changes much sooner than the Twin Cities metro area. Heck – sometimes we have to trick-or-treat in full-blown snowsuits.
Why Choose a Fall Wedding?
If you are here, you probably already know why fall weddings are a great choice, but if you need more convincing …
- Beautiful Foliage: The vibrant colors of autumn leaves create a stunning natural backdrop for photos.
- Mild Weather: Fall typically offers cooler temperatures, making it comfortable for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
- Seasonal Décor: The rich colors and themes of fall, like pumpkins, gourds, and rustic elements, provide unique decor options.
- Cozy Atmosphere: The season evokes a sense of warmth and coziness, perfect for intimate gatherings.
- Fewer Bugs: Cooler weather means fewer insects, making outdoor events more enjoyable. Anyone who has ever spent any time in northern Minnesota has met our ‘unofficial’ state bird: the mosquito. Enough said.
- Availability of Venues: Many fall wedding venues have greater availability this ‘shoulder season’ compared to peak summer months, giving couples more flexibility and maybe even a price break.
- Romantic Vibes: The shorter days and crisp air create a romantic ambiance ideal for celebrating love.
These reasons combine to make fall a magical and memorable time for weddings!
