25 of the Best Historic Minnesota Wedding Venues
Picking the perfect wedding venue for you and your partner can be so exciting, but it can also feel like there is an endless array of options sometimes. From different sizes to different styles and even locations throughout the state, how can you narrow down the list of the best Minnesota wedding venues that match what you and your partner are looking for?
Well, the good news is that as a wedding photographer in Minnesota, I have been to hundreds of different venues throughout the state and can give you some insider tips on some of my favorite places that I have visited.
So, let’s jump into some of the best historic Minnesota wedding venues that may be perfect for you and your partner!
Historic Minnesota Wedding Venues
The Van Dusen Mansion
If you want castle vibes right in Downtown Minneapolis, The Van Dusen Mansion is definitely your spot. Not only is the mansion itself beautiful and makes for the perfect backdrop for your big day, but there are also so many spots throughout the venue.
From the ballroom to the carriage house and the courtyard, everything you could want is right at your fingertips. Plus, there are two getting-ready suites so you and your partner can have a calm and peaceful morning.
The Semple Mansion
The Semple Mansion is another stunning mansion right in Downtown Minneapolis. The real star of the show here is their ballroom. They actually have the largest original residential ballroom in the entire state!
Plus, it offers incredible views of downtown, providing a beautiful backdrop for celebrating the night away.
You and your partner will both have spacious spots to get ready before you can tie the knot in the Grand Foyer. Their lounge is the perfect spot for a cocktail hour before you head into the Grand Ballroom for your reception!
Summit Manor
Heading over to St. Paul, Summit Manor is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to feel encased in history. The architecture and dark wood throughout the manor make you feel like you are in a world of your own here!
They have three indoor and five outdoor options for your wedding, so it is perfect for any season! Plus, they have in-house catering, so you get to check one more thing off your to-do list!
Gale Mansion
For a completely customizable wedding, the Gale Mansion is such a great option. You get to work with the planning team at the venue to customize everything from your timeline, the layout of the wedding, and more!
There are also so many different spots throughout the space that are perfect for capturing that historic feeling, from beautiful balconies and arched windows to paintings, furniture, and more that are original to the mansion!
Watson Block
Located right in the Warehouse District in the Twin Cities, Watson Block is the perfect mix of historic and industrial. With massive windows that let in so much natural light and beautiful exposed brick walls, this space creates such a perfect wedding venue.
Plus, you have some incredible spots right outside the doors to take advantage of the surrounding city. Watson Block can accommodate up to 120 guests for your wedding, so there is plenty of space for all of your friends and family to celebrate this next chapter with you!
The Blaisdell
Originally built in the early 1900s, The Blaisdell is a Georgian-style mansion that screams elegance. The mansion has greenery surrounding it outside, and the inside is just as beautiful.
What I love about this venue is that it is very simply decorated inside, with most of the interior being white. This gives you so much flexibility to turn it into whatever you want for your wedding and add pops throughout with your florals!
Brick x Mortar
If you are looking for a rooftop option for your wedding, Brick x Mortar should definitely be on your list. This space offers you absolutely stunning views of the city mixed with intimate and cozy vibes in the indoor spaces.
Plus, the windows throughout offer you incredible views and create the perfect backdrop to tie the knot. If you want to slip away for some photos throughout the night, you’ll have the Warehouse District right outside the door to create some beautiful and unique moments!
Le VENERE
Looking for more of a 1920s vibe for your wedding? Le VENERE is your spot for just that. This venue has everything you could ask for on your wedding day.
You and your partner can get ready in your own getting-ready suites before heading out to walk down the aisle. Whether you want an indoor ceremony under a stunning chandelier or you want to head right outside to Mears Park for an outdoor ceremony, you honestly can’t go wrong.
There is even a rooftop you can use to get stunning portraits with the city stretching out behind you!
Minneapolis Event Centers
The Minneapolis Event Centers give you a few different options to choose from for your wedding, ranging from beautiful brownstones to riverside views. This is a great option if you want open floor plans that give you flexibility when it comes to customizing your space.
The View gives you a wedding with beautiful exposed brick and original wood floors with plenty of natural light. The Grand 1858 is a stunning brownstone with a garden patio perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Finally, Riverside gives you the perfect views out over the river and downtown. Plus it can accommodate up to 700 people, so there is no wedding too big!
The 1893 at the Historic Grain Belt
Right in the Arts District, The 1893 at the Historic Grain Belt is such a unique place to tie the knot. You get the industrial aesthetic while still feeling all of the history the venue has to offer.
Some of the most unique parts about this venue are the stained glass windows and the historic vault that you can head to for some really special pictures. Whether you’re planning a wedding day as small as 25 guests or as large as 300, you’ll have everything you need here!
Earl & Wilson Event Center
If the aesthetic for your wedding is a bit more dark and moody, the Earl & Wilson Event Center is just what you are looking for. This space has beautiful dark brick walls and wood floors with exposed ceilings overhead to create the perfect intimate atmosphere.
The space can even accommodate up to 220 guests for your wedding, and you’ll have three different rooms that you are able to use throughout the day for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception!
Union Depot
Union Depot truly does create a unique feeling for your wedding. With vaulted ceilings and massive windows that let in so much natural light, this space is perfect for a bright and vibrant wedding.
Plus, there are so many spots throughout the depot that create beautiful backdrops for photos both inside the venue and outside in front of the beautiful stone pillars.
FIVE Event Center
Originally built in the late 1800s, the FIVE Event Center has been transformed from its former life as the 5th Police Precinct to a stunning wedding venue.
With two floors of beautiful spaces, you have everything you need, from getting-ready spaces, an outdoor patio, and indoor spaces with vaulted ceilings and open floor plans. There is even a built-in bar on both levels!
Nicollet Island Pavilion
For a larger wedding right on the waterfront, Nicollet Island Pavilion is the go-to choice. For the colder months, there is a stunning indoor option with an open floor plan and the perfect industrial vibe.
If you want an outdoor option, the grounds in front of the Pavilion offer a stunning backdrop and you are right next to the water. You can even opt for a beautiful tent right on the lawn to give you the best of both worlds!
Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
Now, I know a Renaissance Hotel probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think of historic Minnesota wedding venues. But this spot just couldn’t be left off this list.
Originally a train depot, The Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel has been transformed into a stunning event venue. There are also multiple different spaces throughout this venue that you can choose from, including the Great Hall with the classic train depot aesthetic or The Conservatory with incredible floor-to-ceiling windows and vaulted ceilings!
Northern Stacks Events
Northern Stacks Events is a beautiful, industrial-style wedding venue in Fridley, Minnesota. This venue not only has a beautiful exterior that creates such a unique backdrop, but the interior is just as incredible.
With massive windows and exposed brick walls that date back to the pre-World War II era, there is so much history throughout this space, combined with understated elegance!
Landmark Center
While the Landmark Center originally served as a postal office and courthouse, it has now been transformed into a unique wedding venue right in St. Paul. You can feel the history in every space you enter here.
Not only that, but you also get to choose from a few different options when it comes to what space you want for your wedding. You can have weddings as small as 75 people or rent out the entire building and have enough space for over 1,000 people!
St. Paul Cathedral
The St. Paul Cathedral is a timeless, romantic wedding venue. It has gorgeous lighting, mesmerizing stained glass windows, and grand domes.
Lumber Exchange Event Center
Don’t let the name fool you! The Lumber Exchange Event Center is a beautiful venue that perfectly combines a historic feel with a modern sophistication.
The Fountain and River Rooms offer expansive open layouts and plenty of space to create your own custom setup. The Sawyers on 5th and Dylan spaces create a more intimate feeling while still offering enough space for 250+ guests. There are even private spaces for both you and your partner to get ready before you tie the knot!
University Club of St Paul
The University Club of St. Paul is normally a member’s-only club, but is open to non-members to host weddings. This space is absolutely beautiful and has some really unique features, including a beautiful ceiling design in their Summit Room.
The club is also located right next to multiple different parks, which allows you to choose from an indoor ceremony at the club or an outdoor wedding right outside the doors!
St. Paul College Club
If you are looking for another Gregorian-style mansion as an option for your wedding, look no further than the St. Paul College Club. This mansion is absolutely beautiful and has both indoor and outdoor options that are absolutely stunning.
There are also so many unique spots both inside and outside the mansion to explore. There is something new around every corner so you have plenty of options and variety depending on what you are looking for!
The Whim
The Whim is an absolutely beautiful industrial space that has tons of natural light and flexibility to transform the space into your dream wedding. With expansive, white brick walls and black windows, the space on its own has a beautiful elegance to it.
But, it also is the perfect blank canvas and gives you so many options when it comes to decorating the space and adding colors and pops with your floral arrangements!
Edward Anne Estate at Bavaria Downs
If you want to be in a world of your own, but not have to travel far outside the city, the Edward Anne Estate at Bavaria Downs is exactly what you are looking for. The estate features truly unique spaces for your wedding as well as rolling hills and plenty of views that make you feel like you have travelled across the world.
You can tie the knot in an outdoor ceremony with a stunning backdrop behind you or head into the Ballroom with massive windows and vaulted ceilings. The estate itself and courtyard offer the perfect places for your cocktail hour. You also can’t beat the views here at golden hour and will get the most incredible portraits on the grounds!
The Basilica of Saint Mary
The Basilica of Saint Mary is a stunning cathedral located on Hennepin Avenue. The eye-catching architecture and structure create a romantic, picturesque backdrop, and the interior also has incredible lighting.
The St. Paul Hotel
The St. Paul Hotel is a premier, historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul. It has lavishly decorated ballrooms, gorgeous ceremony spaces, and private dining rooms. It’s the perfect venue for an elegant, classy celebration.
Ready to Choose Your Own Historic Wedding Venue in Minnesota?
There truly are some incredible historic Minnesota wedding venues and hopefully this list helps you narrow down some of your choices. You really can’t go wrong with any of the venues here!
Now all you need to do is find the perfect photographer to capture your wedding. If you are still looking for the right fit, I’d love to chat! You can click here to learn more about my wedding photography services or head over here to get in touch!
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