I’ve had the pleasure of photographing weddings at some of the most beautiful waterfront venues in the Twin Cities. From the tranquil shores of Lake Minnetonka to the iconic views along the Mississippi River, these spots offer the perfect backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot by the water. Here’s a look at some of my favorite lake, river, and pond venues that make for unforgettable wedding days.
1. LEOPOLD'S MISSISSIPPI GARDENS
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens is a stunning venue along the Mississippi River which includes a riverside ceremony site. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy a reception inside their modern and elegant ballroom.
2. WHITE BEAR YACHT CLUB
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN
White Bear Yacht Club is nestled on the shores of White Bear Lake to offer a timeless setting for Minnesotan weddings. Blending nautical charm with elegance, this venue offers panoramic lake views, manicured gardens, and a grand clubhouse with expansive windows and a sweeping staricase.
3. MINNESOTA BOAT CLUB
ST. PAUL, MN
Located on Raspberry Island in downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota Boat Club is a unique venue perfect for couples looking for a waterfront wedding venue. Couples can exchange vows on the lawn with a river backdrop, and then enjoy a warm reception inside the historic clubhouse adorned with antique decor.
4. HARRIET ISLAND PAVILION
St. PAUL, MN
Harriet Island Pavilion is a historic venue along the Mississippi River. The venue was designed by Clarence W. Wigington, the nation’s first Black municipal architect in 1941. The enclosed pavilion is known for it’s stone walls, high ceilings, and wooden beams. Couples can choose between indoor and outdoor ceremony sites. The North patio provides stunning views of the river with the city skyline.
5. NICOLLET ISLAND PAVILION
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Nicollet Island Pavilion is a historic wedding venue perched along the Mississippi River, offering the perfect blend of waterfront charm and urban character. Couples can exchange vows outdoors before celebrating inside the expansive event space, known for its exposed brick walls and soaring industrial ceilings. With sweeping views of downtown Minneapolis and easy access to the Stone Arch Bridge, the venue provides countless opportunities for stunning wedding portraits.
6. OLYMPIC HILLS GOLF CLUB
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN
Olympic Hills Golf Club has a beautiful outdoor ceremony site featuring a pergola overlooking a waterfall garden and pond. Inside the clubhouse is a remodeled banquet room with dark hardwood floors and large windows. The newly designed deck also offers a charming fireplace.
7. LAFAYETTE CLUB
MINNETONKA BEACH, MN
The Lafeyette Club is a beautiful space overlooking Crystal Bay on Lake Minnetonka. The venue has a beautifully landscape outdoor space for lakeside ceremonies and a grand ballroom featuring gleaming hardwood floors, large crystal chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic lake views.
5. COMO LAKESIDE PAVILION
ST. PAUL, MN
Part of Como Regional Park, the Como Lakeside Pavilion features an intimate open-air pavilion overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Como, perfect for a lakeside ceremony. Upstairs, the venue offers an elegant indoor event space above the Dock & Paddle restaurant, with expansive windows framing the lake and surrounding gardens. Inspired by the charm of Italy’s Lake Como, the pavilion combines a romantic, European feel with Minnesota’s natural beauty, offering a unique backdrop.
8. MAJESTIC OAKS GOLF CLUB
HAM LAKE, MN
Majestic Oaks Golf Club offers two beautiful outdoor ceremony site options: a white gazebo area and a wooden pergola underneath a Willow tree. Both sites feature lush golf course views and tranquil ponds. Inside the golf club are three elegant ballroom options for a reception.
10. RIVER CRUISE
Why just be next to the water when you could be on it? The Twin Cities has some unique and amazing opportunities for a river cruise wedding. Consider Stillwater River Boats on the St. Croix River, Padelford Riverboats or Paradise Charter Cruises on the Mississippi River, or Al & Alma’s Supper Club & Charter Cruises on Lake Minnetonka. Couples can choose from a fleet of cruise boats depending on guest size.
From historic pavilions along the Mississippi River to elegant lakeside clubs and private charter cruises on Lake Minnetonka, the Twin Cities offer a stunning variety of waterfront wedding venues. Whether you envision an intimate lakeside ceremony, a grand riverfront celebration, or a unique cruise aboard a luxury yacht, these venues provide picturesque backdrops, memorable experiences, and exceptional service. Couples looking for a wedding with natural beauty, sparkling water views, and a touch of local charm will find plenty of options to make their special day truly unforgettable.