If your dream wedding involves movement, excitement, adventure, and unique experiences, the Twin Cities has you covered! One of my past couples took adventurous to a whole new level by having me and the wedding party join them for a marathon before starting getting-ready photos. That kind of energy perfectly captures the spirit of what’s possible for your wedding day. Whether you love cycling through city streets, exploring scenic trails, or cheering for your favorite local sports teams on their home turf, this blog is full of fun ideas to make your wedding uniquely yours!
PLANNING INSPIRATION
- Blend Urban & Outdoor Adventures: Combine city landmarks with natural settings to create a wedding day full of variety and energy. Think skyline photos on a bridge, then sunset shots at a nearby lake or hilltop.
- Plan for Movement-Friendly Attire: Lightweight dresses, breathable suits, and comfortable shoes make all the difference if you want epic portraits of you two on a tandem bike, atop a hill, or paddling a canoe.
- Incorporate Your Hobbies: Love cycling or running? Kick off the morning with a group ride or jog before the ceremony. It’s a unique way to start your wedding day and makes for authentic, high-energy photos.
- Make It Interactive:Keep guests engaged with fun activities during cocktail hour—lawn games, mini scavenger hunts, short hikes, or even hayrides. Adventure can be contagious!
- Wedding Party Fun: Rent a Pedal Pub or segways to explore the city with your bridal party, hitting iconic photo spots while keeping the energy high.
- Bring Sports Into the Celebration: If you’re fans of a particular team, weave it in with color palettes, cuff links, or personal touches—like serving ice cream in Twins hats!
- Let Passions Inspire Centerpieces: Incorporate your favorite adventures or travel spots into your décor. Photos from hikes, favorite vacation destinations, or maps make for meaningful, personalized centerpieces
- Have a Rain Plan: Many adventurous couples want outdoor ceremonies, but Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. Discuss back-up options with your venue and make sure you love them as much as your outdoor site.
- Matching Shoes for Comfort: If you’re more sneakers than heels or dress shoes, consider matching Converse, Crocs, or other fun footwear so you can move freely all day.
- Consider a Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Adventure: Make your pre-wedding celebration active! Paintball, laser tag, or escape rooms can be a fun, competitive way to bond with friends before the big day.
ENGAGEMENT SESSION IDEAS
Skip the standard engagement photos and opt for an adventure instead!
- Hiking along the North Shore, a State Park, or near a waterfall like Minnehaha Falls.
- A fun stroll along the Stone Arch Bridge or downtown Stillwater.
- Celebrate your love for sports by going to Target Field, CHS Field, US Bank Stadium, or even your college court or field.
- Go for a bike ride along the Midtown Greenway, Grand Rounds, or Mississippi Riverfront.
- Take to the water at Bde Maka Ska for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a lakeside stroll.
- Wander the gardens at Como Regional Park for whimsical portraits that combine a love for the outdoors with an elegant touch. You can even rent a swan-shaped boat from Wheel Fun Rentals.
- Grab a put and let’s go mini golfing at Lilli Putt, Skyline Mini Golf, or Can Can Wonderland.
- Play lawn games at your favorite outdoor brewery like Urban Growler or Sociable Cider Werk.
VENUE IDEAS
U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis): If you live for game day, this is your ultimate wedding venue. Couples especially love portrait ops on the field and in club spaces. For football-loving couples who want their wedding to have an epic feel, the U.S. Bank Stadium is for the win!
CHS Field (St. Paul): Baseball lovers, this one’s for you! The Securian Financial Club at CHS Field combines stadium energy with elegance. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of downtown St. Paul, couples will love the chance to incorporate playful elements into their wedding day.
Target Field (Minneapolis): For die-hard Twins fans, getting married at Target Field is a dream come true. While scheduling takes planning around game days, the reward is unmatched as you exchange vows on home plate or celebrate in club spaces with panoramic stadium views. For couples who breathe baseball, Target Field delivers an unforgettable wedding experience.
McNamara Alumni Center (Minneapolis): For couples who bleed maroon and gold, or just love the energy of the University of Minnesota campus, this venue is a no-brainer. With soaring ceilings, open spaces, and modern architecture, this is a great venue for couples, especially any former Gophers!
North Loop Green (Minneapolis): Say “I do” in a spacious, lively green space complete with a bocce court, lawn games, and cozy firepits. Guests can fuel up on crowd-pleasers like a nacho bar, roast beef sandwiches, and cheeseburger sliders, while enjoying a range of bar packages. This venue is perfect for couples who want a wedding that’s active, fun, and full of energy.
Redeemed Farm (Scandia): Rustic charm meets outdoor adventure at this beloved barn venue. Couples love the expansive fields and nearby trails, perfect for lawn games, bonfires, and active celebrations. With stunning scenery and the chance to pose with horses for portraits, this venue offers a laid-back yet elegant setting for adventurous, fun-loving couples.
Raspberry Island and Harriet Island Pavilion (St. Paul): Waterfront vibes, city views, and plenty of room for adventure! Couples love exchanging vows beneath the Raspberry Island arch, then celebrating indoors at Harriet Island Pavilion. With the Mississippi River at your feet and the skyline in view, this venue is perfect for couples who want a mix of scenic beauty and active, outdoor fun.
Silverwood Park (St. Anthony): Artful, scenic, and expansive, Silverwood Park is ideal for couples who love the outdoors. Exchange vows surrounded by trees, then host your reception indoors while still taking advantage of the park’s trails and sculptures for playful, adventurous portraits. Don’t miss the bridge over Silver Lake for stunning photos, and cap off the night with s’mores by the outdoor fireplace, a sweet ending to an active, memorable day.
Bloom Lake Barn (Shafer): With ample space for lawn games, a bonfire, and other outdoor activities, this venue is perfect for couples who love to move and mingle. Its signature blue barn doors and gorgeous outdoor ceremony site make it a standout choice for those who want a wedding that’s as fun and spacious as it is beautiful.
TPC Twin Cities (Blaine): A dream come true for golf lovers, this venue pairs a stunning championship course with the chance to enjoy a round of golf before getting ready. For sporty couples, it’s a wedding that fits your day, and your lifestyle, to the tee.
We hope these wedding planning tips, engagement session locations, and venue ideas inspire you to create a celebration that’s perfectly suited to your athletic, adventurous lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of active outdoor fun, sporty photo opportunities, or venues that let you move and play, there’s a wedding out there that fits your energy, and we can’t wait to see you bring it to life!