We are so lucky here in the Twin Cities to have such an active performing arts community. For couples who live and breathe theater, your wedding day is another chance to celebrate creativity, connection, and all the good kind of drama!
Planning a wedding that honors your love for the theater means thinking beyond the usual wedding venues, and incorporating artistry, emotion, and spectacle that you love. Here’s your guide to making your Twin Cities wedding truly stage-worthy.
WEDDING PLANNING TIPS
- Create a wedding theme centered around a specific musical or play to really narrow a vision to bring to life.
- Have each guest table’s centerpiece incorporate elements and props from a specific play or musical.
- Print menus, invitations, or programs like Broadway playbills or musical tickets. Include cast & crew for your wedding party and vendors!
- Work with your bartender to create themed cocktails with fun puns from your favorite musical, and your partner’s favorite.
- Include a choreographed dance or flash mob with your wedding party.
- Have a red carpet for your grand entrance.
- Incorporate a “take center stage” theme into a fun, interactive photo booth with props and all the paparazzi vibes.
- If you are utilizing a theater venue, have your first dance take place on the stage with a dramatic curtain reveal.
- Hire live performers from musicians to actors to entertainers like Enticing Entertainment who provide a variety of acts including aerial bartenders, champagne dresses, contortionists, fire dancers, and more.
ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS
- True Theater Style: The Twin Cities is full of beautiful and unique theaters that make for incredible engagement photo backdrops. For classic elegance, consider venues like The Orpheum, The Ordway, the Pantages Theatre, or the Fitzgerald Theater. If you prefer modern architecture, Guthrie Theater, Theater Latte Da, or the Rarig Center offer bold, contemporary lines and dramatic spaces. For a smaller-scale, personality-filled vibe, spaces like Mixed Blood Theatre, The Southern Theater, or Park Square Theater are full of character. Many of these theaters also have nearby parks, alleyways, or historic streets, giving your session variety and unique storytelling opportunities.
- Timeless Flair: Looking to create a dramatic, storybook narrative? Union Depot, a historic train station in St. Paul, is perfect. bring props like a vintage suitcase and clothing to add a historic twist to your portraits. The Landmark Center also offers beautiful architecture with dramatic lighting, hidden staircases, and all the vibes.
- Dramatic Speakeasy Vibes: Speaking of historic twists, channel the glamour of musicals like Guys & Dolls, Anything Goes, or Chicago with moody lighting and playful dress-up. Speakeasy-style locations such as The Prohibition Bar, The Velveteen, or Anoka Hardware Store give your session a theatrical, jazzy edge.
- City Views: For stunning skyline backdrops, the Stone Arch Bridge creates a classic Twin Cities setting. Dramatic city skylines, the Missisisspi River, and the iconic architecture make for striking backdrops as your partner dips you into a kiss.
- Artistic Walls & Murals: Add an artistic, music-inspired flair with outdoor locations like the Schmitt Music Mural or the Prince Mural. These vibrant exteriors make bold, playful backdrops that show off personality and creativity.
- Romantic Outdoor Gardens: For timeless romance, nothing beats lush gardens in bloom. The Lyndale Rose Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Como Park, and Longfellow Gardens offer dreamy florals and paved pathways perfect for twirling and dancing.
- Vintage Charm: For a nostalgic, whimsical touch, Little Log House Pioneer Village provides a retro feel, perfect for adding character and fun to your engagement portraits.
WEDDING VENUES
- The Guthrie Theater: A one-of-a-kind space, with ceremonies on the Endless Bridge or inside the Amber Box and receptions in Dowling Studio. This black-box theater offers a blank canvas for couples to create an unforgettable wedding.
- Varsity Theater: This historic venue is filled with vintage charm and dramatic lighting, perfect for couples who are seeking a theatrical vibe. The main floor and balcony offer versatile ceremony and reception options for a show-stopping event.
- Hollywood Theater: This intimate, historic theater with art decor details and cozy charm is full of character and creative flair. With a Marquee sign, gold pillars, and vintage light fixtures, you and your partner will feel like stars all day long.
- Granada Theater: This theater features stunning Spanish Revival architecture and a vibrant Uptown location. Its historic details, high ceilings, and stage area create a dramatic setting for both ceremonies and receptions.
- The Southern Theater: This intimate, historic theater has a rich performance legacy and vintage charm. Its sage and cozy layout provide a unique, immersive setting perfect for couples who want a venue with character, creativity, and theatrical flair.
- Varsity Theater: For couples who love live music, indie films, and a little retro edge, the Varsity Theater is an iconic Twin Cities gem. Its marquee lights, vintage facade, and University Avenue energy make it perfect for bold, personality-filled portraits or a music-forward wedding vibe. Whether you’re channeling old-school cinema, concert-night nostalgia, or just want something unmistakably Minneapolis, the Varsity brings instant character and cool.
- Van Dusen Mansion: Step into gothic romance. With its grand staircases, ornate details, and moody elegance, Van Dusen Mansion evokes the drama and romance of Phantom of the Opera. Perfect for couples who love classic, theatrical flair.
- American Swedish Institute: Scandinavian folklore meets modern enchantment. The lush gardens and unique architecture of the American Swedish Institute bring a dreamy, whimsical energy reminiscent of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
- Semple Mansion:Channel 1930s jazz-era charm. The Semple Mansion’s historic elegance and classic interiors make it ideal for a Guys & Dolls–inspired, speakeasy-style session.
- Machine Shop: Bring the energy of the stage to your wedding day. The Machine Shop’s open floor, exposed brick, and industrial charm make it perfect for a La La Land-inspired celebration. Think dynamic first dances, choreographed wedding-party entrances, and playful movement that lets your guests feel like part of the performance. The space’s raw, rehearsal-studio vibe adds a theatrical twist while keeping the atmosphere fun and modern.
- Historic Concord Exchange: Vibrant, dramatic, and full of personality. Historic Concord Exchange is perfect for bold, romantic, and slightly edgy vibes, capturing the daring glamour of Moulin Rouge.
- Day Block Event Center: Urban, artsy, and full of energy. With brick walls and open spaces, Day Block Event Center mirrors the gritty, intimate, and passionate spirit of musicals like RENT or A Chrous Line.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, an engagement session, or just seeking creative inspiration, the Twin Cities is full of theaters, performance spaces, and artistic venues that can make your celebration unforgettable. From grand, gothic mansions to sleek modern architecture, from jazzy speakeasy vibes to romantic garden settings, there’s a stage for every love story. It’s time to step into the spotlight and let your wedding day shine!
LET'S TELL YOUR LOVE STORY
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