In Minnesota, we are lucky to experience all four seasons in their full glory, which means our summers and falls are absolutely perfect for outdoor weddings. From lush gardens to rolling hills to scenic lakesides, the Twin Cities offers an incredible variety of venues where couples can exchange vows surrounded by the great outdoors.
As a local wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of touring and capturing some amazing weddings across the metro area. Over the years, certain venues have stood out for their beautiful aesthetics and the incredible experiences offered to couples and their guests.
Here’s a variety of amazing options, all located within two hours of the Twin Cities!
1. THE GARDENS OF CASTLE ROCK
NORTHFIELD, MN
The Gardens of Castle Rock is a fully outdoor venue bursting with lush gardens and natural beauty. Ceremonies under the lath house feel whimsical and dreamy, with café lights twinkling above and vines wrapping the wooden structure. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy dinner and dancing under a tent on the spacious lawn, making it a perfect blend of romantic ceremony space and functional reception area.
2. HOPE GLEN FARM
COTTAGE GROVE, MN
Hope Glen Farm offers an outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush greenery, with an open pavilion as a backup in case of rain and for use during the reception. Guests can enjoy dancing in the barn and relax on the patio with games and a bonfire. One of my favorite features is the treehouse that couples can rent for an overnight stay, so you don’t have to worry about travel at the end of the night.
3. LEOPOLD'S MISSISSIPPI GARDENS
BROOKLYN PARK, MN
Situated along the Mississippi River, Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens offers stunning water views and beautifully manicured gardens, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable outdoor ceremony. After the vows, guests can move indoors to enjoy the elegant event space for the reception.
4. CAMROSE HILL FARM
STILLWATER, MN
Camrose Hill Farm is surrounded by elegant outdoor spaces for a stunning ceremony site and a tented reception. This venue doubles as a florist, too, and offer an unforgettable floral arch to serve as your ceremony’s backdrop.
5. BAVARIA DOWNS
CHASKA, MN
Bavaria Downs is an elegant estate that offers a perfect mix of outdoor beauty and sophisticated amenities. Couples can exchange vows on the manicured lawns or garden terraces, while guests enjoy a reception in the versatile event spaces. With picturesque scenery and attention to detail, Bavaria Downs creates a timeless and memorable wedding experience.
6. ABELLA WEDDINGS & EVENTS
CHISAGO COUNTY, MN
Abella Weddings & Events is in the Chisago area and provides an elegant, charming space. Couples can exchange vows in the gardens or open fields, while guests enjoy a reception in the beautifully designed indoor barn. With its serene surroundings and versatile spaces, Abella Farm is a stunning option for couples looking for a modern twist on rustic charm.
7. REDEEMED FARM
SCANDIA, MN
Redeemed Farm is a rustic yet elegant venue that offers a variety of ceremony spaces including a vineyard lawn, a white chapel stable, and a historic barn loft. A reception is hosted inside the historic barn. I also love their French inspired bridal suite! This venue is the perfect balance of rustic and elegance.
8. ST. PAUL COLLEGE CLUB
ST. PAUL, MN
The St. Paul College Club combines historic charm with elegant outdoor spaces. Couples can exchange vows on the terrace or garden area, while guests enjoy a sophisticated reception indoors. With its city views and classic atmosphere, this mansion setting is perfect for couples seeking a timeless, refined wedding experience.
9. BLOOM LAKE BARN
SHAFER, MN
With a stunning white barn with blue doors and gothic church windows, Bloom Lake Barn is a stunning rustic venue with an outdoor ceremony site set with white pews for guests to sit. Plus, they have a stunning indoor barn backup plan. Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy dinner and dancing inside the barn decorated with chandeliers and cafe lighting.
10. ROUND BARN FARM
WELCH, MN
Round Barn Farm features an iconic round barn, a ceremony site in a breathtaking open field, an open reception pavilion, and a barn for dancing. With its beautiful grounds and rustic charm, this venue offers a memorable setting! Plus, Round Barn Farm also has a Bed & Breakfast and offers couples a honeymoon suite.
11. SILVERWOOD PARK
ST. ANTHONY, MN
Part of the Three Rivers Park system, Silverwood Park offers a mix of natural landscapes and artful architecture for outdoor ceremonies. Couples can exchange vows on the patio surrounded by towering trees followed by an indoor reception. With its serene surroundings and versatile settings, Silverwood Park is a great choice for couples who love nature and art.
12. MILLENNIUM GARDENS
PLYMOUTH, MN
Millennium Gardens is a lush garden venue that offers a vibrant outdoor setting surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and water features. With its colorful scenery and elegant design, Millennium Gardens serves as a romantic backdrop.
13. CANNON RIVER WINERY
CANNON FALLS, MN
Nestled along the river, Cannon River Winery offers a romantic outdoor setting for ceremonies among vineyards and lush greenery. After the ceremony, guests can travel to the winery for an indoor reception.
14. WILLOW BROOKE FARM
RED WING, MN
Willow Brooke Farm combines rustic farm charm with vineyard elegance! Couples can exchange vows among the vineyard rows or in front of their beautiful white barn’s large windows. Receptions are then hosted inside the modern white barn. With its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and winery touches, Willow Brooke Farm offers a memorable setting for a romantic countryside wedding.
15. ROLLING RIDGE EVENT CENTER
ST. JOSEPH, MN
Rolling Ridge Event Center offers incredible outdoor spaces surrounded by natural beauty, perfect for memorable ceremonies. Couples can exchange vows in front of a timeless stone wall surrounded by greenery, inside the barn, at the formal lawns, underneath a woodland pergola, or against a woodsy backdrop. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy dinner and dancing in a historic barn. One of my favorite features of this venue though is the indoor bridal suite with chandeliers and mirrors.
Every one of these venues has its own charm, and the right choice can make your ceremony and your wedding photos truly shine all day long. From my experience capturing couples’ love stories, the key is picking a place you genuinely love that also works smoothly for your wedding day. I hope this list sparks some ideas and helps you find the perfect outdoor spot to say “I do.” Happy planning and enjoy every moment!