Minneapolis/St. Paul Wedding Planning Guide: Part 1
your guide to planning a TWIN CITIES WEDDING
wedding venues & services
planning your minneapolis/st. paul wedding
At Style-Architects Weddings, we know everything there is to planning a beautiful Twin Cities wedding. As award-winning Minnesota wedding planners and designers, we have decades of expertise under our belt. With its diverse selection of venues, skilled vendors, and vibrant wedding industry, Minneapolis/St. Paul offers countless options for couples to create a memorable celebration. In Part 1 of this guide, we’ll explore some of the top wedding venues in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and provide insights on key wedding planning considerations for catering, bar service, and desserts. No matter your vision, this resource will help you navigate the wedding planning process and provide trusted vendor recommendations to bring your dream wedding to life. We only work with the best of the best, so check out our vendor recommendations below for your venue and food and beverage needs!
photos by: Shane Long, Wild Trail Studio, Russell Heeter
twin cities wedding venues
A key step in your planning journey is selecting the right wedding venue. Your venue sets the stage for the entire celebration, so it should align seamlessly with your wedding day vision! Whether you envision a trendy urban vibe, a romantic garden party, or a classic country club celebration, you need a space that complements your style and aesthetic.
Equally important is ensuring the venue and all that comes with it fits within your budget! Hidden costs can quickly add up, so before you fall in love with a space, be clear on pricing and what is included. As you tour potential venues, asking the right questions is key. Beyond basic inquiries about rental fees and food and beverage minimums, dive deeper to understand the full scope of costs and logistics. Additionally, review a sample Banquet Event Order (BEO) to identify potential extra charges, such as fees for staffing, linens, AV equipment, or a dance floor rental. Clarify policies on parking, security requirements, early access, and any auxiliary room rental fees that could impact your budget.
Capacity can often be misleading; request sample floor plans to ensure your guest count will fit comfortably with essential features like a dance floor, bar, and lounge areas. Will you have to strike tables for your guests to dance?
By staying detail-focused and asking the right questions upfront, you’ll not only avoid unexpected costs but also gain confidence in your final decision. With the perfect venue secured, you'll be well on your way to bringing your wedding day vision to life. To dive more in-depth into our advice about venues, check out our blog Wedding Planning 101: Venues.
The Whim is airy and modern, with soaring windows that flood the space with natural light, a charming patio, and a cozy speakeasy. Located in Northeast Minneapolis’s Arts District, this 1920s warehouse-turned-venue offers a canvas perfect for any vision. It also offers unique smaller spaces (including a gorgeous speakeasy), getting-ready suites, flexible layouts, and pet-friendly policies, ideal for couples seeking a unique, design-forward space.
Machine Shop, with its rich history and industrial character, offers a blend of industrial charm and bright, open spaces that are perfect for a stylish, unique celebration. Located in the historic Pillsbury A‑Mill district, this 1916 venue features original concrete floors, soaring ceilings, and dramatic lighting. The two-level layout includes mobile bars, flexible partitions, and stylish lounges, ideal for customizing every phase of your event! Our favorite feature, though, is the drop-down truss, which makes installing gorgeous hanging installations quick and easy.
The Hutton House provides a spacious, elegant setting with standout features like a serene courtyard (perfect for ceremony or cocktail hour!) and a bright fireplace focal point. Located close to Minneapolis, this all-white venue in Medicine Lake includes sliding glass doors for easy indoor-outdoor flow, built-in bar, and private suites. It’s ideal for timeless, light-filled celebrations year-round.
Urban Daisy offers an elegant, industrial-chic atmosphere with a refreshing botanical vibe. Located in Northeast Minneapolis, this light-filled venue features polished concrete floors, lush greenery installations, built-in lounge groupings and seating, and modern design details that create a clean, organic feel. With flexible indoor spaces, getting-ready suites, and a built-in bar, it’s ideal for stylish weddings with a contemporary edge. The best part - they offer ghost chairs for no additional charge!
Glass House captivates with its modern-contemporary design and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light. Located in The North Loop, the venue blends industrial textures with handcrafted details and live greenery for a refined, open feel. The adjoining courtyard and lounge areas with loads of built-in soft seating provides a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, perfect for weddings that feel fresh, elevated, and effortlessly cool.
The Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom exudes vintage luxury, combining timeless elegance with rich architectural details. Featuring a grand stage, sunken dance floor, extravagant chandelier, and tiered dining, this venue sets the tone for a truly sophisticated celebration. With on-site catering and ample room to entertain, it’s the perfect backdrop for a classic, unforgettable event!
Equestria West delivers a refined, equestrian‑inspired setting that blends modern luxury with peaceful countryside charm. Located at Bavaria Downs in Chaska, this elegant venue features vaulted ceilings, a central courtyard, and lush woodland ceremony setting. It’s a serene but sophisticated backdrop for indoor/outdoor celebrations.
Edward Anne Estate marries old-world, European cottage character with contemporary event flair. This estate features a charming Bavarian-style home paired with a modern ballroom offering soaring vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. It's an idyllic blend of warm charm and upscale refinement, perfect for storybook weddings with high-end hospitality.
The Beach Club exudes timeless elegance with its graceful grand staircase perfect for any bridal entrance, high arched windows, and classic Uptown-meets-lakefront appeal. With sweeping views of Lake Bde Maka Ska, a sweeping terrace, and polished indoor spaces, this venue provides a sophisticated stage for refined, polished weddings.
The Minneapolis Club blends historic charm with contemporary elegance for couples seeking an iconic city venue in Downtown Minneapolis. Set in a beautifully maintained early‑1900s mansion, it balances moody, classic interiors, such as wood-paneled lounges, stained-glass windows, and cozy private rooms with the bright, white washed walls of the Mayfair Room. With all-inclusive service options including elevated cuisine, bridal suites, and downtown convenience, it’s perfect for timeless, sophisticated celebrations.
The McNamara Alumni Center makes a bold architectural statement with modern, breathtaking design. Inspired by the Minnesota landscape, interiors showcase copper, wood, and water features, with soaring ceilings and abundant natural light. With multiple rooming options to suit weddings of any size, adjacent ample ramp parking, and easy hotel access, McNamara makes a dramatic and unforgettable wedding setting. And, if you want, even Goldie the Gopher will stop by!
The Minneapolis Institute of Art offers a one-of-a-kind celebration experience combining rich history with exquisite surroundings. You and your guests will enjoy exclusive access to galleries, atriums, and outdoor spaces perfect for weddings of all sizes. Imagine strolling down a marble staircase to greet guests and dining amongst fine works of art. With customizable catering and elegant indoor‑outdoor flow, MIA is perfect for timeless, art-filled weddings infused with cultural sophistication.
The Lowlands is a modern, repurposed warehouse in St. Paul, offering a bright, minimalist space with curved architecture and skyline views. With two levels, built-in bars, a lush terrace, and a downstairs lounge featuring a living terrarium, it’s ideal for couples wanting a refined, design-forward celebration with industrial charm.
Quincy Hall, located in Minneapolis’s vibrant Northeast Arts District, is a spacious industrial-inspired venue ideal for large weddings over 200 guests. Its soaring ceiling, open floor plan, outside patio, and flexible layout adapt beautifully to ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours, offering a modern, elevated backdrop for stylish celebrations.
The Minnesota History Center blends architectural grandeur with museum elegance, featuring Minnesota-sourced granite, limestone, and marble accents with sweeping views of the Capitol and downtown skyline. With marble floors, arched windows, and access to exhibits and outdoor terraces, it offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for refined, history-filled weddings in the heart of St. Paul.
photos by: Shane Long, Lindsey Taylor, Russell Heeter, Shane Long, Machine Shop
twin cities wedding caterers
Catering is often the biggest expense in a wedding budget, and it’s more complex than just picking a menu. The key is understanding the costs—especially whether you’re using on-site or off-site caterer. Off-site catering offers flexibility on the caterer you bring in, but can also mean extra fees for essentials like staffing, plates, utensils, and even cooking equipment, as well as an added percentage of the bill paid to the venue as a Catering Fee. Asking for a sample Banquet Event Order (BEO) from on-site or off-site caterers can help uncover hidden costs and ensure there are no surprises.
Remember, the food and beverage minimum is just a starting point… you will spend more! The food and beverage minimum is the minimum amount you can spend on food at the venue. Guest count and meal choices will determine the actual amount you spend. It’s also important to note that the food and beverage minimum does not include staffing, rentals, fees, service charge, and taxes. The service charge and taxes will add at least another 30% to your bill. Be sure to clarify what the service charge covers, as it’s usually not a gratuity. Also, consider your service style: passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations for a swanky reception feel, buffets for a casual vibe, or multiple courses with wine pairings for a foodie experience.
Once the budget and service style are set, the best part begins… the tasting! Some caterers will allow you to taste before booking, while others will not. There may be a fee for the tasting, so check in advance. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the catering process and create a menu that perfectly suits your wedding vision.
photos by: Cadence & Eli, Russell Heeter, Cadence & Eli, Russell Heeter, Cadence & Eli
twin cities wedding cakes & desserts
No wedding is complete without a delicious and beautifully designed dessert to cap off dinner service! When selecting your wedding desserts, consider both aesthetics and variety. A traditional multi-tiered cake can serve as a stunning decor focal point, while a dessert table featuring macarons, tarts, french pastries, and other treats allows guests to sample an assortment of flavors. Donuts, ice cream sandwiches, cotton candy, and hand pies are fun, handheld options we often see as well. If you have dietary restrictions to accommodate, many bakeries offer gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options to ensure everyone gets to indulge.
Logistics are also key when planning your wedding desserts. Be sure to discuss delivery and setup details, as well as any cake-cutting fees your venue may charge. If you’re opting for a self-serve dessert table, consider how the presentation will fit with your overall wedding design. With the right planning, your dessert selection will not only taste amazing but also provide a sweet and stylish highlight to your big day!
photos by: Russell Heeter, Robert Evans, Shane Long, Shane Long, Cadence & Eli, Cadence & Eli
twin cities bar services
Deciding on bar service for your wedding is an important detail that can impact both guest experience and budget. Many venues offer in-house bar services, simplifying the process by providing everything from alcohol to bartenders. However, if your venue allows outside vendors, you have more flexibility to tailor the service to your needs and budget.
There are three primary ways bar service is structured. Some vendors handle all bar logistics and either charge per drink, ensuring you pay only for what’s consumed, or via an hourly package price per guest. Another approach involves the vendor purchasing alcohol at retail prices on your behalf, then charging for bartending services, liability coverage, mixers, and supplies—this option balances convenience and cost efficiency. The most budget-friendly (but labor-intensive) option is purchasing your own alcohol, hiring licensed and insured bartenders, and handling all drop-off and pick-up logistics. While this can save money, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for every last detail, from the cherries to the ice, so we don’t recommend it.
Before making a decision, confirm with your venue what’s allowed and what additional fees may apply. No one likes a surprise charge for corkage or service fees! By planning ahead and choosing the right bar service option, you’ll create a seamless, enjoyable experience for you and your guests while keeping costs in check. Your bar package can be a significant expense; we can help you figure out the best option with our blog on Consumption Bars vs. Bar Packages.
photos by: Russell Heeter, Russell Heeter, Sarah Ascanio, Robert Evans, Marit Williams, Wing Ho
want more help?… we’re on it!
Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and selecting your vendors is just the beginning… At Style-Architects Weddings, we are expert, award-winning wedding planners and designers with decades of experience crafting stunning, seamless events in the Twin Cities. From intimate celebrations to grand affairs, we’ve worked to build strong relationships with these vendors to ensure your wedding planning process is effortless and stress-free.
Our experience means we know exactly how to match you with the perfect venue and vendors to bring your vision to life. Whether you need guidance on selecting a caterer, a floral designer, or a photographer, we can connect you with trusted professionals who align with your style and budget. And if you need inspiration, just take a look: we’ve got numerous galleries listed on our website, and every photo featured in this article showcases one of our beautifully designed weddings! Just click on the image to see even more!
This guide is just the beginning! Stay tuned for Twin Cities Wedding Guide Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4, where we’ll continue to share expert advice and inspiration to make your wedding day unforgettable. Our Wedding Planning 101 series is also here to guide you through the initial stages. If you’re ready to start planning, click on the Contact Us link below. We’d love to bring your dream wedding to life!
As Minnesota wedding planners and designers, we provide award-winning, high-end services tailored to discerning couples across the region. With a focus on meticulous design, seamless execution, and personalized experiences, we bring each couple’s unique vision to life while managing every detail with professionalism and care. Our expert teamwork combines creativity and precision to ensure a flawless celebration, reflecting sophistication and elegance at every step.
mother-daughter
dream team
Hey there! We’re Rachelle and Anna—mother and daughter…by law, but we like to think of it as family by design. Rachelle’s been in the wedding and events world for over two decades, and for half of that time, she’s had Anna by her side. Our love for details and logistics pairs perfectly with our skill for style and design, making us the ultimate left-brain/right-brain dream team. That’s why we’re called Style-Architects Weddings! We’re obsessed with what we do, and with over 20 awards under our belt, we’re confident we can turn your dream day into a reality.
Rachelle, owner of Style-Architects Weddings, brings a distinctive blend of business expertise and creative vision to every celebration. With an MBA and a background in corporate event planning, she excels at organization, budgeting, and project management while pairing those skills with a refined design sensibility. Her passion lies in creating weddings that feel effortless, meaningful, and beautifully curated; events that reflect each couple’s unique story. Under her leadership, Style-Architects Weddings has been recognized with awards from the International Association of Live Events, The Knot, and Minnesota Bride, and is regularly featured in leading industry publications.
Anna is a seasoned wedding planner with deep experience in event design and logistics, known for her calm approach and meticulous attention to detail. Since 2013, she has been dedicated to crafting personalized celebrations that are both thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed. Anna’s focus is on ensuring couples feel supported throughout the process, allowing them to enjoy a stress-free planning experience and a wedding day that feels as effortless as it is beautiful. Her work with Style-Architects Weddings has earned industry recognition and consistent features in publications such as Minnesota Bride, a testament to her commitment to excellence.