As a wedding photographer who grew up in the heart of Northern Minnesota, I have the most amazing memories in these forests, lakes, and small towns. There is nothing quite like the Northwoods. Whether you are looking for something modern, rustic, historic, charming, there is something for everyone’s wedding vision up here. When you scroll through these venues I want you to imagine the peaceful countryside, rolling hills, birds chirping, and epic sunsets. There is so much that Northern MN offers. Here are some of my favorite Northern Minnesota Wedding Venues!

1. Carlos Creek Winery – Bold North Weddings

Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, MN is perfect for the couple that wants a charming and romantic setting for their wedding. Also a huge bonus if you love wine!! They have 2 breathtaking ceremony options. The indoor ceremony is a moody indoor space with barrel-lined walls and a fireplace. Their outdoor ceremony space is a gorgeous long aisle with pew seating lined with curving and dipping trees. While outdoors, the trees make a great shaded covering for the entire audience. They have a groom’s room and a bridal suite for getting ready in the morning and a spacious outdoor cocktail hour patio. Your photos at this venue could resemble dramatic indoor portraits with the barrels, a romantic bright ceremony, golden sunset portraits in the vineyard, and fun dancing candids inside the spacious reception space! Have a small intimate party or invite everyone and their grandma! Carlos Creek can host parties of 50-400 people.

2. Stone Hill Farm

Stone Hill Farm is such a fun venue for me to go to! It is nestled in the country near the town of Eagle Bend, which happens to be about 15 minutes from where I grew up! This gorgeous barn has everything you need and more – 4 different ceremony opportunities, 2 reception options, a bridal suite, a groom’s den, and even breathtaking in-house floral design. The opportunity to design the perfect wedding day unique to you is entirely possible with this versatile venue. Love rustic charm? Get married on the steps to the barn! Want a waterfront ceremony? There is a beautiful pond with a large fountain in the center that has your name on it. Want to be surrounded by lush greenery and a simple but elegant arch? They have just the spot. Want to dance the night away outside under twinkling lights? Their outdoor reception area is perfect for you.

3. Gathered Oaks

Gathered Oaks is nestled along the chain of lakes in Alexandria making it perfect for the couple looking for a wedding venue equipped with rustic and modern elements with a lake as the backdrop. This Northern Minnesota Venue has a gorgeous bridal cottage and a large farmhouse for the groom and family to get ready! Gathered Oaks also has a gorgeous indoor ceremony space as well as an outdoor ceremony space with lake views. One of the most unique features of this venue is the lodging. Alongside the farmhouse they have new, upscale rooms inside repurposed old grain bins!! These are hotel style rooms located on the property. Your photo gallery could resemble special moments in the getting ready cottage, whimsical tall grass portraits, dreamy sunset photos on the dock, and outdoor cocktail hour fun in the grass. This venue has everything you need for a beautiful and stress free wedding day.

4. Countryside Barn

Countryside Barn in Perham, MN is the perfect Northern Minnesota Wedding venue for couples that love rustic charm and rolling green hills! This venue captures the essence of rustic charm, providing a cozy yet elegant backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions. It supports events of up to 150 guests, suitable for intimate to medium-sized gatherings. Countryside barn also has a camping area for guests to bring campers, tents, etc. to stay overnight. My favorite thing to capture at this venue is beautiful and genuine candid photos of you and your guests all in one spot.

5. Northern Pacific Center

The Northern Pacific Center is a 150 year old former repair shop for the Northern Pacific Railroad that now houses unique businesses, popup shops, and a pristine wedding destination with multiple ceremony & reception options! If you love historic buildings rich with history and charm then this is the place for you. It is located in Downtown Brainerd and can accommodate up to 500 guests. 3 indoor options 2 outdoor options and 2 getting ready suites. NPC has everything you need and more. Depending on the venue you book, your photos could be moody, dark, dramatic, and rich or they could be bright, airy, clean, and modern. So many different opportunities with this venue!

6. Catalyst Nature Link

Up north Minnesota just has a special place in my heart. When I first stepped foot on the grounds of Nature Link it reminded me of everything I love most about Minnesota. Tall pine trees, the lake, gathering with loved ones, and being in the forest. They have a couple different ceremony options, one being right in front of towering pine trees and the other two are inside the gorgeous modern Scandinavian inspired event center. It’s close to a blank slate where you can transform your wedding reception or ceremony into whatever your wildest dream desires. It’s truly a designer/planner’s blank canvas to then transform. Bringing the charm and serenity of Minnesota nature and combining it with luxury accommodations, this is the perfect place to get married.

BONUS: The Emerald Cottage

The Emerald Cottage is going to be Minnesota’s newest micro wedding venue in Northern Minnesota. This is going to have forest views with a charming cottage for an indoor space. So excited to see this venue come to life over the 2024 year!!