How To Pick A Wedding Venue?
photo by Shane Long Photography
One of the most crucial decisions when planning a wedding is selecting the perfect venue. The wedding venue sets the tone and ambiance for the entire event and is essential in creating memorable experiences for the couple and their guests.
Choosing the right venue requires careful consideration of various factors, such as budget, location, capacity, style, and amenities. This guide will provide essential tips on picking a wedding venue that will align with your vision, accommodates your needs, and ensures an unforgettable celebration of love.
Types of Wedding Venues
To find the perfect wedding venue can be daunting, but many options are available to suit different preferences and needs. From elegant ballrooms and historic mansions to rustic barns and scenic outdoor spaces, the types of wedding venues are as diverse as the couples. Whether you envision a romantic beachside ceremony, a whimsical garden celebration, or a chic urban affair, there is a venue perfectly suited to bring your vision to life.
For instance, open wedding venues offer a picturesque outdoor setting, allowing couples to exchange vows under the open sky and create a magical ambiance. On the other hand, venues for micro weddings cater to more intimate gatherings, providing a cozy and personalized atmosphere for smaller guest lists.
No matter the type of wedding venue you choose, each option offers its unique charm and style, providing couples with the perfect setting to bring their dream wedding to life.
Featured Venues in Twin Cities
In the vibrant and picturesque Twin Cities, there is no shortage of stunning wedding venues that cater to couples seeking a perfect setting for their wedding. Among the remarkable options available, A’BULAE stands out with its contemporary elegance and breathtaking panoramic views of downtown St. Paul.
Bavaria Downs exudes timeless charm with its sprawling grounds, meticulously manicured gardens, and a luxurious barn that seamlessly combines rustic and refined elements. For those who appreciate history and grandeur, Van Dusen Mansion offers a magnificent backdrop, featuring a majestic mansion adorned with ornate architectural details and lush gardens.
Whether you envision a modern affair, a romantic outdoor celebration, or a regal ambiance, these Twin Cities wedding venues will exceed your expectations and create lasting memories for you.
Below have we have expanded further on the featured venues to help you pick the perfect wedding venue!
1. A’BULAE
At A’BULAE it is not just about the ceremony and reception, but more about a complete full day experience for you and your guests. In addition to breathtaking rooftop and panoramic skyline views, and luxurious modern designs, we also offer a gorgeous bridal suite, groom's lounge and game room for the guys (they need a little pampering too), a lounge and bar, integrated lighting, digital decor, and more! We offer both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, a beautiful reception space, on-site parking, exclusive catering, and a gorgeous outdoor space on the rooftop.
Check out some beautiful weddings:
2. Bavaria Downs
As you enter the sprawling 240-acre property, you will quickly be whisked into the most romantic, European wedding venue in Minnesota. From the lush, rolling hills to the wildflower-filled meadows that give way to acres of noble oak tree groves, you will fall in love and know that this is the place where you want to say your “I Do’s”.
Bavaria Downs is truly an event venue that provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your guests. We offer both outdoor and indoor ceremony options, a cocktail hour space in our unique estate, and a ballroom that will leave your guests mesmerized.
Our color-changing LED ballroom ceiling is sure to WOW your guests. We alos have a whimsical bridal suite makes every bride feel like a princess, and the world's best man cave for the groom to enjoy.
Check out some beautiful weddings:
3. Van Dusen Mansion
The Van Dusen Mansion is an absolutely breathtaking and enchanting property that is steeped in rich history, grand design, and absolute splendor, this venue is perfect for your wedding. The stunning historic castle-like mansion was built in 1892 for George Washington Van Dusen and his wife, Nancy, as their primary residence.
And although it remained in their family for decades, it was eventually abandoned and faced demolition. In a true fairytale-like manner, a heroic investor swept in and bought the property only TWO weeks before the demolition. Bringing to life the true purpose for its being, to become the most enchanting, unique fairytale wedding venue in Minnesota.
The Van Dusen Mansion offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, a beautiful ballroom, unique reception space, exclusive catering, bridal and groom suites, on-site parking, and a gorgeous outdoor courtyard.
Wedding Venue Checklist
Choosing a wedding venue is a significant decision that sets the stage for your special day. To ensure you find the perfect location that aligns with your vision, preferences, and practical needs, it is essential to have a comprehensive checklist to guide your decision-making process. Here's a brief wedding venue checklist to help you in your decision-making process:
- Budget: Determine your budget range for the venue, including any additional costs such as catering or decorations.
- Capacity: Assess the venue's capacity to accommodate your guest list.
- Location: Consider the venue's accessibility for you and your guests, including proximity to accommodations and transportation options.
- Amenities: Check if the venue offers essential amenities like restrooms, parking facilities, and dressing rooms.
- Restrictions: Inquire about any regulations or rules the venue imposes, such as noise limitations.
- Flexibility: Consider the venue's flexibility regarding setup options, event duration, and any backup plans for inclement weather.
- Visit and Visualize: Schedule a visit to the venue to see it firsthand, envision how it will look on your wedding day, and confirm if it matches your expectations.
By using this checklist as a guide, you'll be better equipped to evaluate different wedding venues and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Tips For Choosing a Wedding Venue
When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, there are a few important tips to keep in mind:
- Consider your budget and the number of guests you plan to invite. This will help you narrow down venues that can accommodate your needs.
- Think about your preferred wedding style and theme. Look for venues aligning with your vision, whether a charming rustic barn, an elegant ballroom, or a scenic outdoor space.
- Visit the venues in person to understand their atmosphere, layout, and amenities. It's also important to ask about any restrictions or additional services they offer.
- Don't forget to consider the location and accessibility of your guests.
- Have you ever considered a weekday wedding? Across all of our venues, Thursday weddings are some of our most popular options. Not only do weekday weddings save some money, but they also allow for many other benefits (like an entire wedding weekend!).
