Favorite Minnesota Wedding Venues 2017 | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Aria - Venue Style: Urban | Address: 105 North 1st Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55401

I have wanted to shoot at the Aria for a LONG TIME and this year I finally was able too! The main space is high ceilings with chandeliers and a neon sign shines over your dance floor that says "The World Is Yours" in various colors. In the entry hall more chandeliers hanging everywhere and a giant American flag across the wall would make any patriotic heart flutter. There are unique touches all around the venue to give a variety of photos that you wouldn't find anywhere else. The space is big and can hold a large amount of guests but the chandelier lighting gives it a more intimate/ romantic vibe. (Can you tell I love chandeliers?!)

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:   http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/aria-wedding-photography-minneapolis-wedding-photographer-mw-photography

Minnesota History Center - Venue Style: Urban with a touch of adventure and history | Address: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102

I have gone to the Minnesota History Center growing up and it was a dream to shoot there this year! Not only was the couple AMAZING but the venue was fun especially shooting a main hub in St. Paul. The outdoor space for the ceremony has the backdrop of both the St Paul City Skyline and on the right glows the Cathedral which had this St Paul Girl excitedly shooting the entire time. The inside has a front table that is underneath the hanging giant wooden airplane. And the dance floor in the upper space has the backdrop of the State Capital. I loved everything about this venue. This venue is a dream space for any true St Paul blooded girl for her wedding day!

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:     http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/minnesota-history-center-wedding-photography-holly-steve-minneapolis-wedding-photographer

Creekside Barn -Venue Style: Rural Barn | Address:  8555 Rushseba Trail, Rush City, MN 55069

After a bit of a drive from the cities, you start to make your way up a winding driveway with a creek on your right. Sun shining through the trees you will finally make your way to an open field with a large barn made of white pine. The venue is newer, has chandeliers and newer amenities. I loved the space and the feel of an updated barn for weddings. The owners enjoy showing off all the beautiful areas to do photos and to have the ceremony. It has several space options for outside ceremonies as well. Favorite part of the place are the rolling hills on the back side of the property. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/creekside-farm-amanda-scotty-second-shooted-wedding

Camrose Hill Flower Farm  - Venue Style: Rural Barn | Address: 14587 30th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082

Another barn venue that even offers flowers they grew on site! They have a barn option for the ceremony but also two other options outside spaces for an elegant woodsy ceremony. For the reception they have a tent and second barn for dinner and dancing with a twig chandelier that looks amazing running down the center of the top of the main tent . The property has a adorable cottage for the bride to get ready in! I have two cons for this venue that should be considered. 1) only place that has air conditioning is on site is the cottage. Not so great when it is so hot outside. 2) The barn is located in a residential area. They have noise regulations that music has to be done by 10pm. If you are a party group this may put a little damper on things.

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/camrose-hill-wedding-photography

Minneapolis Event Center  - Venue Style: urban | Address: 212 2nd St SE Suite 212, Minneapolis, MN 55414

This space felt intimate but also spacious at the same time. They have a fenced patio for the ceremony and on the inside a large room with the dance floor on the side. It has updates to feel modern. This building has 3 separate spaces for weddings so your wedding might not be the only one going on that day.
Loved the wedding on the patio; it gave it almost a garden feel! And those beams in the reception space?! I am there.

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/minneapolis-event-center-wedding-photography

Pinstripes - Venue Style: Festive Relaxed  | Address: 3849 Gallagher Dr, Edina, MN 55435

If you LOVE games and want your guests to have an awesome cocktail hour this venue is for YOU. The entire upstairs space has a bowling alley, outdoor fire pit, boccie ball area. The only thing missing was a trampoline room! Located on the other side of the second floor is a ball room space with large windows as the backdrop during the ceremony. This same room turns  over for the reception. During the turn over time all the guests have plenty to enjoy! It felt private but still was easily located in a busy area in Edina. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/hailey-jared-pinstripes-second-shooter

 McNamara Alumni Center -Venue Style: Industral /artistic  | Address: 200 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Show your school spirit! The McNamara is located at the University of Minnesota and was by far one of most architecturally unique places I have shot a wedding. Filled to the brim with high ceilings and interesting wall structures and space,  This venue is a beauty and has the space to hold a larger group of guests. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/mcnara-alumni-center-rachel-alex-second-shooter-wedding

Minnesota History Center Wedding Photography | Holly & Steve | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

On a beautiful windy September day, Holly and Steve decided to get married at the Minnesota History Center in downtown St. Paul! They are one of the most fun and easygoing couples I have had the joy to serve. We started their day at Kellogg Mall Park for their first look. Steve was quick to show off his bright green shoelaces, excitingly telling us that he has a shoe lace guy in Canada. (Yeah he has connections, message me if you need any assortment of colored shoelaces and I will see what I can do!) Holly was dolled up in a simple sweetheart dress and white flowers in her hair. It was a perfect representation of her spirit, simply elegant and sweet. All morning Holly and Steve were bubbling with energy for their wedding day! It was finally here; it is a cool feeling seeing everything you have been planning actually happen!

They surrounded themselves with loved ones from all stages of life from all over the country. (Their guestbook was a map of the US with hearts over where they had lived! It was so fitting for their two adventure buddies.) As Holly walked down the aisle with her mother and father, she smiled around excited to see so many people come together for them.  As they said their vows Steve had Holly laughing and crying along with everyone else attending! 

Steve's father has a tradition of singing with a group at wedding reception. The halls of the History Center echoed with the beautiful, funny song and laughter because the lyrics were pretty great!

The maid of honors speech was filled with advice of kids some simple and some surprisingly mature for their age.
The whole day was beautiful, but nothing was more beautiful than the love shared between Holly and Steve. I hope their life together only grows in love and they never loose the laughter in between them.
They finished the night storming the dance floor, partying with their friends with the Minnesota State Capital glowing bright in the large picture window.

The best part of an amazing wedding day?? - Holly and Steve couldn't stop laughing and smiling with each other. It was simply the best. <3

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Holly & Steve | MW Photography Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

We started off a little earlier than planned, because the whole day the weather had me on edge. Holly and Steve were up for anything and graciously let us start a couple minutes early. They had just flown in from their home in Utah and had been at Happy Hour with friends....for the last several hours! 

As we started it was clear that the biggest problem was that Holly could not STOP SMILING, which is absolutely not a problem at all.  We enjoyed our Friday night out on the Stone Arch Bridge with what turned out to be a beautiful sun set! Steve made one promise to Holly that day, he had to at least give 25% non goofy photos. With Steve cracking jokes and constantly making Holly laugh, I loved how their session turned out and I think the goofiness really made their engagement session fun! As you see from the photos we had a pretty good time all around.

Steve filled Holly's messages with goofy words to the point where she thought why not and gave them a chance at a first date.  It wasn't until after they booked the second date that Holly started to get nervous because she realized she was really starting to like this guy. As their relationship progressed these two have moved all over the US staying together!  

Now they live in Oregon and as they decided to get married the designed Holly's ring with family stones! After a little trial and error they finally decided on this beautiful ring that is literally one of a kind. After the ring was done it did not take long for Steve to propose! It was a day that was jam packed with activity and they finally got home. Even though both of them were pretty wiped out, Steve suggested they go for a run on the trail behind their house. Since Steve does not normally suggest running, it took a little convincing but they started on their run. Filled with a couple of beers, Steve didn't get too far due to a stitch in his side. When they stopped to a breather, Steve took the ring out of his pocket and proposed. 

Their wedding will take place this fall in September at the Minnesota History Center and I could not be more excited!