Both halves of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul form a metropolis largely composed of nature and an impressive network of lakes, parks, and gardens. As a hotbed of culture, the city boasts numerous museums and art galleries showcasing many of the greatest masterpieces from ancient to modern times. The abundance of locales that highlight nature and the arts have created a wellspring of wedding venues in Minneapolis that are both exquisite and surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re hoping to have a majestic outdoor celebration near a field of flowers or meandering creek—or staging your nuptials in a grand ballroom or sparkling planetarium—we’ve rounded up 5 affordable wedding venues in Minneapolis to help you kick off your wedding planning on a high note.
1. Longfellow Gardens
Resting in the heart of Minneapolis, this event center is a creekside park that offers a whimsical ambiance with wildlife, a formal garden, a pergola, and spectacular views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline.
A lush tapestry of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals adds to the appeal of Longfellow Gardens, creating a setting that seems to have been pulled from a fairytale. In many ways, it’s the ideal outdoor venue for spring and summer celebrations. The garden’s arbor, a favorite space for wedding ceremonies, mixes nature and modern marvels with a canopy of foliage and dazzling metropolis vista.
Beyond the arbor, couples can celebrate their love beside a gentle slope of beautifully landscaped prairie flowers and grasses, against the serene backdrop of a charming bridge, or near the shore of the creek where native shrubs, flowers, and grasses were planted to stabilize the shoreline and provide a wildlife-friendly habitat.
Note: This venue can be utilized for weddings from May 15 to October 15.
Typical Cost: $500 plus tax for a 3-hour permit
Capacity: 200
Bonus: The gardens are free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Additionally, many of the plants were selected for their ability to attract beneficial insects and pollinators.
Find Longfellow Gardens on Facebook.
2. Bell Museum
A planetarium sparkling with stars, Bell Museum‘s chic and modern architecture, grand staircase, and lavish Observation Deck makes it a perfect wedding venue that’s also shockingly affordable. Opened in 2018 and located on the University of Minnesota campus, this stunning natural history museum provides an array of event spaces and packages, accommodating everyone from couples desiring an intimate celebration to those hoping for a grand wedding day.
One of the most coveted and memorable spaces is the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium, where couples can exchange I Dos under a soaring dome of constellations. Its popular reception venue, the Horizon Hall, features floor-to-ceiling windows, a dance floor, and a staircase that’s perfect for staging photos.
Couples can hold smaller gatherings in the Nucleus room, set among famous dioramas, and outdoor nuptials on the Observation Deck. All wedding packages include the site rental fee, setup, and event staff, and the rooms include built-in audiovisual equipment and copious natural light.
Typical Cost: $1,500 to $7,500
Capacity: 600
Bonus: If you want to go all out for your big day, you’re allowed to rent out the entire museum.
Find Bell Museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
3. Ambiente Gallerie
An art gallery with rotating exhibits, Ambiente Gallerie is an optimal event venue for couples with a passion for the arts and a clean aesthetic.
Located within a restored, hundred-year-old former warehouse in the center of the city’s Arts District, the gallery strikes a compelling balance of old and new by seamlessly mixing elements such as original hardwood floors, aged brick walls, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light—plus fabric rooms, fiberglass doors that glow from within, and state-of-the-art LED lighting. These features were comingled to create a space that emanates the elements of earth, air, water, and fire.
This is a go-to venue for those wanting a simple yet visually appealing aesthetic for their special day.
Typical Cost: $2,500 to $3,000
Capacity: 150
Bonus: The striking artwork saves couples considerable funds as minimal décor is needed.
Find Ambiente Gallerie on Facebook and Twitter.
4. Midland Hills Country Club
A premier Twin Cities wedding venue, Midland Hills Country Club is a wonderland of elegant rooms and lush grass, creating a classic and scenic atmosphere for your romantic milestone. While the club offers 5 event spaces, the ballroom, St. Andrews room, and the large patio are the most utilized.
The ballroom provides a stylish setting with large windows looking out on a golf course, chic décor, and the option of a dance floor. The St. Andrews room features a more intimate space with a patio opening to beautiful gardens and bucolic views of the surrounding foliage. Additionally, a tent can be set up for couples wanting Mother Nature to be a key component of their outdoor wedding reception.
Creating a streamlined, low-stress experience, the club includes setup and cleanup, event planning, application of décor, like colored linens and ceiling drapery, a bridal suite, an in-house bar, catering, and valet parking.
Typical Cost: Site fee is $200 to $1,200. Food and drink minimum ranges from $5,000 to $6,000
Capacity: 300
Bonus: The in-house culinary team can cook and serve everything from hors d’oeuvres and food stations to buffets and plated meals. Your guest list can enjoy popular options such as baked ham with honey bourbon glaze and prime rib, an ice cream station, assorted cheesecake lollipops, and crème brûlée.
Follow Midland Hills Country Club on Facebook.
5. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a perfect venue if you’re looking for variety and natural splendor for your wedding ceremony and reception. With over 15 event spaces spread across 1,200 acres, couples wanting a picturesque backdrop for their outdoor ceremony are almost certain to find their sweet spot among the rainbow of flowers, exotic trees and shrubbery, and snowcapped panoramas.
Smaller celebrations are often hosted amid Korean boxwood, Japanese barberry, lavender cotton and germander in the Knot Garden, or within the gorgeous borders of the Japanese Garden, Prairie Garden, or Waterfall Area. Larger parties can celebrate on the leaf-shaped Trek Deck that looks out on the tranquil Bog Area.
Other expansive outdoor spaces include 2 rose gardens, a perennial garden, and a grove of oak and nut trees. For indoor wedding events, the arboretum offers a Conservatory—replete with tropical plants—or the Snyder Auditorium, offering an awe-inspiring arched ceiling.
Typical Cost: Starting fee is $500
Capacity: 200
Bonus: The venue can provide setup and clean up, event planning, drapery, chair covers, and furniture.
Find Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
