Forest Wedding Venues in Minnesota

Ok…. I can’t be the only one who’s dreamed about getting married in a forest and feeling like a magical forest fairy… can I be? Ok maybe that last part is true for just me but… I think anyone who wants to have those magical forest vibes should be able to have them! Even right here in Minnesota! And even here in the Twin Cities (although there are a variety of locations represented here)! I’ve searched high and low to find the best and most magical forest wedding venues here in Minnesota so scroll on to check them out!~

1. Cuyuna Cove – Crosby

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Starting out strong with this absolutely gorgeous location. While it’s not an actual wedding venue and is actually considered a boutique lodging location, it is still a PERFECT spot for a woodsy wedding. It’s even better because you can stay and party with your closest friends and family before, during and after your wedding if that’s your vibe. Located in the Iron Range of Minnesota, there is access to 15 lakes and 55 miles of trails to explore all while only being 2 hours away from the Twin Cities. If you’re looking to make your wedding an adventure experience without having to travel too far from home and getting a cozy stay out of it, this is the place for you!

Check out their website

2. Juliane James Place – Finlayson

A truly magical location nestled in the woods with waterfront views. This spot is located on 40 acres of land to give it a truly private feel. There is also a house and cabin for all of your closest guests to stay in and enjoy the beauty. The Juliane James Place only hosts 15 weddings a year so if you’re interested in this pure gold spot, you better inquire ASAP! This one is definitely high on the list of Forest Wedding Venues in Minnesota!

                                 CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

 

 

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3. The Woods Chapel – Long Lake

 

 

 

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With an amphitheater nestled right in the woods, this venue makes for a perfect spot for a larger outdoor wedding. The amphitheater seats 300 people but also has a gorgeous indoor chapel in case of rain! It is quite literally called “The Woods Chapel” for a reason because it truly does have so much wood coverage which makes it the perfect venue for spring, summer or fall! While you might not want to get married outdoors in the winter, it would still be an amazing backdrop for photos in the winter as well!

 

                                                     CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

4. The Renaissance Fair – Shakopee

 

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Some may say a Renaissance Fair wedding but it is more officially known as “Magical Outdoor Weddings” -and for good reason! They have 5 different outdoor locations for your ceremony. Just reading the options may be enough to entice you: The Secret Garden (I mean come on… need I say more!? Who doesn’t want to get married in a secret garden!?), The King’s Arbor, The Crown Stage, The Chapel Garden, and The Front Gate. Not only could you get married at a truly magical ceremony spot, but you also have access to all of the fair grounds to make your photos truly magical.

                                                                                               CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

5. Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center – Sandstone

This one is located right on Grindstone Lake and is only 90 minutes from the Twin Cities. THERE ARE 780 ACRES OF SPACE you could host your wedding on. LIKE WHAT! Surrounded by pine trees nature galore, this venue is truly for the outdoorsy couples. Not only that, but they are passionate about including sustainability and care for nature into their weddings, which is something I care deeply for as well. They also have lodging areas if you want to host some epic wedding bonfires on your wedding weekend.

 

                                 CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

 

 

 

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6. Taylors Falls + Riverboats – St. Croix River

 

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Ok, let me just say, I was actually in a wedding here right along the river. We may have had to walk down a steep hill 10 times just to get everything set up but let me tell you, it was WELL worth it. Not only is this spot gorgeous, but if you host it outdoors, all you need is to pay for the proper permit and you won’t need to pay all of the extra venue fees. Plus, you have an entire state park (waterfalls included) to take your couple photos at. If you’re interested in the beauty of Taylors Falls but want a little bit more of an actual venue space, they also offer the “Taylors Falls Queen” riverboat. This would be an amazing and unique way to get married out in the beauty of nature and quite literally be right in the middle of it.

 

                                                     CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

7. Bluefin Bay – Tofte

Ok…. this one, I feel like I can never do justice with words for the beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore. While it is not exactly right in the middle of a forest, the forest of Minnesota’s North Shore is seen perfectly in the background. The thing I love about this location is that it is perfect for intimate weddings. The Tofte Cove is right on the shoreline of Lake Superior and holds only 50 people, so it’s perfect for those couples seeking a really small and special gathering. Don’t worry, you won’t have to dance out on the rocks, they have an amazing reception location just a few feet away from this gorgeous cove. But seriously… just look at the photos and ignore me.

                             CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

 

 

 

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8. Spirit Mountain – Duluth

 

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Not only does this venue have gorgeous outdoor scenery like everywhere in Duluth, but with this venue you also are on a mountain that actually overlooks Duluth and the St. Louis River Valley. As per the website: “Whether Duluth is your hometown, or you are looking for a destination wedding, Spirit Mountain is the place to make your happily ever after come true.”

                                                   CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

9. Voyageurs National Park – International Falls

Ok. Raise your hand if you also lived most of your life not knowing Minnesota was home to a National Park. I seriously didn’t know we had this gem until just a year ago! If you want those elopement vibes right here in Minnesota, then this is the perfect spot for you. Known as “a park of water, islands, and horizons” this beautiful spot has over 218,055 acres of land for you to pick your ceremony spot on. Similar to Taylors Falls, this spot has no expensive venue cost only the permit cost for photography (I can help walk you through this as I have done it before for elopements). The awesome thing about this spot is that it’s still a bit of a hidden gem but is definitely a beautiful Forest Wedding Venue in Minnesota. Not many couples have gotten married here yet, so let’s put it on the map! I have two couples doing vow renewals here in May and I could not be more excited to explore more of this gorgeous terrain with you. Bonus, you could kayak and stay at The Kettle Falls Hotel after your adventurous day which is only accessible via water. Plus, if you’re considering Canada for a Honeymoon, you’d be right next door 🙂

Check out their Website

 

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10. The Shire in the Woods – McGrath

 

 

 

Ok… I have to tell the truth… I saved this one for last because it might be my favorite. This venue is located close to Mille Lacs and is right in the middle of the Solana State Forest so it is quite literally nestled in the middle of a forest (hence why it might be my fav). Like many of the spots I’ve listed, this venue is not just a venue, but it’s a complete getaway with the cutest cabins. Whether you want to stay with just your special person, or with your guests, there are 7 different cabins ranging in size and style that you can stay in or utilize to get ready in. Bonus The Shire has a petting zoo, so you’ll automatically have the coolest guests ever at your wedding! With trees, trails and wildlife galore, this is the perfect spot for a couple looking to have that magical outdoor feel in the woods.

CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

BONUS: Maidenwood – Stockholm, WI

 

And that’s it folks! I hope looking at these awesome locations got you excited about the idea of getting married in a forest. If I could shoot solely forest weddings I definitely would!!!

 

I just want people in the Midwest to get those awesome forest vibes without feeling like they have to travel to the Redwoods or PNW! But seriously though, if you are thinking about getting married there, please call me 😉

 

Hope to catch ya out there in a forest~

CONTACT ME TO PLAN YOUR FOREST WEDDING!