Affordable Wedding Venues in Minnesota: Hidden Gems You’ll Love

Looking for affordable wedding venues in Minnesota? You’re in luck! Planning your dream Minnesota wedding doesn’t have to mean blowing your entire budget on a venue. In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite affordable wedding venues in Minnesota!

Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside ceremony or a cozy woodland retreat, these locations provide beautiful settings- while leaving more room in your budget for the things that truly matter- like photography, florals, and time to fully enjoy your day.

1. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – Chaska, MN

Address3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318

If you want a garden wedding that feels straight out of a storybook, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is hard to beat. With over 1,200 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, tree-lined paths, and seasonal blooms, it offers endless photo backdrops for your big day.

The Arboretum has several ceremony and reception spaces that fit a variety of guest counts. Smaller weekday or off-season weddings can be surprisingly affordable here, especially for intimate celebrations.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum- An affordable wedding venue in Minnesota
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum- An affordable wedding venue in Minnesota

2. Noerenberg Gardens – Wayzata, MN

Address2865 N Shore Dr, Wayzata, MN 55391

Noerenberg Gardens is one of Minnesota’s best-kept wedding secrets. Tucked along the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata, this lakeside garden offers a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. Perfect for small to mid-size ceremonies. Think colorful blooms, winding garden paths, and waterfront sunset photos. You don’t get a better affordable wedding venue in Minnesota than this one!

Noerenberg Gardens in Wayzata- An affordable wedding venue option in Minnesota
A scenic purgula overlooking Lake Minnetonka at the Noerenberg Gardens in Wayzata - Perfect for an affordable wedding venue option

3. Silverwood Park – St. Anthony, MN

Address2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421

Silverwood Park offers a beautiful balance of nature and modern design, making it a perfect affordable wedding venue in Minnesota. Set on Silver Lake, this park features lakeside ceremony spaces, wooded trails, and an indoor reception hall with huge windows for tons of natural light.

Silverwood Park building in St Anthiny Main
The beautiful bridge at Silverwood Park

4. The Woods Retreat – Orono, MN

Address525 Leaf St, Orono, MN 55356

The Woods Retreat feels like you’ve escaped to a private cabin in northern Minnesota but it’s just west of the Twin Cities. This newer venue offers a secluded forest setting, cozy lodging options, and flexible wedding packages. It works well for both intimate elopements and full weekend wedding experiences.

Couples love the ability to turn their wedding into a full retreat-style getaway for family and friends. While it has an upscale, luxury vibe, The Woods Retreat offers competitive pricing compared to many traditional venues, especially when you factor in onsite lodging and flexible rental options.

Stunning affordable wedding venue at The Woods retreat in Minnesota
Beautiful affordable wedding venue in Minnesota at The Woods Retreat in Orono

5. The Gardens of Castle Rock – Northfield, MN

Address26601 Chippendale Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

For couples who want an elegant outdoor wedding with a peaceful countryside vibe, The Gardens of Castle Rock is a fantastic hidden gem. Located just south of the Twin Cities, this venue offers beautiful ceremony spaces surrounded by towering trees, lush gardens, and open fields – all designed to feel like your own private estate for the day.

6. Japanese Garden at Normandale Community College – Bloomington, MN

AddressWest Lot, 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431

If you’re looking for a peaceful, intimate wedding location that’s also incredibly affordable, the Japanese Garden at Normandale Community College is a true hidden gem. The space is best suited for elopements or micro-weddings with a very limited guest count, but for couples who want something unique and intimate, it’s a stunning and affordable wedding venue in Minnesota!

The Japanese Rose Garden at The Normandale Community College
The Japanese Rose Garden at The Normandale Community College

7. Rose Garden at Lake Harriet – Minneapolis, MN

Address4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Few Minneapolis locations are as timeless and romantic as the Rose Garden at Lake Harriet. With rows of blooming roses, charming stone features, and views of the lake just steps away, it’s perfect for small weddings, elopements, or intimate ceremonies. With a bit of flexibility on timing and guest count, couples can have a beautiful outdoor ceremony in one of Minneapolis’ most iconic locations – while keeping costs low, making it yet another affordable wedding venue in Minnesota!

8. Theodore Wirth Park Chalet – Minneapolis, MN

Address1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422

For couples who want a cozy, rustic vibe without leaving the city, Theodore Wirth Park Chalet is a perfect affordable option. This historic lodge, tucked right into Theodore Wirth Park, offers stone fireplaces, wood beam ceilings, and a warm atmosphere perfect for fall and winter weddings.

About Heidi Straus Photography

I’m a Minnesota Wedding Photographer based in Wayzata and I love helping couples plan their perfect day! I hope these affordable Minnesota Wedding venue options were helpful! If you’re looking for a photographer who can help you create stunning, relaxed photos no matter where you say “I do” – I’d love to chat. Let’s start planning your perfect day together!

Minnesota Wedding Photographer serving Wayzata, Minnetonka, Orono, Eden Prairie, Chaska and more!

View my work HERE.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *