900 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis | 612.338.0062 solera-restaurant.com
Solera’s Spanish-inspired cuisine and décor create a lively and unique setting for wedding receptions. The restaurant specializes in tapas, or “small plates,” a dining tradition that has long been part of Spain’s culture. The custom encourages tasting and sharing a variety of unique foods, but a traditional entrée course is also available. In addition to the exotic Alhambra Room, Solera boasts two floors of reception space and rooftop accommodations. “Your guests will enjoy a vibrant Spanish-influenced atmosphere, exceptional service, and outstanding food and Spanish wines to complete the occasion,” says sales and marketing director Julianna Nelson.
Cost: $500 for the third-floor Catalonia room, with $8,000 food and beverage minimum for Friday or Saturday evenings; $300 for the second-floor Barcelona room and patio, with $4,000 food and beverage minimum.
Capacity: 10 to 1,200, using the restaurant and event center.
Catering: In-house catering only
FIVE Event Center
2917 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis | 612.827.5555 fiveeventcenter.com
Looking for a one-of-a-kind atmosphere? FIVE Event Center, formerly the Fifth Police Precinct in uptown Minneapolis, boasts New York-inspired contemporary design with dramatic lighting and architecture. It offers a full-service bar on each level and a premium sound system with iPod capability. “Our chic lower-level bar, grand staircase, dramatic lighting and stunning architecture around every corner will enchant your guests throughout the evening,” says owner Bruce Dachis. “Our event management team can be as hands-on or -off as the client wishes. We can simply provide venue supervision on the day of the event or coordinate every detail with the client to meet their budget.”
Cost: $1,000 to $2,900, depending on day of the week.
Capacity: 375 guests for cocktail receptions, 200 people for a seated dinner.
Catering: Options are unlimited, as staff will work with any caterer licensed by the City of Minneapolis.
Housed in a unique stainless-steel building perched on the Mississippi River bluffs, the Weisman Art Museum plays host to events large and small. “The Weisman is most recognized for its architecture, eclectic art collection, natural light, and beautiful view of the Mississippi and downtown skylines,” says Paula Kittelson, event coordinator. “Our clients are attracted to the space because it’s non-conventional. It is very modern but not cold. And there is simply something very special about being surrounded by art.” In addition to an on-site event manager who can help with event planning, the Weisman partners with several select caterers who offer consistently high quality and service.
Cost: Base costs vary; call 612.625.9683 for more information.
Capacity: 160 guests for ceremony, 180 people for seated meal, 250 people for dance/cocktail reception.
Catering: You must select a caterer from an approved list.
Christos Union Depot Place
214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul | 651.224.6000 | christos.com
With vintage St. Paul charm, towering ceilings, large skylights, Ionic columns, and marble aplenty, Christos Union Depot Place is beautiful and timeless. “Our clients are amazed that they don’t have to go out and hire an expensive wedding coordinator to walk them through the wedding planning chaos—you get one included,” says Georgia Meyers, director of catering. “We develop relationships with our clients that go way beyond their wedding day. We are true believers in good old-fashioned customer service.”
Cost: $10,000 to $12,000 on Saturdays during prime season. Off-season, Fridays and Sundays, fees range from $5,000 to $8,000.
Capacity: 350 guests for a seated dinner, 800 people for cocktail-style receptions.
Catering: In-house catering only.
The Saint Paul Hotel
350 Market St., St. Paul | 651.228.3887 | saintpaulhotel.com
From the picturesque English walking garden to the exquisite lobby, the Saint Paul Hotel blends classic architecture and modern luxury. In addition to two formal spaces for weddings, the hotel also features a small, more casual restaurant for intimate affairs. “Many of our brides come here as children or teenagers to a formal event and they know all along they want to have their weddings at our hotel some day,” says Terrie Bulanek, director of catering at the hotel. The catering and event staff can provide full-service event coordination, with a list of preferred vendors for ceremonies, music, photography, decor and transportation.
Cost: Wedding packages start at $60 per guest.
Capacity: 20 to 500 guests.
Catering: In-house catering only.
The Gale Mansion
2115 Stevens Ave. S., Minneapolis | 612.870.1662 galemansion.com
Minutes south of downtown Minneapolis, the Gale Mansion blends Old World elegance with a graceful, modern style. Intimate but spacious, the mansion offers the perfect combination of elegant ambiance, catering and service. “We strive to create unforgettable events for our clients and their guests,” says Angela Piper, banquet manager. “Our professional event coordinators will meet with you to plan your special event and menu to your taste. Our executive chef prepares top-quality customized menus, each made with the finest ingredients and utmost expertise.”
Cost: $300 to $1,200 with food minimum of $2,000 to $4,500, depending on the day of the week.
Capacity: 50 to 250 guests.
Catering: In-house catering only.
Lutsen Resort
5700 W. Hwy 61, Lutsen | 800.258.8736 | lutsenresort.com
A favorite North Shore locale, Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior has offered outdoor activities for decades, from golf to kayaking. During the winter months, the resort is a stone’s throw from popular ski venues. In addition, Lutsen boasts a beautiful lakeside ceremony site. “We pride ourselves in providing professional event coordination with a relaxed atmosphere,” says Beth Hazelton, event manager “With a capacity to serve 200 people, bridal couples can host all of their events, from the groom’s dinner to the ceremony to the reception and lodging, all on site.”
Cost: $600 wedding site fee, $1,250 conference room rental fee, if couple chooses to hold a dance.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Catering: In-house catering only.
Nicollet Island Pavilion
40 Power St., Minneapolis | 612.253.0255 | mintahoe.com
With breathtaking views of downtown Minneapolis, the historic Nicollet Island Pavilion offers a classic island oasis for receptions. “Our riverfront canopied terrace and rustic feeling inside the pavilion really set us apart,” says Nicole Aronson, event consultant at Mintahoe Hospitality Group. “Our clients love that the pavilion can offer both ceremony and reception on-site.” All clients are assigned to an event consultant to assist in the design of their wedding day, including custom menus, timeline of events, décor, floor plans and coordination with outside vendors such as the florist, entertainment, photographer and videographer.
Cost: Base costs: Fridays $15,000, Saturdays $22,500, Sundays $9,000.
Capacity: 600 guests seated, 1,500 people reception-style, 10,000 people over the entire site, indoor and outdoor.
Catering: Full-service catering is exclusive to Apples Catering (a division of Mintahoe Hospitality Group) and Mintahoe Beverage Service.
The Outing Lodge at Pine Point
11661 Myeron Rd., Stillwater | 651.439.9747 | outinglodge.com
The Outing Lodge at Pine Point in Stillwater adds a romantic European ambience to any affair. Set amid acres of stately lawns and gardens, the lodge has a unique, close-to-nature approach to celebrating and entertaining. “We incorporate some grandeur and elegance, while also celebrating individuality, character, and history,” says manager Carlota Estevez-Gohlike. Up to 300 people can be served and entertained at the lodge, which also supports arrangements for accomodations, ceremony, music and decorations. They can also help with referrals to other wedding specialist and vendors.
Cost: Varies according to duration of the reception, menus, date and number of guests.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Catering: In-house catering only, but cakes may be brought in.
Camrose Hill Farm
233 S. Second St., Stillwater | 651.351.9631 | camrosehillflowers.com
Rustic, romantic, and elegant: These words define Camrose Hill, a destination farm in historic Stillwater. Located on the grounds of the 1880s farm of floral designer Cindie Sinclair, Camrose Hill offers stunning garden spaces accented with old stone walls and classic statuary, reflecting Sinclair’s passion for floral design. A vine-covered gazebo provides the ideal ceremony locale, while the three-sided pavilion, complete with vine-covered columns and wrought-iron chandeliers, is the perfect spot for a casual country picnic or an elaborately decorated formal affair.
Cost: Base cost is $2,200 for a wedding and reception.
Capacity: 200 people for a reception, more for ceremony only.
Catering: Outside caterers are welcome.