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Where3 To Wed on the Water: Venues that will Keep Your Wedding Afloat

Hoist the anchor and cruise off to exchange vows aboard one of Minnesota's popular charter boats.

November 20, 2024

Padelford Riverboats on the Mississippi River with St. Paul Skyline

Minnesota has more than 10,000 lakes—including one so superb it’s been dubbed “Superior.” We’re known as the land of sky-blue waters. Not only that, we can also boast of being the birthplace of the father of waters: the mighty Mississippi River. And with an estimated 127,000 cabin owners, most of whom have a lake connected to their property in some way, we are indeed a land of aquaphiles.

So, it stands to reason that for many couples, a fitting way to wed is on the water. Options abound for ceremonies intimate or elaborate on boats large and small, on lakes and rivers around our state.

While each boat company differs in the number, size and style of vessels they own, many basic services are similar. Most major companies provide a planner to help with set-up and customizing event details, and many provide catering and bar service as part of their packages. Couples can choose the entire slate of activities aboard—ceremony, cocktail party, dinner and dancing—or host just one of the big day’s events. (Additionally, groom’s dinners, day-after brunches, bachelor and bachelorette boat parties are popular.) Book your celebration as soon as you have a good idea of your event date, so you’ll have a better chance of getting the dates you want.

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Photography: Mind of Mo Photography

A popular Duluth institution, Vista Fleet (@vistafleetduluth) has been offering “superior” boating experiences for 65 years on the greatest of the Great Lakes. “The Vista Fleet is Duluth’s only floating event center,” says Katy Rochel, marketing manager, “where you won’t just see the view, you’ll be the view!” Choose the Vista Queen (66 feet long with two decks and a capacity of 50 for cocktail hour, 42 for a sit-down event) or the Vista Star (92 feet long with three decks and a capacity of 120 for a sit-down event, 220 for a cocktail hour). The wedding packages include a Vista Fleet events coordinator who can help you design your dream wedding, from casual to formal, micro wedding to elegant reception, and who will be with you every step of the way. A licensed Vista Fleet officiant can even perform the ceremony. In addition to catering from Bellisio’s and a cake from How Sweet It Is, linens, china and tableware are provided, as are wait staff and bartenders, and crew set-up and take-down service. Select packages include a floral credit to use as you choose from Superior Blooms. And Vista Fleet staff members are always willing to work with you to customize your special day.

In 1956, Al and Alma Quist bought a small grocery store on Lake Minnetonka that they converted into a popular supper club. New owners added the novelty of a dinner cruise to the menu in 1973, and a Lake Minnetonka tradition was underway. Today, Al & Alma’s (al-almas.com) owns seven luxury yachts, from the charming and intimate Allante, which can comfortably accommodate up to 35 guests, to the spacious and stunning Bella Vista, with a capacity of 149 passengers. “We offer wedding packages on our two largest motor yachts, Bella Vista and Arabella,” says Jenna Soule, a partner with Al & Alma’s. Wedding planning services are part of the package, but they’re also happy to work with your planner. “Catering and bar service are included as part of our wedding packages,” Soule says. “We offer a range of menu options and a full bar on board, and all food is prepared and catered by Al & Alma’s Supper Club. We also provide recommendations for other wedding services such as cake and floral providers.” Let Al & Alma’s take care of the details so you can enjoy your special day and cruise among the dozens of coves and bays of the state’s ninth-largest lake, home to some of Minnesota’s most opulent estates.

The North Star motor yacht glides through the waters of Gull Lake in north central Minnesota offering picture-perfect views of this popular vacation region as well as impeccable service for couples who want an intimate, unforgettable wedding. Gull Lake Cruises (@gulllakecruises) can help you plan your event, provide a list of preferred vendors and personalize your day aboard with music, flowers, food, lighting and décor. It’s a great option for a destination wedding “right here in Minnesota,” says Carrie Scarfino, marketing manager. “The North Star has this luxurious feel with minimal need to decorate, as the versatility of the space complements even the simplest of décor preferences.” Board the North Star at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake and enjoy your customized event. The boat can hold up to 116 passengers, or 92 passengers for a dining event, on a glass- enclosed, climate-controlled main deck and an open-air upper deck that can also be covered and enclosed with detachable clear side panels.

Imagine the romance of marrying aboard a classic riverboat while cruising down the mighty Mississippi. Padelford Riverboats (@padelfordboats) can turn that dream into reality. Padelford launches from St. Paul’s Harriet Island and has three vessels, including an authentic sternwheeler; two can be configured to host up to 500 guests. “Each of our boats has its own unique design, and it just depends on what the couple is looking for as far as space,” says Jen Berger, charter consultant. As a full-service Twin Cities wedding venue, Padelford can accommodate any wedding-related event, from rehearsal dinners to wedding day buffets. An event manager will work with you to design the wedding you envision, help customize your décor and make your day as unforgettable and stress-free as possible. Padelford handles the catering and beverage services; serving and clean-up are offered with your catering order, and china, silverware, tablecloths and napkins are included. Bands, DJs and décor are the couple’s responsibilities. “We recommend smaller bands due to the space on the boat,” Berger says. “We have the capacity for people to plug their phones into the boat’s system and we also have a set of DJ speakers that they can rent to get a DJ vibe.” Guests are not allowed until boarding time, and most wedding parties will come on about 30 minutes early for a little down-time before their guests arrive, Berger says. She suggests couples book at least six months in advance. And if you’re looking for an officiant, Padelford has one captain who can perform your wedding.