Couples seeking stylish Minneapolis venues to celebrate their wedding can
rejoice at the recent openings of three refurbished spaces: a warehouse
converted into a chic event center, an old-fashioned restaurant that channels
European romance and a performing arts center with sweeping views of the
city.
Finely Tuned
Orchestra Hall, pictured above, is renowned for its world-class music, and thanks to a recent
$50 million renovation, the downtown Minneapolis performing arts center is now
available to Minnesota brides as a perfect urban reception venue.
Orchestra Hall features seven dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces for
receptions of as few as 20 guests or as many as 300. Larger events are hosted in
the grand foyer, atrium or outdoor commons, while intimate parties can take
place in the Green Room or the mezzanine and its accompanying terrace. The space
also boasts impressive multi-level views of Peavey Plaza, Nicollet Mall and the
downtown Minneapolis skyline.
“[Some] places are not going to have a lot of windows,” says event and
facility manager Scott Feldman. “Here, you get a perfect view of downtown, with
20- to 30-foot picture-perfect windows along the breadth of the building.”
As you would expect from a concert venue, the building is equipped with the
highest-quality sound and technical services.
The Aster Cafe, photo by Tandem Tree Photography
European Escape
The Aster Cafe is the oldest standing brick structure in Minneapolis, but
they’ve only recently opened their adjoining River Room to wedding receptions.
The classic space, accented by soft candlelight, rustic brickwork and charming
cobblestone, epitomizes European romance.
“The building really speaks for itself; it’s so romantic,” says events
booking agent Dana Thompson. “A bride can take a horse-drawn carriage to the
reception while watching the sun set and the skyline light up ... there’s really
nothing like it.”
Receptions often begin with cocktails or a champagne toast on the Aster patio
before guests move into the River Room for dinner. The space accommodates 80 to
90 people for a seated dinner and up to 150 for a mingling reception. Couples
and their guests will enjoy delicious house-made meals prepared by executive
chef Heidi Marsh, ranging from traditional fare to more avant-garde options. One
couple, for instance, opted to host an Alaskan-themed fish taco bar.
While the River Room itself is a private space, it’s set in the bustling,
picturesque St. Anthony Main neighborhood, making it ripe for wedding-day photo
ops.
Muse Event Center
Downtown & Dapper
The stylish Muse Event Center opened in Minneapolis’ North Loop last fall, a
new venue from Crave restaurant parent company Kaskaid, which refurbished the
23,000-square-foot former Trocaderos nightclub. The elegant space now features
three floors that can accommodate up to 600 guests for both ceremonies and
receptions.
The venue consists of a first-floor foyer and ballroom, a second-level loft
and mezzanine, and a third-floor clubroom. Equipped with a state-of-the-art
audio system and six HDTVs, it permits full customization of sound, lighting and
video. Each floor also features windows that let in natural light, and the
various spaces available are adaptable to any bride’s decorative tastes.
“We wanted to have as neutral a palette as possible, so that brides can
design the space however they wish,” says Crave director of sales Marlo Kozlak.
“Yet brides don’t need to do much; linens and flowers will do the trick.”
As a partner of Crave Catering, the Muse Event Center offers a high-quality
culinary experience, offering everything from interactive food stations and
buffets to plated dinners. Of course, the venue’s central location in the chic
North Loop also makes it a fun wedding destination for guests.
“We are in the heart of Minneapolis, with completely easy access,” says Crave
director of catering and special events Sara Paciotti. “It’s a fresh new space,
and people are very excited about it.”
