The North Metro area of Minnesota's Twin Cities -- Minneapolis and Saint Paul -- offers a number of parks and gardens available for wedding ceremonies. What is more, the parks range in design and amenities, providing brides and grooms with a variety of options to consider in choosing the perfect location for their outdoor wedding.
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens is on the shoreline of Crystal Bay, which is part of Lake Minnetonka. It is actually composed of several garden spots, including the Sun Garden, Shade Garden and Grape Arbor sites, any of which may be reserved for weddings. The largest site can hold up to 200 guests, so brides and grooms are not limited to small weddings. However, no food or beverages are allowed at Noerenberg Memorial Gardens, so the reception will have to be held elsewhere.
Raspberry Island
Raspberry Island is a public park in Saint Paul and provides a perfect atmosphere for an outdoor ceremony. The park was renovated in 2008 and includes groomed landscaping, walking paths, terraced landings and a modern-style gazebo, all along the river. Brides and grooms may reserve Raspberry Island up to 12 months in advance (or 13 months in advance, for Saint Paul residents).
Washington Square
Washington Square is in the city of Stillwater, several miles northeast of Saint Paul. It might be worth the distance for brides and grooms, however, because the park was recently renovated and now includes multiple Victorian-style gazebos (several of them large enough to accommodate large parties), terraced beds, walking paths and even a playground area for children. Washington Square also holds a large green space area that brides and grooms can use to set up their own tents and seating for a wedding ceremony.
Minnehaha Falls Pergola Garden
Minnehaha Falls Pergola Garden is located with the large Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis and was added in 1995 as a perennial and butterfly garden. As the name suggests, the garden is near Minnehaha Falls and also includes a large pergola, or shaded walkway. The pergola has climbing plants around the support columns, making it a romantic spot for wedding ceremonies. Brides and grooms who want to take advantage of the garden's flora and fauna should plan to reserve the park between June and September. Pergola Garden is one of the most popular outdoor wedding locations in the North Metro area, so brides and grooms should book early.
Harriet Island
Harriet Island in Saint Paul offers another riverfront location for an outdoor wedding. This particular park includes a full event pavilion (5,000 square feet) and can accommodate larger weddings (over 500 people). The pavilion also provides brides and grooms the opportunity to hold both the ceremony and reception at the same location. Harriet Island includes a large green space and a river walk for guests to wander before and after the ceremony, as well as a playground for children to enjoy.
