Wedding Plans: Location, Location, Location!

We're looking to get hitched in October 2013 somewhere in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that is affordable and offers beautiful outdoors amenities.

Our first thought was Como Lakeside Pavilion on Como Lake in St. Paul. The venue is beautiful and covered in case of bad weather. However, it appears to rent the space you have to go with a caterer that just isn't our thing and the costs are pretty high, so it's out.

The top 3 major contenders are:

1) Theodore Wirth Fireplace Room

Theodore Wirth Park's Fireplace Room, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Located near North Minneapolis, just west of downtown, Theodore Wirth Park has it all. A boardwalk over a quaking bog, a beautiful wildflower garden, forests, lakes, sports and a swiss-style chalet.

2) Minnehaha Park

Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, Minnesota
jpellgen, Flickr creative commons

What's more picturesque for a wedding than a waterfall? Add to that Minnehaha Park's beautiful fountains, hiking trails, pergolas, and pavilions and you've got the makings for a great outdoor wedding location.

3) Itasca State Park

Dusk at Itasca State Park, Mississippi Headwaters, Minnesota

ruf_d, Flikr creative commons

You might be thinking this doesn't meet the criteria of in Minneapolis/St.Paul, and you'd be right. It's our "destination wedding" option. Itasca State Park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi, gorgeous forests, lots of lodging/camping options for guests and lots to do outdoors.