Need Help Deciding a Venue!

chinofiesta93

FI and I both really liked Rush Creek, but now I'm started to think I'd feel too "stuffy" in there all night.
My ideal reception would be having a huge tent, lawn games, easy breezy picnic-style reception. FI is NOT sold on that.
So we have to compromise.

Any ideas? We'd like to stick around MG/Plymouth, and going south towards Waconia/Norwood/Cologne area. Anywhere between those two points, and definitely in-between like Chan or Chaska.

We're looking to have between 150-200 guests, and would like to stay under $3000 for room rental. Also, somewhere to have both ceremony and reception.

Thanks, ladies!

SSaltzman87

I haven't been to Rush Creek, but maybe there's a way you could have that indoor/outdoor aspect. You could have outdoor activities going on along with having entertainment going on inside. Also that way, if the weather ends up being crummy, you're not scrambling for a Plan B if you were to have a tent.

megsw4

Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park is what we decided on after looking at Rush Creek too.  There's a deck/patio overlooking the golf course where you can have the ceremony and I'm sure you could set up lawn games or other activities up there during the reception.  Missy one of the coordinators is awesome to work with too and the food by Lancer Catering is delicious!

srdavis21

I don't know capacity or price but my FI and I love being at Centennial Lakes in Edina in the summer and always thought that seemed like a fun place for a wedding since they have Bocce, mini golf, and paddle oats there...maybe that's an option?

SSaltzman87

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_need-help-deciding-a-venue?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:40a38d35-3f92-4597-85fc-d1dc9782a0cbPost:741806f1-f04c-41ea-9d01-11eaa641bf3b">Re: Need Help Deciding a Venue!</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know capacity or price but my FI and I love being at <strong>Centennial Lakes in Edina</strong> in the summer and always thought that seemed like a fun place for a wedding since they have Bocce, mini golf, and paddle oats there...maybe that's an option?
Posted by srdavis21[/QUOTE]
My ceremony and reception will be there :-)<div>
</div><div>The great thing about it is you can bring in all your own vendors except the beverage provider, and the centrum building already looks great on the inside so there isn't much you'd need for decor. They usually have mini golf, bocce and paddleboats rentals going all spring, summer & fall. I'm sure Laura (park manager) would work with you on possibly incorporating it if you wanted to. FI proposed at the ampitheatre there :-)</div><div>
</div><div>ETA: The only real issue I see with that is to get to the mini golf, bocce & paddleboat rentals you have to cross one of two bridges that are a little inconvenient to the building so it would make mingling with all of your guests a little difficult.</div>

chinofiesta93

Thanks guys! I appreciate the ideas!!

kidlets2

This probably doesn't help you, but I am doing a picnic style reception at a park in Stillwater. We'll be playing kickball, bocce ball, ladder golf, etc. I only have 50 guests invited so it's much easier to plan.

sndietz

Have you looked at Oak Ridge in Chaska?  I wanted the feel of a relaxing summer day at the cabin.  Oak Ridge is set back from the road, there is a lake, floor to ceiling windows, trees, etc.  I have some professional photos taken there on my pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sndietz/wedding-photos/ and there are some here as well:  http://oakridgeconferencecenter.bellagala.com/

bburkel

We were set on having something outside with lawn games and such, but then looked at the Medina Ent Center.  It's such a big place, that they are letting us set up corn hole and other games in the ballroom along the sides. 
We're doing our ceremony at Centennial Lakes too, and are even going to be able to bring in a horse carriage.

trixie549

What about the pavillion at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista? I've seen photos of weddings there with lawn games, picnic-style food and a bonfire.

http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/gale-woods-farm/gale-woods-farm-pavilion.aspx

flower_lover

Also recommend checking out the MN Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. They have beautiful gardens for ceremonies, and nice indoor reception spaces. The food is good quality with reasonable prices. You bring in your own wine and beer which saves a fortune. Another nearby option is the Oak ridge conference center. Beautiful space overlooking outdoor gardens. Another option could be the gale woods farm.

cowgirlbride3737

Try Riverwood in Otsego. We looked at their outdoor tent. I thought it was a great space.