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By Molly Milroy

Oneof the most important aspects to planning a wedding is finding the right venue. A picture-perfect wedding setting in the great north woods has become a sought-after choice. With more couples seeking to get married outdoors, the Northland offers multiple spaces with lush greens and rolling landscapes. Each wedding venue offers something unique and will make that special day that much more memorable.

Barn

Lisa Maasch knew exactly what she wanted when creating a new

Outdoor wedding venues: Rustic barns and beautiful landscapes

wedding venue in northern Minnesota. Her husband, Scott, a building contractor, built the venue to match her vision.

“It’s a new barn, but made to look rustic,” Maasch said. The large event space sits on 60 acres in Bovey, Minnesota — just outside of Grand Rapids — and can host up to 225 guests. “There is an outdoor wedding pavilion where the ceremonies are held, along with two ponds behind the wedding pavilion.” Maasch attributes the popularity in outdoor weddings to the beauty of the natural landscape coupled with convenience.

“I think people want outdoor photos and they like the idea of everything in one place,” she said.

Being a modern building, her year-round venue is climate controlled, offering airconditioning in the summertime and heat in the winter. The site has all-accessible parking.

Located 5 miles from Grand Rapids makes it convenient.

“It’s not far out in the country, which makes it easy for guests and hotel accommodations,” Maasch said. “People like that it’s closer to town for lodging.”

Since Maasch helped design the space, she added personal touches that make the space radiate.

“I love my chandelier, it’s my favorite part,” Maasch said of the grandiose centerpiece inside the barn.

For more information, visit barninthewoods.com.

Sitio Weddings + Events

“I believe people are shedding some of the traditional aspects of weddings and creating a beautiful, fun experience for their guests and loved ones,” said Jodie Cowan, manager of Sitio Weddings + Events.

Located just 10 minutes south of Duluth in Esko, Sitio sits on 15 acres of lush land. The property includes a large greenhouse, a picturesque vineyard ceremony location, a large tent space, an on-site farmhouse Airbnb, indoor bathrooms and a prep suite for the bridal party. For nature lovers, the venue also includes four ponds, chickens and ducks and outdoor trails.

Sitio offers a farm-like ambiance.

“The property utilizes permaculture

Continued on page 24 farming/planting techniques as demonstrated with our hugel mounds, partner planting and other techniques,” Cowan said. “Besides growing hemp, we also have a beehive on site, a large heirloom tomato greenhouse with 10 varieties, and about 5 acres of trees, shrubs and nursery plants.”

And for the couple looking for a magical winter wedding landscape, this event facility creates a distinctive atmosphere.

“The greenhouse can stay heated into the winter, and we offer a winter wonderland setup from December through mid-January,” Cowan said. “We line the greenhouse with about 18 to 20 lighted pine trees for a truly unique experience.”

For more information, visit sitioevents.com.

Little Cloquet Cove

“My daughter’s dream wedding was to be married in the place where she grew up, along the banks of the Little Cloquet River and Little Pequaywan Lake,” Sue Johnson said of the start of Little Cloquet Cove. “Our shed provided a warm place for her sled dogs to bed down for the night, and she envisioned this intimate, rustic dog shed as the perfect reception area for her upcoming wedding.”

After her daughter’s wedding, Johnson, who is also a Lutheran pastor, opened the seasonal wedding venue offering dates between Memorial Day weekend through early October.

Located in rural Duluth, the venue is half an hour north of the University of Minnesota Duluth in the heart of the Cloquet Valley State Forest.

“Our space is private in nature with trails and hills providing panoramic views,” Johnson said. “The outdoor ceremony site rests on the banks of the Little Cloquet River where eagles nest. The pavilion is an original rustic home to our sled dogs. This space has a bar created from the old Two Harbors bleachers, powder room, brickwork, a clubhouse, chandeliers and bistro lighting.”

Couples have enjoyed this special setting.

“We attract couples who appreciate rustic elegance. The brides are looking for simplicity and the grooms are looking for a place to feel comfortable.”

For more information, visit littlecloquetcove.com.

Brule River Barn Wedding and Event Center

For the wedding party looking to spend their entire wedding weekend in one space, this venue will suit their needs.

“The Brule River Barn gives you the time and space to enjoy your wedding,” owner Jill Clemmer said. “You can be surrounded by your friends and family the entire weekend and don't have to leave the property once you arrive. The whole weekend gives it a relaxed pace which means more time can be spent appreciating the experience.”

With multiple buildings on the property, each offers a unique experience. There is a place for preparation, the main celebration, a separate four-bedroom log home with sleeping accommodations for up to 11 guests, a one-bedroom cottage, and a reception area which can seat up to 160 guests.

“The grounds have three unique outdoor ceremony sites. The barn’s hayloft can be used as an indoor ceremony site as needed or desired. The loft also has a bar area and ample room for the dance or ceremony,” Clemmer explained.

A unique offering at the Brule River Barn is a special commemoration of the couple’s wedding day.

“Each wedding held here is commemorated with a painted barn board, first placed at the end of our driveway during the wedding and then afterward added to a collection lining the ceiling in an area of the barn,” Clemmer said. “We also gift each couple an engraved padlock that they can put anywhere, though most choose to attach theirs to a space on one of the barn’s balconies.”

For more information, visit bruleriverbarn.com.

The Grainary at Lake Valley Farm

Situated just south of Superior in Poplar, Wisconsin, The Grainary at Lake Valley Farm offers a stunning landscape.

“We were intentional with the design layout of the ground24co-owner Anne Anderson said. “Bridal parties often say,

‘You thought of everything.’

“Photographers often compliment how aesthetically pleasing the variety of spaces are, from the natural elements to the architectural design and all the different textures, which leads to the best part — you can do very minimal decorating if you choose.”

The Grainary offers lots of space for the ceremony and celebration.

“There are so many extraordinary spaces for the guests to experience, specifically one of our favorites is how we designed the walls of the pavilion to open, allowing a connection between the patio and reception area,” co-owner Sarah Nelson explained. “The patio is always a huge hit. Starting at cocktail hour under the bistro lights, guests are greeted with comfortable outdoor seating, gas fire pits, indoor/outdoor bar area and yard games.”

There are also onsite accommodations for the couple and bridal party to get ready in, including a bridal cottage with private courtyard and a comfortable groom’s loft with an attached deck and pool table.

“Whether you are looking for a rustic vibe or modern industrial chic wedding, The Grainary checks all the boxes,” Anderson said. “The daily rental package includes beautiful wood cross back dining chairs and authentic wood plank harvest tables that seat up to 200 guests. The original grain cart is also on-site to use as a unique option to display dessert.”

For more information, visit thegrainaryatlakevalleyfarm. com.

Conclusion

The hot trend in outdoor weddings continues and the Northland has multiple memorable venues to choose from.

“Minnesotans love the outdoors and being in nature, so celebrating their commitment to each other in places that they love to be in is ideal,” Cowan said.

Each of these wedding venues offers a unique atmosphere. Book a time to visit in person and find the perfect spot for your special day. D