How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost in Minnesota?

If you have no idea of how much you are willing to spend, let’s start by checking what other people are doing. This point of comparison should give you a broad idea of how much you will spend.

Average cost of a wedding in Minnesota

The average price for a wedding in Minnesota in 2024 with 125 to 150 guests was around $28,000 to $32,000. To make it simpler, let’s take the middle and pick an average of $30,000.
The numbers are taken from the website fidelity.com ($25,926 for Minnesota), wedding.report ($26,240 to $32,072), The Knot Wedding website breakdown ($33,000 nationwide), and investopedia.com ($35,000 nationwide).

Of course, that’s an average that needs to be adjusted based on your own wedding and the type of venue you are willing to have.
A fancy wedding in a trendy mansion with sophisticated food will cost more than a simple wedding in the local community center.

How much do couples spend on the different vendors nationwide

Knowing how much other couples spend on the different vendors might help you figure out what is reasonable to spend.
Of course, all budgets should be unique regarding the vendors you are working with and your priorities.

For instance, if photography is important for you, you might spend more than the average.

To build the following table, we have gathered data from multiple websites. Check the sources at the end of this article.

Average expense in percent by vendors (nationwide)

Category	Brides %	Vogue %	Here Comes the Guide %	Grace Loves Lace %	Zola %	The Knot %	Pop & Fizz Events %	WeddingWire %	Average %
Venue	35%	40%	18%	50%	24%	37%	30%	50%	35.5%
Catering	35%	40%	26%	50%	18%	28%	–	50%	35.3%
Photography	10%	12%	10%	10%	7%	8%	10%	12%	9.9%
Videography	10%	12%	10%	10%	5%	7%	–	12%	9.4%
Wedding Planner	12%	–	3%	–	6%	6%	10%	3%	6.7%
Flowers	6%	10%	8%	10%	8%	8%	8%	8%	8.3%
Décor / Styling	10%	10%	8%	10%	–	5%	10%	5%	8.3%
Music/Entertainment	5%	10%	8%	10%	9%	12%	10%	10%	9.3%
Stationery	5%	3%	–	10%	3%	2%	2%	2%	3.9%
Cake	3%	2%	2%	10%	2%	2%	2%	2%	3.4%
Attire (Dress/Suit)	5%	9%	7%	10%	7%	7%	5%	9%	7.4%
Hair & Makeup	5%	9%	2%	10%	2%	3%	3%	2%	4.5%
Transportation	5%	2%	3%	10%	2%	3%	3%	2%	3.8%
Favors & Gifts	2%	2%	2%	10%	–	1%	2%	2%	3.0%
Officiant	–	3%	2%	10%	1%	1%	1%	–	3.0%
Rentals	–	–	–	–	5%	–	–	–	5.0%
Miscellaneous/Emergency	–	5%	5%	–	–	–	–	1%	3.7%

So, with a wedding day budget of $30,000, that would give us the following table:

Category	Average %	Dollar Amount ($30,000)
Venue	35.5%	$10,650
Catering	35.3%	$10,590
Photography	9.9%	$2,970
Videography	9.4%	$2,820
Wedding Planner	6.7%	$2,010
Flowers	8.3%	$2,490
Décor / Styling	8.3%	$2,490
Music/Entertainment	9.3%	$2,790
Stationery	3.9%	$1,170
Cake	3.4%	$1,020
Attire (Dress/Suit)	7.4%	$2,220
Hair & Makeup	4.5%	$1,350
Transportation	3.8%	$1,140
Favors & Gifts	3.0%	$900
Officiant	3.0%	$900
Rentals	5.0%	$1,500
Miscellaneous/Emergency	3.7%	$1,110

Let’s keep in mind that these data have been collected from websites in the wedding industry sector on a nationwide scale and might not reflect exactly the Minnesota market.

What’s more, the prices in the Twin Cities might be higher than in the rural areas of the North State.
For instance, when we compare the price of venues in the Twin Cities and Rochester, MN, we notice a difference: Rochester is cheaper.
For example, while some Twin Cities venues may start at $8,000–$12,000 for a Saturday, similar venues in Rochester might start at $4,000–$7,000.

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Now, let’s focus specifically on how much of this budget typically goes to the venue.

Average cost of a wedding venue in Minnesota

Most articles on budgets (see sources at the end of the article) estimate that couples spend about 70% of their budget on the venue and caterer, with (25%–35.5%) on the venue and (20%–35%) on the caterer.
That means that the average cost of a wedding venue and caterer is somewhere around $21,240 (70% of $30,000).

Based on national averages and typical venue budget allocations, we can estimate that Minnesota venues cost between $7,500 and $10,650.

Of course, this number is an average for Minnesota and would vary locally, vary through the season, and vary by day of the week.

• Winter prices (November–April) can be 20% to 40% cheaper.
• Fridays can be 10%–15% cheaper.
• Sundays can be 10%–25% cheaper.
• Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) can be up to 30%–50% cheaper.

Cheap venue, vs affordable, vs budget-friendly, vs high-end venue

When choosing a wedding venue, aim for the most photogenic option your budget allows.

• Cheap venues ($500–$3,000) are functional but often plain, requiring a lot of DIY work and offering limited photography potential.
  Think of venues such as Plummer House or the Floral Hall in Rochester, MN.
• Affordable venues ($3,000–$7,000) provide better amenities and settings, allowing for more creative photos without overspending.
  Think of Camrose Hill Flower Farm in Stillwater or the Historic Concord Hotel in Saint Paul, MN.
• Budget-friendly venues ($6,000–$8,000) strike a great balance, offering stylish spaces and included decor that enhance your images.
  Think of the Pond View Barn in Pine Island, the Garden Marketplatz in Rochester, MN, or The Neu Neu in Minneapolis.
• High-end venues ($8,000+) deliver luxury, convenience, and naturally stunning backdrops, making it easier to capture breathtaking photos.
  For Rochester High-end venues, let’s think of J. Powers at the Hilton, the Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis, or Bavaria Downs in Chaska, MN.

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If you are looking for an affordable venue, we invite you to read this article.

Consider the Average Amount of Money per Guest Spent on Food and Alcohol on a Wedding Day in Minnesota

Most venues will request that you work with their own catering and/or bar service, or a list of trusted caterers/bartenders, or your own certified caterer.
Therefore, they often impose a minimum on food and alcohol for you to spend. And of course, that makes a difference in the budget!

That said, some cheap venues allow you to bring your own food (BYO venues).
That can save couples thousands, but they must arrange rentals and staff themselves (which adds a lot of complexity).

Minimum Dollar Amount to Spend on Food and Beverage

Why do venues impose a minimum dollar amount spent on food and/or beverages? Is it a way to get more money or not?
Not exactly. In most cases, it’s a way to ensure a high-quality wedding that matches their vision and their standards regarding the type of event they are willing to provide.

What they want to avoid (and we won’t give any moral judgment on that) is having a couple book an amazing venue, but have a cheap homemade buffet.
In other words, they want couples to be coherent in their planning.
You don’t book a $10,000 venue and then spend only $2,000 on food and alcohol.

Of course, an obvious marketing trick from some venues could be to offer a cheap price for the location itself, but then force you to spend a lot of money on cheap food and alcohol sold at a skyrocketing price.
It happens.
But most of the time, venues are honest and just want to give you clear expectations on expenses.

To prove that, let’s give you a few numbers.

Average Money Spent on Food and Alcohol at a Wedding

According to The Knot’s 2023 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of wedding catering in the U.S. is approximately $85 per person, regardless of guest count.
Given that the average number of guests in Minnesota is between 125 to 150, that means, statistically, you should spend between $10,625 to $12,750 on food and alcohol.

So, if a venue requests a minimum for food and alcohol that is below or around those prices, it’s not to get more money from you, but rather to provide a clear sense of expectations.

Again, like always, you need to compare apples to apples, checking the quality of food and alcohol.

Venue Cost Breakdown and Hidden Fees

Now, let’s understand what’s exactly included in the venue price, and why the price you see on venues’ websites seems cheaper than the average price of venues mentioned above.

The reason is that a lot of venues (not all) give you an entry price in order to attract clients.
Then you will contact them and visit the venue.
During this 1-hour visit, they will show you some options that you can’t avoid, and boom, the price can easily double.

So, be careful with websites that compare venues, given that not all venues include the same things in their prices.
You should compare the price of the package that includes everything you need.

Here’s a breakdown of potential hidden costs you should keep in mind when booking your wedding venue, along with how much they could add to your overall budget:

Potential Hidden Costs on Wedding Venue

1. Gratuity & Service Charges
   Many venues automatically add an 18%–22 % gratuity on top of your food and beverage bill.
   Depending on your guest count, this can easily amount to $2,000–$4,500 or more.
2. Setup and Breakdown Fees
   Some venues charge extra for setting up tables, chairs, and decorations, as well as cleaning afterward.
   Expect to pay around $500–$1,500.
3. Rentals
   If tables, chairs, linens, or dinnerware aren’t included, you’ll need to rent them separately.
   This can cost $2,000–$6,000, depending on style and guest count.
4. Cake Cutting and Corkage Fees
   Bringing your own cake or alcohol?
   Staff may charge $2–$6 per guest for cake cutting and $15–$30 per bottle for corkage.
5. Overtime Fees
   If your reception runs long, you may be charged $500–$1,000 per additional hour.
6. Parking & Valet Services
   Parking isn’t always included, and valet service can cost between $500–$2,500.
7. Audio-Visual and Tech Fees
   Microphones, speakers, and additional lighting often come at a separate cost (typically $300–$1,500).
8. Taxes
   Remember that Minnesota sales tax (6.875%–8.375%) may not be included in quoted prices.
   This adds several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your total.
9. Insurance
   Many venues now require proof of event insurance.
   You can expect to spend $350–$500 for one day of liability coverage.
10. Vendor Fees
    Want to bring in your own photographer or caterer?
    If they’re not on the venue’s preferred list, you might face a $250–$1,000 vendor fee.
11. Ceremony Fees
    Hosting your ceremony on-site usually isn’t free.
    Plan for an additional $500–$2,000.
12. Storage & Delivery Fees
    Delivering decor or storing items before/after the event can add another $250–$1,000 to your bill.
13. Heating or Air Conditioning
    Especially important for barns and tent weddings.
    Temporary HVAC systems can cost $500–$2,500.
14. Administration or Coordination Fees
    Some venues charge extra for administrative services or require on-site coordinators: $500–$1,500.
15. Postponement Fees
    In case plans change, venues may charge $500–$1,500, or even keep your initial deposit.
16. Bar Setup Fees
    If you’re providing the alcohol or choosing specialty brands, you might pay an additional $250–$750 to set up the bar.
17. Security Coverage
    In some cities like Minneapolis, venues or local ordinances may require you to hire security.
    Plan for about $250–$600 per security guard.
18. Extra Room Rental
    Need a separate cocktail room, a bridal suite, or extra space?
    Additional rooms can cost $300–$1,500.
19. Early Access Fees
    Want to decorate the night before or set up early?
    Venues sometimes charge $300–$1,000 for early access.
20. Rehearsal Time Charges
    Some venues charge for using the space for a rehearsal the day before the wedding.
    Typical cost: $200–$750.
21. Wi-Fi Access Charges
    Yes, some venues charge for Wi-Fi!
    Expect to pay $100–$500 if internet access is important for live streaming or vendors.

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Many of these fees seem small on their own, but together they can easily add $5,000–$10,000 to your wedding costs.
When you know what to ask and what to look for, you’ll be better prepared; so your final invoice won’t catch you off guard.

“All-Inclusive” Packages

When contacting venues, ask if they have an “all-inclusive” package that includes all the mentioned points. That’s, for instance, the case of the Castle.

Venues that Impose Vendors

Some venues will lock you into their chosen list of vendors.
That’s especially true with caterers and some bartender services.

But that can also apply to other types of vendors such as wedding planners (not to be confused with wedding coordinators), DJs, officiants, and photographers.
It’s especially true with family-owned businesses that would favor their relatives.

From a family point of view, that’s understandable (who would not help their relatives get business?).
But from a bride and groom’s perspective, that prevents them from choosing their best caterer, bar service, photographer, videographer, or DJ.

Indeed, locking the bride and groom with imposed partners prevents them from booking different styles, better quality, or simply better prices.

The issue might not be: “Would you pay more?”, but rather: “Would you have the same quality?”

Finally, some venues will sometimes ask for an outside vendor fee if the couple wants to bring their preferred vendors.
That’s something you should negotiate.
If you have your heart set on a vendor, ask the venue if they allow outside vendors for a fee.

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Conclusion on the Price of a Venue in Minnesota

If we trust the data collected by numerous established actors from the wedding industry, the average price of a wedding venue in Minnesota is around $7,500 to $10,650.

A given venue, caterer, and bartender service often work together, and we have to take this into consideration as well.

Also, we have conceived this article as part of other articles to help you find the right venue.
So you might be interested in checking our other articles on how to find an affordable wedding venue.

If you are on a budget, you might consider alternative wedding venues.
And, if you live in Rochester, MN, and are looking for unique venues at an affordable price, you can check this article.

Finally, we have reviewed all the options and unpleasant surprises that can be hidden inside the contract and that can make a big difference in the final bill.

So, now, you can go and search for your perfect venue, paying attention to the points we mentioned.

Once your venue is booked, statistically speaking, the next vendor to book is your photographer! You can read our article on the average price of photographers.
If you haven’t done so yet, check out our portfolio and contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Venue Costs in Minnesota

Do you still have some questions about weddings and prices in Minnesota? We have gathered here an exhaustive list of questions and their answers.

FAQ

General Wedding Costs

• Q: What is the average cost of a wedding in Minnesota? A: The average cost of a wedding in Minnesota in 2024 for 125-150 guests is approximately $28,000 to $32,000, with $30,000 being a good middle estimate.
• Q: How much should I budget for my wedding venue? A: Based on national averages, couples typically spend 35.5% of their total wedding budget on the venue. For a $30,000 wedding, that would be around $10,650 for the venue.
• Q: What’s the difference between venue costs in Twin Cities vs. Rochester, MN? A: Rochester venues are generally cheaper than Twin Cities venues. While some Twin Cities venues may start at $8,000–$12,000 for a Saturday, similar venues in Rochester might start at $4,000–$7,000.
• Q: How much do couples typically spend on different wedding vendors based on a $30,000 budget? A: Based on national averages for a $30,000 wedding:
  • Venue: 35.5% ($10,650)
  • Catering: 35.3% ($10,590)
  • Photography: 9.9% ($2,970)
  • Videography: 9.4% ($2,820)
  • Music/Entertainment: 9.3% ($2,790)
  • Flowers: 8.3% ($2,490)
  • Décor/Styling: 8.3% ($2,490)
  • Attire (Dress/Suit): 7.4% ($2,220)
  • Wedding Planner: 6.7% ($2,010)
  • Stationery: 3.9% ($1,170)
  • Transportation: 3.8% ($1,140)
  • Cake: 3.4% ($1,020)
  • Favors & Gifts: 3.0% ($900)
  • Officiant: 3.0% ($900)
  • Rentals: 5.0% ($1,500)
  • Miscellaneous/Emergency: 3.7% ($1,110)

Venue Cost Ranges and Savings

• Q: What are the different wedding venue price categories? A: Venues typically fall into these categories:
  • Cheap venues: $500–$3,000 (functional but plain, requiring DIY work).
  • Affordable venues: $3,000–$7,000 (better amenities and settings).
  • Budget-friendly venues: $6,000–$8,000 (stylish spaces with included decor).
  • High-end venues: $8,000+ (luxury venues with stunning backdrops).
• Q: How can I save money on venue costs? A: Consider these money-saving strategies:
  • Choose winter dates (November–April) for 20-40% savings.
  • Book Friday weddings for 10-15% savings.
  • Choose Sunday weddings for 10-25% savings.
  • Consider weekday weddings (Monday–Thursday) for 30-50% savings.
• Q: What’s the most expensive time to get married? A: Saturday weddings during peak season (typically May-October) are generally the most expensive.
• Q: When are the cheapest times to get married? A: The most cost-effective times are winter months (November-April), weekdays (Monday-Thursday), Fridays, and Sundays.

Catering and Food Costs

• Q: How much should I budget for catering? A: According to The Knot’s 2023 study, the average cost of wedding catering is approximately $85 per person. For 125-150 guests, expect to spend between $10,625 to $12,750 on food and alcohol.
• Q: Why do venues have minimum spending requirements for food and drinks? A: Venues impose minimums to ensure high-quality weddings that match their standards and vision. They want to avoid situations where couples book an expensive venue but provide a low-cost or homemade buffet, maintaining coherence in the overall wedding experience.
• Q: What are BYO (Bring Your Own) venues? A: Some cheaper venues allow you to bring your own food and alcohol. While this can save thousands of dollars, it adds complexity as you’ll need to arrange rentals and staff yourself.

Hidden Fees and Additional Costs

• Q: What hidden fees should I watch out for when booking a wedding venue? A: Common hidden fees that can significantly increase your total cost include:
  • Gratuity & Service Charges: Often 18-22% on top of food and beverage bills, potentially adding $2,000-$4,500+.
  • Setup and Breakdown Fees: For arranging tables, chairs, decorations, and post-event cleaning ($500-$1,500).
  • Rentals: If tables, chairs, linens, or dinnerware aren’t included ($2,000-$6,000).
  • Cake Cutting Fees: Often $2-$6 per guest.
  • Corkage Fees: If you bring your own alcohol, expect $15-$30 per bottle.
  • Overtime Fees: If your reception runs long ($500-$1,000 per additional hour).
  • Parking/Valet Services: If not included ($500-$2,500).
  • Audio-Visual Fees: For microphones, speakers, and additional lighting ($300-$1,500).
  • Minnesota Sales Tax: The state sales tax (6.875-8.375%) may not be included in quoted prices.
  • Event Insurance: Many venues require proof of liability coverage ($350-$500).
  • Vendor Fees: For bringing in vendors not on the venue’s preferred list ($250-$1,000).
  • Ceremony Fees: For hosting your ceremony on-site ($500-$2,000).
  • Storage & Delivery Fees: For decor or items before/after the event ($250-$1,000).
  • Heating or Air Conditioning: Especially for barns and tent weddings ($500-$2,500).
  • Administration or Coordination Fees: For administrative services or required on-site coordinators ($500-$1,500).
  • Bar Setup Fees: If providing alcohol or specialty brands ($250-$750).
  • Security Coverage: Required in some cities like Minneapolis ($250-$600 per security guard).
  • Extra Room Rental: For cocktail rooms, bridal suites, etc. ($300-$1,500).
  • Early Access Fees: To decorate the night before or set up early ($300-$1,000).
  • Rehearsal Time Charges: For using the space for a rehearsal ($200-$750).
  • Wi-Fi Access Charges: Yes, some venues charge for Wi-Fi ($100-$500).
• Q: How much can hidden fees add to my total cost? A: Hidden fees can easily add $5,000-$10,000 to your wedding costs, so it’s crucial to ask about all potential additional charges upfront.
• Q: What should I ask about “all-inclusive” packages? A: Always ask if the venue offers an “all-inclusive” package that covers all the potential fees mentioned above. This can help you avoid surprise costs and better budget for your wedding.
• Q: Are taxes included in quoted venue prices? A: Not always. Minnesota sales tax (6.875%–8.375%) may not be included in quoted prices, which can add several hundred to several thousand dollars to your total.

Vendor Restrictions

• Q: Can I choose my own vendors? A: This depends on the venue. Some venues require you to use their preferred vendors list, especially for catering and bartending. Others may allow outside vendors for an additional fee ($250-$1,000).
• Q: Why do some venues restrict vendor choices? A: Venue vendor restrictions often stem from:
  • Quality control and maintaining standards.
  • Established relationships with trusted vendors.
  • Family-owned businesses favoring relatives.
  • Insurance and liability concerns.
• Q: Can I negotiate vendor fees? A: Yes, if you have your heart set on a specific vendor not on their preferred list, ask the venue if they allow outside vendors for a fee and try to negotiate the cost.

Contract and Legal Considerations

• Q: Do I need event insurance? A: Many venues now require proof of event insurance, which typically costs $350-$500 for one day of liability coverage.
• Q: What happens if I need to postpone my wedding? A: Most venues charge postponement fees of $500-$1,500, and some may even keep your initial deposit. Always clarify postponement policies before signing.

Practical Tips

• Q: What questions should I ask when visiting venues? A: Essential questions include:
  • What’s included in the base price?
  • Are there any hidden fees or additional charges?
  • Do you have an all-inclusive package?
  • What are your vendor restrictions?
  • What’s your cancellation/postponement policy?
  • Are taxes included in the quoted price?
  • What’s the payment schedule?
• Q: How can I avoid surprise costs? A: Always ask for a detailed breakdown of all potential costs, including hidden fees, and get everything in writing before signing any contracts. You should compare the price of the package that includes everything you need.
• Q: Should I prioritize venue cost or other vendors? A: When choosing a wedding venue, aim for the most photogenic option your budget allows, as the venue significantly impacts your wedding photos and overall experience. However, adjust spending based on your personal priorities.
• Q: When should I book my venue? A: Book your venue as early as possible, especially for popular dates. Statistically, after booking the venue, the next vendor to book is typically the photographer.

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Sources

The numbers collected in this article come from those websites.

• We Brides (link) https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-budget-guide-allocating-funds-staying-on-track
• Vogue (link) https://www.vogue.com/article/wedding-budget-planning-calculator-guide
• Here Comes the Guide (link) https://www.herecomestheguide.com/wedding-ideas/the-ultimate-wedding-budget-breakdown
• Grace Loves Lace (link) https://graceloveslace.com/blogs/grace-journal/wedding-budget-breakdown
• Zola (link) https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding-on-a-budget
• The Knot (link) https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-budget-ways-to-save-money
• Pop & Fizz Events (link) https://www.popandfizzevents.com/blog/the-ultimate-wedding-budget-guide-allocating-percentages-for-each-vendor
• WeddingWire (link) https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-budget-breakdown