Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel The Depot Wedding

After their engagement session at the Lebanon Hills (Edina, MN), Nadine and Kevin were about to get married in the first Basilica of Minnesota, the Minneapolis Basilica. But before the religious event, they were getting ready at the Depot, also known as the Renaissance Hotel (recently acquired by Marriott).

I will first present the reportage I shot during the bride and groom’s preparation, and secondly, the hotel itself (given it’s also a wedding venue).

Makeup time

When I arrived, I started taking pictures of the gorgeous bride who was getting ready in a hotel suite. Her relatives and best friends surrounded her. The atmosphere was nothing but excitement for the coming event. While I took details of the bride’s attire, the bride had her makeup applied and hair done. Then she read a letter from her fiancé, trying not to cry. But her eyes were definitely wet! After that, she put on her beautiful dress, and we improvised a few pictures.

A special coordinator for receptions

During the day, we were supervised and supported by Busola Amele-Kalejaiye from “Royalle Affairs.” She helped me move furniture and made sure we stayed on track. Busola went above what traditional wedding planners do and offered decoration and florist supervision. Given the bride and groom were having their reception at the Nicollet Pavilion, the florist work helped improve the table decoration.

Though, if you get married at the Depot, I am sure they will offer you some wedding planning services.

Champagne Time

During this time, the groom and groomsmen were getting ready in their room. You could also feel excitement in the air. The super good-looking groom was impatient to see his fiancée. He got ready with the help of his father, and I tried to take advantage of the beautiful room and the natural light. He also read a letter from his fiancé, struggling not to cry. After, the guys gathered and opened champagne.

First look at the Empire Builder room

The couple’s first look was nothing but emotion and laughter. This kind of first look is worth being prepared and included in the bride and groom timeline!

Group photos in the Luce Line room

After so much emotion, it was time for the family and bridal party pictures. Despite the floor-to-ceiling windows in the hallway, I preferred to choose the Luce Line room, where the natural light was not sufficient for great group portraits. Consequently, I installed several flashes to light the scene.

Transportation of the Bridal Party from the Renaissance Minneapolis to the Basilica of St. Mary

After their photos, the entire bridal party jumped onto a bus. Equipped with music, drinks, disco lights and laser, it was almost a mini disco club on wheels. I snuck into the bus to capture original moments of this trip. It was break time for the bridal party to celebrate before a serious religious ritual.

Historic depot on Hennepin Ave

A Legacy from a glorious industrial period in Minnesota

It’s always interesting to learn about the history of a venue, how sublime buildings evolved during time, and why they offer such architecture. For this venue, it all started with a rich railroad tycoon, James J. Hill (who gave his name to one of the rooms). He developed Great Northern Railway connecting Minneapolis to other cities by train. One of his remarkable (should we say megalomaniac) constructions that remains today is the Stone Arch Bridge, and his home located just in front of the Saint Paul, MN Cathedral (nothing less).

The first name of this train station was Minnesota Central Railroad. But in 1867, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Depot, Freight House and Train Shed bought it and changed the name of the building. The previous train shed was destroyed, and they constructed the actual building in 1899 with an Italianate renaissance style. The Renaissance Depot Minneapolis now belongs to the Marriott group.

Then, the story of the building is like all post-industrial buildings. At the end of the outrageous prosperity period (related to stories such as The Great Gatsby), the train industry declined, and after the last train left for Milwaukee in 1971, the Train Shed was closed and sold. With the loss of the industry, the city faced a socio-economic crisis, witnessed the increase of gangs and insecurity. Soon the Mill City turned into “Murderapolis.” After reconnecting with prosperity, the building was sold and faced multiple expansions until today. It’s now called Renaissance Minneapolis.

From Small to Large Ceremonies and Reception Rooms

With 21 event rooms, the Depot Minneapolis offers all kinds of space, with all kinds of capacity. From the Alexander Mitchell room (315 square feet) to the Depot Pavilion (20,332 square feet), this hotel can handle events with 2,000 guests. But do you really have 2,000 guests to invite? If yes, you’d better consider a wedding coordinator!

For a chic wedding, you would prefer the Great Hall, the Winter Garden, or the Great Northern that all feature arched walls. The modern rooms, such as the Soo Line, Hiawatha Ballroom or Depot Pavilion, are great for meetings and receptions, but you might miss the historical touch.

Advantage of a Hotel Wedding vs. a Simple Venue

Minnesota is full of charming historical venues for receptions, such as the Steeplechase event center (in Edina, MN). While the countryside is perfect for engagement sessions, you might find several advantages hosting your big day in a big and modern hotel in town.

Amenities Offered by the Depot Minneapolis Hotel

From a practical point of view, hosting your reception in a high-quality hotel offers you and your guests some significant services. They can enjoy, more than a clean room, many services offered by well-trained staff and the hotel’s amenities. It goes from a drink at the bar, a brunch, to laundry service. Also, the hotel offers a swimming pool to relax and a fitness center. Finally, an appreciable service in downtown is the large parking lot offered by the hotel.

Rehearsal Dinner

If you want to gather your family a day prior to your event, hosting a rehearsal dinner in the same place where you would get ready the next morning presents some obvious advantages.

Activity for your guests to do

The day after witnessing your wedding, your families might want to enjoy the city. The Guthrie Theater, the Mill City Museum, the Stone Arch Bridge, the Walker Art Center, the MAC, the Mall of America, U.S. Bank Stadium are all enjoyable activities that you can only enjoy in the city.