NORTH destination

IF YOU DREAM OF A DESTINATION WEDDING, YOU DON’T HAVE TO LOOK TO THE TROPICS OR OTHER FAR-OFF LOCALES. YOUR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING IS RIGHT HERE. THE LAKES AND NORTHWOODS—ALONG WITH OUR AMENITIES—PROVIDE A BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY.

#1 Keep it Easy

International wedding destinations present other logistical challenges. Each country has its own rules that you’ll need to research before tying the knot on location. Passports, language barriers, and other challenges of not being in the same country during the planning stages can be a headache. And international weddings can be cost prohibitive for guests.

One of the best things about the Brainerd Lakes Area is its central location in the state. We’re only about 2 hours from the Twin Cities, Fargo, and Duluth. If you have guests who need to fly, the Brainerd Regional Airport has daily service from Delta Air Lines.

Many area resorts offer on-site wedding planners. Local businesses like Gathered Gold Co. are here for you to help plan your big day.

#2 Venue Selection

Whatever vision and budget, your special day will be personal and perfect.

→ RESORTS

Many of our larger resorts have everything on property simplifying logistics for you and your guests. You can host your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, plus stay right on-site. The landscaping across these properties is stunning, so you’ll also find lots of photo backdrops from lakes, golf courses, flower beds, to beautifully constructed buildings.

Grand View Lodge has a chapel and those historic steps overlooking the water— popular for ceremony sites. The Pavilion at Madden’s is a 10,000 square foot waterfront venue with a grand fireplace, radiant heat, and water features that is one-of-a-kind.

Nature Link is the Brainerd Lakes’ newest wedding destination. Located in the heart of the Lakes Area and set on Clark Lake, the resort features 14 acres of majestic pines and stunning lake views. The event center, Catalyst, with its modern design and functionality effortlessly combines luxury with nature.

The Getaway Adventure Resort is truly a unique venue set on 520 wooded acres with impressive amenities and views. You and your closest family and friends will love the private luxurious and intimate gathering spaces.

CATALYST is the Brainerd Lakes’ newest wedding destination. Located in the heart of the Lakes Area and set on Clark Lake, the resort features 14 acres of majestic pines and stunning lake views.

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The beautiful backdrops and slower pace that connect you and your guests with nature while providing modern amenities set the Brainerd Lakes apart as a wedding destination.

→ EVENT CENTERS, HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

Perhaps you are looking for a smaller venue. Or you want the convenience of being within the city limits. You will find lots of options here.

In Crosslake, The Gathering provides a spacious and budget-friendly venue option.

If you’re looking to stay in Baxter, Arrowwood Lodge provides a ballroom and several amenities on-site.

Gather on 3 offers a wedding retreat with outdoor ceremony space, a reception room, and restaurant.

The Northern Pacific Center is near the heart of downtown Brainerd and will give you a historic and industrial feel with several event space options depending on the size of your wedding. Kids and adults will also love Goody’s Gourmet Treats close by for whimsical party favors.

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Outdoor Spaces

Having your wedding at a family cabin that holds special meaning is the perfect way to add some nostalgia to your celebration. Party Time Rental and Party World can transform a backyard or lakefront property into a wedding oasis with tents, tables, chairs, décor, and fun party accessories.

Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake hosts Gull Lake Cruises and Breezy Point Resort has the Breezy Belle, which make for a fun and unique ceremony or rehearsal dinner while cruising the water.

Perhaps you are looking for the intimate feel of a lakeside wedding, but you don’t have your own cabin. Manhattan Beach Lodge closes the whole property to the public for a beautiful private lakeside wedding set on Trout Lake of the Whitefish Chain near Crosslake.

Say your vows on the pristine and tranquil shores of Bay Lake at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort with a lakeside ceremony.

#3 Amenity Choices

The details are what sets your wedding day apart. Our local businesses have a lot of experience helping couples plan their special day. From salons to flowers, tents, and catering, all of your day-of logistics will be handled flawlessly.

Professional photographers, like Amber Bauer Photography and Huber Photography, will capture your wedding moments.

Local florists, like Simply Rustic Floral Design, Brainerd Floral, and North Country Floral can also help you create arrangements.

Depending on where you host your wedding, you may need catering. Luckily we have several top-notch caterers with delicious food options.

#4 A Getaway for Guests

We have hundreds of lakes and miles of shoreline. If your guests love being by the water, this is a great place for them to extend the wedding festivities into a vacation. Your guests can also find several golf courses—from nationally recognized to family friendly par 3 courses. And some of the best biking in the state. Your guests will appreciate it’s budget friendly, easy to get to, and it’s far enough to really feel like they’re getting away from it all.

CRAGUN’S RESORT ON GULL LAKE HOSTS GULL LAKE CRUISES AND BREEZY POINT RESORT HAS THE BREEZY BELLE, WHICH MAKE FOR A FUN AND UNIQUE CEREMONY OR REHEARSAL DINNER WHILE CRUISING THE WATER.

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