Best Minneapolis Wedding Venues for Small Weddings (Under 50 Guests) 2026

The 12 best Minneapolis small wedding venues for 2026

I've shot 80+ small weddings across the Twin Cities since 2018. These are the venues that actually work for 20–50 guests — meaning the room doesn't feel empty, the food minimums are realistic, and your photos still look intentional.

1. 300 Clifton

1916 Loring Park mansion. Marble staircase, library, garden. Perfect for 25–60 guests. Rental from $4,500.

2. Aster Cafe

Upstairs ceremony room fits 60 with Mississippi River views. Stone Arch Bridge is a 3-minute walk for portraits. Food & beverage minimums starting around $4,000.

3. Loring Social

Speakeasy lounge for intimate dinners (up to 40), or the main room for 60. Modern moody with a gold-tile bar.

4. The Lexington (St. Paul)

Private dining rooms hold 18–40. Old-school supper-club vibe, Summit Hill location.

5. Hewing Hotel

Rooftop deck for ceremony (up to 50), private dining room for dinner. North Loop industrial.

6. Spoon and Stable Private Room

Gavin Kaysen's flagship. 20-guest private dining. Tasting menu around $185pp.

7. Minneapolis Institute of Art

Mia rents the Pillsbury Auditorium for 50–80 — editorial museum venue.

8. Como Park Conservatory

Sunken Garden ceremony slots for up to 40, then move to dinner anywhere nearby.

9. Mill City Museum Ruin Courtyard

Open-air ceremony for 30–80. Dramatic limestone backdrop.

10. Bardo (Northeast)

Private dining for 30, Mediterranean menu, gorgeous golden hour light.

11. Hennepin County Courthouse + Aria

Civil ceremony at the courthouse, dinner at Aria for 40. The most common "elopement-plus" route I shoot.

12. Your favorite restaurant + a backyard

For weddings under 25, I genuinely recommend renting your favorite restaurant's private room and skipping the venue search entirely.

What about photography for small weddings?

My elopement & micro-wedding collections start at $1,800 for 3 hours and $2,800 for 5 hours. See pricing here or get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Minneapolis Wedding Venues

What is the best small wedding venue in Minneapolis for under 50 guests?

Aster Café (riverfront, 40 guests), Bar La Grassa (Italian, 35 guests), and Hewing Hotel rooftop (industrial, 50 guests) are the three I recommend most.

How much does a small Minneapolis wedding venue cost in 2026?

Small venue rentals range from $1,200 (private dining room) to $6,500 (private buyout). Food and beverage typically $95–$180/guest.

Do small Minneapolis wedding venues have food minimums?

Almost all restaurant venues have F&B minimums ($3,000–$8,000 depending on day and season). Standalone venues usually don't but have room rental fees.

Can you photograph a small wedding at a Minneapolis restaurant?

Yes — I've shot small weddings at Owamni, Spoon and Stable, Demi, Bar La Grassa, and Aster Café.

What's the smallest wedding you'll photograph?

I've photographed elopements as small as 2 people at the Hennepin County Government Center. My elopement package starts at $850.

Related guides

• Small Wedding Venues in Minnesota (Full Guide)
• Best Twin Cities Wedding Venues Under $5,000
• Minneapolis Courthouse Wedding Guide