Wedding with a bonfire in Minnesota

Where could we have a Minnesota wedding with a bonfire?

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Thank you SO much for your wonderful website. I have been reading your page on weddings on farms in Minnesota, and I was wondering if you might have any suggestions on a place that is
"rustic" like Gibbs farm but would allow for a bonfire? We are a very low key couple that would prefer not to do the traditional wedding reception in a ballroom with a DJ and head table. Instead I was thinking of a pig roast, yard games and a fire to conclude the evening. It a great vision but I am having a hard time finding the perfect location. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Have a very Happy New Year.

Hoping Her Dream Location Is Out There!


Answer:

Dear HHDLIOT,

Well, you'd have to go the rural option if you're looking for a bonfire at a farm...urban locations just wouldn't allow that option. I performed a wedding ceremony once at Falconer Vineyards, outside of Red Wing, Minnesota, and it was in a very rural area - so rural, that I'd expect that they'd be able to find an open spot for you to have a bonfire. You'd have to pay for them to set up the bonfire, but I would think that they would be pretty flexible.

Best wishes for your wedding!

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
MN Wedding Officiant & Planner


Follow-up!


Dear Rev. Coleman,

I'm the son of the owner of Falconer Vineyards, outside of Red Wing, Minnesota. I saw your comment on whether or not we'd allow bonfires for a wedding reception and we most definitely would. I'm not sure what if anything my dad would charge for the set up of it. Usually we have so many pruning clippings and brush from clearing the deer fence off that there's a bonfire pile ready to be lit at any given day. The only expense I know for sure would be a city permit to burn since we are within city limits. Other than that, I'd see no problems. So, in case you would want to let HHDLIOT know, I'm more than certain we could accommodate their wishes.

Alex
Falconer Vineyards

Cheap wedding reception site in Minnesota

Tin Cups Bar and Restaurant in St Paul, MN now available for a very reasonable rental fee

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Do you ever get inquiries from couples who are looking for a cheap wedding reception site? I saw your wonderful reviews of wedding reception sites in Minnesota. I own Tin Cups Restaurant and Bar on Maryland Ave. and Rice Street in St Paul, MN, and the managers of the bar and restaurant have recently started renting our basement to couples for their wedding receptions. The space holds 70 people (although the main floor can hold more, if the couple has a larger reception), and the managers are flexible about the rental price. Tin Cup's can provide the catering, or there is kitchen space available if the couple wants to do their own catering. The bar will provide the alcohol (insurance reasons make this mandatory at most places), but we can provide it at a very reasonable cost. The wedding reception space is NOT upscale, but could be the perfect place for the right couple. If a couple is interested in renting the Tin Cup's basement or the whole bar for a wedding reception at a very reasonable cost, they can call either of the two managers, Tim or Sam, at (651) 489-7585.

Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

Tin Cups Owner


Answer:

Dear TCO,

It was so nice talking with you! (This blog question actually came in the form of a phone call.) I hope that this information is helpful to couples who are in search of a cheap (not fancy) space for their wedding reception.

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Minnesota Wedding Planner & Officiant

Looking for Twin Cities, MN wedding chapel

Where is there a church available for rent by the Great Hall in St Paul, MN?

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Your site has so many resources, I am so glad to have stumbled upon it! My fiance and i have our reception hall booked but are having a very difficult time finding a church that will fit 300+ people and allow us to bring our own pastor to do our ceremony as neither of us are directly from St Paul, MN. You seem to have TONS of resources, I was hoping you might be able to direct me further.

I see you have four Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN churches listed that allow what we are looking for, however only one of them is large enough. We will be checking into that, but I was hoping you may have more options? Our reception is at the Great Hall in downtown St Paul and even though ceremonies are allowed there, our hearts are absolutely set on a church wedding by our hometown pastor. Do you know of any more churches in the St Paul, MN area (within say 20 minutes) that will allow an outside pastor and non-member to ceremonies? Any help is GREATLY appreciated. I will definitely be recommending your site to my friends looking for resources such as yours also!

Thank you and God bless!

Grateful Bride


Answer:

Dear GB,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Wow, thank you for your very kind words! Yes, I really agree...there's so few churches that will allow non-members to rent their site... Hmm, I'd recommend calling Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, which is by Hamline Avenue and Marshall Avenue (south of I-94). I performed a wedding ceremony there at Graebner Memorial Chapel once, and they were very nice, and the Concordia University (also known as Concordia College) rents their church to non-members. The chapel seats 300, and you don't have to be Concordia alumni to rent their chapel for a wedding.

Best wishes for your wedding!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Minnesota Weddings with Rev. Coleman

Private Baptism in Minnesota

Do you do private baptisms?

Question:

(Taken from a phone call today)
Dear Rev. Coleman,

Your services are a godsend! I have been looking for a private baptism for my daughter for almost a month now, and I've called over twenty churches in Minneapolis, MN, and none will do it - they only perform baptisms for members. But I'm from out of state, and will be visiting my folks in Minnesota, and I'd like to have him baptized with her grandparents and godparents and all the rest of my family! Do you have any Sundays available in May?

Out of State Mother


Answer:

Dear OSM,

That's wonderful that you would like to have a private baptism at your parent's home! Yes, I do have several Sundays available that month - per our phone conversation, just drop me an email when you're buying your plane tickets, and we'll work out the timing.

And congratulations on the birth of your daughter!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman

Small private wedding in Minnesota

Questions about Forepaugh's Restaurant for weddings

Question:

Dear Reverend Coleman,

Your page of recommendations for weddings at restaurants in the Twin Cities, MN, is so helpful! Is it okay if I ask a couple questions? I really like the idea of Forepaughs Restaurant in St Paul, MN...it will be a small wedding, between 12-35 people. How do I go about contacting them to see if the site is available? I am looking for a spring or early summer wedding. I will also need flowers, photographer, can you help with recommendations? I'm assuming Forepaughs does the catering?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Saint Paul Bride

Answer:

Dear SPB:

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

>How do I go about contacting them to see if Forepaugh's is available?
Feel free to just give them a call at (651) 224-5606 (the number is also listed on the page you've been reading), and ask about renting one of their rooms for a wedding ceremony and reception (they would do the catering). Forepaugh's Restaurant in St Paul, MN hosts many weddings, and so they'll be very familiar with your inquiry, and will have plenty of answers.

>I will also need flowers, photographer
In St Paul, I highly recommend Laurel Street Flowers (it's actually on Grand Avenue) - their phone number is (651) 221-9700. For a St Paul photographer, you'd love Steve Rouch Photography on Marshall Avenue - his phone number is (651) 644-2184‎.

I hope this helps!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman

Minnesota Wedding Officiant

More Recommendations for Wedding Ceremony and Reception sites in Minneapolis, MN

Question:

Hi Reverend,

I was looking at your site and love all your reviews of wedding reception/ceremony sites in the Twin Cities, and I've got some great venues for you to let readers know about!

Solera Restaurant in Minneapolis, MN has space for hundreds of wedding guests. Solera rents out their third and fourth floors for events quite frequently, including wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions. Their minimum is fairly low ($4000) and they charge a small ($300) rental fee. The second floor comes with it's own outdoor patio! They are quite good at being flexible with your food selection and style of serving (buffet, plated or family-style)

Amore Victoria Restaurant in Minneapolis, MN rents out their wine room for up to 60 guests -- and offers free parking in the back (on the edge of Uptown!). There is no rental fee for a wedding reception or ceremony, and the food mimimum is a scant $1,500. They have several great packages of food available-- some which include a certain number of drinks for each person. Their food is quite good and their prices are reasonable.

Arneson Acres in Edina, MN is a gorgeous park. You can rent the gazebo for under $100. There's also a fireplace room available for rent. You can get both rooms for the entire day for $180 (2008 rate). In the spring this site is gorgeous with sloping hills, well-maintained flower beds, fountains and gorgeous blooming trees and plants all around. This is a fantastic venue for a small (under 75) wedding and reception.

Washington County Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, MN -- This venue is in Stillwater and is great! You get the entire building (elevators, parking and other conveniences included) for $1,500 on a Saturday. Guests are allowed to bring their own licensed caterer and even their own liquor. You must hire a police officer if you're serving liquor, but it really is for the safety of the wedding guests.

Thanks for your wonderful blog and website!

Long Time Reader

Answer:

Dear LTR:

Wow, thank you so much much for the fantastic information! I have performed wedding ceremonies at Arneson Acres in Edina and the Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater, and attended to a rehearsal dinner at Amore Victoria (did it used to have a different name?), but I've only eaten at Solera Restaurant, and not performed a wedding ceremony there (although I'd love to!) Thank you so much for the information - it is SO difficult to find out rental fees and food/beverage minimums.

Readers will thank you, too!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman

Minnesota Wedding Planner and Officiant

Thank You for a Minnesota Commitment Ceremony

I just got a quick note from a bride who had me officiate their commitment ceremony several years ago:

Question:

Hello Rev Coleman,

I just wanted to thank you again for marrying me and my wife Stacy. I just thought I let you know were doing wonderful and you made all our dreams come true.

Thanks sooo much,

Two Happy Brides

(Names withheld, because they just wrote an e-mail to me, just chatting, not asking for advice)

Answer:

Dear THB,

You are so very, very welcome! Your e-mail just made my day. You two make a terrific couple. It was so nice chatting on the phone with you last year, too, hearing how you both are getting along so well. You two are an inspiration!

I wish you a wonderful Christmas (and many more happy years together!)

Warmly,

Pastor Tomkin

Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies in Minnesota

Personalized Unity Candle Holder

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

I came across your site yesterday, and was amazed at the incredible amount of great info you offer on wedding sites, MN wedding licenses, etc. - I wish I would've come across it when I got married last year!

I make handmade pottery in my local studio in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and would be happy to make custom work for couples - perhaps a personalized unity candle holder?

Example custom pottery from Mochaware.
Email Mochaware if you are interested in a personalized, custom Unity Candle Holder

Examples of my work are at my website, Mochaware. I'm a pottery artist with a full pottery studio in Saint Paul, MN, with a kiln and pottery wheel. All of my work is completely handmade, and all the glazes I use are food safe. I'm currently represented by Evoke Gallery in Saint Paul, and take custom work as well.

What's unique about my recent work is that I'm able to take a high-quality photograph, and use a printmaking technique to imprint onto my pottery and fire it in my kiln to preserve the image. I currently am using photographs from the recently released Time photographs on Google. So, I can use a photograph of the couple, and imprint into onto the pottery for a keepsake for the guests. When shopping for a unity candle holder, I hope that your readers might appreciate my shop as a resource for local wedding gifts in Minnesota!

Warm Regards,

Brandon



Answer:

Dear Brandon,

Your custom pottery is gorgeous, and I appreciate the e-mail. For the right couple, a personalized, custom Unity Candle Holder would be a great idea. I wish you the greatest success!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Minnesota Wedding Officiant

Minnesota wedding reception site that allows outside catering, or bringing in alcohol?

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

We love the plethora of information on MN wedding reception sites on your website. Do you perhaps have any advice for a couple looking for a Minnesota reception site that will allow us to bring in our own food, or at least our own alcohol? We've looked everywhere in Minneapolis, with no results!

Frustrated Bride



Answer:

Dear FB,

You're in luck - there are (just a couple) Minnesota wedding reception sites that permit you to bring in your own food and/or alcohol:

* Waterfallview in Anoka is the ceremony/reception site that allows you to bring in your own food and drink

* St Paul College Club on Summit Avenue (pictured to the right) is is a gorgeous mansion that is also a ceremony/reception site and they allow you to bring in your own alcohol (although their prices on wine and beer are very reasonable).

* Another option to think about - Ideal Hall on Dale and Larpenteur in St Paul, MN is a favorite ceremony/reception site of mine because it is so reasonably priced (their menu is on their website)

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Minnesota Wedding Planner and Officiant