The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board offers a wide range of picturesque backdrops for your cherished event. Our parks offer breathtaking views of the Minneapolis skyline, tranquil gardens, and a beautiful urban forest for your special day. Below you will find information on some of the most popular ceremony destinations as well as the application required to host a wedding on MPRB property.

bride and groom dance at a wedding reception inside Columbia Manor

Indoor Reception Sites

From a Swiss Chalet fireplace room to a formal chandeliered banquet hall, we offer several sites for your reception. Many sites offer event planners and food and beverage services to make your reception a special and memorable occasion.

Please see the Indoor Reception & Events Sites page.

a round table is set for a wedding

Chairs, amplification, tents, archways, and other ceremony extras are available to rent for an additional fee through our preferred party rental vendors.

Festivities

Phone: 763-682-4846
Email: audra@festivitiesmn.com
Website: www.festivitiesmn.com

Linen Effects

Phone: 612-355-2500
Email: sales@lineneffects.com
Website: www.lineneffects.com

Apres

Contact: Karla Vitez
Phone: 952-903-4241
Emailkvitez@apresparty.com
Websitewww.apresparty.com

Ultimate Events

Contact: Mike Whaley
Phone: 763-559-8368
Email: info@ue-mn.com
Website: www.ue-mn.com

  • Ceremony Permits are required and issued for either one, three, or six hours, including setup, rehearsal, photos, etc.
  • Ceremony Permits guarantee that no other ceremony or event is scheduled at the same time in the same location. A permit does not guarantee exclusive use of a park area for a private event. Other park visitors may still use the park, but are usually considerate of permit holders’ needs and move out of the immediate area.
  • Permits are issued for ceremonies only. Food and receptions are not allowed at ceremony sites. (We have separate Reception Venues to choose from).
  • Outdoor ceremony sites DO NOT have electricity. Battery powered amplification systems are allowed and are limited to microphones, amps, Bluetooth, CDs and iPod/MP3 players. Permit holders may rent amplification equipment from one of our preferred vendors, a vendor of their choosing, or provide their own equipment if able.
  • We only allow chairs in specified areas. Permit holders must rent chairs from one of our preferred vendors.
  • Flowers or any other vegetation may not be moved, cut or removed from any park in the Minneapolis Park System. (Park Board Ordinance 2.2).
  • Littering is not permitted. Rice, confetti, glitter, or birdseed is not permitted. Any flower boxes or other rubbish must be disposed of properly by the permit holder. Frequently, there are numerous ceremonies scheduled consecutively at the same park area in one day. Clean up should not be left to the next group, neighborhood residents or the park keeper.
  • Tents or canopies are not allowed.
  • We allow held chuppahs or chuppahs that rest on the ground surface. We do not allow staking or pounding due to potential damage to underground security, electric and irrigation systems.
  • Alcohol is not permitted. Ceremonies which normally use wine must substitute with a non-alcoholic beverage.

Permit Application

You will need to apply for a permit to reserve a park location and date for your outdoor wedding or other ceremony. We accept applications up to 12 months in advance on a first paid, first served basis.

Booking Process and Fees

  1. Choose a Park Location and Date for your event. Please note facilities are permitted in 1, 3 , and 6 hour increments. Additional hours are available at an additional charge.
  2. Complete all sections of this Ceremony Permit Application (pages 3-4). This form is for informational purposes and is required to create an accurate cost estimate. Completion of form does not constitute permission to use the Location.
  3. Submit your application by email, mail, delivery-in-person, or by facsimile to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Customer Service. All applications, proposed activities, and event features are subject to review and approval of the Park Board.
  4. Permit Costs:
    3-Hour Permit: $525 + tax
    1-Hour Low Impact Permit: $100 + tax
  5. Payment is required to guarantee the reservation of the facility and varies depending on the facility being requested. You will be notified if the proposal is not approved or the Event Coordinator is not available.
  6. Once payment is received, the Park Board will email, mail or fax a permit agreement and receipt to the applicant with further instructions and contact information.

Items to Keep in Mind

  1. During the Minnesota seasons: April, May, September, and October all Gardens cannot be guaranteed flowers, or water in fountains (cold/freezing). Gardens do not get planted until the end of May weather permitting. Specific garden sites: Minnehaha Longfellow and Pergola, Peace Garden, Turtle Fountain, Heffelfinger Fountain, Thomas Lowry, and Sculpture Garden.
  2. A Park Board event attendant may be assigned for ceremony reservations but does not serve as a ceremony coordinator.
  3. Reservation time frame of 1, 3, or 6 hours includes set-up, ceremony, and tear down. (Installation & removal of all chairs and décor)
  4. A permit does not guarantee exclusive use of a park area for a private event. Other Park visitors may still use the park but are usually considerate of permit holders’ needs and move out of the immediate area.
  5. AMPLIFICATION IS BATTERY POWERED (NO ELECTRICTY AVAILABLE) – MUST RENT FROM OUR PREFERRED PARTY RENTAL VENDORS

Rules for Outdoor Ceremony Permits

  1. Ceremony permits are issued for 1, 3, or 6 hours only. This includes set-up, rehearsal, photos, etc.
  2. Food and receptions are not allowed at outdoor ceremony sites. Permits are issued for ceremonies only. (MPRB has sanctioned Reception Venues).
  3. Sound amplification systems are allowed only in specified areas. Amplification systems are limited to: microphones, CDs & iPod/MP3.
  4. Chairs are allowed at approved locations unless otherwise indicated. Select from vendor list or gain approval from MPRB.
  5. Flowers or any other vegetation may not be moved, cut, or removed from any park in the Minneapolis Park System. (Park Board Ordinance 2.2).
  6. Littering is not permitted. Rice, confetti, glitter, or birdseed is not permitted. Any flower boxes or other rubbish must be picked up by the permittee and disposed of properly. Frequently there are numerous ceremonies scheduled consecutively at the same park area in one day. Clean up should not be left to the next group, the neighborhood residents or park keeper.
  7. Tents or canopies are not allowed.
  8. Hand held chuppahs or chuppahs that rest on the ground surface are permitted. Staking or pounding is not permitted due to potential damage to underground security, electric and irrigation systems.
  9. Alcohol is not permitted. Ceremonies that normally use wine must substitute with a non-alcoholic beverage.
  10. Parking Notice: The cost to park is not included in the cost of the ceremony permit. If you do not already have a Minneapolis Park Board annual parking permit, you may purchase parking at the prevailing hourly rate wherever a parking station machine or an individual parking meter is located. Daily parking vouchers for pay parking lots can be purchased for your guests in advance through Customer Service at 612-230-6400. These vouchers provide a pre-paid option for guests but do not reserve spaces.

Permit Application

    1. Download and review the appropriate application:
      – Outdoor Ceremony Application [PDF]
    2. Complete and submit your permit application:
      Emailpermits@minneapolisparks.org
      Mail or In Person
      :
      Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
      Wedding Permits
      2117 West River Rd N
      Minneapolis, MN 55411
      Fax: 612-314-8675
    3. We will contact you to discuss your application and to arrange payment
    4. Upon receipt of payment we will issue your permit

The new low-impact ceremony permit allows users to host an intimate ceremony in an outdoor park setting. Users may select from more than 200 MPRB park locations for a one-hour time slot to hold their outdoor ceremony.

Requirements for the low-impact wedding permit include:

  • Total attendees of up to 30 people, including users, officiant, and all guests
  • Cost is $100 + tax
  • Standing only – no chairs or rental items allowed (ADA accommodations allowed)
  • Select any park location in the MPRB system for review of permit approval. All non-approved ceremony locations are subject to special review. Please send GPS coordinates and inquire with MPRB event coordinator for approval.
  • Includes permit for professional photographer
  • One hour permitted time slot for ceremony
  • Non-exclusive use of park

For more information contact the Event Facility Coordinator at permits@minneapolisparks.org.