Alexandria MN Wedding Weekend Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Celebrate

The Best Places to Stay, Dine, and Celebrate Near Adler Ranch Wedding Venue

When people think about a wedding venue, they usually picture the ceremony and reception. But let’s be real: most weddings aren’t one-day events anymore—they’re weekend-long vibes. If you’re planning a wedding near Alexandria, MN, your guests aren’t just coming for the vows. They’re rolling in for Friday night drinks, Saturday celebrations, and a solid brunch before heading home. This blog—Alexandria MN Wedding Weekend Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Celebrate—is your guide to pulling off a full weekend that’s as fun for your guests as it is for you.

Let’s be honest—Adler Ranch is the reason they’re coming, but Alexandria makes them want to stay. Five miles from town means your guests are close to hotels, restaurants, shops, and lakes—but far enough from the noise that your wedding still feels like a private party in the middle of nowhere (in the best way). Ready to plan a wedding weekend that people will actually remember? Let’s dive in. And if you want to book a tour? We’re ready when you are.

Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, Alexandria MN Wedding Weekend Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Celebrate

Location, Location, Location — And Then Some

Adler Ranch is just 7 minutes from Alexandria MN and just:

• 🚗 2 hours from Fargo, ND

• 🚗 2 hours from Minneapolis, MN

• 🚗 1 hour from St. Cloud, MN

That’s close enough for an easy drive — but far enough to feel like a retreat. For couples who want to pull off a destination-style wedding without asking guests to hop on a plane, this is your sweet spot. People can carpool, caravan, or even Uber from nearby towns. Plus, you’ve got the perk of built-in lodging all around Alexandria, with options that suit everyone from Great Aunt Kathy to your 20-something friends.

Places to stay in Alexandria that we love include: Alexandria has hotel options from cozy to chain, with great options for Air BnB’s as well!

Lake Darling Resort, 2301 County Road 22 NW, Alexandria, MN 56308

Hampton Inn, 2705 S Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308, located in the same parking lot as Fat Daddy’s, 115 30th Ave E.
Alexandria, MN 56308 and across the street from Pike & Pint located at 110 30th Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308

Fairfield Inn & Suites, 4929 Sanibel Drive, Alexandria MN, located right next door to Boulder Tap House. (Don’t forget to have their cheese curds!)

Got outdoorsy guests? We suggest Lake Carlos State Park, 2601 County Rd 38 NE, Carlos, MN 56319

Vintage Neon Signs

The Adler Ranch Sign collection, a carefully curated collection of signs all original!

The Banquet Barn at Adler Ranch with nearby Grain Bin Bar

Where to Eat:

Want Friday night drinks or a Sunday morning send-off brunch? Try Copper Trail Brewing, Lure Lakebar, or The Garden Bar on 6th. Guests with kids will love Zorbaz for pizza + lake views. And don't sleep on The Downtown Diner for for a greasy spoon breakfast and the BEST carmel roll with pecans! (trust us).

Dinner at some of our favorites:

• Zorbaz, 2710 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN. Lakefront dining with flair, drive your boat to this restaurant/bar.

• The Depot Smokehouse & Tavern, 104 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308. A great restaurant and bar in the old Alexandria Train Depot!

• Arrowwood Deck Bar, 2100 Arrowwood Lane NW Alexandria, MN. Drive your boat to the restaurant!

• The Lure, 2800 N. Nokomis St. NE Alexandria, MN. Across from Zorbaz, another drive your boat to the restaurant experience

• Eddies Interlochen Inn, 4960 County Rd 42 NE, Alexandria. Near Lake Le Homme Dieu / Lake Carlos crossing and just up the street from Adler Ranch!

• The Garden Bar, 115 6th Ave E, Alexandria, MN

• Fat Daddy’s, 115 30th Ave E, Alexandria MN

• Pike & Pint located at 110 30th Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308

• Fired Up Bar & Grill 530 County Rd 22 NW, Alexandria, MN 56308

• Chet’s Lakeside Inn, 15681 County Rd 102 NE, Parkers Prairie, MN 56361, a local favorite!

The Adler Ranch Amphitheatre

While Adler Ranch is all private, this wedding ceremony location is remote, private, beautiful!

What to Do:

Between lake hopping, antique shopping, hiking at Lake Carlos State Park, or renting a pontoon, your guests won't be bored. And that’s before the wedding even starts.

🍷 Eat & Drink, Alexandria MN Attractions

• Wine tasting at Carlos Creek Winery, 6693 County Rd 34 NW, Alexandria, MN

• Craft beers at Copper Trail Brewing Company, 205 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN

• Old Fashioned and Bees Knees at Ida Graves Distillery, 5422 Lake Ida Wy NW, Alexandria, MN

• The best cocktails at Tanin & Oak, 118 6th Ave E, Alexandria MN, (Across the street from The Garden Bar)

• Ollie Birch, 518 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN,. Alexandria’s first zero proof lounge

Adler Ranch Wedding & Event Venue, vintage sign collection

Wedding Weekend: Make Alexandria Your Playground

So, what can guests actually do in Alexandria? Glad you asked. This town doesn’t just offer nice views — it delivers serious weekend potential.

🛶 Outdoor Activities, Attractions in Alexandria MN

• Rent a boat or kayak and explore the Chain of Lakes, see Lake Darling Resort, 2301 County Rd 22 NW, Alexandria, MN 56308 for their rentals

• Golf at Arrowwood or one of the many nearby courses

• Bike the Central Lakes Trail (perfect for pre-wedding energy burn-off)

• Explore, hike and camp at Lake Carlos State Park, 2601 County Rd 38 NE, Carlos, MN 56319

• Enjoy Casey’s Amusement Park, 1305 N Nokomis NE Alexandria MN, a great kid friendly activity

Sparkler send-off at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue

Adler Ranch is located two hours from Minneapolis/St Paul MN area and Fargo ND, one hour from St Cloud, five miles from Alexandria MN. Gray McCurdy Photography

Shop & Stroll, things to do in Alexandria MN

Alexandria has great antique stores! Our favorites:

• Past & Present Home Gallery 619 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308

• Now & Then Antiques 601 Broadway St, Alexandria

Explore the boutiques in downtown

• Jackie J’s Bridal and Formal Wear, 520 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308

• Special Events Bridal, 2715 MN-29 #110, Alexandria, MN 56308

• The Dashery, 517 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308

The Grain Bin Bar at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue

Learn more about the Adler Ranch Amenities

Don’t forget to grab coffee and beverages:

• Deja Bleu House Of Coffee 612 Broadway St A, Alexandria

• The Edge Co, 624 Broadway St, Alexandria

• Ollie Birch, 518 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN. Alexandria’s first zero proof lounge located right on Broadway

• Enjoy a Whiskey Distillery Tour at Panther Distillery, 300 E Pike St, Osakis, MN 56360

• When in Osakis seeing Panther Distillery, don’t forget to check out Jacobs Lefse Bakeri & Gifts, 221 Central Ave, Osakis, MN 56360, A wonderful totally Minnesotan experience, with warm lefse!

  Museum

• Stop by Legacy of the Lakes Museum, 205 3rd Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308 or Big Ole Park for iconic local stops

Adler Ranch is the anchor of your weekend—but the rest of Alexandria pulls its weight. When the venue, city, and experience come together? That’s the kind of wedding weekend people talk about for years.

Want help turning your wedding into a full weekend experience? We’ve got ideas. Contact us to schedule a tour.

Bride & Groom at The Grain Bin Bar at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue

Eric Vest Photography

Ready to Say 'I Do' at Adler Ranch?

Contact us today to schedule a tour and see why Adler Ranch is one of the best wedding venues in Minnesota for couples who want a seamless, beautiful, affordable and budget-friendly wedding day.

At Adler Ranch, we take pride in being an independently owned and operated wedding venue, nestled in the picturesque lakes area of Alexandria, MN. When you celebrate your wedding with us, you’ll experience the care, dedication, and attention to detail that only a family-run venue can offer. Every detail of your day is handled with the intention to make it as extraordinary as your love story. Hosting only a limited number of weddings each season allows us to provide the personalized attention and intentional moments that make your celebration unforgettable.

What truly sets Adler Ranch apart is our unparalleled collection of vintage signs—treasures we’ve lovingly gathered over 35 years. This carefully curated collection adds a unique charm, character and history to your wedding day, offering a backdrop like no other venue in the area. The signs tell their own story, creating the perfect setting for capturing memories that will last a lifetime and offering a setting for wedding photography like none other.

For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Adler Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Let’s make your dream day a reality! 💕Thanks for visiting! ~Marlys

Wedding couple walks into the sunset at Adler Ranch, heading toward the wildflower field for golden-hour photos

Learn more about our incredible two acre wildflower field

Adler Ranch is a locally owned wedding venue. When searching for venues for receptions near me, we hope you’ll check out Adler Ranch! We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout-out in our blog. Venue de La Chute, Carolyn Baldwin Lake Pavilion, River House Montana, The Felt Estate