How to Plan a Barn Wedding Without the Clichés
Why Adler Ranch Is Anything but a Stereotypical Barn Wedding Venue
You’ve probably seen the same barn wedding Pinterest boards recycled so many times they all blur together: burlap everything, mason jars, hay bales for seating, and a sign that says “love you to the barn and back.” Cute? Maybe. Overdone? Absolutely. If you’re searching barn wedding venues Minnesota but you want something more original, this blog’s for you.
How to Plan a Barn Wedding Without the Clichés is your guide to pulling off a stylish, personality-packed barn wedding—without the barn fatigue. And yes, Adler Ranch is the cure for the basic barn blues. Let’s dig in.
Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
Located five miles from Alexandria, two hours from both Fargo and Minneapolis/St Paul area and lightyears away from basic
Step 1: Pick a Barn That Isn’t Trying to Be a Set Piece
Let’s set the record straight: not all pole barns are created equal. Yes, Adler Ranch’s barn technically falls into that category—but don’t for a second lump it in with the blank, beige shells you've seen a million times.
The inside of our barn is painted bright white, which means your wedding photos glow. And the walls? They’re lined with one of the most jaw-dropping collections of original vintage lighted signs you’ll find anywhere in the country—no fakes, no reproductions, no cheap fillers. Just decades of Americana, carefully curated and displayed for max impact.
And because we’re not just about looks, we’ve built in experiences too—like our beloved S’mores Bar, mounted on the side of a vintage Studebaker gas truck. Yep, your guests roast marshmallows under neon signs, next to real vintage gas pumps. Try doing that at your average barn.
Pro tip: When you’re touring barn venues, don’t just ask what the barn is. Ask what it does. Does it set a mood? Spark conversation? Create moments your guests will talk about for years? If the answer’s “no,” it’s just a building. At Adler Ranch, the barn is part of the story.
Step 2: Skip the Rentals and Use What’s Already Gorgeous
Most barn venues give you four walls and say “good luck.” Adler Ranch? We’ve got the magic built in.
Ceiling drape? Already installed.
String lights? Already sparkling.
Tables and chairs? Included.
Something Borrowed Collection? Packed with whiskey barrels, galvanized centerpieces, vintage card boxes, and antique pine tables—yours to use, no extra charge.
You don’t need to rent fake “rustic” decorations when your venue already has real vintage charm. That means more time (and money) for the things that matter—like cake tastings and open bars.
Skip the Rentals and Use What’s Already Gorgeous
Ceiling drape? Already installed.
String lights? Already sparkling.
Tables and chairs? Included.
Something Borrowed Collection? Packed with whiskey barrels, galvanized items, centerpieces, vintage card mailbox and antique pine tables—yours to use, no extra charge.
Step 3: Rethink Your Ceremony Setting
Forget hay bales. (Seriously, just forget them.)
At Adler Ranch, one of our favorite ceremony locations is a private natural amphitheater—surrounded by trees, grass, and blue sky. It's peaceful, dramatic, and feels totally removed from the world, even though it's just five miles from Alexandria. We set up elegant white ceremony chairs for you (and tear them down afterward), so your people aren’t lugging benches in their dress shoes.
Want a smaller ceremony? You can get married by the vintage gas pumps or even under the neon glow. No two ceremonies look the same here.
Rethink Your Ceremony Setting
The Adler Ranch Amphitheatre
Step 4: Give Your Guests Something to Talk About
Barn weddings shouldn’t end after dinner. Your guests deserve a full experience—and at Adler Ranch, they get it.
Start with our Grain Bin Bar, a fully functional bar built inside a repurposed grain bin, staffed by pros from The Depot Smokehouse & Tavern (our exclusive bar partner). The coolers are vintage. The bar seating is outdoor. The lighting? Neon and string lights that glow as the sun goes down. It’s less “let’s drink wine out of Mason jars” and more “let’s toast under the stars next to vintage gas pumps.”
The Grain Bin Bar
Our Grain Bin Bar, a fully functional bar built inside a repurposed grain bin, staffed by pros from The Depot Smokehouse & Tavern, our exclusive bar partner
We’ve also got:
A vintage Studebaker truck turned S’mores Bar
A cozy fireplace with lounge seating
Yard games welcome for the competitive cousins
A luggage cart photo op (yes, really)
Enough seating for your guests to actually relax and enjoy
This is what an immersive wedding reception looks like.
Adler Ranch Wedding Barn, S’more Barn, nearby Grain Bin Bar and Luggage Cart Bar
Gray McCurdy Photography
Step 5: Make It Yours (Not Instagram’s)
The biggest myth in weddings? That your barn wedding has to look like everyone else’s.
Not here. Adler Ranch doesn’t have a pre-set theme or “preferred aesthetic.” Whether you’re leaning full glam, total vintage, minimalist chic, or something all your own—we’re here for it. This place is a canvas, not a template.
We’ve hosted sparkler exits and disco balls, pastel palettes and jewel tones, barefoot vows and cowboy boot parades. The venue flexes to your vision, not the other way around.
The S’more Bar at Adler Ranch Barn Wedding Venue
That’s right, it’s a S’more bar mounted on the side of a 1950’s Studebaker Gas Truck. An immersive wedding guest experience everyone loves!
Max Craven Photography
Step 6: Be Smart About What’s Included
One of the most overlooked parts of planning a wedding? The boring-but-essential stuff like setup, teardown, and cleanup. And trust us—nothing kills the post-wedding glow faster than your mom in a sequined gown dragging trash bags.
At Adler Ranch, we handle:
Setup and teardown of all ceremony and reception furniture
Trash collection and disposal
Full post-event cleaning
Vendor coordination (yes, we contact your vendors for you)
Parking assistance with enough space for overnight vehicles
You won’t need to recruit your wedding party to move tables or haul garbage. You’ll be too busy enjoying your barn wedding, but make it luxurious vibe.
Vintage Lighting at Adler Ranch, Barn Wedding Venue,
How to Plan a Barn Wedding Without the Clichés
Step 7: Don’t Settle for "Good Enough"
There are a lot of barn venues in Minnesota. We get it. But if you're here, you’re not just looking for “a barn.” You’re looking for an experience that feels real, personal, and unforgettable.
Adler Ranch is five miles from Alexandria, MN. We’re two hours from Fargo or Minneapolis, one hour from St. Cloud, and lightyears away from basic. When you book here, you’re getting more than a barn—you’re getting 40 years of vintage collecting, hands-on planning help, and a venue that feels like it was made for you (because it kind of was).
Wedding Party Suites
One of two wedding party suites at Adler Ranch Barn Wedding Venue
Mine of Mo Photography
Let’s Make It Happen
Your barn wedding shouldn’t look like your cousin’s, or your college roommate’s, or that “rustic inspo” pin with 5,000 saves.
It should look like yours. And it can.
Want a barn wedding that’s anything but basic? Schedule a tour at Adler Ranch and come see it for yourself. Bring your Pinterest board—we’ll blow it out of the water.You’ve probably seen the same barn wedding Pinterest boards recycled so many times they all blur together: burlap everything, mason jars, hay bales for seating, and a sign that says “love you to the barn and back.” Cute? Maybe. Overdone? Absolutely. If you’re searching “barn wedding venues Minnesota” but you want something more original, this blog’s for you.
Beautiful Bride at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
How to Plan a Barn Wedding Without the Clichés
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
How to Plan a Barn Wedding Without the Clichés
Golden Hour Photos at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
Wedding Couple taking their Golden Hour photos at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, couples love our Wildflower field! Reach more about the 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. Arcadia Academy, Price Creek Events, Countryside of Iowa, Century Farms, Century Farms Blog, Century Farms Contact, Cornerstone Ranch Events Blog, Springhaus Farm Blog
How to Plan a Barn Wedding Without the Clichés
Why Adler Ranch Is Anything but a Stereotypical Barn Wedding Venue
How to Plan a Barn Wedding Without the Clichés
Why Adler Ranch Is Anything but a Stereotypical Barn Wedding Venue
How to Plan a Barn Wedding Without the Clichés
Why Adler Ranch Is Anything but a Stereotypical Barn Wedding Venue
