Planning a Minnesota Elopement? Here’s What No One Tells You
Why Adler Ranch Is a Top Spot for Intimate Weddings in Minnesota
The days of giant, bloated weddings with 300+ guests and a 12-hour event timeline aren’t over—but they’re no longer the default either. A growing number of couples are ditching the big production and saying yes to something more personal, more affordable, and frankly—less exhausting. Enter: the micro wedding and the elopement. Whether you’re aiming for a 20-person dinner party or a private vow exchange under the stars, these intentionally scaled-down celebrations are taking over wedding Pinterest boards and venue calendars across the country.
So why are so many people choosing this route, especially in Minnesota? Many people are searching for inexpensive wedding venues in MN and if you wonder why, we have the answer! For one, smaller weddings give couples more freedom—freedom to splurge on what matters, skip what doesn’t, and create something that actually feels like them. They also give guests a richer experience (because let’s be honest, no one wants to spend a whole evening sitting at table 19 with strangers named Carl and Denise).
If you're in the early stages of wedding planning and wondering if a micro wedding or elopement is the right fit for you, this guide is here to break down the what, the why, and the how—Minnesota-style. And suppose you're looking for a place to actually pull it off, keep reading. In that case, we’ll introduce one of Minnesota's best-kept venue secrets that’s built for intimate celebrations and the Alexandria MN Location includes many things to keep your wedding guests entertained for a weekend!
Why Adler Ranch Is a Top Spot for Intimate Weddings in Minnesota
All the Essentials, None of the Fuss
Immersive Guest Experience
Kelsey Anne Photography
What’s the Difference Between a Micro Wedding and an Elopement?
Let’s start with the basics. While the terms often get used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing.
Micro Wedding: A full wedding day, just scaled down. Think 10–50 guests, a ceremony, dinner or reception, maybe some dancing. You still do the cake, the dress, the photographer—you’re just not feeding a small village.
Elopement: Typically 2–10 people. It might be just the couple and an officiant, or maybe a few close friends or family. Elopements are often shorter, simpler, and sometimes more spontaneous, though they’re becoming just as styled and intentional as larger weddings.
Both options cut out the stress and cost of a huge wedding, and both prioritize experience over production.
The Wildflower Field at Adler Ranch
Explore more about our WildFlower Field that is always included in your rental!
Madelyn B Photography
What No One Tells You About Planning a Minnesota Elopement
Instagram makes it look like you show up in a meadow, say your vows at golden hour, and live happily ever after. In reality? There’s still planning involved—even for something short and sweet. And one of the biggest surprises couples run into is timing.
Your TimeLine Matters more than you think!
Vendor arrival, setup, and teardown must all happen within your rental window
If you’re bringing in a florist, musician, or caterer, they need time to do their thing—and that time counts against your clock
Your rental time starts when you arrive—not when your ceremony begins
Above: Our couple enjoys the S’more Bar at Adler Ranch. Read more about the S’more Bar!
Abby Dahlberg Photography
Your Timeline Matters More Than You Think
Even though your guest list is smaller, your day still needs structure. Many venues, especially those that offer micro wedding or elopement packages, rent out their spaces in blocks of time. That means:
Vendor arrival, setup, and teardown must all happen within your rental window
If you’re bringing in a florist, musician, or caterer, they need time to do their thing—and that time counts against your clock
Your rental time starts when you arrive—not when your ceremony begins
One way to make your timeline smoother? Get ready offsite. We know it’s tempting to want to do everything at your venue, but hair and makeup can eat up hours. Consider getting ready at a hotel, Airbnb, or even at home, so your venue time is spent exactly where it matters: celebrating.
Walking into that Sunset at Adler Ranch, Middle Sister Photography
Planning a Minnesota Elopement? Here’s What No One Tells You
Why Minnesota Is a Hidden Gem for Small Weddings
When most people picture elopements, they think of mountaintops in Colorado or beach cliffs in California. But Minnesota? It’s got its own magic—and for couples who want a unique and private wedding, it might be one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest.
Seasonal Beauty: From snow-covered pines in winter to wildflowers in summer to blazing trees in the fall, Minnesota delivers on natural beauty for any season.
Affordability: A smaller guest list combined with Midwest pricing? That’s a win-win for budget-conscious couples.
Privacy: Outside the Twin Cities, you’ll find tucked-away venues and scenic spaces that let you feel like you’ve got the whole world to yourselves (without the tourist traffic or coastal prices).
If you’re hoping for something charming, personal, and breathtaking without leaving the state—or draining your savings—Minnesota has you covered.
Bride gets ready in The Cabin at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, Mind of Mo Photography
How to Plan a Micro Wedding or Elopement in Minnesota
1. Start with the Guest List (or Don’t)
One of the hardest parts of planning a small wedding is deciding who makes the cut. Be honest: if you wouldn’t get lunch with them in real life, do they really need to be there when you say your vows?
A good rule of thumb:
Intimate Wedding: 2–10 guests
Micro or Elopement Wedding: 10–50 guests
And remember, you don’t have to invite your cousin’s boyfriend’s stepmom just because she came to your high school graduation party in 2009.
Adler Ranch as a wide variety of Wedding Investment Packages, do you still want 80 people? Check out our pricing for a weekday wedding below! Learn more about having a weekday wedding!
2. Choose a Venue That Matches Your Scale
Not all wedding venues are created equal—especially when it comes to small weddings. Many big venues are designed (and priced) for 200+ guests, so they can feel too spacious or impersonal for a tiny gathering.
Look for venues that either specialize in micro weddings or offer flexible packages for smaller guest counts. Outdoor spaces, private farms, and hybrid indoor/outdoor venues are often perfect fits.
All the magic, none of the stress
Our venue can be beautifully tailored to fit intimate weddings, and the vintage lighting throughout Adler Ranch adds a warm, unforgettable glow to your celebration.
Heidi Straus Photo
Why Adler Ranch Is a Top Choice for Micro Weddings and Elopements in Minnesota
Tucked just five miles from Alexandria, MN, Adler Ranch is the kind of venue that feels like you discovered it before everyone else. With towering trees, open skies, and one of the most unforgettable collections of vintage neon signs you’ll ever see, it offers an experience that feels big—even if your guest list isn’t.
Private Ceremony Options: Whether you want to say your vows in a secluded outdoor amphitheater, in front of a wildflower field, or under the glow of vintage lighting, Adler Ranch offers multiple intimate backdrops.
All the Essentials, None of the Fuss: The venue includes setup, teardown, chairs, tables, outdoor bar areas, and more—so you don’t need to build your wedding from scratch.
Immersive Guest Experience: Even for a small group, Adler Ranch brings the fun—think s’mores around a vintage Studebaker truck, photo ops with neon signs, and a Grain Bin Bar that’s as charming as it sounds.
Flexible Packages: You’re not locked into an all-day or all-weekend rental. You can build your experience around what matters most to you.
If you're looking for a venue that’s both low-stress and high-impact, Adler Ranch is worth a serious look.
Micro wedding, mega memories
The Phone Booth at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, or the Kissing Booth as we sometimes call it! A wonderful vintage/ retro feel and great photo opp!
Madelyn B Photography
Common Questions About Micro Weddings and Elopements
Do we still need vendors?
Yes—but fewer. You might skip a full DJ in favor of a curated playlist, or swap a massive catering team for a private chef. But you’ll still want a licensed officiant, a photographer who gets your vibe, and maybe a florist to make it feel special.
Can we still do all the “wedding” stuff?
Absolutely. You can wear a dress, toss a bouquet, cut a cake—there are no rules. Micro just means you can focus on the parts that matter to you (and ditch the parts that don’t).
Is it weird to have a party later?
Not at all. Many couples choose to elope or have a micro wedding, then host a larger casual reception or dinner party weeks (or even months) later. It gives you the best of both worlds.
The Gas Station at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
The Gas Station is one of two wedding party suites at Adler Ranch. When your wedding reception begins, the outside area is also the designated smoking area where wedding guests are invited to smoke near the vintage gas pumps!
Small Wedding, Big Heart
A micro wedding or elopement isn’t a “lesser” version of a traditional wedding—it’s a thoughtful, meaningful, and deeply personal way to start your marriage. And whether you're looking for a remote elopement spot or a venue that treats 30 guests like royalty, Minnesota offers more than you might think.
Planning something small doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style, scenery, or experience. With the right vision—and the right location—you can create something that’s uniquely you, without all the noise.
Ready to start planning your small-but-mighty wedding? Explore Minnesota’s hidden gems, and when you're ready to experience one of the most unforgettable spots in the state, reach out to schedule a visit to Adler Ranch.
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
Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, located two hours from both Minneapolis/St Paul and Fargo ND, one hour from St Cloud MN and lightyears away from basic.
Planning a Minnesota Elopement? Here’s What No one Tells You
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. Madison Green Country Club Blog, Lavender on the Lake Blog, The Admiral Room Blog, Willow Sky Ranch Blog, Celebrations Event Center Blog
