10 Smart Questions to Ask Before Booking a Wedding Venue in Minnesota
The Real Questions You Should Ask-And How Adler Ranch Answers Them
So, you’re in deep. The group texts are chaos, your Pinterest is an emotional rollercoaster, and your search history reads like “best barn wedding venue near me” is a full-time job. You’ve seen the photos, skimmed the reviews, maybe toured a few spots—and now you’re ready to book.
Hold up. Put the phone down. Step away from the deposit button.
Before you commit to a venue, there are a few non-negotiable questions that every couple should be asking—and no, we’re not talking about whether the DJ can plug in his fog machine. We’re talking real, sanity-saving, budget-protecting questions that will make the difference between “Best Day Ever” and “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?!”
At Adler Ranch, we don’t flinch at questions. We welcome them. We encourage them. Because you’re not just renting a space. You’re trusting a team. Let’s dig into the top wedding venue questions you need to ask—plus the real, unfiltered way we handle them here at Adler Ranch.
Start your day in style.
Every Adler Ranch wedding includes two private wedding party suites—The Cabin and The Gas Station—pictured here and ready for your crew. No extra cost, no compromises, just space to relax, get ready, and soak it all in.
1. 💍 Want to Book a Wedding Venue in Minnesota? Start by Asking If Your Date Is Even Available
Don’t just ask if a date is available—ask how long the venue is yours. Can you get in early to set up? What about teardown? Some venues boot you out by 10 p.m. sharp, no exceptions.
At Adler Ranch: You book the entire day, not just a few rushed hours. Need extra time? We offer add-on hours or a full weekend package. We're flexible because we know real weddings don’t run on a hotel-conference-room schedule.
The Banquet Barn at Adler Ranch
Vintage neon Viking Bar sign lights your wedding reception!
2. 🎉 Will Our Guests Actually Fit—Comfortably?
Make sure the venue can comfortably seat your guest list—not just technically fit them if you stack them like Tetris. Ask what their best size of guest list is, is there space outside to explore, is there outside seating? Does the outside seating cost an additional fee to use?
3. 🪑 “Tables and Chairs Included” Means… What Exactly?
“Tables and chairs included” sounds great—until they hand you a dolly and a shrug. Ask what’s actually included—and who’s doing the setup.
At Adler Ranch: You get white ceremony chairs set up and taken down by our crew, round reception tables, chairs, string lighting (real lighting, not one sad bulb), full restroom facilities, onsite staff, and access to our Something Borrowed Collection of décor—all included. We even let you use our potted plants. It's like borrowing from your stylish friend who owns way too many galvanized drink tubs. And the best part: We set it all up! When you arrive the morning of your wedding, the building is set up, clean and ready to decorate! No pulling dusty tables out of a storage closet and moving heavy chairs!
Did you know? Some venues charge extra just to use their own tables and chairs 😳
Not at Adler Ranch. It’s all included—set up, torn down, and ready to go.
4.💰 Are There Hidden Fees? (Like… Really?)
If the venue dodges this question or gives you a vague answer with a suspicious pause, that’s your cue to run. Corkage fees, lighting “upgrades,” surprise cleanup costs—they add up fast and can quietly wreck your budget.
At Adler Ranch: What we quote is what you pay. No extra fees for setup, teardown, lighting, or basic furniture. No confusing packages. No fine print. We work with a trusted group of approved and experienced local caterers who know our space and deliver great results. If you decide to go off-list, we charge a coordination fee to help ensure everything still runs smoothly. It’s all spelled out clearly upfront—because you deserve a wedding that’s joyful, not full of surprise line items.
5. How private is the venue, really?
You don’t want to share your wedding with another couple—or feel like you’re in a parking lot off Main Street, or hear their wedding dance through the walls!
At Adler Ranch: We’re located two hours from both Minneapolis/ST Paul AND Fargo ND, five miles outside Alexandria, half a mile off the road, tucked into rolling land and wide open sky. You won’t see another wedding, another group, or even another human unless they’re invited or they’re a wedding vendor! It’s your day, your space, period. See the video below for a peak of just how private we are!
Thank you to Swagger’s Gather for this video of Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
6. ☔ What’s the Rain Plan—Or Are We Just Supposed to Wing It?
If your venue says “we’ll move inside” but doesn’t have an inside, that’s a problem. Minnesota weather is not known for its predictability.
At Adler Ranch: We have a gorgeous Banquet Barn ready to go if the sky opens up. Our outdoor ceremony space is stunning—but our backup is just as beautiful and fully set up. We don’t make you scramble or cross your fingers.
7. 🍻 Can We Serve Alcohol? And Who's Running the Bar?
Is alcohol allowed? Who provides the bar? What are the rules around last call and clean up?
At Adler Ranch: All alcohol is handled by The Depot Smokehouse & Tavern, our exclusive bar partner. They serve it, they manage it, they bring the good stuff and keep it classy. That means no BYOB chaos, no shots and no liability mess on your end.
Our Grain Bin Bar: where cold drinks and good stories flow all night long. Built for celebrating, not just sipping
8. 🔊 How Late Can We Crank the Music Without Getting the Side-Eye?
Let’s talk music. Some venues shut it down at 9 p.m. Others act like you’re throwing Coachella in a cornfield.
At Adler Ranch: We allow amplified music until Midnight, (earlier on Weeknights and Sundays) and you can party in the barn until midnight. You get a full celebration without worrying about noise complaints or side-eyes from neighboring events (because there are none).
9. 💸 What Happens If We Have to Cancel? (Or Move the Date?)
Life happens. Engagements get long, pandemics show up uninvited, and sometimes plans just need to change. But here’s the thing: most wedding venues are non-refundable—and it’s not because they’re heartless, it’s because they’re selling their one and only product: your date.
When a venue books your wedding, they block off that day (and often the days around it) just for you. That means turning down every other couple who inquires. If you cancel, they’re left with a Saturday in peak season and no time to rebook it. So refunds? Usually off the table. It’s not personal—it’s just how the business works.
At Adler Ranch: Our contract spells it all out clearly. We’re transparent, fair, and direct—no hidden gotchas or emotional ransom if plans change. Talk to us early, and we’ll do our best to work with you.
Wedding Guest Experience
Consider what your wedding guest experience will be at the venue! Will they be raving about your wedding venue for years to come?
10 Wedding Venue Questions Every Minnesota Couple Should Ask (Before They Regret It)
10. 🛻 Is the Venue Easy to Get To—And Easy to Get Around Once We’re There?
If you’ve got guests with mobility issues—or you're just not up for a venue that requires hiking boots and a headlamp—ask about accessibility. Also, how far is it from hotels, highways, and civilization?
At Adler Ranch: We’re five miles from Alexandria, two hours from Fargo and Minneapolis, and super easy to find—no gravel road mysteries. And here’s a big one: there are no steps anywhere on site. None. Our buildings, bathrooms, and ceremony areas are step-free, easy to navigate, and grandparent-approved.
Bonus: 🧹 Do We Have to Clean Up After Our Own Wedding?
No one remembers to ask until it’s time to take out the trash in formalwear. Don’t let that be you.
At Adler Ranch: We handle it all—trash removal, table bussing, furniture teardown, and site reset. You head out with your gifts, your leftover cake, and your dignity intact. No garbage bags. No 11 p.m. disasters.
Want even more ideas for smart venue questions? Bride’s put together a comprehensive list worth skimming before your next tour. Use it, highlight it, scribble all over it—then bring your best questions when you come visit us.
Ready to Ask the Right Questions—and Actually Enjoy Your Wedding Day?
Your wedding venue is more than a backdrop—it’s a partner in your day. And if you’re getting generic answers or dodgy fine print, that’s your sign to keep looking.
At Adler Ranch, we built the kind of venue we’d want to get married at. It’s private, honest, and completely unbothered by trends. We’re not here to nickel and dime—we’re here to help you have the wedding you actually want.
So bring us your questions. All of them. (Seriously—we’ve heard everything.) Then let’s grab a tour, take a walk through the neon magic, and start dreaming out loud.
Adler Ranch Wedding & Event Venue, located two hours from both Minneapolis/St Paul MN and Fargo ND, one hour from St Cloud MN, five miles North of Alexandria and light years away from basic!
10 Wedding Venue Questions Every Minnesota Couple Should Ask (Before They Regret It)
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 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. Lavender on the Lake Blog, The Admiral Room Blog, Willow Sky Ranch Blog, Celebrations Event Center Blog, The Hillcrest Estate Blog, The Hidden Abbey Blog, Ellas Garden Blog, Round Barn Farm Blog, The Glade Venue Blog, Stone Ridge Estate Blog,
