Why It's Called Adler Ranch: The Story Behind This Alexandria, MN Wedding Venue
Have you ever wondered how a place gets its name? Sometimes, names are passed down through generations, while others are chosen for sentimental reasons. For our family, Adler Ranch wasn’t just a name—it was a reflection of our home, our family, our animals, and an unforgettable part of our lives. After years in the wedding business and so many wedding guests asking how we got our name, we thought we’d share our story! Read on to learn why we’re called Adler Ranch, the story behind this Alexandria MN Wedding Venue.
Adler Ranch: A Beautiful Alexandria, MN Wedding Venue with a Rich History
The Amphitheatre at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, a private wedding ceremony location, remote and private, located near Alexandria MN
Our Daughter’s Big Idea
Before Adler Ranch had an official name, our daughter always called it “the ranch.” She loved everything about country life—roaming the pasture, riding her horse, helping with the cattle, riding four-wheeler, and taking care of the endless number of barn cats that called our land home. (Don’e ask about how many barn cats we’ve had over the years!)
One year, she joined an after-school German class at Carlos Elementary School. On the very first day, she came home excited to share something she had learned. As we sat around the dinner table, she announced with great enthusiasm:
"Our ranch is called Adler Ranch now! Adler means eagle in German!" She had decided on the name without hesitation, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
The Amphitheatre at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, just over the hill from the original Eagle’s Nest! Alexandria MN Swagger’s Gather Photography
Why ‘Adler’ Was the Perfect Fit
At the time, a pair of bald eagles had built a massive nest high in a tree in our pasture. They lived there for nearly ten years, raising their young season after season. They became part of our daily lives, soaring over the fields, watching over the cattle, and occasionally reminding us that we were in their territory.
Eventually, time and weather took their toll, and a large branch of the nesting tree broke. The nest started to fall apart, and the eagles moved across the slough, settling within sight of their old home. Even though they had relocated, their presence was still felt on the ranch, reinforcing the name our daughter had chosen.
Bride & Groom on the prairie at Adler Ranch. Have you seen our WildFlower Field? It’s a great spot for photos!
Living with Eagles: Beautiful, But a Little Scary
Having eagles on our land was both awe-inspiring and, at times, a little intimidating. These were not just birds—they were massive, powerful creatures. They would often perch on top of the silo, watching everything below, clacking their beaks at us as we crossed the yard. Their sharp eyes missed nothing, and their presence was a reminder that we were sharing our land with true predators.
Eagles are known for hunting small animals, and we occasionally saw firsthand what that meant. Every so often, one of our kittens would mysteriously disappear overnight, leaving us to suspect that the eagles had claimed it as an easy meal. Their diet wasn’t limited to barn cats, though—beneath their nest, the ground was littered with evidence of their meals. Fish skeletons, small animal bones, and even the occasional fishing lure would turn up, dropped from the sky like discarded remnants of an eagle’s feast.
Whenever we had to fix the pasture fence beneath their nest, the eagles made it very clear they didn’t appreciate us being in their space. They would flap their enormous wings and clack their beaks loudly, warning us to stay back and their size and intensity were enough to keep us on edge.
The Amphitheatre ceremony location at Adler Ranch, a private wedding ceremony location near Alexandria MN Swagger’s Gather Photography
An Unforgettable Eagle Encounter
One year, a baby eagle fell out of the nest and landed on the ground. Too young to fly, it remained there while its parents continued to feed it. Concerned for its safety, we called a friend that did some work with the Minnesota Raptor Center for advice. Their response?
"You should pick it up, climb the tree, and put it back in the nest."
Um… no. That was not happening. This ‘baby’ was huge, with large, dangerous talons and likely weighed 20 pounds!
We left nature to take its course, and to our amazement, the young eagle survived. The parents continued to care for it on the ground until it was strong enough to fly on its own. They were very protective and we didn’t go near that area for awhile! It was a fascinating experience, and one that added to the legend of the eagles on Adler Ranch.
Start your new chapter at Adler Ranch, Alexandria MN
A New Chapter: Adler Ranch Becomes a Wedding Venue
Years later, when we decided to transform the property into a seasonal wedding venue, one thing was never up for debate—the name Adler Ranch would remain.
Just as eagles once made their home here, new couples would begin their own stories on this land. The open skies, rolling pastures, and quiet beauty of the ranch made it a natural place for meaningful gatherings and shared milestones. Carrying the name forward felt right. It honored the land, the history, and the family connection that shaped what the property had become.
Today, Adler Ranch is more than a location—it’s a place where commitments are made, celebrations unfold, and new chapters begin. The eagles may have moved on, but the spirit behind the name—the strength, steadiness, and sense of place—remains woven into everything that happens here.
So when couples ask why it’s called Adler Ranch, we share the story: a young girl in a German class learning that Adler means eagle, a family honoring what already existed, and a name that stayed because it belonged. Adler Ranch is called Adler Ranch because our daughter named it—and because it fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting and Events at Adler Ranch
Do we need to make an appointment to visit Adler Ranch?
Yes. All visits are scheduled by appointment.
We do this intentionally so every couple receives our full attention and a thoughtful walkthrough of the property. Being prepared allows us to answer meaningful questions and show the venue as it actually functions during weddings—not rushed or half-explained.
If you’re still early in your planning, following along on social media can be helpful. We regularly share behind-the-scenes moments, real weddings, seasonal updates, and details about upcoming open houses on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok. Here’s the link to schedule your appointment.
Do you offer open houses?
Yes. We host monthly open houses from April through October. These are a great option for couples who want to explore the property at their own pace before scheduling a private tour. Open houses allow you to see how the spaces connect and get a feel for the venue without a formal appointment.
Dates and details for upcoming open houses are always shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.
Do you host events other than weddings?
We do. In addition to weddings, Adler Ranch hosts birthday parties, retirement celebrations, corporate events, anniversary gatherings, family reunions, and celebrations of life. Pricing and availability vary depending on the type of event and time of year, so we encourage you to call or email us directly for special event details.
We also host the Adler Ranch Retro Market every year on the last Friday and Saturday of July, welcoming vendors and guests from across the region for a weekend centered on vintage finds, community, and connection.
Vintage Lighted Signs at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue near Alexandria MN
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 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! For more information, reach out! We can’t wait to meet you! 💕Thanks for visiting! ~Marlys
Private outdoor wedding ceremony location near Alexandria, The Amphitheatre at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
Marlys & Kurt, your hosts at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
Adler Ranch is a privately owned wedding venue where you work directly with the owners—from your initial inquiry to your wedding day—ensuring a personalized and seamless experience.
Adler Ranch is a locally owned and operated business. 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. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map. A Shout out to these other fine wedding venues around the country: Oxbow Acres, Sparks Museum & Event Center Blog, Lizton Lodge Blog, Homestead 32 Blog, Hightower Falls Blog The Venue At Springfield Estates, Heart D Farm, The Haycraft, Cherry Barc Farm Willow Creek Farm
