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Padelford Riverboats
Padelford Riverboats
Ceremony on the second deck of the Betsey Northrup
Ceremony on the second deck of the Betsey Northrup
Ceremony on the Betsey Northrup
Ceremony on the Betsey Northrup
Reception set-up
Reception set-up
Reception set-up
Reception set-up
Padelford Riverboats
Padelford Riverboats
Padelford Riverboats
Padelford Riverboats
Padelford Riverboats
Padelford Riverboats
Couple
Couple

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Padelford Riverboats

About

On your wedding day, imagine cruising up the mighty Mississippi River on a beautiful riverboat. Everyone you love is enjoying the gentle breeze, good conversation and music which fills the air. While the sun sets across the Minnesota sky, memories of your perfect day are being created that will last a lifetime.

The Padelford Riverboat Company has been providing memories for brides and grooms for over 40 years. Ceremonies, receptions, groom’s dinners and rehearsal dinners have all taken place aboard our boats, which accommodate up to 600 guests. Enclosure of our boats, as well as heat and air conditioning guarantees that you will go out rain or shine. Unlike other riverboats and reception facilities, we do NOT charge an 18-25% service fee and there is no tipping--it is our pleasure to serve you.

Looking for a place during the winter months? The University of Minnesota Showboat and Event Center is available September through May. This permanently moored boat has heating and air-conditioning with two Victorian reception rooms that adjoin a magnificent 219 seat theater, which is perfect for a wedding ceremony. The grand staircase is ideal for photographs.

Let the Padelford create memories for you, call 651-227-1100 or email info@riverrides.com today!

Compliments of the Padelford Boat Company
  • White linens, china and flatware
  • Dance floor, microphone
  • Fully stocked cash bar
  • High quality food and service by Mintáhoe Catering
  • Free parking
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Chairs
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Dessert

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$5

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

3

Describe your venue:

Boat/Yacht

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party

What event services do you offer?

Event Planner
Event Rentals

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor

What event items are available?

Chairs
Dance Floor
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

China
Flatware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking

Reviews of Padelford Riverboats

Write a review
Write a review
K
Kayla Sent on 10/22/2009
5 out of 5 rating
We had our wedding on the MN Centennial Showboat. Normally ceremonies are held in their indoor theater. I had my heart set on an outdoor ceremony and because my wedding was small enough we were able to have it on the upper deck, outside. A Padelford first, and they were happy to do it for us. The crew was very helpful, and very friendly.
I
Lynn Sent on 10/08/2008
5 out of 5 rating
Wow! I've never heard of a guest at your wedding sending you a Thank You note for inviting them to your wedding. We received 6! Our friends, family and co-workers have not stopped raving about our wedding. The great thing is...We had a great time too!
Starting with a Champagne toast on the dock, we invited our 170 guests on board the Anson Northrup for a 4hour dinner/dance cruise. The crew was wonderful!!! Service perfect!! No detail, from my seating chart to the place "tiles" I created for each guest, that the crew had placed at each chair before we boarded, was missed.
The night was amazing. We took a stroll out on deck as we went through the locks entering Minneapolis, sipped Champagne, chatted with our guests and danced the night away. Simply put, it was an amazing venue...that helped us create a magical evening.
R
Rae L. Sent on 09/03/2018
4.8 out of 5 rating
We absolutely loved having our wedding reception on a riverboat! We were very happy with the food, especially because they had numerous gluten free options to choose from. They allowed us to board a little early for portraits. In general, the company was easy to work with, the staff were professional and kind, and everyone at the reception had a wonderful time!
U
User2661671 Sent on 06/20/2016
4.8 out of 5 rating
My husband and I held our rehearsal dinner on the Padelford Riverboats. It was a great experience all around - responses were timely, the venue was flexible with some last-minute attendance changes, and the office and boat staff were friendly. We got a ton of comments from guests about what a unique and fun idea it was!
S
Lucy Sent on 08/26/2008
4.8 out of 5 rating
My hubby and I planned our wedding on a low, strict budget. We were able to invite 120 guests, have a plated dinner (not buffet) and 3 hour riverboat cruise down the Mississippi for under $5000. The boat uses thier own caterers and the food was fantastic. We also used them for our wedding cake - and we recieved nothing but rave reviews from all our guests. The boat was decorated simply but very elegant beautiful. The staff was very accomodating and absolutely wonderful to work with. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is not the most ideal place if you have handicapped guests and you need to plan how long your cruise will be - no waivering! It's hard to extend the timeframe (1 or 2 hours etc) because they do book multiple events each day.
M
Meaghan Sent on 09/14/2014
4.3 out of 5 rating
Our family and friends had a great time on the boat. There were some hiccups regarding amount of food (the buffet didn't serve the number of people we had), but they made things right. The staff on the boat saw to it that the bride and groom were #1 that evening and helped my groom carry out a surprise he had planned (he serenaded me <3 )
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

6

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Padelford Riverboats frequently asked questions

Padelford Riverboats includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • Tables
Padelford Riverboats includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Dessert
The bar service starting price at Padelford Riverboats includes:
  • Bartender(s)
The space offered by Padelford Riverboats for wedding events is known for:
  • Boat/Yacht
Padelford Riverboats offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
Padelford Riverboats offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
Padelford Riverboats offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
Padelford Riverboats offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Tables
Padelford Riverboats is recommended by 96% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in flexibility, 4.8 in professionalism and 4.7 in value.
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