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Weddings

About

Paradise Charter Cruises is a unique boat wedding venue in Excelsior, Minnesota. Couples and their guests can enjoy all-encompassing views of the sparkling Mississippi River during a romantic vow exchange. This sophisticated deluxe vessel ignites an atmosphere of opulence and wonder as it gracefully glides along tranquil waterways.

Facilities and Capacity

The Paradise Destiny II or Minnepolis Queen are designed to accommodate lavish private parties and special occasions for up ether 100 or 125 guests. Each vessel features a range of contemporary amenities to help create a successful and memorable event. A reserved boarding area allows complete privacy for the happy couple and their loved ones on the day. Several ceremony options are available according to couples’ desires. Those who wish to create a complete wedding-cruise experience can hold their ceremony onboard. Alternatively, an off-site gazebo can be arranged for a romantic outdoor celebration. The vessels can be set up to facilitate an exciting reception, with designated spaces for dancing, audiovisual equipment, and more located across two decks. Furthermore, a full bar can keep loved ones feeling refreshed, while a splendid stairway provides an elegant backdrop. Other boats available for unique wedding ceremonies and receptions include their 2 additional Lake Minnetonka yachts, the Paradise Princess II and the Paradise Grand, each with accomodations for groups up to 50 passengers each offering the same onboard aminities.

Services Offered

The team at Paradise Charter Cruises strives to create a lavish experience for couples and their guests on the big day. Their boats are equiped with large Monitors for video or slide show displays, and can dress furniture in white linen to further enhance the aesthetic of the festivities. The staff can arrange delicate china and silverware for the meal, as well as set up a mouth-watering buffet. Additionally, they can organize beautiful arrangements of silken flowers and other floral designs to further emphasize the elegance of the occasion. The venue’s experienced coordinators will happily assist couples in honing their vision, from arranging decor to suggesting the best possible entertainment.

Cuisine

The expert culinary team on the yacht can provide a broad range of menu options to suit your requirements. These dedicated professionals are able to prepare brunch, cocktail reception hors d’eouvres, decadent plated dinners, and more. The creative chefs at the venue serve mouth-watering home favorites such as beef tacos and pork medallions, adding a fresh twist to impress guests.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$749

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$675

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$500

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

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

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

Dessert
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$29

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

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

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Boat/Yacht
Marina

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Liability Insurance

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Decor
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

May
October

Reviews of Paradise Charter Cruises

J
Jessica Sent on 06/12/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Above and beyond my expectations!

My husband and I went on happy hour cruise aboard the Paradise Lady as a date a few years ago and I instantly knew we had to get married on board. I corresponded with Stephanie Lawrance and she was very quick to respond to my many, many emails. The day of my wedding was the best day of my life and we owe a huge thanks to the crew. They were sooo incredibly helpful with EVERYTHING! Everyone was super nice and friendly and quick to help out with anything I asked. The Captain even let our kids “drive” the boat! I couldn’t have asked for a better time. Thanks to everyone at Paradise Charter Cruises!!!
OceanDreamin
Caroline Sent on 07/08/2017
5 out of 5 rating
We were lucky to have a private cruise for our closest friends and family for the grooms dinner! We had it on the 4th of July on Lake Minnetonka and wow. The food, service, crew, communication, boat, drinks, etc. were all FANTASTIC!
N
Natalie Sent on 09/26/2015
5 out of 5 rating
Our 2 families had the unforgettable experience of meeting each other aboard the Paradise Destiny II! My initial contact with Deanna was helpful in planning my event, as she provided a boat tour and talked about the various options available. She helped me to make decisions to customize my cruise, while not overwhelming me with too many choices. The boat (Destiny II, Lake Minnetonka) has an updated, classic feel with floor-to-ceiling windows on the lower level, perfect for taking in all the beautiful lake views. It also offers outdoor seating on the top floor, which my guests really appreciated. The boat does not need any further decorating, but the staff did help me to display a photo slideshow on the flatscreen TV's, which made our cruise really unique. The staff was professional and warm and did an excellent job tending the bar and keeping our guests happy! The captain took initiative to take a few unique photos and generously passed them along to me. The Paradise staff is professional and truly delivers above-and-beyond service! hank you for the unforgettable experience!
S
Samantha Sent on 06/01/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Sara was so helpful in setting up every detail of the wedding. The boat was beautiful for the wedding and the food was delicious! We got the Rosemary Lemon chicken and it was so tasty! Everything was top notch.
M
Marie Sent on 08/12/2013
5 out of 5 rating
I originally went on a birthday cruise on the Minneapolis Queen back in 2012 and it was so much fun that I just had to book it for my wedding. I couldn't have made a better choice. Sarah, the rep I worked with, was so responsive and helpful. I talked with her a lot and she was very patient and really knew what she was doing and had perfect suggestions that I didn't even think of to make the day everything I had dreamed of. The boat crew and captain, caterer, and even the dj they suggested were so professional and went above and beyond my expectations. The setting is beautiful, cruising the Mississippi at sunset, food was delicious and a great value for the price, and our friends and family danced the night away. So much fun. Would totally do it again and recommend to any of my friends.
B
Beth Sent on 08/10/2016
3.9 out of 5 rating
I am so thankful we used Paradise Cruises for our wedding day. It was so beautiful, unique and fun, and I loved every second of my wedding day with them. My only word of caution is that this is not a venue for someone who does not like to coordinate the event themselves unless they have a wedding planner. While the staff was great and responsive, I had to have help to line up decoration set and tear down/ceremony process, etc. I was fine with doing this but I would caution someone who is not ready for that work!
U
User2322063 Sent on 09/17/2015
0.9 out of 5 rating
We recently had our wedding on the Paradise Lady with Paradise Charter Cruises. The staff on board was excellent, HOWEVER, all of the coordinators leading up to the event were horrible. Very unorganized, we had to lay out each and every single detail of our event and they still screwed up important parts of our wedding. It took days to get a response back for my emails. Once it took 8 business days (12 days total) before I received an email response back. This was extremely frustrating as a bride. Not to mention they tack on 18% gratuity to your final bill (imagine your bill will be in the thousands) and then expect you to tip on top of that. They may be a fun company to use for a leisurely cruise but I would NOT recommend this company for your wedding especially if you expect them to pay attention to details. Trust me, you will only experience stress and frustration with your planning experience.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

7

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Bellagala Photography Bellagala Photography Wedding Photographers

We had a wonderful time working with Paradise Charter Cruises. Not only did we get to see the beautiful view on the cruise but we got to take part of something great with them. They are such hard workers, and is always so willingly to go out and beyond for each individuals!

Map

Paradise Charter Cruises frequently asked questions

Paradise Charter Cruises includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Flatware
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
Paradise Charter Cruises includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Dessert
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Paradise Charter Cruises includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • Champagne Toast
  • House Beer
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Premium Liquor
  • Specialty Beer
  • Specialty Wine
The space offered by Paradise Charter Cruises for wedding events is known for:
  • Boat/Yacht
  • Marina
Paradise Charter Cruises offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Paradise Charter Cruises offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Paradise Charter Cruises offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Liability Insurance
Paradise Charter Cruises offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Aisle Markers
  • Aisle Runners
  • Audio Equipment
  • Centerpieces
  • Chairs
  • Chair Covers
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Lighting
  • Tables
Paradise Charter Cruises is recommended by 85% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.4 in quality of service, 4.4 in value, 4.3 in flexibility, 4.2 in professionalism and 4.1 in average response time.
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