Skip to main content
Weddings

Couples' Choice Awards

Won the Couples' Choice Awards thanks to recommendations from couples on Weddingwire.com.
  • 2023

The Bakken Museum

$5k - $7k For 100 Guests
Up to 120 guests
Availability
Responds within 24 hours

Trending now

Pricing Information

These prices are available for the months of April through October. These prices are available for the months of November through March.
Reception
$5,700 starting price
Ceremony
$2,700 starting price
Reception
$4,000 starting price
Ceremony
$2,500 starting price

Do you want more pricing details?

About

On WeddingWire since 2017

We are FULLY BOOKED for the summer and fall of 2023. We are currently booking for winter 2023, and we have lots of availability in the spring, summer, and fall of 2024.

The Bakken Museum is a wedding venue located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This Tudor-style West Winds mansion is nestled on the shores of Bde Maka Ska, in the heart of Minneapolis’ famed Chain of Lakes region. The property provides scenic views, unique indoor and outdoor event spaces, and a memorable experience for couples and their loved ones. It also features a range of carefully-curated exhibits that are fun and intriguing to explore. These collections include books, artifacts, and galleries dedicated to honoring inventions in plant medicine, bio-technology, and science. Every year, the 501(c)3 hosts over 45,000 visitors who come to learn about the world around them through STEM-driven events and lectures. This distinct and beautiful manor with its carefully manicured gardens is an ideal backdrop to celebrations of all styles and sizes.

Facilities and Capacity
Couples renting The Bakken Museum will find numerous spots to host their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Out on the lawns, big leafy trees, a large stone fountain, and a well-maintained medicinal plant garden create an atmospheric setting to exchange vows. Tents can also be put up on the grounds to host dinners and dancing and protect from inclement weather. A courtyard and walkway that overlook the wetlands is also a tasteful spot to enjoy drinks with loved ones after the ceremony. Inside, parties can be held in the 2,000-square-foot gallery, where wooden paneling and hundreds of books give the space the feel of a library. A rooftop patio and lawn also make for a spectacular place to take in the views and celebrate the romantic day. From intimate soirees to grand affairs, the museum can be fully tailored to couples’ preferences and desires.

Services Offered
For the big day, The Bakken Museum offers comprehensive packages that come with tables and chairs, linens, and assistance with setup and cleanup. A get-ready suite is also included for couples to prepare with their wedding parties ahead of the ceremony. The venue comes fully equipped with lighting and sound, and parking is provided. The mansion, gardens, and green roof are also available for photo shoots ahead of the big day and can be coordinated with the rental team.

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?

$5,700

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

$4,000

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?

$2,700

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

$2,500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

10

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

6

Describe your venue:

Garden
Historic Building
Mansion
Museum
Rooftop
Waterfront

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
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Clean Up
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Decor
Furniture
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
November
December
illustration question

Any other questions?

Message vendor
Rated
5.0
out of 5.0
Recommended by 100% of couples
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating

19 User photos

  • M
    Melanie Q. Married on 05/20/2023
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Responsiveness
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    Wonderful!

    The Bakken was the ideal place to have our wedding. Maggie & Chris are incredibly responsive, flexible, and helpful. We felt so taken care of throughout the entire process and especially on the day of the wedding itself. The venue itself is beautiful, welcoming, and flexible for both indoor and outdoor events.
  • Hailey
    Hailey W. Married on 10/01/2022
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Responsiveness
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    Incredible

    We were so charmed by the Bakken when we found it in the spring of 2021, it was a no-brainer to use them for our wedding (10/1/2022)! Chris and Maggie were kind, funny, respectful, and always had answers to our questions! It was truly an experience we wouldn't have had with any other venue, I am sure of it. It was important for us to have flexibility with our vendors, and Chris and Maggie were extremely accommodating, working with us to bring the the best experience for our guests! We would recommend utilizing The Bakken for any event in the future, and we can't wait to come back and visit!
  • L
    Lilli A. Married on 09/03/2022
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Responsiveness
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    An amazing venue with amazing people!

    My husband I got married at The Bakken Museum on 9/3/2022 and we couldn't have imagined our day being any different.


    I'd like to start out by saying that Chris and Maggie are some of the nicest people I've met since living in the Twin Cities, and they truly went above and beyond to make my husband and I's vision for our wedding come to life. Chris and Maggie, along with their colleagues at The Bakken, are experienced and detail oriented professionals who know what it takes to make an unforgettable wedding experience. They responded quickly to my millions of questions. Their confidence in their ability to manage the big and little details alongside our day-of coordinator eased my anxiety enough that I was able to actually enjoy our wedding day. Even when we had a guest unexpectedly injure themselves while dancing, Chris and his team were right there and ready to handle it. We truly could not have expected any better people to work with for our wedding day.


    Aside from the phenomenal team at The Bakken Museum, I should also comment on the venue itself. The museum is definitely off the beaten path as far as wedding venues go, but that's what makes it a unique experience. The space checked every box on my husband and I's list, as we wanted an outdoor ceremony and reception, beautiful and unique locations to take photos, and details that impressed ourselves and our guests. The beauty and elegance of the Medicinal Gardens, West Winds Mansion, and Green Roof all greatly impressed our in-town and out-of-town guests. We were receiving compliments all night about how beautiful and magical the space is. Kids and adults alike had a great time wandering around the koi pond, socializing in the Great Hall, and admiring the glass tower. What's more is that we can continue to visit for years to come!

    If you've read this far, and you're thinking about booking The Bakken Museum for your wedding, go for it!
  • illustration stars

    Are you interested?

    Message vendor

Awards

8
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner

Team

Maggie Peck
Maggie Peck
Database & Retail Manager

Maggie has been working on events at The Bakken Museum since 2019. She loves helping clients turn their event into a full museum experience.

Chris Lundeen
Chris Lundeen
Director of Facilities and Operations

With over 30 years of experience hosting events at The Bakken Museum, Chris will help you plan the perfect day.

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Katie Thering Photography & Design Katie Thering Photography & Design Wedding Photographers

Hands down one of my favorite venues to photograph! This hidden gem is the perfect location for your wedding or event. The Bakken has plenty of options for customizing your day. The garden is gorgeous for a ceremony and the terraces provide the best backdrops for social hour. Your guests will love the convenience of being near Uptown and the lakes, too. Angela & Chris and the rest of the team at the Bakken are there all day to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. If you are looking for a unique, classy, and convenient location for your wedding the Bakken will not disappoint!

Preferred Vendors

With a Twist Bartending
4.4 out of 5 rating , 7 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers
Richfield Flowers & Events
4.7 out of 5 rating , 42 Reviews
· Wedding Florists
The Deco Catering
4.8 out of 5 rating , 52 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers
Chowgirls Catering
4.6 out of 5 rating , 75 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers
Hire A Host
4.4 out of 5 rating , 9 Reviews
· Bar Services & Beverages
Gastrotruck
4.5 out of 5 rating , 19 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers

Map

illustration visit

Would you like to visit?

Request a visit
3537 S Zenith Ave The Bakken Museum Minneapolis, MN, 55416
6129263878
612-446-3114

10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Sunday
Location of (The Bakken Museum)

Other vendors in Minneapolis for your wedding

Wedding Venues

Responds within 24 hours