Skip to main content
Weddings

Couples' Choice Awards

Won the Couples' Choice Awards thanks to recommendations from couples on Weddingwire.com.
  • 2021

The Gardens of Castle Rock

Up to 300 guests
Availability
Responds within 24 hours

Trending now

Pricing Information

These prices are available for the months of April through November. These prices are available for the months of December through March.
Reception
$6,450 starting price
Ceremony
$6,450 starting price
Reception
$6,450 starting price
Ceremony
$6,450 starting price

Do you want more pricing details?

About

On WeddingWire since 2020

The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, Minnesota provides a beautiful setting for outdoor wedding ceremonies, receptions, and special events. Located in the lower south metro, The Gardens is a short distance from the Twin Cities. The Gardens welcomes all! Couples that are looking to express who they are and share with family and friends in an environment that is grounded in beauty, nature and design. Where personal expressions are manifested in the ability to create an event that is truly unique. An event that is an extension of your values and beliefs found in your relationship. Come join us! Embrace passion and celebrate love at The Gardens.

FACILITES & CAPACITY

Reflect the love your share by choosing from 4 ceremony sites that can each accommodate 300 guests.

  • The Grand Promenade ~ Formal and elegant…Beautiful white wedding pergola with paver walkway down the center aisle, edged with lush grass and mature trees as a backdrop.
  • The Lath House ~ Rustic and romantic…Charming wood structure covered with luscious grapevines, tucked back in the hill and illuminated with thousands of lights.
  • Wedding in The Woods ~ Natural and intimate…Find the magical boho wedding arch nestled in the woods behind the two heirloom white pine trees.
  • The Lawn ~ Classic to creative…Perfect for those who want to create the wedding of their dreams. There is no limit to your imagination with this setting! The drystone walls are a uniquely timeless feature and the modern wedding cube is amazing.

Dressing Rooms ~ Two private spaces allow you to prepare for your big day. The brand-new spacious Gardens Suite includes multiple mirrors and seating area, welcoming fireplace and beautifully appointed private bathroom. The Gardens Cottage is cozy and comfortable with rustic pine covered walls, walnut colored floor, floor to ceiling mirror and weathered steel exterior. Both located in the heart of The Gardens.

Garden Pavilion ~ Honest and true, authentic craftsmanship. Natural stone covers the façade, natural stone countertop with wet sink for bar and hand hewed timber frame structure covering the paver patio.

Reception Tent & Area ~ The classic century mate style white tent with its high peaks is striking in the landscape. The 40’ x 100’ spacious tent can easily accommodate 300 guests and is completed with an elegant paver floor and entrance. Permanent wood wall is installed on the east end of the tent. The tent can be completely enclosed and air-conditioned or heated as needed.

Natural Stone Fireplace & Paver Patio ~ Better than you could imagine. A real fire to set the perfect outdoor atmosphere for your reception. Seasoned firewood provided.

Main Assembly Building ~ The hub of your day’s event. Includes, event space, catering, staging.

Restrooms ~ Gardens Pavilion Restrooms – Men & women, spacious with modern touches, handicap accessible. Main Assembly Restroom – handicap accessible, gender neutral, baby changing table.

Convenient Off-Street Parking ~ Parking attendants assist your guests to the crushed rock parking area with easy access to the reception area.

SERVICES OFFERED

Tables & Chairs ~

  • 20 – 8’ cedar banquet tables
  • 2 – Sweetheart tables
  • 30 – 60” round tables
  • 10 – 6’ banquet tables
  • 10 – 30” high-top tables
  • 3 – 5’ Mid-Height cedar tables
  • 72 – Pine wood benches
  • 300 – Standard black folding chairs
  • 300 – White fan back folding chairs

Ambiance & Background Music System ~ Set the mood of your event by plugging your playlist into our state-of-the-art music system that covers the patio area in and around the Main Assembly Building.

Portable Sound System for Ceremony Site ~ Two microphones and a connection to play pre-recorded music.

Open Wi-Fi Network ~ Share your memories instantly.

Lighting ~ Thousands of lights make The Gardens sparkle at night!

Patio Heaters

Space for lawn & yard games

Potted plants and all The Gardens

Late Night Pizza Oven ~ Finish the night off right with pizzas from the woodfired stone pizza oven.

Inclusive Welcoming Environment ~ The Gardens welcomes all to celebrate love!

CUISINE
It’s your day so choose what you eat! The Gardens of Castle Rock has an open policy on catering. Caterers who are licensed and insurance are eligible to cater your event.


HISTORY
The Gardens of Castle Rock is located in Castle Rock Township, south of the city of Farmington in Dakota County. The Township derives its name from a nearby St. Peter sandstone formation. A nursery business has existed at The Gardens location since 1926. William “Grandpa” Switzer named the business Castle Rock Nursery shortly after becoming proprietor. Another name change was in order when William’s son, Garry C. Switzer, returned from working in the National Park Service as a Landscape Architect to join the family business. Switzer’s Nursery & Landscaping, as it is still called today, has been a family owned business for three generations. Garry’s love of designing and constructing beautiful landscapes was passed down to his son, Glenn, the current owner.

Glenn has continued his father’s love of landscaping and refocused the business on his passion, Design/Build Landscapes. The Gardens highlight the business’s expertise in paver patios, pergolas, outdoor living spaces and yes, gardens! Glenn is the recipient of several local, state and national awards for his landscape designs and installations.

Switzer’s is known for creating life enhancing outdoor living environments. The Gardens of Castle Rock Wedding & Event Center is a natural extension for Switzer’s creativity. Working with new materials and techniques, along with time honored standards, The Gardens is always expanding, growing and changing with the seasons. We hope that you enjoy your time at The Gardens as we share our love for beautiful gardens & landscapes!

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?

$6,450

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

$6,450

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?

$6,450

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

$6,450

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

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

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

2

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

10+

Describe your venue:

Garden

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
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What event items are available?

Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Furniture
Lighting
Tables
Tents

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
December
illustration question

Any other questions?

Message vendor

18 Reviews

Write a review
Rated
4.8
out of 5.0
Recommended by 97% of couples
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating

27 User photos

  • Prathyusha
    Prathyusha K. Married on 10/29/2022
    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

    Awesome Venue Awesome Day

    THE GARDENS AT CASTLE ROCK - This wedding venue was perfect for our BIG day. Glen (the owner) and Chris (amazing wedding planner), I didn't had much time to plan for my wedding with Chris and Day of coordinator all things are perfectly planned. We are so happy how amazing the venue looked and how beautifully everything was set up. If I had to pick one thing that really makes the venue stand out, its the Lath House. Not only Lath house , it has many other places to take lots of pictures. We fell in love with the Venue. On the day of the wedding, Chris was amazing, she made sure everything is in place. Everything was taken care of, set up, and coordinated accordingly to enjoy the beautiful day. October 29th, 2022 was indeed the best day of our lives and THE GARDENS AT CASTLE ROCK helped us make that happen.
  • Cassie
    Cassie N. Married on 09/18/2022
    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

    Beautiful Venue

    Most importantly, The Gardens was SO beautiful! We didn't need to do any decorating because it decorated itself. The Gardens was so easy to work with throughout the entire process and provided quality day-of staff that really cared about making sure our wedding was the best it could be for us. I would highly recommend The Gardens to anybody and everybody for any event!
  • illustration stars

    Are you interested?

    Message vendor

Awards

18
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner

Real Weddings

Emma & Harrison
24 photos · 09/17/2022
Melissa & Zigmars
42 photos · 08/22/2020
Lisa & John
20 photos · 09/07/2019
Jordan & Marty
16 photos · 06/29/2019
Haley & Makonnen
37 photos · 08/17/2018
Julia & Sam
21 photos · 10/07/2017

Team

Glenn Switzer
Glenn Switzer
Founder ~ Venue & Event Designer

As a landscape designer, Glenn has meticulously designed The Gardens of Castle Rock to be an inviting natural environment full of unique handcrafted structures and planned green spaces. No faux here! Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, Glenn’s love of design comes alive in the natural environment of The Gardens. A lover of a good party with over 700 weddings under his belt, Glenn understands what it takes to make your wedding a truly unique event.

Preferred Vendors

Rustic Elegance
5.0 out of 5 rating , 18 Reviews
· Wedding Planners
Green Mill Catering
4.7 out of 5 rating , 46 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers
Mintahoe Catering & Events
4.6 out of 5 rating , 208 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers
The Deco Catering
4.8 out of 5 rating , 52 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers
With a Twist Bartending
4.5 out of 5 rating , 8 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers
Weddings Your Way Floral & Events
5.0 out of 5 rating , 109 Reviews
· Wedding Planners

Map

illustration visit

Would you like to visit?

Request a visit
26601 Chippendale Ave Northfield, MN, 55057
6512649510
Location of (The Gardens of Castle Rock)

The Gardens of Castle Rock frequently asked questions

The Gardens of Castle Rock includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The space offered by The Gardens of Castle Rock for wedding events is known for:
  • Garden
The Gardens of Castle Rock offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Gardens of Castle Rock offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Gardens of Castle Rock offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Clean Up
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
The Gardens of Castle Rock offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Altar/Arch
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Tables
  • Tents
The Gardens of Castle Rock is recommended by 97% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in average response time, 4.9 in value, 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in flexibility and 4.8 in professionalism.

Other vendors in Minneapolis for your wedding

Wedding Venues

Responds within 24 hours