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Best Wedding Venues in North Dakota

When you're finally engaged and the wedding planning begins, it becomes almost overwhelming. I know, I've been there. Where do you start? What are the most important details to iron out? What vendors book up first? Let's break it down a little be little!

When planning a wedding with a Western flair, North Dakota offers an array of breathtaking venues that combine rustic charm with an elegant touch. Whether you're envisioning a grand barn celebration or a serene outdoor ceremony surrounded by stunning landscapes, this state has it all. Here's how to find the perfect spot for your dream Western wedding.

Which Vendors to book first:
Venues
- 10 - 18 months out
Photographers - 10 - 18 months out
DJ / Entertainment - 9 - 12 months out

Most adorable swing...ever

The 1908 House in Hatton, ND, provides a peaceful, secluded location for couples seeking a wedding that’s as unique as their love story. Whether you envision a laid-back celebration or an elegant affair, this venue promises memories that will last a lifetime. This acres surrounding the property are wide open to west allowing for a perfect unforgettable sunset.

Venue Features:
Rustic Elegance:
The 1908 House is elegant and rustic; a perfect combination to capture a romantic feel for your day. The grounds are large enough to have large amounts of guest. 

Scenic Outdoor Spaces: Surrounded by trees and just a few miles of gravel roads, this venue has a view of rolling hills to the west and trees to the north. The property allows for a great outdoor ceremony over looking the valley. 

Getting Ready Spaces: With its country charm the property has 2 houses. One is a smaller guest house that is none as the honeymoon suite. Most bridal parties get ready in there, the light is well balanced with all the light woodwork and white balanced perfectly. The other house on the property is larger and utilized usually for the groomsmen and families to get ready in. 

White Tent Ready:  This property has a gorgeous white tent that is used for wedding receptions and when the sun sets and the white lights come on it is absolutely romantic. 

The 1908 House

Barn / western venues in North dakota

North Dakota is dotted with beautifully restored barns that provide the perfect backdrop for a Western-themed wedding. Venues like the Lone Oak Farm Event Venue in Ayr and Lake Elsie Wedding Barn near Wahpeton boast rustic wooden interiors, soaring ceilings, and plenty of space for dining and dancing. These barns often feature outdoor spaces for ceremonies, so you can say “I do” under the big blue sky. I have tons of different venues I work with each year and have yet to find one I don't love. Here are a few of my favorites! 

A wedding at Stiklestad Lodge in Fort Ransom, ND, is one of my favorite venues for several different reasons. First being it is set up to have a charming and rustic feel, and the true Minnesotan in me loves that. This location is known for its lodge-inspired architecture, windy wood trails through the on site lodging cabins and a picture perfect view of the water. 

Venue Highlights:
Rustic Charm:
The lodge features beautiful log architecture, a warm, cozy atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Outdoor Spaces: The venue has stunning outdoor areas perfect for a ceremony with nature as the backdrop, especially in the summer or fall. 

On-Site Lodging: I love that there are tiny little cabins through out the property making it a perfect place for out of town guest, bridal party or family to stay the weekend. 

Indoor Reception Area: The lodge's interior provides a mix of elegance and rustic charm, ideal for dining and dancing for smaller wedding parties.

Larger Reception Area: There is a larger reception area across the road that is all part of the same ownership that is available  to rent if you have a bigger party! 

Stikelstad Lodge, Fort Ransom, ND

Lone Oak Lodge in Ayr, ND, offers an elegant western setting with tons of beautiful acres surrounding the property. This venue has a unique and intimate setting for weddings, events, and gatherings in the heart of North Dakota's countryside.  

Venue Features:
Western Elegance:
Lone Oak Lodge exudes a cozy, country charm with its beautiful woodwork, high ceilings, and welcoming atmosphere.

Scenic Outdoor Spaces: Surrounded by trees and tucked away, the seating is built into a small hillside and overlooks serene North Dakota landscapes, it offers stunning outdoor options for ceremonies and photos.

Flexible Event Spaces: With indoor and outdoor areas, the venue is adaptable to weddings of various sizes and styles. I've had weddings that in a pinch needed an indoor ceremony due to our lovely North Dakota weather and it was just as beautiful as a ceremony indoor as it would've been outdoor. 

Guest House: This house is primarily used for getting ready for the bridal parties and then utilized after for guest or the couple to stay. I love this guest house as it is perfectly lit for not only photos but for makeup and hair stylist! 

Lone Oak, Ayr, ND

Like every good business woman I have goals, and one of my goal venues is to shoot a wedding at Turpin Meadow Ranch in Jackson Hole, WY. This ranch is set up perfectly for all your cowboy wedding dreams. Thinking about Turpin Meadow Ranch? Let's visit! 

Western wedding venues in wyoming 

There are so many components that come to mind when looking for a venue. Here is a list of my main focuses as a photographer when I suggest certain venues! 

Ceremony location - 
Where is the sun facing? 
Is there enough space?
What is the backup plan for weather?

Vision of couples photos -
Does this venue give you your ideal backdrops?
Is there enough space that isn't cluttered?
Which way does the sun come? 

Bridal Suite - 
Is there natural life? - This is GREAT for not only photographers but makeup artist as well. 
Is there white walls? (this allows us to make bright images)  Is there enough space? 

Dream - 
Is this the venue you can see yourself starting your life at? Can you feel yourself in this location? 

Best things to look for in a Wedding Venue

Ben & Kate

rustic Wedding in Fargo, Nd

" Christina was amazing to work with for our wedding. She went along with all our unique ideas and helped our day go very smoothly. I would highly recommend her for any wedding. "

The best wedding experiences are worth chattin' about!

Kody & melissa

Western Wedding - Nome School House

"Christina is amazing to work with! She has great ideas for pictures and does what she can to make your vision happen! Absolutely love her work!"

The best wedding experiences are worth chattin' about!

nikki & Brady

Western Wedding - Lone Oak Farm Event Venue

"Christina took our wedding photos and they are absolutely amazing. She is very efficient and knows exactly what to do! She communicates before, during, and after the event. I will 100% be a returning customer when I need more pictures!"

The best wedding experiences are worth chattin' about!

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