Planning a 2026 wedding in Minnesota?

Looking to plan a 2026 wedding in Minnesota? In this blog we will give you the best “how to” tips in planning a 2026 wedding in Minnesota. Consider a 2026 wedding in central Minnesota where you can incorporate your event at Pleasant Pastures Weddings and Events as well as some other beautiful, breathtaking venues. You won’t regret getting away from the congested city venues and booking at a venue like Pleasant Pastures Events that helps create a weekend long, all-exclusive experience for you!

1. Create Your Budget and Guest List

• Budget: Determine how much you can realistically spend on your wedding. This will guide your decisions throughout the planning process. Stick to your budget! The last thing you want it to be financially stressed going into your wedding. Make a priority list and what is most important to you to include at your wedding and put the things that are least important at the bottom. That way, when you’ve hit your budget, you know the things you can eliminate or scale back.
• Guest List: Create a preliminary guest list. This will help you choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests. One of the best things about working with an outdoor venue while planning your 2026 wedding in Central Minnesota is that an outdoor venue can accommodate a wide range of guests. At Pleasant Pastures Events, we are able to supply extra seating outside under the lights or we can add on tents. Also remember that only approximately 80% of guests actually attend a wedding, so you’ll want to adjust your numbers appropriately.

2. Choose Your Date and Venue

• Date: Consider the time of year you’d like to get married. Popular wedding dates book up quickly, so it’s essential to decide on a date early. Especially here at Pleasant Pastures Events, consider a September or October timeframe to catch the gorgeous colors in Central MN! Our brides also like booking in June to catch the early buds and cooler temps. But a mid-summer wedding can be just as gorgeous with the stunning flowers all around you, full bloomed trees, and flowing pastures. Our ponds are full and by evening, the temps cool off nicely.
• Finding a venue: Contact Pleasant Pastures to inquire about their availability for your proposed date in 2026. We’d love to show you around so come on our for a tour! Another great one to check out is Adler Ranch in Alexandria. What a unique, gorgeous venue! Marlys will take great care of you! Another one to consider in Minnesota is 5 Family Ranch. What a stunning venue!
• Looking for a destination wedding outside of Minnesota? Check out these fabulous venues!
  Cornerstone Ranch Events Center
  Spring Haus Farm
  1908 Grand
  The Barn at Twiggy’s
  Yellow Brick on 39
  Celestial Farms 22
  Dream Bay Resort
  Lavender on the Lake
  The Admiral Room at the Marin
  Willow Sky Ranch
  

3. Book Your Vendors

• Photographer: There are so many photographers out there in MN! So how do you choose? Narrow down the style you are looking for. Do you like light and airy? Do you like bright and bold? Do you like true to color? Do you like documentary style? Then research that style through social media or google. Most photographers in Minnesota are willing to travel anywhere in MN or beyond. One we use and trust is Mindi Jennings Photography and she will go anywhere to capture your story! And best yet, she is right here in Central MN with a true to color style.
• Caterer: Start by deciding what type of venue will your caterer be serving at? Work with your venue. They may have some suggestions of who they recommend. While planning your 2026 wedding in Central Minnesota, here at Pleasant Pastures Events, we recommend a food truck or local caterer who knows how to work at an outdoor venue.
• Florist: A popular choice is making your own flowers or hiring someone to make wooden or “fake” flowers so your bouquet can be preserved for years to come. Look for small businesses or independent contractors.
• DJ or Band: Hire a DJ or band to provide music for your ceremony and reception. Keep in mind the venue that they will be setting up at. What will they need to bring? And are there any added extras or add-ons they will charge you for? Look at reviews. One of our go-to’s in the Central MN area that we trust is Tony Lesniak with Music On Demand
• Other Vendors: Consider other vendors you may need. Most photographers also work with a videographer. Some other vendors are: officiant, wedding planner, and lodging.

4. Plan Your Ceremony and Reception

• Ceremony: Decide on the type of ceremony you’d like to have (religious, non-religious, indoor, outdoor etc.) and choose readings and vows and who you’d like to be involved. We highly recommend hiring a wedding planner who is not apart of the wedding so that you can enjoy your special day without having to play the part of manager. Get some inspiration from Pinterest to make your dreams come true! Work with your photographer and wedding planner on timing of your day and ceremony.
• Reception: Plan the layout of your reception with your venue manager, including seating arrangements, dance floor, and stage for the DJ or band. Decide if you want to have an indoor or outdoor reception. Venues like Pleasant Pastures Events provides a commercial tent for your reception with handmade pine harvest tables and benches.

5. Send Out Save-the-Dates and Invitations

• Save-the-Dates: Send out save-the-dates to your guests as soon as you have your date and venue booked.
• Invitations: Send out formal invitations about 6-8 months before your wedding date.

6. Plan Your Attire and Wedding Party

• Wedding Dress: Start shopping for your wedding dress early to allow time for alterations. See our blog here: Top 5 Bridal Shops in Central MN for some great places to shop in Central MN!
• Groom’s Attire: Choose a suit or tuxedo for the groom. Decide on color and pattern based on the look you are wanting for your wedding. Get inspiration from Pinterest or Instagram!
• Wedding Party: Ask your closest friends and family members to be part of your wedding party. Decide how many you want in your wedding party. The more you have, the more your expense will be so decide that in your budget.

7. Finalize the Details

• Confirm Vendor Bookings: Contact all your vendors to confirm their bookings and discuss any last-minute details a month or two before your wedding date.
• Create a Timeline: Develop a detailed timeline for your wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly with your venue, wedding planner, photographer, and DJ.
• Apply for a Marriage License: Obtain your marriage license from the county clerk’s office. Talk with your officiant about this.

Tips for Planning a 2026 Wedding

• Start Early: The earlier you start planning, the more choices you’ll have and the less stressed you’ll be.
• Be Organized: Use a wedding planning checklist or app to keep track of all your tasks and deadlines.
• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to make adjustments to your plans as needed.
  
  

Enjoy the Process of planning your 2026 wedding in Minnesota! Planning your wedding should be a fun and an exciting experience. Slow down! Breathe! Enjoy! To find out more about Pleasant Pastures Events, check us out on Facebook and http://www.instagram.com/pleasantpasturesevents or visit our website at http://www.pleasantpasturesevents.com