There is something truly romantic and intimate about petite weddings.

When it comes to planning a wedding day, one of the most important decisions you will make is where the ceremony and reception will take place. Have you always dreamt of a grand ballroom reception or the cozy and quaint setting that an outdoor courtyard provides? If you are in the midst of planning a petite wedding with an intimate vibe, courtyard weddings are the perfect setting, and here is why.

AMBIANCE

When it comes to creating a romantic atmosphere for your special day, no setting can match the feeling of courtyard weddings. From the moment your guests arrive, they will enter the courtyard through the most amazing and unique wrought iron gate surrounded by the mysterious and historic Van Dusen Mansion. They will be awe-inspired by the towering ivy-covered stone walls and elegant twinkling cafe string lights that drape across the courtyard. A truly romantic setting whether you choose to say “I Do” at a daytime ceremony or nighttime under the stars.

VERSATILITY

The incredible versatility that the team at the Van Dusen Mansion and The Courtyard is that after your “I Do’s,” the setting can be turned into a magical setting for your wedding reception and party. 

This space offers great flexibility for your table setup design. You can choose to pair round and long tables together, all long tables or all round tables - The Courtyard is truly a space that can be developed into your dream wedding, all while creating a lovely and charming ambiance. 

Add live musicians or a disc jockey and watch as your guests dance the night away under the stars and cafe string lights that twinkle and delight. 

ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE

Create lasting memories when you decorate our Arbor to match your theme and style while ultimately developing a magical altar to tie the knot! Your guests will feel every emotion of your love story and ceremony as you will walk down the aisle between the white garden folding chairs. The grandeur of The Van Dusen Mansion and the courtyard’s quaintness are perfect for intimate and petite weddings in Minnesota. Your wedding guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind wedding experience on your special day and will have memories to cherish a lifetime.

PORTRAIT LOCATIONS

When you choose The Courtyard at The Van Dusen Mansion for your wedding ceremony, the portrait opportunities are nearly endless.  Wedding portraits can be captured around The Courtyard, including the romantic ivy-covered wall, rustic wrought iron gate, and throughout the Mansion. Your wedding album will have fantastic photographs that will tell your love story and special moments from your wedding day. 

GRAND IN DESIGN - BIG ON EXPERIENCE

If you are envisioning a unique wedding experience, one that will Wow your guests, courtyard weddings with amazing details are a must. Find a venue with magical features, earthy, and natural decor that will create a magical backdrop for your wedding. In Minnesota, you will find all of these things at The Courtyard at the Van Dusen Mansion. It is rich and grand in design, yet cozy and intimate. Built in 1892 The Van Dusen Mansion and The Courtyard is filled with old-world charm, history, and enchanting elements that will amaze your guests. 

The Van Dusen Mansion evokes a Richardson Romanesque style complemented by the French Renaissance’s spires and turrets. It is a stone mason's masterpiece, made entirely of hand-carved pink Sioux Quartzite. It is a wedding venue, unlike any other, and combined with the exceptional and professional service that is provided by the team, there is no doubt that your outdoor wedding in the Courtyard will be extraordinary.

PETITE WEDDINGS

As smaller, petite weddings are becoming more popular with modern-day couples, courtyards are proving to be the number one choice for outdoor weddings. With a touch of whimsy with cafe string lights, the old-world elegance of the surrounding mansion, and the enchanting ivy-covered walls, The Courtyard is a romantic, intimate, and private setting for your small wedding and reception. Even though the wedding venue is a grand, sprawling mansion filled with luxury, history, and classic charm, it is still perfect for cozy petite weddings.  

For more information on how you can plan your petite wedding in an enchanting and divine courtyard wedding venue in Minnesota click here.

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