Venue Feature: Minneapolis Event Center
I’m always saying how Minneapolis needs more amazing wedding venues given the long wait at the local faves, so when a new one pops up I have to scream “Hooray!” {especially when it’s large and amazing!} If you are looking for a venue, I definitely suggest that you add Minneapolis Event Center to your list. I reached out to the amazing talent who helped redesign the space to share the features that make this such a great venue. Here, Michael Basler, Marketing & Design Manager, Minneapolis Event Center shares his insights. What attracts couples to the Minneapolis Event Center for their weddings?
Couples are attracted to the rich history of our 1850's building and how we've blended just the right amount of modern design features to appeal to current trends. Our space was designed by event planners and designers. Our couples don't need to add a lot of decor to have a beautiful experience.
How does Minneapolis Event Center stand out from other venues in the area?
Our event center has an all-inclusive package. Our clients don't pay extra for things like security, event staffing, coat check, audio visual, linens etc… We've invested in dozens of LED up-lights and floodlights, filling the space with vibrant color and texture. We're also a lot of fun to work with!
Tell us about the spaces available at the Minneapolis Event Center and how they are most often utilized for a wedding.
Our spacious ballroom seats 400 for dinner, with a built-in Morroccan Hardwood dance floor. There is also a 2,000 square foot glass atrium space adjacent to the ballroom which functions as a very comfortable cocktail/lounge area. The atrium wall of windows opens up to our private, brick patio and lush, shaded garden space that offers a great outdoor ceremony space. If it rains, we simply transition the ceremony into the atrium.
What transformations did you make to the space?
We stripped back 30 years of drywall and drop ceilings to reveal the original exposed brick walls and massive hand-hewn beams. The process of restoring the brick was very labor intensive, but worth the extra attention to detail. The atrium space was a complete loss and had to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. The original brick patio was also disassembled one brick at a time, and rebuilt by hand.
What are the benefits of hosting an event at Minneapolis Event Center?
We are a venue in the heart of Minneapolis with the added benefit of 1400 parking spots right across the street. That's a feature that is very important to our clients. When you host an event with us, you get the entire indoor and outdoor space for the day. We never double book our spaces. We offer state of the art audio-visual on our LCD flat screen TV's, our projector and screen, and high-end sound system. Our chairs are mahogany chiavaris, with neutral pads. Our in-house culinary team prepares amazing meals for any time of day or night, right from our on-site kitchen.
What are the benefits of your venue’s location?
The St. Anthony Main neighborhood is so convenient to major downtown hotels, nightlife, theater and shopping. The pedestrian friendly walking paths meander along the banks of the Mississippi River with a gorgeous view of the downtown skyline.
What suggestions do you have for couples getting married in your venue?
We recently hosted a wedding where the couple was married on our patio, and immediately following the ceremony, they entered a horse-drawn carriage and went for a ride along the cobblestone streets. I thought that was such a great idea. Their guests enjoyed cocktail hour, while the couple was able to spend their first married moments together, by themselves.