The Ultimate Minnesota Fall Wedding Guide

Pick Your Date Carefully

September and October are popular for a reason. The weather is usually comfortable, the scenery is beautiful, and the fall colors can make your wedding photos incredible.

If having colorful leaves is high on your list, keep in mind that peak colors can change from year to year. Early October might look completely different from late October.

And don’t forget about the shorter days. As we get further into fall, the sun sets earlier, which can make a big difference when planning your ceremony and photo timeline.

Have a Plan for Minnesota Weather

You already know Minnesota weather does whatever it wants.

You could have a beautiful 70-degree day in October, or you could have 40-degree temperatures and rain.

If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, make sure you know what happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Ask your venue about indoor ceremony options, covered spaces, heaters, and how quickly guests can move inside.

Having a backup plan doesn’t mean you’re expecting rain. It just means you won’t spend your wedding day worrying about it. (Wedding weather insurance is a thing; look into it.)

Take Advantage of the Fall Colors

One of the best parts of a Minnesota fall wedding is the scenery.

When you’re choosing your venue and planning your photo timeline, look for opportunities to take photos outside. Trees, fields, lakes, barns, and even a simple tree-lined road can make an amazing backdrop.

Talk to your photographer about where the best fall colors will be around your venue and when you can sneak away for portraits.

And don’t forget about sunset. Your wedding photographer can help you figure out the best time to get those golden-hour photos without missing your reception.

Bring Fall Into Your Wedding

You don’t have to cover everything in pumpkins to have a fall wedding.

Some of our favorite fall wedding colors include:

• Burgundy
• Rust
• Deep green
• Terracotta
• Cream
• Champagne
• Plum

You can bring those colors into your flowers, bridesmaid dresses, invitations, table décor, signage, and other details. A few seasonal touches usually go a long way.

Make Your Reception Feel Cozy

This is where a fall wedding really gets fun. Think warm lighting, candles, greenery, beautiful florals, textured linens, and a reception space that feels inviting.

Lighting can make a huge difference once the sun goes down. Uplighting can change the entire look of a room, while dance-floor lighting helps create the energy you want once the party starts.

Add a Few Minnesota-Inspired Details

Fall gives you plenty of ways to make your wedding feel personal.

Think cider, seasonal cocktails, local treats, cozy late-night snacks, fall flowers, or even a warm drink station.

You don’t need to make every detail seasonal. Pick a few things that fit your personalities and run with them.

Your Fall Wedding Checklist

Before the big day, make sure you’ve thought about:

• A backup plan for bad weather
• Indoor ceremony options
• Sunset and photo timing
• Outdoor heaters or blankets
• Where guests will put their coats
• Transportation between locations
• Reception lighting
• DJ and entertainment
• Photography and videography
• Seasonal food and drinks

One Last Thing

If you take anything from this Ultimate Minnesota Fall Wedding Guide, it’s don’t let the weather stress you out.

Your fall wedding doesn’t have to look exactly like the Pinterest board you created. The leaves might not be at peak color. It might be colder than you expected. It might even rain.

At the end of the day, you’ll still be surrounded by your favorite people, you’ll still get married, and you’ll still have a dance floor full of people celebrating with you.

That’s what you’ll remember.

Planning a fall wedding in Minnesota? Complete Weddings + Events Minneapolis offers photography, videography, DJ, coordination, and lighting services to help bring your entire wedding day together.