Minnetonka Orchard is a family-owned, working apple orchard 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities. With 43 acres of rolling hills and apple trees, a tent that accommodates up to 300 people, private bonfire, and string-lit patio, this venue has so much to offer. If you are looking for a stunning outdoor wedding venue in Minnesota, a Minnetonka Orchard wedding might be for you!
Anna and Jason are a laidback, nature-loving couple, which means I immediately liked them. They put together a perfectly casual but beautiful wedding day, including a Porsche 356, wood-fired pizza buffet, and bonfire with s’mores. I can’t wait to share their day with you all!
The day began with getting-ready and Jason’s parents’ house. These two were surrounded by so much love and support from their family and friends (and dogs). The finishing touches were completed in the separate getting ready cabins at Minnetonka Orchard.
Anna and Jason chose to do a first look with private reading of their vows. The small covered bridge at Minnetonka Orchard was the perfect space for their moment together. More couples are choosing to read their vows privately to one another, and reading more scripted vows during their ceremony. I love that this gives you a more intimate moment to share what you want to say without others listening in.
After the first look, it was time for photos with the whole wedding party! Anna and Jason’s people were so much fun to work with. They were so happy to participate in photos and were very diligent about making sure everyone had their phones out of their pockets. Ha!
The ceremony space at Minnetonka Orchard is a historic gazebo on a grassy lawn. Golf carts are available to help guests with limited mobility get to this space. It can be pretty sunny and hot in the summer, so don’t forget the sunscreen!
Now, the moment we have all been waiting for, the Porsche! Jason has spent years restoring a Porsche 356, and it has been a huge part of their relationship. It might not always start when it’s hot out, and we maybe almost had to come back for it later, but it was worth it. We drove off to take photos of the bride and groom with their prized car by the lake.
We arrive back to Minnetonka Orchard to lots of hugs before speeches, a pizza buffet from Northern Fires Pizza, first dances, s’mores. Minnetonka Orchard offers a bonfire right outside of the reception tent for an additional charge. They tend to the fire for as long as you would like, so you don’t have to worry about a thing! And who doesn’t love to cozy up next to a bonfire with a s’more in hand?
To end the night, we snuck away just in time for golden hour. The beautiful, rolling hills of the orchard made a perfect backdrop for the brilliant sunset. Minnetonka Orchard is a perfect location for golden hour photos!
Venue: Minnetonka Orchard
Florist: Lily of the Lakes
Hair: Shelly Magdelene
Makeup: Makeup by Sara Foth
Caterer: Northern Fires Pizza
Desserts: Sota-Licious
Videographer: Captured by Sav