Photo courtesy of The Hotel Landing
The Hotel Landing
The Hotel Landing
925 Lake St., Wayzata, 952-777-7900, thehotellanding.com
Lake Minnetonka has long been a hotspot for brides and grooms who want to show their guests what the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” fuss is all about. There’s a new venue in Wayzata that’s hoping to appeal to couples who envision their wedding weekend as a close-to-home, all-in-one destination.
Slated to open in early summer, and with weddings already on the books for fall, The Hotel Landing is billing itself as the first hotel to be built this close to the Lake Minnetonka shoreline in 50 years.
“We are getting a lot of people who want to get married in this area but want something new,” says The Hotel Landing’s catering sales manager Danielle Gomis. “They want something that is more contemporary, clean, and modern,” which you’ll find in the hotel’s Nordic spa (perfect for bridal party primping), 92 guest rooms (room blocks are available), and a 2,710-square-foot ballroom, complete with two balconies, for your reception.
Packages are named for the lake’s bays—Robinson’s Bay, Wayzata Bay, Gray’s Bay—and include necessities like a dance floor, tables, linens, votives, valet parking, and even a suite for the newlyweds the evening of the wedding. Food and beverages from onsite restaurant ninetwentyfive are also figured into the cost. “I’m a firm believer in no hidden costs,” Gomis says. “Everything is upfront. It’s easier for me; it’s easier for the bride and groom.”
In addition to this all-inclusiveness, Gomis—who spent the majority of her career at high-end properties in California such as Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa—is excited for the customization possibilities, whether that’s a beer tasting, a champagne bar, or an infused water station. “I want to be the venue that will do something fun, new, and creative,” she says. “I want to be able to bring trends from the coasts to Minnesota.”
Photo courtesy of Hewing Hotel
Hewing Hotel Lobby
Hewing Hotel
300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400, hewinghotel.com
When Hewing Hotel opened in November, it was applauded for its uniquely Minnesota aesthetic. While exposed brick and high ceilings play to downtown’s loft-living trend, the hotel’s 124 rooms and 13 suites are filled with Faribault throws, woodsy motifs, and décor from local makers, giving off a very “up north” cabin vibe. It’s a winning combination for brides and grooms who want to share the best of both Minnesota worlds with their guests.
“People who want to have a wedding here are the ones that want to give out-of-towners an experience and a taste of our state the right way,” says sales and catering manager Rachel Mattison.
Amenities like a yoga studio and rooftop complete with a pool, Finnish sauna, and full-service bar are complemented by event spaces for groups of any size. Featuring a cozy fireplace, The Library is perfect for a wedding-weekend kickoff event, like a welcome party or post-rehearsal cocktail hour, while the 2,556-square-foot Andrews Ballroom can accommodate up to 176 guests for a dinner provided by onsite restaurant Tullibee.
“The space is really a blank canvas,” Mattison says. “We have kept as much of the history of the building as we could with the brick, beams, and window shape, and we have mingled it with modern pieces such as gorgeous chandeliers. The space is raw but also welcoming.”
Photo by Caitlin Abrams
Hotel Alma
Alma
528 University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-379-4909, almampls.com
Though Restaurant Alma, which first opened in 1999, is no stranger to hosting events, its recent reincarnation as a restaurant, café, and hotel is putting it on the map as a one-stop shop for brides and grooms who are looking for an out-of-the-box wedding venue.
“Alma is perfect for the couple who wants a more food- and hospitality-focused experience,” says Alma event coordinator Hannah Bredahl of the six private dining options that can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 130 people.
The private dining rooms are perfect for welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, or day-after brunches, while Suite No. 5—which opens up to an outdoor patio in warmer months—is ideal for a getting-ready breakfast with your bridesmaids the morning of the wedding. This past spring, Alma even hosted a full-building-buyout wedding, which included a ceremony in the restaurant, cocktail hour in the café, and dinner back in the restaurant.
“There’s flexibility,” Bredahl says. “There are a lot of nice, intimate spaces to have a very thoughtful event.”
And at the end of the evening, the newlyweds and their guests can retreat to seven uniquely designed rooms, curated by local designer Talin Spring of Spring Finn & Co., and wake up to a tray of coffee and pastries, compliments of the hotel.
The Perfect Host
Hospitality pros offer their tips for a seamless wedding-weekend hotel stay.
- “It is never too early to book your hotel room block. We advise booking at least six months in advance.” —Heather Gasper, The Depot Minneapolis
- “Look through the guest list and try to estimate the number of rooms you’ll need before making a room block. Some factors to consider are where your guests are traveling from and whether or not they have family in the area they would stay with as opposed to a hotel.”—Melissa Rolf, The Commons Hotel
- “Earn your points! Most hotel brands have a rewards program. The bride and groom can earn points for any of the rooms that their guests book within their block. This could mean a complimentary night in the future.” —Samantha Freimark, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
- “Plan a welcome gift or letter for your guests to receive upon their arrival to the hotel. That way, the first thing they see is a token of your appreciation for playing a part in your big day!” —Caroline Jordan, Radisson Blu Mall of America
