Gala Affair — 14 Elegant Minnesota Ballrooms, Banquet & Reception Halls

There’s so much to consider when choosing a venue for your upcoming gala — theme, guests, budget, décor, ambiance, service, and more. Add to that the number of venues from which to choose and the process can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of 14 of the most elegant ballrooms, banquet and reception halls in Minnesota. Now, planning that gala affair just got a little bit easier.

Banquets of Minnesota, Blaine & Fridley

What makes it special — With two exquisite locations, Banquets of Minnesota ensures that your event will be more than memorable. Fridley’s Grand Olympian ballroom accommodates up to 450 guests and features an extra-large dance area. For groups of up to 300 guests, the venue’s Vivian Ballroom offers a pre-function lobby area, dressing rooms, and permanent lit ceiling drapery. In Blaine, choose from The Elegance Room for up to 330 or the Opulence Room for as many as 200.

What to expect — At both locations, guests enjoy full-service catering artfully prepared by their professionally trained chefs. Additionally, standard amenities include projectors, WiFi, stage, podium, professional sound system, and microphone.

Bunker Hills Event Center, Coon Rapids

What makes it special — Located at the lush and lovely Bunker Hills Golf Club, the Bunker Hills Event Center’s spacious banquet room is ideal for up to 384 of your guests. With an elegant décor, dance floor, outdoor fire pit, and gorgeous views of the course, your gala can’t be anything other than exceptional.

What to expect — Extraordinary cuisine is served here with many options from which to choose, whether you’re hosting a hors d’oeuvres reception, cocktail hour, buffet or sit-down dinner. All packages include WiFi, AV with projector, screen, and high-def TV.

Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center, Mounds View

What makes it special — With more than 100,000 square feet of event space, The Mermaid offers you a choice of two distinctive ballrooms, the Atlantis with space for up to 330, or the Coral-Bay, which can accommodate as many as 400. Connected to the Event Center, guests are invited to stay the night in one of the 69 relaxing rooms of the AmericInn Hotel & Suites.

What to expect — Elegant catering service, state-of-the-art technology and the professional staff make every event special here. Additionally, game room, bowling, and bar & grille offer guests lots of options either before or after your event.

Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, Prior Lake

What makes it special — Revel in the rustic charm of this exceptional setting. The Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club sits within 600 acres of some of the most beautiful countryside in the state. The Banquet Center can welcome as many as 300 guests and offers panoramic views and a fireplace. Hold an outdoor event at the pergola/arbor or on the Pavilion and enjoy the fountain and inspirational atmosphere.

What to expect — Chefs here offer a mouthwatering menu of options that includes wild game dishes as well as more traditional fare. Horse-drawn carriage rides, hayrides, and bonfires are also available. The Hunter’s Lodge and Nature’s Inn Suites offer comfortable lodging for those guests who wish to stay.

Mounds View Event Center, Mounds View

What makes it special — The stunning ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests for a banquet style event or theater seating for up to 400. The 1600 square foot dance floor makes your gathering even more festive.  

What to expect — The open catering policy allows you to bring in the caterer of your choice. The large on-site parking lot offers plenty of space for all your guests. The event center is conveniently located off County Road 10 and easily accessible from both I-35 and I-694.

Walker Art Museum, Minneapolis

What makes it special — Quite simply, the Walker Art Museum offers some of the most unique event spaces in the metro. Choose from the Garden Terrace Room and Terraces for a lovely outdoor event; enjoy stunning views of the city from a variety of lounges, the Skyline Room, or the Cityview Room; or get creative in one of the many galleries.   

What to expect — Event spaces are outfitted with high-tech presentation equipment and offer amazing acoustics. Distinctive catering is available, along with opportunities to enjoy artist-designed mini golf, private gallery tours, and the renowned Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens.

Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center, Anoka

What makes it special — Located in historic Anoka, Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center resides in a park-like setting within easy driving distance to all major metro areas. The first-class banquet facility overlooks the lush golf course. Multiple ballrooms are available for as many as 350 guests.

What to expect — Fantastic on-site catering for plated dinners, banquet buffets, lunches, hot or cold appetizers and more. Full-service restaurant and bar, plus 18-hole championship golf course make this a Twin Cities’ favorite.

Majestic Oaks Golf Club, Ham Lake

What makes it special — Vaulted beamed ceilings, impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, and dramatic wrought iron chandeliers of the Majestic Ballroom make an elegant impression for up to 250 guests. The Fireside Ballroom accommodates 160 and overlooks the golf course and pond with fountain. Outdoor spaces include the Traditional White Gazebo and Mediterranean Style Pergola.

What to expect — Planning and catering specialists are on-site to help with every detail of your event. The upscale venue also includes 45 holes of golf, an award-winning dinner theater, and The Oaks Bar & Grill.

Rush Creek Golf Club, Maple Grove

What makes it special — For up to 350 guests, the spectacular MacMillan ballroom features vaulted ceilings, two beautiful stone fireplaces, a Juliet balcony, terrace, and spectacular views of the golf course outside the panoramic windows.

What to expect — The catering menu is expansive and offers delightful cuisine from hors d’oeuvres to plated entrees, buffets to action stations. The site also features an 18-hole championship golf course and the renowned Highlander Restaurant.

Elliot Park Hotel, Minneapolis

What makes it special — Welcome 200 guests to your gala in the Chestnut Studio at the sophisticated Elliot Park Hotel. The room boasts chic décor, modern technology and large windows. Located in the historic area of downtown, the hotel is within walking distance of several local landmarks including the Minneapolis Convention Center, US Bank Stadium, and Target Field.

What to expect — Guest rooms offer condo-style accommodations with lounge area and separate bedroom. Dine on the flavors of Tuscany at the hotel’s restaurant, Tavola Italian Kitchen & Bar.

Grand View Lodge, Nisswa

What makes it special — The historic Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake is the ideal destination for your gala. Multiple meeting places for groups both large and small, including Headwaters in the Main Lodge. The room offers a warm atmosphere with rich décor for up to 50 guests.

What to expect — The full-service resort offers a variety of guest rooms, lake homes, and villas, fine and casual dining, luxury spa, two golf courses, and year-round lakeside fun including waterfront rentals in the summer and snowboarding and tubing in the winter.

St James Hotel, Red Wing

What makes it special — Set amid the majestic bluffs of the Mississippi River, the historic hotel provides a beautiful backdrop to your grand gala. The Laurentine Room offers views of the river, while the Summit Room features panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley for up to 240 guests.

What to expect — Upscale lodging is available here with 67 Victorian rooms, each luxuriously appointed. Casual dining is served indoors at Jimmy’s or outdoors on the Veranda. The Port presents visitors with one of the finest dining experiences available in Red Wing.

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

What makes it special — With 50,000 square feet of elegant space, you’ll have room for as many as 1000 guests to attend your gala. State-of-the-art AV equipment, award-winning catering, valet services, and free parking make this venue a real winner.

What to expect — Your guests will love the opportunity to enjoy the 788-room luxury hotel, exciting gaming in the casino, indulgent Wave spa, plus live entertainment, and seven different dining options.

Centennial Lakes Park & Atrium, Edina

What makes it special — Surrounded by trees, shrubs, and flowers, the Centennial Lakes Park Hughes Pavilion overlooks a stunning 10-acre lake. Guests love its cozy fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and lakeside patio. The Centennial Lakes Amphitheater is the ideal spot for an outdoor event. Free parking is available on site.

What to expect — The 24-acre park is a natural oasis in the heart of Edina. You are free to bring in the caterer of your choice to serve your guests. Activities such as lawn bowling, paddle boats, and a putting course provide entertainment during breaks or team building opportunities.