Top 5 Wedding Planners in Minnesota

Minnesota is a state of stunning contrasts, known affectionately as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and home to a vibrant cultural scene that rivals any coastal metropolis. The event landscape here is as diverse as the seasons themselves, with the Twin Cities cementing themselves as a premier destination for celebrations that offer a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and high-end sophistication.

However, planning a wedding here presents a unique set of challenges—navigating the compressed construction season, managing guest logistics during the bustling State Fair, and ensuring your outdoor ceremony has a solid Plan B for unpredictable weather.

This competitive and complex environment is exactly why partnering with a seasoned professional is not just a luxury, but a necessity for a successful event. The best wedding planners in Minnesota do more than just book vendors; they act as your logistical architects, design curators, and local guides. They know which florists can source peonies in late June, which venues have the best acoustics for live bands, and how to transport 150 guests from a downtown ceremony to a lakeside reception without hitting rush hour traffic. With so many talented professionals operating in the state, you have the advantage of finding a partner who perfectly aligns with your specific aesthetic and budgetary needs.

We curated this list of the top five wedding planners in Minnesota who have proven they can handle the nuances of the Minnesota market with grace, creativity, and unwavering professionalism. Whether you are envisioning an industrial-chic warehouse venue affair in the North Loop or a rustic wedding venue lakeside gathering up north, these experts have the skills to bring your vision to life.

How we curate our list of top wedding planners in Minnesota

Identifying the best talent in the wedding industry requires looking beyond a curated Instagram feed. We selected these planners based on their professional standing and verified client feedback. Our team looked for consistent quality, reliability, and a demonstrated ability to execute complex events within the unique constraints of the Minnesota market.

Our selection criteria include:

• Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction.
• Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and wedding publications.
• Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups and verified business operations ensure that these professionals adhere to ethical standards and stay current with industry regulations.

Every planner on this list has demonstrated the ability to execute complex events with skill and creativity.

Best wedding planners in Minnesota

1. J’aime Events

Company name and founder/lead planner: J’aime Events / Jaime Engebretson

Specialty/niche: Comprehensive wedding planning and coordination for couples in the Twin Cities and surrounding Minnesota areas who value a stress-free experience, with a focus on bridging the gap between logistical management and design execution.

Notable projects or signature style: A blend of classic elegance with modern organization, featuring meticulously timed itineraries and seamless transitions between multiple locations, such as church ceremonies followed by reception venues.

Pricing: Full service wedding planning starts at $4,000 and scale depending on the level of support you’re looking for.

Why we love them: We love J’aime Events for the personal dedication Jaime brings to every celebration. Client reviews consistently mention her calming presence and ability to handle unexpected situations with grace, which is invaluable during the high-pressure moments of a wedding day. She has a strong reputation across review platforms, with testimonials highlighting her ability to bring beautiful and stress-free events to life.

Connect with them: Follow @jaimeevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.

2. Bellagala

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Bellagala / Tim George

Specialty/niche: A full-service “one-stop shop” model bundling essential services like photography, DJ, and floral design to create a seamless, unified team approach for large-scale weddings.

Notable projects or signature style: Highly adaptable aesthetics ranging from grand ballroom receptions to intimate outdoor wedding venues, characterized by high production values and efficient timelines due to tight internal team integration.

Pricing: The Wedding Coordinator package costs on average $2,295 and covers initial consultation, planning assistance, vendor searches, rehearsal dinner planning, day-of coordination, and more.

Why we love them: We love Bellagala for the sheer convenience and reliability they offer. Their integrated model simplifies the process significantly, and they have an extensive track record in the state with a deep bench of talent that provides a safety net smaller companies may not offer. Clients appreciate the reliability of their award-winning services and the ease of managing multiple aspects of their wedding through a single professional source.

Connect with them: Follow @bellagala on Instagram and @bellagala_weddings on TikTok for a peek into their creative process and recent events.

3. HappiLily Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: HappiLily Events / Lily Hansen

Specialty/niche: Bringing a joyful and personalized touch to wedding planning for couples who want their day to feel uniquely “them,” specializing in details like custom signage and interactive guest book stations.

Notable projects or signature style: A bright, cheerful aesthetic incorporating vibrant florals and playful design elements, often featuring unique venue transformations that soften industrial spaces or enhance natural outdoor beauty.

Pricing: HappiLily Events’ services begin at $2,200, but they note that their clients typically have budgets over $50,000 for 100-150 gusts.

Why we love them: We love HappiLily Events for the genuine enthusiasm Lily brings to her work. Her brand is built on positivity and joy, and according to customer feedback, clients appreciate her for being both organized and incredibly fun to work with. Testimonials highlight her ability to coordinate and design with a fresh perspective that makes the planning journey as enjoyable as the event itself.

Connect with them: Follow @happililyevents on Instagram and TikTok for a peek into their creative process and recent events.

4. Artful Events & Design

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Artful Events & Design / Naomi Anderson

Specialty/niche: “Artful” weddings where design is paramount, providing a boutique experience that pays close attention to color palettes, textures, and the overall atmosphere for an immersive experience.

Notable projects or signature style: Polished, elegant, and timeless designs featuring sophisticated table settings and cohesive themes, often creating “moments” or vignettes of decor that serve as perfect photo opportunities.

Pricing: Wedding management (you plan, they perfect it) starts at $2,300. Enhanced management starts at $3,000. Get in touch to learn more about all-inclusive, higher-tier packages.

Why we love them: We love Artful Events & Design for Naomi’s commitment to aesthetic excellence. Her reviews highlight her ability to listen to clients’ abstract ideas and translate them into a tangible reality that exceeds expectations. As a premier Minnesota wedding planning and design firm, clients value her curated approach that ensures every visual element is intentional and cohesive.

Connect with them: Follow @artfuleventsdesign on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.

5. Style-Architects Weddings & Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Style-Architects Weddings & Events / Rachelle Mazumdar

Specialty/niche: Their niche sits at the intersection of strategic planning and elevated aesthetics, helping couples articulate their vision and translate it into a cohesive experience. Rather than chasing trends, the team focuses on uncovering what matters most to each couple, then building a design and planning framework that supports those priorities. This approach makes them especially well-suited for couples who value thoughtful storytelling, visual cohesion, and a well-paced guest experience.

Notable projects or signature style: The Style-Architects signature style is clean, modern, and editorial, yet always grounded in the couple’s story. Their design work often features intentional palettes, architectural floral arrangements, and layouts that emphasize flow and spatial balance. Across their portfolio, each element serves a clear purpose. Whether working in refined indoor venues or open, light-filled spaces, their events are known for feeling timeless, composed, and visually cohesive from start to finish.

Pricing: They offer a tiered planning structure designed to meet couples where they are in the process. Current starting prices include:

• Design and Creative Direction: starting at $3,000
• Wedding Coordination: starting at $2,450
• “Diet” Full-Service Wedding Planning: starting at $9,000
• Full-Service Wedding Planning: request a quote

Why we love them: We love Style-Architects Weddings & Events for their rare ability to combine high-level design expertise with deeply personal planning support. Reviews consistently praise the team for being calm, responsive, and exceptionally organized, especially during high-pressure moments. Couples frequently mention how supported they felt throughout the process, noting that the planners listened closely, offered thoughtful guidance, and executed wedding days that felt polished without ever feeling impersonal. Many reviewers also credit the team with making complex planning feel manageable and even enjoyable.

See more from Style-Architects Weddings & Events on their Instagram: @stylearchitectsweddings.

Tips to find the right Minnesota wedding planner

Choosing a wedding planner in Minnesota involves more than just liking their Instagram feed. You need a partner who can navigate the specific challenges of the local market, from unpredictable weather to competitive vendor booking. Here are five practical tips to help you evaluate potential planners.

1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics

Don’t just ask if they know the Twin Cities—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions:

• “What is the parking situation in the North Loop on a Saturday night?”
• “Which venues in Northeast Minneapolis have noise ordinances that end at 10 pm versus midnight?”
• “How do you handle guest transportation if our ceremony is in Saint Paul but the wedding reception venue is in Minnetonka?”

A planner with real local experience will answer immediately and offer alternatives. Vague responses like “we’ll figure it out” are red flags. Ask them to walk you through how they would handle guest movement between specific areas. Their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across the metro area or are just listing it on their website.

2. Check how they navigate peak season conflicts

Minnesota has a short but intense wedding season, often complicated by major regional events. Ask prospective planners: “How do you handle vendor availability during the Minnesota State Fair or major Vikings games?”

The right answer includes specific strategies: backup vendor lists, early booking timelines, and traffic mitigation plans. They should mention specific Minnesota events without you prompting them. For example, the State Fair creates massive traffic congestion around Saint Paul in late August. A seasoned planner will know exactly which routes to avoid and will have already factored that into your timeline if your date overlaps.

Follow up with: “Can you show me an example of an event you planned during a high-traffic weekend?” Did they book shuttles? Find alternative routes? Their past problem-solving reveals their real expertise.

3. Assess their crisis management for weather challenges

Minnesota weather is famous for its extremes. Ask about backup plans: “What happens if a blizzard hits in November or a heat wave strikes in July?”

Experienced Minnesota planners have protocols ready: relationships with indoor backup venues, tent rental companies with heavy-duty heaters, and guest communication templates for weather delays. Ask: “Can you walk me through how you handled a weather crisis for a past client?”

Listen for specifics. Did they have tent sidewalls ready for wind? Did they secure a coat check for a winter wedding? Their answer should include vendor names, timeline decisions, and cost implications they managed. Generic “we’re flexible” responses indicate they haven’t stress-tested their process in Minnesota’s real conditions.

4. Measure budget realism for this market

Share your budget range and ask: “What is realistic for a wedding in the Twin Cities with this budget?”

Good planners will be honest. They might say, “For a North Loop industrial wedding venue, expect to spend X. Here is where we can save: choosing a Friday date or looking at venues in the suburbs.” They should offer two to three cost tiers with concrete examples.

Warning sign: Promising everything without discussing tradeoffs. Ask: “Show me two past events—one at our budget and one 50% higher. What did the extra money buy?” Their answer (better venue location vs. more elaborate decor vs. premium vendor access) reveals what they actually optimize for and whether it aligns with your priorities.

5. Confirm communication style fits the pace

The Minnesota market can move fast, especially for popular summer dates. Ask: “What is your typical response time?” and “How do you prefer to communicate?”

Test this during your selection process—note how quickly they respond to your inquiries and whether their style matches your needs. Some planners do weekly check-ins; others are available via text. Neither is wrong, but misalignment creates stress.

Ask about decision-making: “When do you need answers from us versus when do you handle decisions independently?” You need a planner who can act quickly when a vendor hold is about to expire but also knows when to loop you in. Request a sample timeline from a past event showing their communication cadence—it previews your experience.

Tips for planning an event in Minnesota

Planning a wedding in Minnesota requires a keen eye on the calendar and the thermometer. The success of your event often hinges on how well you anticipate the unique environmental and logistical factors of the region.

Consider weather patterns and seasons

Minnesota has four distinct seasons, each with its own risks and rewards. Check the National Weather Service Twin Cities data for historical data to help you choose a date.

• Winter (Nov-March): Beautiful for snowy photos, but travel can be hazardous. Venues with skyway access in Minneapolis are premium options.
• Spring (April-May): Unpredictable. It can be 70 degrees or snowing. Indoor venues with outdoor options are safest.
• Summer (June-Aug): Popular but humid. July can see highs in the 90s. Air conditioning is non-negotiable for indoor receptions.
• Fall (Sept-Oct): The most popular season due to stunning foliage. Book venues 12-18 months in advance.

Avoid major events (unless that’s your vibe)

Traffic and hotel availability become nightmares during these major local events. Consult the Explore Minnesota events calendar to spot potential conflicts.

• Minnesota State Fair: Late August through Labor Day. Avoid venues near the fairgrounds in Saint Paul.
• Twin Cities Marathon: Early October. Major road closures in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
• Vikings Home Games: Sundays in fall/winter. Downtown Minneapolis traffic and parking prices spike.
• Grandma’s Marathon: June in Duluth. Avoid the North Shore unless booked years out.

Factor transportation and parking into planning

In the Twin Cities, parking can be scarce, especially in Uptown and the North Loop. If your venue does not have a dedicated lot, consider hiring a valet service or arranging shuttles from a hotel. For guests flying in, MSP Airport is the primary hub, and Metro Transit offers light rail options connecting the airport to downtown. For winter weddings, heated transportation (like a bus or trolley) is a thoughtful touch that guests will appreciate.

FAQs about wedding planning in Minnesota

When should I hire a Minnesota wedding planner?

You should hire a planner as soon as you have your date, ideally 12 to 18 months in advance. Minnesota has a compressed wedding season due to the weather, meaning prime dates in June, September, and October book up incredibly fast.

How much does a wedding planner cost in Minnesota?

Costs vary widely based on experience and scope. Day-of coordination typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. Partial planning often falls between $3,500 and $6,000. Full-service planning and design usually starts around $7,000 and can go up to $15,000+ for luxury events.

Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?

Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to protect the property, manage the facilities, and ensure the food is served on time. An independent wedding planner works for you. They manage your timeline, coordinate all your outside vendors (florist, DJ, photographer), and advocate for your vision.

Why hire a local Minnesota planner versus bringing someone from out of town?

A local planner has established relationships with the best vendors in the state. They know which florists can source peonies in June and which caterers specialize in local wild rice dishes. They also understand local regulations, parking quirks, and how to navigate Minnesota weather, which an out-of-town planner might underestimate.

Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life

Your wedding is a reflection of your unique story, and it begins with finding the right environment. Whether you dream of a modern loft in the Warehouse District, a historic mansion wedding venue on Summit Avenue, or a private lakeside retreat, Minnesota offers endless possibilities.

The expert planners on this list have the local knowledge and creative vision to take those spaces and transform them into something extraordinary. By pairing a unique Peerspace wedding venue in Minnesota with a top-tier planner, you ensure that every detail—from the lighting to the logistics—is handled with care.

If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions. It helps us keep our recommendations accurate, balanced, and genuinely useful for every reader.