South Dakota Honeymoon Road Trip: The Best Stops for a Romantic Adventure Out West

From “I Do” at Adler Ranch in Minnesota to the Open Roads of South Dakota: Your Honeymoon Starts Here

So, you pulled off the ultimate cowboy chic wedding at Adler Ranch—cowhide rugs, wildflowers, vintage neon signs glowing in the background, and the sound of boots two-stepping under the stars. You said “I do” with serious style. And now? It’s time to roll down the windows, crank the playlist, and ride straight into married life with a honeymoon road trip that keeps the Western vibes going strong.

If the thought of a crowded airport or overpriced resort makes you want to gallop in the opposite direction, we’ve got your solution: a South Dakota honeymoon road trip. From the prairies of the Badlands to the winding roads of the Black Hills, this is where adventure meets romance—just a day’s drive from your wedding venue in Minnesota. Whether you're glamping, exploring, or antique-hunting along the way, this itinerary is packed with memorable stops, scenic views, and plenty of chances to pull over and say, “Can you believe this is our life now?”

Cowboy Chic Wedding Style: How to Pull Off Western Elegance at Your Minnesota Wedding

There’s something downright iconic about the blend of dusty boots and soft lace. The worn texture of a whiskey barrel next to a bouquet of wildflowers. The glint of turquoise jewelry and a cowhide rug catching golden hour light. If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding that mixes country grit with timeless style, welcome to your sign: Cowboy Chic is in—and Adler Ranch was made for it.

Why Adler Ranch Is the Perfect Backdrop for a Cowboy Chic Wedding

As a longtime wedding venue owner in the heart of Minnesota lake country, we've seen trends come and go—but Western elegance? It’s always had staying power. And at Adler Ranch, we’ve spent years curating a space where that aesthetic isn’t forced—it’s woven into the landscape.

Located just north of Alexandria, MN—an easy drive from both Fargo and the Twin Cities—Adler Ranch offers more than just scenic views. We offer an immersive experience filled with character: vintage neon signs, authentic cow-hide rugs, whiskey barrels, beer garden tables, wildflower fields, and a backdrop that effortlessly blends rugged charm with elevated style. This isn’t your basic barn venue. This is Cowboy Chic done right.

Ready to bring your Western wedding vision to life? Keep reading to explore how to make your Cowboy Chic wedding stand out—and why Adler Ranch might just be the one.

10 Creative Ways to Reuse Extra Fabric from Your Wedding Dress Alterations

Keepsake Ideas Inspired by Real Adler Ranch Weddings

At Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, we’ve seen a lot of wedding gowns—and we mean a lot. From vintage lace showstoppers to sleek satin modern gowns, they all come in with a dream and leave a little trail of fabric scraps behind after alterations. But here’s the thing: that leftover fabric? It’s not just debris from your seamstress’s scissors—it’s memory-laced material waiting to become something meaningful.

Over the years, many of our Adler Ranch brides have surprised us with what they’ve done with their dress scraps. We’re talking baptism gowns, custom boutonnières, handmade ornaments. One even wrapped her bouquet in lace from her mom’s old wedding dress and her own altered train—cue the ugly cry. These ideas aren’t just adorable; they’re deeply personal, practical, and rooted in real-life love stories that unfolded right here at the Ranch.

So before you toss those trimmings in the trash, read this list of creative, heartfelt ways to repurpose your wedding dress alteration fabric. You might just find the perfect keepsake idea to carry your wedding memories into the future.

Outdoor Wedding Venues Near Alexandria, MN: How to Pick One Without Regretting Everything

Outdoor Weddings at Adler Ranch: What Minnesota Couples Actually Need to Know

Planning an outdoor wedding in Minnesota is basically a game of weather roulette meets Pinterest-fueled optimism. One minute you're dreaming of golden-hour photos in a wildflower field... the next, you're Googling “can a wedding happen in sideways rain?” (Answer: yes, but only if your venue didn’t phone it in.)

If you’re searching “outdoor wedding venues Minnesota,” you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong. Minnesota summers are short, magical, and meant to be spent outside. But picking the perfect place? That’s the part no one prepares you for. Until now.

This guide will walk you through what to look for in an outdoor wedding venue in Minnesota—what actually matters, what sounds cute but isn’t, and how Adler Ranch has already thought of (and solved) the hard parts. Spoiler alert: your mom won’t need to clean up in her sequined dress. Not here.

👀 Ready to see Adler Ranch in person? Book a tour today and experience the magic for yourself.

Barn Wedding Venue Minnesota: Why Adler Ranch Isn’t Your Average Barn

Adler Ranch: A Barn Wedding Venue in Minnesota That Breaks the Mold

Looking for a barn wedding venue in Minnesota that isn’t just a string-lighted pole shed? Adler Ranch offers vintage signs, custom woodwork, and a barn with serious personality—plus private wedding suites, wildflower fields, and a Grain Bin Bar your guests will never forget.

Wedding Locations Near Me That Don’t Feel Like Everyone Else’s Wedding

What Makes Adler Ranch Stand Out Among Wedding Spots Near Fargo and Minneapolis

Let’s be honest: searching for “wedding locations near me” can feel like clicking through the same five barns and ballrooms on repeat. You want something different—somewhere that feels like your wedding, not the hundred others that happened last weekend.

Adler Ranch isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. We're not a Pinterest-perfect package deal or a trendy pop-up venue with generic vibes. We’re a private wedding venue five miles outside Alexandria, MN, with a vintage sign collection 40 years in the making, a Grain Bin Bar that actually chills your beer, and a vibe that’s unapologetically one-of-a-kind. If you’re looking for wedding places near you that don’t blend into the crowd, you’re in the right spot. Let’s dive into what makes a wedding location worth the drive—and why Adler Ranch might be your perfect match. Read more to learn about ‘Wedding locations near me that don’t feel like everyone else’s wedding!

Unforgettable Summer Weddings near Alexandria & Fargo

Celebrate Your Summer Wedding at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue

Picture this: A golden summer evening, the scent of fresh-cut grass in the air, and a warm breeze rustling through the trees. Your guests sip cold drinks under a massive collection of vintage signage from the 1950s, vintage neon lights and twinkling string lights while the sun dips below the horizon, casting a dreamy glow over the landscape.

A summer wedding at Adler Ranch? Think golden sunsets, vintage neon lights, and unforgettable moments. Just two hours from Minneapolis & Fargo! Book a tour today.

5 Tips for a Stress-Free, Affordable Micro Wedding Near St. Cloud, MN

Adler Ranch: The Ultimate Intimate Wedding Destination near St Cloud Minnesota

Learn how a micro wedding at Adler Ranch near St. Cloud, MN, can make your celebration more intimate, personal, and unforgettable. With a smaller guest list, you can focus on meaningful details like elevated dining, stunning floral arrangements, and capturing every special moment.

Spring weddings near St Cloud, MN, your perfect outdoor celebration!

Why a Spring Wedding at Adler Ranch is Pure Magic (and Zero Mosquitoes)

A spring wedding at Adler Ranch offers the perfect backdrop of vibrant nature and mild temperatures, creating an unforgettable celebration. Say ‘I do’ in a magical setting near St Cloud MN.

Behind the Scenes at a Minnesota Wedding Venue: The Hard Work Behind a Ranch Wedding

How Adler Ranch Prepares for Every Wedding at Our Venue Near St. Cloud, MN

When couples and their guests arrive for a wedding at our venue, they step into a world of vintage charm and and affordable luxury, where we have prepared all season to be ready for your wedding! Adler Ranch, nestled in the heart of Minnesota, isn’t just a barn wedding venue—it’s a place where history and love stories intertwine. One of the most iconic features of our venue is our massive vintage lighted sign collection, which we’ve been curating for over 40 years. Each sign has a story, and many have taken over a decade to track down. Unlike mass-produced replicas, every sign at Adler Ranch is authentic—original pieces carefully matched with their correct poles and lights. We never settle for reproductions, ensuring that the atmosphere we create is genuinely historic. Our collection is always evolving, and our next project includes the installation of vintage parking lot signs, adding yet another layer of nostalgia to the experience.

But while guests enjoy the ambiance, most don’t realize the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to prepare for each wedding. A stunning venue doesn’t maintain itself—it takes hours of dedication every single week, all season long.

St Cloud MN Area Wedding Spaces, 30 Unforgettable Wedding Spaces at Adler Ranch Near St. Cloud, MN

Adler Ranch isn’t just a wedding venue—it’s an adventure waiting to happen! Nestled just two hours from Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND, and an hour from St. Cloud MN, Adler Ranch is packed with hidden gems, quirky photo ops, and one-of-a-kind spaces that our wedding couples and their guests absolutely love. Whether you’re looking for a dreamy spot to sneak away for a private moment or a vintage sign that sets the perfect photo backdrop, Adler Ranch delivers. Here are 30 must-see spaces that our wedding couples have been loving for years and make our venue unforgettable!

Micro Weddings in Minnesota: Affordable & Intimate Venues Near Minneapolis MN

Micro Weddings at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue: The Perfect Venue for an Intimate Celebration near Minneapolis MN

Weddings don’t have to be big to be unforgettable. In fact, some of the most stunning, personal, and deeply meaningful celebrations happen on a much smaller scale. Enter the micro wedding—a growing trend that proves less can be so much more. Whether you call it an elopement, an intimate wedding, or just a scaled-down version of the traditional event, micro weddings offer couples a chance to focus on what truly matters: an incredible experience with their closest loved ones.

At Adler Ranch, Wedding venue, located two hours from Minneapolis MN and one hour from St Cloud MN, we offer two flexible options for couples looking to embrace this trend. Our Elopement Package allows up to 50 guests, while our Intimate/Micro Wedding Package keeps things even cozier with a 20-person limit. Need to adjust those numbers? No problem—we can tailor the package to fit your vision! Each package includes everything on the venue, just for a shorter time frame! You can even add onto the length of time for your package if you’d like!

Real Weddings: Brie & Hunter’s Minnesota Fall Wedding

Real Weddings: Brie & Hunter’s Minnesota Fall Wedding at Adler Ranch, Alexandria MN

Brie & Hunter’s wedding day was everything you’d want in a perfect MN fall wedding celebration—crisp air, golden leaves, and a sunset straight out of a dream. From their heartfelt vows to a packed dance floor, every moment was full of joy, love, and a little bit of autumn magic.

Huge thanks to Middle Sister Photo for capturing it all so beautifully, The Depot Smokehouse & Tavern for the incredible food, Two 10 Cakes for the incredible desserts, and Horizon Lights Entertainment for keeping the party going late into the night. Scroll through to see the moments that made their day unforgettable! We wish them all the best and are thrilled they chose Adler Ranch for their wedding!

Why It's Called Adler Ranch: The Story Behind This Alexandria, MN Wedding Venue

Adler Ranch: A Beautiful Alexandria, MN Wedding Venue with a Rich History

Have you ever wondered how a place gets its name? Sometimes, names are passed down through generations, while others are chosen for sentimental reasons. For our family, Adler Ranch wasn’t just a name—it was a reflection of our home, our animals, and an unforgettable part of our lives. After years in the wedding business and so many wedding guests asking how we got our name, we thought we’d share our story!

How to Plan Your Alexandria MN Wedding in Six Months

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Wedding in Central MN in Six Months

Planning a wedding in under six months might sound like a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. After hosting weddings for six years, at Adler Ranch, we specialize in creating unforgettable, stress-free celebrations that highlight what’s truly important: love, family, and good times! Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding, a micro wedding, or a larger celebration, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your wedding in six months or less, with tips to keep things simple and stress-free.

Real Weddings: Courtney & Karl’s Fall Wedding

Real Weddings: Courtney & Karl Fall Wedding at Adler Ranch, Alexandria MN

Courtney and Karl’s October wedding at Adler Ranch was nothing short of amazing—a day full of love, laughter, and all the good vibes! They tied the knot surrounded by the beauty of our outdoor space, even planting blueberry bushes as a sweet unity ritual.

With the magic of our vintage signs and antiques setting the scene, Courtney was absolutely stunning in her Luxe Bridal dress, with hair by MelBelle’s Hair Gallery and makeup by Rowan Beauty Co. Karl kept it cool and stylish in a navy and grey ensemble, topped off with a custom baseball hat that was so him.

The celebration continued in our cozy Banquet Barn, featuring delicious food from Raapers The Catering Company, a gorgeous cake from Nadia Cakes, and a dance floor that DJ Jukebox Jon kept packed all night. Of course, our Grain Bin Bar and Something Borrowed Collection added those special touches that made the day totally unique. It was such a blast being part of their big day—Courtney and Karl, you’re truly one-of-a-kind! ❤️Thank you to Eric Vest Photography and Summit Hills Studios for videography!

Stress-Free Wedding Seating Chart Ideas for Minnesota Couples

Planning a wedding comes with countless details, and one of the trickiest is organizing your wedding seating chart. At Adler Ranch Wedding Venue in Alexandria, MN, we’ve hosted many weddings and know what it takes to create a smooth, enjoyable reception. With our experience and one-of-a-kind venue features, we’re here to offer practical, creative advice on crafting a wedding seating chart that works for you and your guests.

Planning the Perfect Valentine's Day Proposal in Minnesota

Valentine’s Day is the ultimate celebration of love, making it the perfect time to ask the most important question of your life. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy indoor setting or a magical winter adventure, planning a proposal in Minnesota offers plenty of opportunities to create a moment as special as your relationship. To help you get inspired, we’ve put together five romantic ideas to make your Valentine’s Day proposal unforgettable.

So you’re engaged—congratulations! You've shared the exciting news with family and friends, maybe posted photos, but now you’re wondering, What’s next?

Here at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, just outside Alexandria, MN, we’ve seen countless couples step into this joyful chapter. To help you navigate the next steps, we’ve created a handy engagement checklist for couples like you. As a seasonal venue open from May to October, we know how important it is to enjoy the planning process and savor these moments.

Smart Strategies to Save Money on Your Minnesota Wedding

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when trying to stick to a budget. At Adler Ranch Wedding & Event Venue we’ve had the privilege of hosting countless weddings, each as unique as the couples themselves. With years of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to create a stunning celebration without unnecessary expenses, we’ve put together this guide to help you make smart, impactful decisions for your Minnesota wedding. Learn more about how to bring your dream day to life without breaking the bank.