Minnesota has no shortage of breathtaking wedding venues to choose from. If you are a north-central Minnesota couple searching for the perfect place to celebrate the best day ever, you’re in the right place. I’m starting a little series here on the blog, dedicated to highlighting some unique Minnesota wedding venues. First up in the series is the gorgeous, modern, Minnesota wedding venue: Catalyst by Nature Link.
Modern Minnesota Wedding Venue | Best Minnesota Wedding Venues
Before we dive in to all that Catalyst by Nature Link has to offer, allow me to introduce myself in case we haven’t met yet! My name is Alyssa, and I am a north-central Minnesota wedding photographer based out of Park Rapids, Minnesota. I specialize in capturing heartfelt moments with a timeless touch, encompassing true-to-life edits and honest storytelling. Click here to find out more about the Alyssa Ashley Photography experience! But enough about me; let’s get into all the beauty that is Catalyst by Nature Link.
Back in March, I had the opportunity to take a tour of Catalyst by Nature Link as part of my new blog series highlighting unique Minnesota wedding venues. Located a little more than 2 hours north of Minneapolis is the quaint little town of Nisswa, Minnesota. Tucked 10 minutes outside of town, you’ll find Catalyst by Nature Link. Nestled on 14 wooded acres and a private island on Clark Lake, this venue has all that you could need for a breathtaking wedding day.
Catalyst by Nature Link | Northern Minnesota Wedding Venue
Location: 24621 S. Clark Lake Rd., Nisswa, MN 56468
Maximum Capacity: 225 persons (including couple + wedding party)
Starting Rate: $8,000
Included in Rental:
- Entire venue for the day
- Set up and tear down of all tables, chairs, arches
- End of night cleaning services
- 2 getting ready suites (highlighted below)
- Venue manager + facility manager
- Indoor and outdoor ceremony options
- 3 arch options
- Separate reception room (no need to quickly flip the ceremony space before the reception starts)
- Tables and chairs for 225 guests
- 6 decorative high-top cocktail tables
- Accessory tables for gifts, cards, guest book, etc.
- Two-story lobby for social hour — features floor to ceiling lake views, a grand staircase, and a statement fireplace
- Lounge furniture
- Large outdoor patio overlooking Clark Lake
- Yard games
- Coat room
- Nursing mother’s room
- Indoor ceremony + reception microphone
- 1 complimentary catering tasting
- Oversized prep-kitchen with built-in buffet nook
- Indoor/outdoor/lobby bar with 3 service windows
- Complimentary bar glassware + ice dispenser
- Private vendor room for storage and eating dinner
- Option for onsite engagement photos access (must schedule in advance)
- Pet friendly!
- ADA Compliant (wheelchair accessible parking, bathrooms, and elevator)
- Rehearsal + Rehearsal Dinner options on-site at the Cypress Lounge with flexible rental options.
Getting Ready Suites:
- Skye Lounge (bridal suite)
- Located on second floor
- Multiple vanities
- Balcony
- Dress hooks
- Separate closet for storage
- Kitchenette
- Located on second floor
- Lake Suite (groom’s den)
- Located on first floor
- Walk-out patio
- En suite bathroom with shower
- Locker-room style storage
- Kitchenette
- Located on first floor
Lodging and Resort Amenities:
- Lodging
- On-site accommodations available for booking
- 21 luxury cabins
- Each cabin/residence sleeps between 2-12
- 4 boutique-style hotel rooms
- Each room sleeps between 2-4
- 21 luxury cabins
- Off-site lodging and transportation recommendations
- On-site accommodations available for booking
- Amenities
- Pet-friendly property for additional fee
- The Clubhouse
- Massive recreation room with putting green, pickleball court, and gym equipment
- Lakefront sauna
- Lakefront cold plunge
- 9 on-property docks (flexibility to rent a pontoon or bring your own watercraft)
- Kayak and bike rentals included, electric scooters and electric bikes available for rent at additional rate
- On-site hammocks
- Nisswa Yoga offered on select weekends
- Bonfire pits and s’mores offered seasonally
- On-site market with small snacks, drinks, personal care items, and merch
- Board games and card games included in rental
- Ice rink (bring your own skates) available seasonally
- Complimentary snowshoeing available seasonally
Wedding Vendor Information:
- Catalyst by Nature Link exclusively uses 3 Cheers Hospitality for premium dining, as well as Liquid Motion Bartending for providing a premium beverage experience.
- A third party Day-of-Coordinator is required. For recommendations from the venue, follow this link.
- Sound equipment provided by third party entertainment or DJ.
- Additional vendor recommendations.
History of Catalyst by Nature Link
If you, your honey, or a loved one happens to be a history buff, I thought I’d highlight just a little bit of Nature Link’s history. What makes Catalyst by Nature Link the most remarkable wedding venue is that the property is actually a resort. The resort dates all the way back to 1898, on the grounds of the historic former Minnewawa Lodge. After a change of ownership in 1976 to serve as a camp for athletes under Minnesota Hockey Camps, it finally came under ownership of the current owners in early 2021.
Today, the property is owned by Kate & Tony Becker and Ben & Zoie Vanden Wymelenberg. They have thoughtfully restored the property back to the original intent from 1898: “to immerse people in nature, allowing them to disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with each other.” Both owners also have a deep history in design, and it absolutely shows in every detail throughout the property, resort, and venue.
Not only is the Nature Link resort home to 8 cabins, 4 boutique hotel-style rooms, an on-site fitness and activity center, pontoon rentals, sauna access, various outdoor activity rentals, bonfire pits, and more. It is also home to a premier on-site event center with even more unbelievable amenities to make any wedding day feel like a luxury all-inclusive experience.
Best Modern Minnesota Wedding Venues
From the moment I drove onto the Nature Link property, I was instantly captivated by the attention to detail in every aspect of the property. It was such an honor to highlight this gorgeous, modern Minnesota wedding venue. If you are considering saying, “I do” at Catalyst by Nature Link, I highly recommend filling out a contact form on the Nature Link website and scheduling a tour. But if you want a quick lay-of-the-land before committing to a tour, check out the Nature Link site for a 3D walkthrough. In addition to the super helpful 3D walkthrough, the site serves as a comprehensive, user-friendly guide that offers in-depth details and dimensions to help you better envision your best day ever.
Huge thanks to Nature Link for the opportunity to tour their incredible venue and highlight every inch of beauty Catalyst by Nature Link has to offer. Be sure to stay tuned to the blog for the next installment of the BEST Modern Minnesota Wedding Venues. In the meantime, keep up with me over on the ‘Gram (@alyssaashley_photography). Happy wedding planning, friend! I’m so glad you’re here.
