It’s not everyday you stumble upon a wedding venue quite like Northern Pacific Center. Upon first glance, you might think you’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere, given that you end up at an old train depot. But upon further investigation, you’ll be caught by surprise at all that this Brainerd, Minnesota wedding venue has to offer. Next up on my Minnesota wedding venue tour is the Northern Pacific Center!
Modern Minnesota Wedding Venue | Best Minnesota Wedding Venues
Before we begin exploring the Northern Pacific Center, 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! Enough about me; I’m so excited to share with you the historic gem with a modern twist that is the Northern Pacific Center.
Late last month, I had the opportunity to head down to Brainerd to take in all that the Northern Pacific Center has to offer to share with couples who may still be searching for their perfect wedding venue. Located on 47 acres just 2 hours Northwest of the Twin Cities metro (and a couple blocks from Downtown Brainerd), Northern Pacific Center sits just off the still-functional train tracks.
Northern Pacific Center | Northern Minnesota Wedding Venue
Location: 1511 Northern Pacific Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
Maximum Capacity: Maximum of 300 ceremony guests, maximum of 400 reception guests
Starting Rate: $5,995
Included in Rental:
- 9am to midnight venue access
- 2 private getting ready suites (8 hours each, highlighted below)
- Complimentary snacks and drinks in suites
- Tables and chairs rentals
- Lounge furniture set courtesy of Foundry Rental Warehouse
- Ten cocktail tables
- Directional signage
- Stationary chandeliers and string lighting
- Additional rental add-on options available from the Foundry Rental Warehouse
- Exclusive in-house food and beverage (Notch 8) with no minimum required
Getting Ready Suites
- Le Lier (bridal suite)
- First floor, patio access
- 8 vanities
- Complimentary snacks and drinks
- Ample seating
- Dress hanging area
- Kitchenette
- Multiple ornate chandeliers
- Attached private half bath
- Lincoln Lounge (groom’s den)
- First floor, patio access
- Ample seating
- 2 vanities
- Complimentary snacks and drinks
- Kitchenette
- Entertainment center
- Shuffleboard table
- Attached private full bath
Ceremony Spaces
- Flexibility to choose a ceremony and reception space
- 4 diverse ceremony and reception spaces
- Two South Ceremony
- Former machine shop
- Romantic, industrial, dramatic
- Expansive windows, soaring ceilings, original concrete floors, exposed brick walls
- Preserved train track aisle
- Hosts up to 300 guests
- Blacksmith Main Ceremony
- Former blacksmith shop
- Timeless elegance combined with modern amenities
- Original concrete floors, exposed brick walls
- Hosts up to 150 guests
- Luminary Ceremony
- Ideal for micro-weddings
- Split layout option for an all-in-one wedding
- Maximum of 50 guests
- Bright, modern
- White brick walls, stenciled concrete floors
- Hosts up to 200 guests
- Three Main Ceremony
- Rustic, organic, historic
- Industrial beams combined with warm wood ceilings, exposed brick, original concrete floors
- Vaulted ceilings
- Preserved train track aisle
- Hosts up to 300 guests
- Two South Ceremony
Highlighting this historic-meets-modern Minnesota wedding venue in the Brainerd Lakes Area was such a fun opportunity. As soon as I drove onto the property, I was captivated by just how unassuming the area appeared. Upon entering each building, I was overwhelmed by how beautifully the historic charm was preserved while still incorporating intentional modern elements. I also love that each separate space within the property can accommodate ultimately any size wedding. From an intimate micro-wedding to a grand wedding.
Best Modern Minnesota Wedding Venues | Brainerd Lakes Wedding
Interested in learning more about Northern Pacific Center? Feel free to take a virtual tour here. If you like what you see or just want to learn more, fill out a contact form on their site! While I have included photos from the tour I took, Northern Pacific Center also has additional photos to help paint the picture of just how breathtaking their space is here.
Are there more Minnesota wedding venues you’d like to see highlighted over on the blog?! Drop a comment or send me a DM on the ‘Gram (@alyssaashley_photography)! While busy season is quickly approaching, I’d love to see if there are any venues I could add to my Modern Minnesota Wedding Venues series. I’m so glad you’re here, friend. Sending you all the good vibes in your wedding planning journey!
