12 Small Wedding Venues in North Dakota for an Intimate Celebration

Book one of the cozy wedding venues in the Peace Garden State.
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by
Lauren Nowack
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Lauren Nowack
The Knot Contributor
  • Lauren is a freelance writer for The Knot Worldwide.
  • While Lauren has been writing her whole life, she began her career by travel writing and reviewing outdoor gear.
  • Lauren is passionate about encouraging people planning a wedding to make it exactly what they want and need it to be.
Updated May 16, 2024

Known for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife, as well as having quirky attractions like the Enchanted Highway, the world's largest scrap metal sculptures, North Dakota has a lot to offer couples getting married. So, as you search for small wedding venues in North Dakota, keep your eye out for cozy barns for a rustic celebration and unique spots like Bonanzaville, a pioneer village still bustling with life. Make sure to follow the steps to planning a small wedding for the most easygoing experience, and when you find the best small wedding venue for you, lock it in so you can get started on other parts of planning, like choosing your flowers and outfits.

Cellar 624 in Fargo, North Dakota

Cellar 624 is a stately combination of Fargo history and modern sophistication. The restaurant's two event spaces hold 100 people when combined, but separately, the Cellar Room holds 60 guests next to its custom 700-bottle wine rack while the Wine Cave holds up to 40 people amidst its local art. The gold and brass accents work well with the dark, moody lighting here, creating a deeply romantic space for couples to celebrate. Don't forget to take photos on the building's original 1920s grand staircase before you leave.

  • Guest Capacity: 40 in the Wine Cave, 60 in Cellar Room, 100 with full buyout

International Peace Gardens in Dunseith, North Dakota

So you want to get married in North Dakota, but perhaps getting hitched in Canada sounds fun too? Well, you can do both at the International Peace Gardens that straddle the US-Canada border. With more than 2,400 acres of gardens, forests and lakes in the Turtle Mountains, this venue is not lacking in natural beauty. Couples often get married inside one of the many gathering areas, such as the Historic Lodge, which accommodates 125 for a ceremony and 70 for dining or the upper level of the Errick Willis Pavilion which holds 100 with a view of the lake off the balcony. For those hoping to take advantage of the 80,000 varieties of flowers here, head outside to the Formal Garden for your ceremony. With plenty of picnic shelters to hold a reception in and multiple all-inclusive packages to choose from, the International Peace Garden can be a one-stop shop for your wedding day. All you'll have to do is change your name afterward. With camping and cabins available, you and your guests can stay as long as you like. Just make sure all guests over the age of 18 have a passport or Nexus Card for entry.

  • Guest Capacity: 100 in lower or upper level of Errick Willis Pavilion (200 combined), 70 in Historic Lodge Dining Room, 125 in Historic Lodge Main Room, 150 in the Peace Chapel, 200 in the Formal Garden, 50 in cafe dining area, multiple picnic shelters of various sizes

Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation in Medora, North Dakota

Located in the charming small town of Medora, North Dakota, the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation is the spot to host a quintessential North Dakota wedding with rustic charm and natural beauty. Exchange vows on the Tjaden Terrace overlooking the Little Missouri River or in Elain's Garden. Afterward, head over to the Townsquare Showhall, Rough Riders Hotel Ballroom or Harold Shafer Center Bar and Patio for your reception. The outdoor areas can host 200 or more guests but are well suited for a more intimate wedding. Inside, max capacities range from 65 to 200 and are adaptable enough to host a black tie affair or a laid-back country throwdown. With accommodations on-site at one of three hotels, you and your guests can enjoy all this historic spot has to offer for as long as you'd like.

  • Guest Capacity: 65 in half of Rough Riders Hotel and Ballroom/130 in whole, 90 in Harold Shafer Heritage Center, 200+ on Tjaden Terrace, 200 in Elaine's Garden, 200+ in De Mores Park, 200 in Town Square Showhall

Island Park Gazebo in Fargo, North Dakota

Nestled in the heart of downtown Fargo is Island Park, the city's oldest park, and at the heart of the park is the picturesque gazebo tucked amidst a grove of trees. Able to hold up to 30 people and more on the lawn, this is a delightful spot to hold a budget-friendly wedding. With a reservable shelter, playgrounds for all ages of children and recreational trails, there are plenty of activities for a family-friendly reception too.

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From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you.
  • Guest Capacity: 30 in gazebo

Bonanzaville in West Fargo, North Dakota

Happy couple kissing at the altar during their ceremony
Photo: Bonanzaville

At first, you might think getting married at a courthouse is nothing out of the ordinary, but the Courthouse at Bonanzaville is another story. Able to seat 35 guests alongside its authentic 1906 furnishings, not only will your ceremony be unique but your photos can be hilarious if you lean into the legal vibes. Outside the small wedding venue in North Dakota, you'll find the Bonanzaville Museum and Village, which includes five blocks of Pioneer Village, including a Town Hall, Blacksmith Shop, Brass Rail Saloon and Hotel and the Buffalo Bandstand, each photo-ready for your wild west shoot.

  • Guest Capacity: 35 in courthouse, 100 in South Pleasant Church Basement, 200 in South Pleasant Church Sanctuary, 250 in event center

The Landing with Cloud 9 Events in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The Olive Ann Hotel is home to multiple wedding venues, such as The Opal Grand Forks and Cloud 9 Events, but the most intimate option is The Landing. With full catering and bar services, as well as hotel amenities, this is a wonderful and sophisticated spot to host your day. It can hold 48 people seated at round tables or 60 for cocktails. For a bird's eye view of Grand Forks, consider renting Over DeMers, the glass-enclosed walkway large enough for 50 guests at banquet tables. Overlooking DeMers Avenue, this is a great spot for cocktail hour or even a ceremony. Other venues, including two outdoor patios, two private meeting rooms and a boardroom can be used for additional weekend events.

  • Guest Capacity: 14 in Skies Private Room 1, 24 in Skies Private Room 2, 12 in Boardroom, 50 in Over DeMers, 48 at The Landing, 220 in Opal Event Center, 350 at Cloud 9 Events

Fargo Billiards and Gastropub in Fargo, North Dakota

If you're seeking a more laid-back and casual wedding and celebration, check out Fargo Billiards and Gastropub, the largest billiard parlor in North America. With more than eight different billiard rooms, you can choose exactly the size and number of game tables that are right for your crew. As a gastropub, the parlor is fully prepared to make your food delicious, from burgers and pizza to pasta and salads. This is also one of the best small wedding venues in Fargo, ND that goes easy on the budget.

  • Guest Capacity: 45 in Fisher Room, 45 in Mosconi Room, 15 in Twain Room, 30 in Page Room, 80 on The Indoor Deck, 80 in the Black Tees, 20 at Half the Indoor Deck, 120 in League North

Sheyenne Riverbend Farm in Valley City, North Dakota

For the classic white wedding chapel look, reserve the Sheyenne Riverbend Farm run by Bob and Mario Reith. The chapel and its arched entryway make for gorgeous photos, although a ceremony can also be held outside on the lawn or in the quaint gazebo. In the event center that can be decorated however you see fit, there is a commercial kitchen and counter for caterers to serve up a hot meal. The cherry on top is that the classic farmhouse on-site is able to host up to eight people for the duration of the festivities.

  • Guest Capacity: 125 in Chapel and Event Center, 8 in farmhouse overnight

Radisson Blu Fargo in Fargo, North Dakota

Close to Fargo's Hector International Airport sits Radisson Blu Fargo, a hotel wedding venue with multiple event spaces to customize your day. Intimate and urban, the spots here also include a coffee shop, Italian steakhouse and bar for pre- and post-wedding parties. The Loft is a go-to pick for couples hoping to host their ceremony and reception in one spot, as it has floor-to-ceiling windows of downtown Fargo without being quite as large as the Cityscape Ballroom. Included in the wedding packages here is a one-night stay in the Presidential Suite for the couple, as well as discounted rates for your guests.

  • Guest Capacity: 12 in Sheyenne private dining room, 10 in the Willow, 39 in the Metropolitan, 93 in the Prairie Rose Room, 137 in The Loft, 278 in the Cityscape Ballroom

Gorecki Alumni Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota

University of North Dakota's Gorecki Alumni Center provides a cost-effective venue for intimate weddings without compromising on beauty and service. Many couples choose to exchange vows in the Hopper-Danley Memorial Chapel which holds 150 people before hosting a reception in the Kratt Grand Lobby with its natural light and high ceilings. Another option is the Great River Energy Terrace, which seats 60 in its pleasant outdoor space. Larger groups or those wishing to only book one room for the ceremony and reception can opt for the Gransberg Community Room, as its floor-to-ceiling windows provide a pleasant view for up to 220 people. With an on-site coordinator and the support of a University community behind these venues, this is a great small wedding venue in North Dakota to host friends and family for an intimate gathering.

  • Guest Capacity: 60 on Great River Energy Terrace, 100 in Kratt Grand Lobby, 150 in Hopper-Danley Memorial Chapel, 220 in Gransberg Community Room

Prairie Meadow Events in Dawson, North Dakota

While Prairie Meadow Events can certainly host large weddings, it has a few unique offerings for small groups that made us put it on this list. The space's charming ambiance includes native plants, large fields and a white picket fence, providing couples with classic photo ops. Groups under 100 can gather in the chapel or at one of five spots on the Meadow before heading over to a tented reception. The camping facilities here host more than 40 people, meaning most guests for a small wedding can stay on-site. Our favorite part, the Party Trailer, is reserved for up to 25 people and will drive around town taking you wherever you want, such as all the local bars if you'd prefer to celebrate out and about. Bring music and coolers along for a truly unique wedding celebration.

  • Guest Capacity: 25 on Party Trailer, 40+ camper spaces, 100 in chapel, 300+ at outdoor locations

Red Barn & Berry Farm in Kindred, North Dakota

From June through September, couples can book the Red Barn & Berry Farm for their wedding weekend festivities. The red barn fits 94 people on its second floor with an additional 26 able to sit on the main floor for a total capacity of 120 inside. The tall, barn ceiling has exposed beams and gorgeous chandeliers for a rustic and romantic ambiance. With included decor like a wedding arbor, wine barrels, a firepit, barnwood dining tables and handmade benches outside for a ceremony, there's so much to work with to make your day special. Just a half hour from Fargo, the small wedding venue in North Dakota is quite easy to access for out-of-towners, giving you a secluded space not too far from the city to celebrate.

  • Guest Capacity: 94 on Red Barn top floor, 120 with use of both floors

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