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Updated Oct 14, 202412 South Dakota Wedding Venues You Don't Want to Miss
The Great Plains are calling your name.
One of the things we love about South Dakota wedding venues is that they're among the most affordable in America. The other thing we love is all the space. Many sit on acres and acres of land, with picturesque views of mountains and endless prairies in the background for a dreamy ceremony setting. But what else would you expect from the beautiful Great Plains?
There's certainly something special about a more secluded wedding, where you feel like the whole world is your own for the night with your loved ones surrounding you. When looking for a wedding venue in South Dakota, let the surrounding nature inspire your wedding style. Elevate a rustic space with garlands of greenery and bistro lighting, or bring out the wine barrels for some full country charm. But South Dakota isn't all nature—its cities have some wedding venues that appeal to more artsy couples, too, from opera houses to museums.
You'll have to think about what kind of wedding you want in the first place. Take your pick below, and don't forget to plan ahead if you intend to change your name after the big day.
Blue Haven Barn and Gardens in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
You might think of barns as rustic, but Blue Haven Barn and Gardens is all modern chic with its 35-foot high vaulted ceilings, industrial lighting and welcoming blue exterior. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this wedding venue seats up to 300 of your loved ones and offers full service in its wedding package — that includes everything from food to rentals to ceremony set-up and tear-down. There's also a wide porch in the back of the barn, perfect for cocktail hour during sunset.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Museum of Visual Materials in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
If you're looking for wedding reception venues in Sioux Falls, SD, that are a little different from the rest, look no further than the Museum of Visual Materials. The building itself dates back to 1887 when it was originally the Consolidated Tank Line Company and has since turned into a place for creativity and celebration — the perfect setting to kick off your new life together. Exposed brick walls and wooden rafters create an industrial-meets-rustic vibe that's begging to be dressed up twinkle lights and draped fabrics. The Main Hall can host up to 232 guests.
Besler's Cadillac Ranch in Onge, South Dakota
Dreaming of a wedding venue in the Black Hills of SD? Located on 800 acres along the Red Water River, Besler's Cadillac Ranch will fulfill all those fantasies. Exchange vows anywhere on the property, whether it's in front of the miniature log chapel, in a gazebo overlooking the river or in the barn, which also has a dance floor ready for a party. This SD wedding venue offers three different wedding packages at bronze, silver and gold levels, as well as micro-wedding packages for couples who prefer a more intimate occasion.
Black Hills Receptions & Rentals in Rapid City, South Dakota
Nestled among 10,000 acres of Black Hills forest, this wedding venue in Rapid City, SD, has plenty of gorgeous outdoor sites to tie the knot. There's the Grand Gazebo next to the whimsical fairy garden with a sparkling chandelier and the Cinderella Gazebo for more intimate nuptials. But our favorite is Swan Point, which boasts a moss rock platform perched over a sky-high backdrop of never ending lush Ponderosa Pine trees. And you won't have to leave the great outdoors for the reception; Black Hills Receptions offers a massive white tent for a magical night under the stars.
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort in Spearfish, South Dakota
Photo: Courtesy of Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort doubles as a wedding venue in Spearfish, SD, that epitomizes a Great Plains wedding thanks to its multiple outdoor options for your ceremony. There are spots outside the event center and the 150-year-old Courtyard Barns, which both feature an arch as an altarpiece set against the mountain range. A wedding at the Courtyard Barns also includes access to the nearby farmhouse, where your bridal party can get ready. And then there's the newer Miller Creek Landing at the Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club, located on a natural island with views of impressive Elkhorn Peak.
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Schade Vineyard & Winery in Volga, South Dakota
We love a good vineyard wedding, and Schade Vineyard & Winery is no exception. Located in Volga, SD, just outside of Brookings, SD, this wedding venue's rows of grapes and long stretch of lawn are meant for pairs of vino lovers to say "I do." As the best outdoor wedding venues often do, Schade also has a white tent for all your reception needs — and it can fit a whopping 400 guests. Inside, there's a tasting room where guests can return all night to get another glass of your signature cocktail.
The Farmhouse Barn in Sturgis, South Dakota
The Farmhouse Barn is as dreamy as it gets for a secluded wedding. The wedding venue sits on the northeastern side of Black Hills Forest, serving plenty of towns in the region, from Deadwood, SD, to Sturgis, SD. On its 20 acres of farmland, there's a cottage that acts as a bridal suite and the barn itself. From the walls to the ceilings, the barn glows in white for an open and airy feel. Add the venue's handcrafted 8-foot wooden tables to maximize a minimalist effect. Plus, there are plenty of photo op spots, from the venue's vintage truck and marquee sign to its sweeping field during golden hour.
The Goss Opera House in Watertown, South Dakota
It's not every day you can get married in an opera house! This wedding venue in Watertown, SD, is perfect for the artsy and creative couple and their 250 guests. The Goss Opera House marries the historic architecture of its 19th century days with modern-day renovations that include high-end sound systems and a dazzling centerpiece of a chandelier. Hardwood floors and a palette of ivory, gold and silver create a recipe for timeless elegance with a vintage feel.
Granite Springs Lodge in Alexandria, South Dakota
It may be hard to find a waterfront wedding venue in South Dakota, but Granite Springs Lodge checks off the list. Its location near both a creek and a pond makes it a prime spot for fun guest activities like kayaking and a picturesque vow renewal on the sand. Plus, there are plenty of accommodations on site to house your wedding party: the 8,000-square-foot lodge, a four-bedroom cottage, seven-unit cabin and a five-bedroom villa.
Buffalo Ridge Resort & Spa in Gary, South Dakota
With 37 acres of pasture, Buffalo Ridge Resort & Spa is an idyllic SD wedding venue. It offers three outdoor locations to tie the knot, each one as charming as the next. There's the South Lawn for larger parties (up to 300), facing grand stone steps and framed by hydrangeas and daylilies. The Rustic Field, among towering oak trees, is for more intimate parties of 150. And then there's the Courtyard with its brick walls, perfect for not just the ceremony but cocktail hour. We love that there's a newly renovated spa on site, perfect to treat yourself before the big day.
Meadow Barn at Country Orchards in Harrisburg, South Dakota
Sitting on a 50-acre apple orchard teeming with alpacas and mini donkeys, the Meadow Barn has an elevated rustic feel. The timber framed barn is a cavernous space for up to 400 guests, with a loft and dazzling chandeliers. It's a prime foundation to play up the romance with elegant drapes and white florals. Outside the wedding venue is a peaceful grassy lawn for your ceremony, and a covered patio and stone firepit for cocktail hour and nighttime festivities.
Silver Spur Ranch in Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Silver Spur Ranch has a cute little love story of its own — the current owners stumbled upon the property when it was being built and fell in love with it. They had their own wedding there and bought the property when it was put up for sale. Today, it serves as a wedding venue that's rich in natural beauty thanks to pine-studded mountain views. We vote for an outdoors ceremony to take full advantage of this scenery and a reception inside the barn, which boasts three magnificent chandeliers. There are also two getting-ready suites for both parties to prep before the big day.
