A Stylish Setting for Exceptional Occasions
300+ guests
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Morgan Brady
SALES CONSULTANT
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (4X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Experience the Magic of Nicollet Island Pavilion where your wedding dreams become a reality.
Welcome to Nicollet Island Pavilion, a historic gem located in the heart of Minneapolis, MN. Renowned as one of the Twin Cities’ premier wedding venues, this award-winning location offers a serene and picturesque backdrop for celebrations of all shapes and sizes. With its stunning facilities, exceptional service, and breathtaking views of the Minneapolis skyline, Nicollet Island Pavilion is the ideal setting for every stage of your special day, from your walk down the aisle to your unforgettable reception.
Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, Nicollet Island Pavilion boasts a rich history and rustic aesthetic. Originally built in 1893 as Williams Brothers Boiler Works, the venue was acquired by the Minneapolis Park Board in 1976. Today, thanks to Mintahoe Catering & Events, it has been transformed into an exquisite space where couples can create lasting memories. While modern comforts have been added, the venue retains its original charm with exposed brick walls and industrial elements.
Nicollet Island Pavilion is designed to bring your wedding vision to life. The Main Room can accommodate over 750 guests for a theatre-style ceremony or 525 guests for a seated reception. Including the tent area, it can host over 700 seated guests, and without seating, it can fit up to 5,000 standing guests. Our expert team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless wedding planning experience, tailoring every detail to your preferences.
Imagine your special day set against the stunning backdrop of Nicollet Island Pavilion, where historic charm meets modern elegance. With our versatile spaces, exceptional service, and beautiful surroundings, your wedding day will be nothing short of magical. Let us help you create the celebration of a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more and start planning your dream wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion!
Black-owned and Woman-owned Business
Pricing details
Starting prices
Reception:
Contact for price
Ceremony:
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Bar services:
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Catering:
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Starting prices don't include service fees, taxes, gratuity, and rental fees. Guest count and seasonality may also affect prices.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Liability Insurance
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Ballroom
Beach
Waterfront
Historic Venue
Park
Tented
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Food & Catering
Planning
Rentals & Equipment
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Morgan Brady
Sales Consultant
What truly drives me is helping couples navigate the wedding planning process with joy and ease. I love being able to take the stress off their shoulders so they can enjoy every moment of this exciting journey. Seeing their vision come to life and knowing I played a part in making their day unforgettable is what makes me so passionate about what I do!
I’d love to help you have the wedding of your dreams. Let’s connect!
Reviews
4.8
out of 5.075 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Nicollet Island Pavilion receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for weddings, with Morgan from Mintahoe Catering and Events repeatedly praised for her exceptional organization, responsiveness, and helpfulness. Reviewers note the beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces, delicious food, and efficient staff. The venue is described as stunning, with a dreamy setting for ceremonies and a versatile space for receptions. Guests appreciate the seamless planning process, the warehouse vibes, and the attentive service, making it a stress-free and unforgettable experience for couples.Review photos
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Kirsten O
Highlighted review.
5.0
12/13/2024
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect wedding day - thanks to the incredible team at Nicollet Island Pavilion and our amazing event manager, Morgan. From the very first moment we reached out, Morgan was a pleasure to work with—attentive, organized, and always ready with helpful advice and solutions. She made the entire planning process feel seamless, and we knew we were in great hands.
The venue itself is absolutely stunning. We were blessed with perfect weather for our outdoor ceremony, which was set against a gorgeous backdrop that made for unforgettable photos. The location is breathtaking, and it truly felt like a dream come true on our big day.
We enjoyed the fun and informative group tasting event. It gave us a chance to experience the venue fully set up for a larger event, and it was so helpful to visualize everything in action. Plus, the food was great! We also did a walking taco late for our night food and it was a big hit with our guests!
The staff at Nicollet Island Pavilion were also amazing. The servers and bartenders were professional, kind, and went out of their way to make sure everyone had a great time. They made sure every detail was taken care of so we could enjoy the day without worry.
All in all, our wedding day was everything we dreamed of, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible venue and the wonderful team that made it all happen. We highly recommend Nicollet Island Pavilion and Morgan to anyone looking for a beautiful, stress-free event. Thank you for helping us create memories we’ll cherish forever!
Vendor response 12/27/2024
Thank you so much for this heartfelt review! We’re thrilled to hear that your wedding day ...
was everything you dreamed of and that Morgan and the team at Nicollet Island Pavilion helped bring your vision to life. We're glad the weather was perfect for your outdoor ceremony and that the group tasting gave you a chance to visualize your day. It’s wonderful to know the food, especially the walking taco late-night snack, was such a hit with your guests. We appreciate your kind words and highly recommend you as well! Thank you for allowing us to be part of such a special day.
Britty C
5.0
1/08/2025
Our wedding at NIP last September was absolutely perfect. Every step of the planning process - thanks to Morgan - was so smooth and easy. She was responsive, so organized, and had answers for all of our questions. The day of the wedding she was so helpful getting everything in order just the way we wanted, and the day ran so smoothly thanks to her. All of the spaces at NIP are absolutely beautiful - the trees in the ceremony space are dreamy, the tent was perfect for cocktail hour, and the inside speaks for itself - it’s gorgeous. The food and service were great as well! We can’t say enough good things about our experience with NIP!!
Vendor response 02/05/2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your wedding...
at Nicollet Island Pavilion was everything you dreamed of. Morgan is truly a gem, and we’re so glad she could make your planning process smooth and stress-free. We’ll be sure to share your compliments with our team, especially our chefs and service staff. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness! 💕✨
Any questions?
Katie F
5.0
12/30/2024
We had a great experience working with Morgan from with Mintahoe Catering and Events at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. She was extremely helpful, timely, and communicative throughout the entire process for us. We were impressed with all of the staff and their efficiency in ensuring the day went smoothly. We were married in late November and were happy to use the 3 season tent to expand the space as well. The guests raved about the food and how stunning the venue was, too!
Vendor response 02/05/2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that your experience at Nicoll...
et Island Pavilion was everything you hoped for. Morgan is fantastic, and we’re glad she could provide the support and guidance to make your day seamless. And of course, we love that your guests enjoyed the food and the beauty of the venue! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness! 💕✨
Amy K
5.0
12/27/2024
From the moment we first reached out to the team at Nicollet Island Pavilion, their communication was prompt, detailed, and incredibly helpful. Morgan was incredible to work with and provided excellent guidance and support throughout the planning process. On the day of our wedding, the venue was beautiful. The setup was perfect and spacious for our guests. The team's attention to detail ensured that our day went seamlessly. We were able to enjoy the day without worrying at all, thanks to the work of Morgan and her team. We also heard rave reviews from our guests on the location, space and experience. We cannot recommend Nicollet Island Pavilion enough!
Vendor response 12/30/2024
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had such a seamless experience a...
nd that Morgan and the team helped make your day so special. It’s wonderful that you and your guests loved the venue and setup. Thank you for choosing Nicollet Island Pavilion—we’re honored to have been part of your celebration!
Hailey B
5.0
12/13/2024
We had the best experience having our wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion. It was so beautiful! We loved that it had such great outdoor scenery while still being in the city. Morgan at Mintahoe was super helpful throughout the entire planning process, she worked with us through all our custom requests ensuring everything was exactly how we wanted it. We got a ton of compliments from our guests on the food and we loved the cake!
Vendor response 12/27/2024
Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy to hear that Nicollet Island Pavilion was th...
e perfect setting for your wedding and that Morgan was able to make your vision come to life. We’re also thrilled that your guests enjoyed the food and cake—what a compliment! It was a pleasure working with you, and we’re so glad you had such a memorable day.
Katie N
5.0
12/11/2024
I couldn't be happier with our choice of Nicollet Island Pavilion for our wedding reception! We were in such capable hands, thanks to Morgan, our day-of coordinator. She was incredibly detail-oriented and thoughtful, always making sure every little aspect of our vision was carried out perfectly. A huge shoutout also goes to the Mintahoe event staff as well!
The venue itself was absolutely stunning - I loved the warehouse vibes. We received so many compliments from our guests about how gorgeous and unique the venue was.
All in all, our wedding day was a dream come true, and we have the fantastic team at this venue, especially Morgan and Mintahoe staff, to thank for making it all come together seamlessly. Would definitely recommend having your wedding ceremony and reception at Nicollet Island!
Vendor response 12/27/2024
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear that your wedding day was a d...
ream come true and that Morgan and the Mintahoe team were able to bring your vision to life perfectly. The warehouse vibe at Nicollet Island Pavilion is truly special, and it’s wonderful to hear your guests loved it as much as you did. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be part of your celebration and appreciate your recommendation. Congratulations once again on your beautiful wedding!
Erin T
5.0
12/09/2024
We couldn't have asked for a more perfect place and experience to celebrate our wedding day than Nicollet Island Pavilion. Nicollet was the first place we toured after getting engaged as it was at the top of our list for places and from the moment we toured the venue and met Morgan, we both knew it was exactly where we wanted to get married. Morgan helped make our wedding planning experience a dream. She was so helpful and quick to respond any time we had a question, never made us feel like an inconvenience and always made me feel like she was just as invested in our day as we were which is such a nice feeling when planning such an important day. She was always so accommodating when it came to planning meetings or meeting with us when my mom who lives out of town was here so that she could be involved. I could truly not say enough great things about our entire planning process with Morgan and Mintahoe.
Everything the day of went beyond smoothly and the entire staff was so kind and helpful. We have received so many compliments and kind words from our guests. From how beautiful the entire venue was, the views, and how they were blown away by the food. Some guests even told us it was some of the best wedding food they've ever had which was so important to us!
I truly can't say enough great things about Nicollet Island Pavilion, Mintahoe and especially Morgan for making our wedding day a dream come true and everything and more I could have imagined as a bride.
Vendor response 12/27/2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that Nicollet Island ...
Pavilion and Morgan made your wedding day so special. It’s great to know that Morgan was able to provide such a personalized and seamless planning experience for you and your family. We’re also delighted that your guests loved the venue, the views, and, of course, the food! It was truly our pleasure to be part of such an important day, and we’re so grateful for your kind words. Congratulations once again on your beautiful wedding, and we wish you all the best as you start this exciting chapter together!
Anna B
5.0
12/06/2024
We had an amazing experience with Nicollet Island Pavilion for our wedding. The venue offered everything that we needed to host our ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner/reception comfortably for 340 guests. The space is beautiful, and the river-side ceremony with a view of the city skyline was exactly what we were looking for for our ceremony.
The staff at Mintahoe was extremely helpful, flexible, and willing to work with us to make our day exactly what we hoped it would be. The food was great, and we appreciate the various options for service and meals that were provided. The coordination staff was also very supportive and accommodating, we worked with Morgan primarily, and had a superb experience - she made sure our planning process and all the events the day of went smoothly and without incident.
Our guests had a great time at the wedding as well, and we got many comments about how amazing the venue was and how great the staff were. I would absolutely recommend Nicollet Island Pavilion, and the Mintahoe team to anyone who is in the process of planning their wedding. Our day was everything that we'd hoped it would be, in large part due to the team at NIP!
Vendor response 12/27/2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your wedding at N...
icollet Island Pavilion was everything you hoped for and more. It’s fantastic to know that Morgan and our team helped make your day seamless and memorable, from the river-side ceremony to the reception with beautiful city views. We’re also so glad to hear that your guests had a great time and enjoyed the food and service. Thank you for recommending us, and we’re honored to have been a part of such a special day. Wishing you both all the best as you begin this new chapter together!
Kasey C
5.0
4/21/2024
I felt like an absolute princess getting married at Nicollet Island Pavilion! What a GORGEOUS venue set on the beautiful St. Anthony skyline near the Aster Cafe, but with so much space and so many stunning ceremony opportunities! The old mill style brick made our indoor ceremony stunning, they allowed our pups to play their roles inside or out as part of the wedding party, and the coordination could not have been easier.
I need to give a gigantic shout out to the legend that is Morgan Brady. Morgan is beautiful, so very kind, and could not be more perfect at her job. If everyone had a venue coordinator like Morgan, every bride would have her perfect wedding day. She genuinely made us feel like her only clients when in reality, she is constantly supporting couples and events! She comforted us when the weather did not cooperate and ensured we didn’t compromise one bit on beauty OR guest comfort. Morgan is made for this industry and is an absolute dime of a person. Mintahoe was perfect to work with from start-to-finish and we couldn’t be more grateful! Please invest in NIP- rain or shine, You will NOT regret it! Thank you Morgan and Mintahoe Team so very much!!!
Vendor response 12/27/2024
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We are beyond thrilled to hear that your experi...
ence at Nicollet Island Pavilion was so special and that Morgan was able to make your wedding day unforgettable. We truly believe that every couple deserves a perfect day, and we’re so glad Morgan helped bring that vision to life for you. We’re also happy that the venue, its charm, and the flexibility with your pups made it even more memorable! Thank you for choosing us, and we wish you a lifetime of happiness.
Danielle P
5.0
12/18/2023
From the moment my (now) husband and I virtually toured Nicollet Island Pavilion, we knew we had found the perfect place to celebrate our wedding. We are city dwellers but love the outdoors and NIP was the perfect backdrop that brought both of those worlds together. The well-maintained outdoor space provided a stunning backdrop for our ceremony and cocktail hour while the industrial vibe of the venue building provided some urban romance for the evening reception.
The attention to detail displayed by the venue's staff was exceptional. Morgan, our event coordinator, was not only professional but also genuinely invested in making our day perfect. Coordinating an event with a very Type A bride (I’m the problem, it’s me) and parents, who sometimes had differing preferences, is not easy, but Morgan navigated all our questions and changing plans with ease. She worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of our celebration was executed flawlessly, leaving us stress-free and able to savor every precious moment on the big day.
The combination of breathtaking surroundings, impeccable service, and a dedicated team made our wedding day truly unforgettable. We are immensely grateful to Nicollet Island Pavilion for providing the perfect backdrop for our big day!
Vendor response 12/27/2024
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re so happy to hear that Nicolle...
t Island Pavilion was the perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty for your wedding day. We also can’t thank you enough for your kind words about Morgan and our team—she truly strives to make every couple’s day as stress-free and memorable as possible, and we’re so glad to hear that she was able to support you through all the details. It’s an honor to have been a part of such a special occasion, and we’re thrilled that you and your guests had an unforgettable experience. Congratulations to you both!
Lauren M
5.0
11/17/2022
We had the wedding of our dreams at NIP! Cyndi was incredible to work with, so responsive, and so helpful the day of the ceremony! We did food stations instead of a plated dinner which the event team executed flawlessly. They even made sure my husband and I had plates of all apps and main course food so we didn’t miss out amid all of the madness! The space is gorgeous - both inside, in the tent, and outside. It was just the welcoming, moody vibe we were looking for! Can’t recommend it enough!
Meghan G
3.0
1/12/2022
Nicollet Island Pavilion is a stunning venue. My husband and I walked by it before we were engaged and he said "that would be cool place to get married." I knew right away that it was where I wanted. It fits both of our styles of a gorgeous outside and industrial inside. Working with Cyndi beforehand was great. She was very organized and on top of everything. On the day of, she was not very friendly and was extremely bossy and not very helpful to my friends that were setting everything up. We moved everything to the tent because "November in MN." That was totally fine and everything was beautiful. However, we paid for the heater and it wasn't turned on until a half hour before the ceremony. Everyone was still wearing their coats during the ceremony because the tent was not even close to warm. Luckily I provided blankets. My mom wanted to see if people could come into the reception area while waiting for the ceremony to start because it was so cold in the tent but Cyndi wasn't having it. My mom was almost in tears with how Cyndi talked to her. Our officiant had to calm my mom down on her daughters wedding day (which is not ok). As for the bar. Be very careful that your ceremony timeframe is accurate. We paid for an open bar (not cheap) but in the contract it has a timeframe which they don't budge even a minute. Our ceremony was 15 minutes shorter so they closed our bar for 15 minutes right before dinner. One of the bartenders was very rude and Cyndi said we would have to pay even more for just 15 minutes. People just wanted a drink with dinner and we said we had an open bar... Finally back to the good. The food was delicious. One person said that it was the best wedding food they've ever had. We also got late night pizza which I heard was good but never got to have any because they brought it out and didn't even let the bride or groom know it was out. The desserts I also heard were delicious. So all in all, the venue is stunning, the food is fantastic. But there are a lot of hidden fees that really sneak up after you agree to sign up with them. Cyndi was really on top of it beforehand. But she's kind of a B to deal with (if you're not the bride) and if you ask for anything on the day of. Even though we had some hiccups, we still had an amazing day and loved our venue.
Laura C
5.0
7/18/2021
A fantastic venue which can do pretty much anything. They made our vision come to life - a tropical wedding in the middle of Minneapolis! The ability to have an outdoor ceremony in the same location as the reception was a key element in our decision to use them. Even with a change in venue coordinators within two months of the wedding, they came through on every detail. A last minute rain storm brought the wedding ceremony under the tent, but NIP moved quickly to set up for us and even more quickly re-set to all cocktails to take place. The food was delicious, the lighting looked amazing, and they worked well with our other vendors, They worked with us through many changes due to pandemic restrictions and we were probably one of the first large weddings after those restrictions lifted. Several staff members were new but were very responsive to our needs.
Sarah W
5.0
7/09/2021
Our wedding was such a dream come true thanks to Nicollet Island Pavilion and Mintahoe. The ambiance of the venue is so unique and romantic that over-the-top decorations are not needed. The planners were very helpful, especially for an out of town bride. They even allowed us to pick up forgotten items a couple of weeks later. The Mintahoe staff went above and beyond to ensure that our guests were comfortable. They even provided an extra plate full of mashed potatoes for a guest that had a unique pregnancy craving.
Vendor response 07/10/2021
Hello Sarah and Brandon~ Congratulations on your wedding. On behalf of Nicollet Island Pav...
ilion and Mintahoe Catering, we wish you so much happiness. Thank you for choosing us to cater your wedding, it means a lot to us. We are thrilled that you are pleased with the experience you had during the planning stages and on your special day. We are grateful for your positive review.
-Cyndi Secrest and the Mintahoe Team.
Kari W
5.0
10/27/2020
Gabby and the Nicollet Island Pavilion staff were absolutely fantastic! Everyone was very nice and I don’t know what we would have done without Gabby! Due to COVID19 we had 3 wedding dates. My husband and I decided late July/early August that we were going downsize our wedding, change venues, and get married in September so it could be outdoors. Gabby helped with countless tasks and was incredibly pleasant, professional, organized, and always very responsive, replying quickly to e-mails. She made planning easier, less stressful, and less of a burden. She helped us pick out a menu since it was too short of notice for a tasting, helped with tent decorations, schedule/flow for the day, setting everything up day of, and much more. Our wedding day was beautiful, the food was great, and everything went smoothly. Nicollet Island Pavilion is a wonderful location and provides many opportunities for awesome pictures. It was as perfect of a day as it could be and we are so incredibly thankful!
Laura M
5.0
10/12/2020
We booked Nicollet Island Pavilion before anyone had heard of COVID 19 and having to completely re-think our entire wedding was needless to say, stressful. But Gabriella with Mintahoe was so great to work with, and so incredibly helpful with helping us figure our all of our options. She was always so quick to respond to my many many emails with questions, so flexible with changing seating layouts, and other things due to my pandemic concerns. The venue was absolutely gorgeous, the food was good, and the day of our wedding I couldn't have asked for it to go any more smoothly (except the little cold weather snap!) Gabriella helped everything go perfectly and with smooth transitions and keeping with our timeline. I cannot recommend this venue enough!
Breann B
5.0
9/24/2020
My HUSBAND (so weird!!) and I got married at Nicollet Island 6 days ago and it was honestly better than we could have ever dreamed! The venue and it's views are breathtaking and the food is incredible- we seriously still have people texting us about it! Most importantly, Gabriella and her staff are absolutely wonderful. COVID had made an already stressful planning process incredibly difficult leaving us feeling defeated at times. However, every single time we met with Gabby we'd walk away feeling hopeful. She is everything and more you could ask for in a planner. Whether it was making changes to our proposal, deciding on draping with twinkle lights versus bare ceilings (go twinkle lights), or navigating the governor's orders, Gabby was there with a positive attitude every step of the way. Not only is she extremely kind, she showed us so much empathy which I find to be rare and I'll forever be grateful. Also, as a day of planner, she made sure that if anything went wrong they'd fix it and we would never have to hear about it (still haven't heard anything) which is HUGE on your wedding day that you just want to enjoy and soak everything in. With that being said, 11/10 recommend Nicollet Island for your wedding or event! It is seriously a dream and I'm so sad it's over!
Mallory V
5.0
9/07/2020
My husband and I got married at NIP a few weeks ago and it was a picture perfect day. Despite the unknowns and ever-changing situation with COVID, Gabriella was there to troubleshoot, provide options, and make us feel at ease that our day would be perfect, no matter what. We truly couldn't have asked for more out of a venue/venue coordinator. The breathtaking views, super friendly and accommodating staff/service, and absolutely delicious food and drinks. We are forever grateful for NIP and the Mintahoe staff for giving us the wedding day of our dreams!
Emily K
5.0
9/03/2020
We worked with Gabby to have our wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion and everything was AMAZING. Yes, the venue itself is beautiful, but it would not have been the same without Gabby's and the staff's help. Gabby is professional, easy to work with, and provided great ideas when it came to trying to plan a social-distanced wedding. Our guests felt very safe and we were able to social distance while still feeling like we had a "normal" wedding. If you are wondering if this is the venue for you, do not hesitate!
Laurie B
5.0
8/28/2020
We worked with Gabby at Mintahoe for my daughter’s wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion and it was nothing short of amazing! Gabby was wonderful to work with throughout the planning process and she was so patient and kind with all the complexities due to COVID. The day of the wedding all of the staff from the set up crew to the wait staff and bartenders were so friendly and catered to all of our needs. Last but not least-the food was delicious-from the passed appetizers to the meals served. We received many compliments from our guests on the venue and food! Such a wonderful experience from beginning to end!!
Joanne M
5.0
8/17/2020
I worked with Gabby from Mintahoe for a wedding at NIP in August. I was so impressed with the service Gabby and her staff provided. As a wedding planner, I have pretty high standards - and Gabby went above and beyond at every opportunity. We had a large wedding in Covid times which is difficult, but Mintahoe had excellent guidelines for us to follow and everyone worked together to insure that safety was first, and that the bride and groom had a wonderful day. I can't recommend them enough.
Lauren M
5.0
3/13/2020
My wife and I got married at Nicollet Island Pavilion in October 2019 and we could not be happier with the way everything turned out. We lived out of state throughout the entire planning process (to include the wedding itself), but Gabriella and Emily made sure to prevent our distance planning from adding an extra layer of stress. The entire staff was so helpful and flexible, including the switch we had to make from an outdoor ceremony to an indoor ceremony at the last minute (thanks for that snow in October, Minneapolis!). A bit of advice: we had a live band and food stations at this venue and our guests are STILL raving about the music and the food. We were definitely nervous about straying from the traditional plated dinner and all of the logistics involved with live music, but those might've been the two best decisions we made! Gabriella was so kind, extremely patient, and a genuine pleasure to work with. We'll cherish the memories of our special day at this beautiful venue for years to come!
Margaret D
5.0
2/22/2020
We had a vintage circus-themed wedding reception here in November and Nicollet Island Pavilion did not disappoint. We were able to have an aerialist rig as the ceilings are quite tall, and loads of carnival games inside. Gabby and the rest of the Mintahoe team were great to work with and did everything they could to make sure our night was perfect!
Ashley C
5.0
2/20/2020
We had our wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion and had a great experience!! The venue is beautiful and we were drawn to the indoor/outdoor feel of venue which was perfect for a summer wedding! The staff was very professional and helped to ensure everything went smoothly. The food was delicious and guests enjoyed the bar and large dance floor! Our wedding
happened to fall on the city’s Aquatennial firework show and NIP had the BEST location for the firework show! We were worried about logistics however everything went as planned and the free parking was an added bonus for our guests! Definitely would recommend Nicollet Island Pavilion!! Beautiful venue and location!!
Morgan B
5.0
11/25/2019
Wow - we could not have asked for a more beautiful venue. Despite the unpredictable fall weather, we lucked out and were able to have our ceremony outside overlooking the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River. The day was perfect! Nicollet Island Pavilion allowed for a cozy, spectacular wedding that easily fit our 250 person wedding. The event staff were so helpful and made sure the day went by seamlessly. We loved the combination of industrial, warm, and outdoorsy vibes and the surrounding area (St. Anthony Main) allows for beautiful wedding photos. One thing to note - with NIP, you don't have a choice on catering (Mintahoe is the sole vendor), which inherently means the price is on the higher end. Overall, we would highly recommend to anyone looking for their special day to be in the heart of Minneapolis.
Amanda S
5.0
11/08/2019
I am so glad we picked NIP for our wedding! About 6 months before our date, the consultant in charge of NIP changed. I will say, before this change, we were not having a fantastic experience. But the new consultant Gabriella was awesome. I loved working with her. She was responsive, professional, and organized. If you can work with Gabriella, she will take care of you and it will be perfect! Our day was flawless and she went above and beyond to help us achieve our vision. Thank you Gabriella!
Jenny G
3.0
7/26/2019
I loved my wedding at the Pavillion, but that is no thanks to the staff there. You WILL incur unexpected additional costs. Our menu prices went up as we were "grandfathered" in to the new years pricing, which I would assume is added every year.
The tasting is fun, but you won't have the opportunity to try many of the items that you might want to add to your menu. We took a risk on appetizers that we didn't sample and I was not impressed. However, the main course was good.
The venue coordinator had no knowledge of the menu or the venue in general. She could not answer any of my questions regarding the appetizers or dessert options.
So overall, if you have an unlimited budget and can hire someone else to do the planning for you (rather than the onsite venue coordinator) then this is the venue for you!
Kelly S
5.0
10/20/2018
Beautiful venue, the coordinators are very experienced and helped the day go smoothly
tayl10291
4.0
7/19/2018
We attended a wedding here, and compared with other venues in the area (ARIA, machine shop, solar arts) this doesn't quite get the 5 stars of those venues for the following reasons (all of which combined lowered the quality of the venue). The positive - the staff were very friendly and approachable. The event flow from outdoor to indoor was seamless. The day of team seemed to keep things moving smoothly
Some points of improvement-
1) catering was average, not stellar and something that we will talk about for months to come. My understanding is that you are restricted to the venues caterer, which is convenient for the planning but leaves something to be desired for the food
2) the indoor hanging lights combined with the exposed green pipes on the inside are outdated and make the venue look cheaper than it is. The more elegant venues we've seen have gorgeous chandeliers or the ceilings are taller and more elegant. The cafe lights with the hunter green color of the pipes and doors made the decor look cheap. Seems like a darker paint, or replacing the lights would be a worthwhile investment...
3) the grounds outside needed a clean up. The Minneapolis skyline in the background and the river are stunning, unfortunately the ground/concrete/stone outside needed a serious power washing and the decking outside could use a sand and stain...(or could be Trex material)
All in all guests had a great time as we did! But if you're looking for a place every bride- and groom-to-be at your wedding wants to book after you, id look elsewhere.
Shannon S
5.0
6/19/2018
Perfect venue for us! We wanted a location where we could have the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception back to back at the same location - once we saw NIP, we were 100% sure this was it. The beautiful water landscape and rustic pavilion are truly one of a kind in Minneapolis. Tracy and her staff were the best - we sent a lot of emails finalizing the food, decor details, and schedule. She was always responsive, professional, and organized. Many of our guests said the location was the most incredible. Her staff (including the bartenders, security, and banquet staff) were friendly and accommodating - even making sure we had cocktails, appetizers, and dessert since we were having so much fun enjoying our day.
Anna W
5.0
5/28/2018
It was perfect and beautiful and everything we wanted. Tracy, the event coordinator, made sure I had a fresh drink in my hand every time I turned around. The tables and other decor was perfectly set for our guests and everything was just as we pictured it would be.
Dan C
5.0
5/12/2018
Absolutely amazing experience and Tracy/Kailey are so personable and helpful. I would recommend the venue to anyone!
Special note, Friday weddings are much more affordable and prices go up in May for "Summer" season. We got married the end of April, had great weather, and saved half the costs!
Thank you again, NIP!
sheri s
5.0
11/17/2017
Our daughter was married at Nicollet Island Pavilion in September of 2017. We could not have been more pleased with the venue and Mintahoe. The venue is beautiful & requires very little additional decor. It's the perfect place for having an outdoor ceremony as it is beautiful against the river & the falls. The other thing about the ceremony is that if it rains, there is a perfect back up for the ceremony as it can take place under the canopied patio as well. The canopied patio is also perfect for cocktail hour.
Mintahoe is simply the best. We had an event planner (Tracy McCarthy) who handled everything beautifully. She gave great advice ,follow up to every phone calls. (We made a lot of them) and solved any little hiccups that needed attention on the day of the ceremony.
The food was really excellent and the variety you are able to offer your guests is unmatched. You can have as many entree choices as you want and you can pair them with many different sides.
We wanted appetizers that were unique and they accommodated our requests.
The staff for the event were very polite, professional and pleasant. The meals were delivered quickly, the bar staff really made it happen, the cake cutting and coffee as well as the late night snacks were all just perfect.
The other great things about the venue include convenient parking and nice hotels close to the pavilion . The park and river are absolutely gorgeous places for photos, the lights from the city and the stone arch bridge are wonderful back drops for the sunset and night photos.
All of our friends commented on the beauty of the venue and the quality of food & service.
Honestly, I am quite particular & I am unable to come up with any "cons". The only con would be that the venue books up very quickly., which of course, happens when the news gets out about how perfect the staff and venue are at NIP.
We feel so lucky to have had this special event at this very special venue.
Hannah F
5.0
10/31/2017
Nicollet Island Pavilion was the most beautiful place for our wedding! Tracy and her team were great to work with - very detail oriented, responsive, and flexible. Highly recommend!
Nathan G
5.0
10/24/2017
The venue is ABSOLUTELY beautiful! We added the Cafe Lighting and that was enough to create an amazing setting, as the venue itself is so gorgeous. The staff was very helpful and were very involved and relieved us of any stress the day of the wedding, which was obviously very much appreciated. The food and drinks were also very good and I would highly recommend NIP to anyone seeking a fabulous wedding venue in Mpls.
Mary Ellen M
5.0
10/24/2017
We held our ceremony and reception at Nicollet Island Pavilion and we couldn't have been happier with the venue, the catering and the customer service we received. Kailey and Tracy (with Mintahoe) were amazing to work with - they were very quick to respond to questions and so pleasant! They really went above and beyond to make our day even more perfect than what we had envisioned. If you are looking for a one-stop-shop that provides a low-stress, excellent planning experience we highly recommend Nicollet Island Pavilion and Mintahoe! It is such a gorgeous venue and our guests are still raving about the food :) Special thanks again to Tracy for being there with us on the big day and making sure everything went off without a hitch! Such an overwhelmingly great experience!
Kelsey B
5.0
10/22/2017
We had our wedding this past July and I could not be more happy with this venue! The Mississippi River and skyline view, and historical beautiful building cannot be beat!! The food and beverage prices are high but everything tasted great. Tracy was wonderful to work with and helped with all of my questions and concerns. Our wedding was over the Aquatennial firework show and that was such a treat for our guests to have a front row seat. Highly recommend!
Claire A
5.0
11/06/2016
We had our wedding reception at Nicollet Island Pavilion in June, and it was an absolutely amazing spot! We loved having the tent and the outdoor space along the river for cocktail hour, and inside the pavilion was beautiful, spacious, and perfect for dinner and dancing. We really enjoyed working with the Mintahoe team. Kalie and Ally do an amazing job! We would recommend Nicollet Island Pavilion to anyone looking for a wedding venue in the Twin Cities.
Knottie1472768093
5.0
9/01/2016
Just had our ceremony and reception at Nicollet Island Pavilion. Fantastic venue for many reasons, here are a few. The island is a getaway within Minneapolis with ample parking. It is walking distance from the Nicollet Island Inn which made it really easy to coordinate logistics of getting ready with photographer and videographer, if you choose to get ready there. The grounds around Nicollet Island are gorgeous. Endless photo/video opportunities with green space/river/bridges/exterior of Pavilion. A big factor for us was that we wanted an outdoor ceremony, and NIP provided a great back up option for bad weather with the permanent tent that has great views of the river. We had nice weather, which meant cock tail hour was underneath the tent and decking around the river - easily our favorite space for cocktail hour that we saw. Inside the venue is beautiful as you can see with pictures. Lots of options for decoration/lighting/ table set up, etc. I do believe that some of the 'extras' were unfairly priced, but balanced out with the option to split a few 'extra' costs with other wedding same weekend if you agree to same items. The entire staff was fantastic to work with. Two main shoutouts for the staff. First, to the event planner, Kalie, who is great at her job, super helpful, responsive, and very easy/pleasant person to work with. Second, the event captain (Tyler) we had during the wedding was very attentive, personal, and kind. Example: He noticed the maid of honor was so nervous for her speech that she did not touch any of her food. He offered to box it up, reheat it and serve again after her speech, and then encouraged her right before...That is service. Everything went off without a hitch, and I felt like we were in excellent hands in case anything did go wrong. We heard excellent reviews about the food, venue, service, and beauty of the location.
Katie O
5.0
7/25/2016
I couldn't have pictured a better venue for our wedding day! The space itself is beautiful, and created the exact atmosphere we were looking for. Our decorations were minimal because of that. We loved the variety of spaces that guests could spend time in (indoors and outdoors). The grounds, views of Minneapolis, and proximity to water were big selling points for us. Kalie was fabulous to work with, and was great about answering a zillion questions from me. She was very patient and never made us feel rushed to make decisions. The service was great the day of the wedding, and everything went smoothly. We are still hearing compliments from our guest. They've told us it was one of their favorite weddings! LOVED our day. Awesome team, great food, and fabulous location.
Anna D
5.0
7/03/2016
Our wedding reception at Nicollet island was perfect! This is hands down the most beautiful indoor/outdoor venue in the twin cities. The staff as wonderful and easy to work with, the food is delicious, and there are so many options for everything from lighting to snacks to decor! Wouldn't have had it anywhere else. Thank you!!!
Tiffany S
5.0
6/15/2016
We had a fantastic wedding last September. Kalie and her team were super helpful, the location was gorgeous, the food was delicious! We weren't clear at the very beginning about how food and alcohol were going to be priced, but we ended up having fewer people than expected, so the costs came close to what we had originally thought. It was more than we'd anticipated when we began, but Kalie was a clear and flexible guide throughout the process.
Adrianna O
5.0
6/02/2016
Simply amazing! We had a blast over the holiday weekend for our special day! Kalie and Ally were so helpful throughout the entire planning process, and I never once felt stressed about our big day!
The day of, Ally rocked it! She was super organized, and kept everything on track! After the wedding, we had so many compliments on the venue and the food! All of our guests also loved our cupcakes that we also did through Mintahoe :)
We are so so so happy that we chose Nicollet Island Pavilion as our venue!
Knottie1463537182
5.0
5/17/2016
I am beyond amazed with our wedding at Nicollet island Pavilion! Kalie and Ally were terrific to work with from day one! The food was amazing and got complimented by guest after guest how great it was! I could not have Imagined my wedding anywhere else but here! It was simply perfect :) I want to say a huge thank you to all the staff and a special thank you to Kalie and Ally for always being there to answer any questions we had. Truly an amazing venue to hold your dream wedding!!
a member
5.0
11/03/2015
From the first walk through to the event I could have envisioned a better experience. Kalie and Ally at Nicollet Island Pavilion are AMAZING and they were so detailed oriented during the planning process it made the event go incredibly smoothly. I planned my event from out of state and having the team at NIP be so organized help take a majority of the stress and worry of planning off my shoulders. I would recommend this venue and the staff 100% for any wedding or event.
Knottie1446148531
5.0
10/29/2015
The evening went spectacular. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you and your staff did to make such a special night for us!!!! There are really no words for my gratitude!
Angie D
5.0
10/23/2015
We LOVED the Nicollet Island Pavilion! Minneapolis has so many beautiful wedding venues, but Nicollet Island Pavilion is pure perfection. We received so many compliments about the space and the service!
Megan L
4.0
10/11/2015
The Nicollet Island Pavilion was the best location for our wedding reception. With both indoor and outdoor space, it was perfect for a beautiful, sunny day. The food was great, but food and drink are expensive (as they have a monopoly of being the only vendor allowed). Overall, it was wonderful - just a few pains along the way.
Laura W
5.0
9/27/2015
I got married two months ago and had the reception at Nicollet Island Pavilion. I fell in love with the venue because of the beautiful brick interior and the beautiful landscape. I loved that I only needed to add flowers to make it my own. Working with Kalie was a breeze. She was always so receptive to any questions, large or small. It was my dream wedding and I hope to be invited to a wedding at the pavilion very soon :)
Jessica M
5.0
9/15/2015
I chose this location due to the fact I did not have to spend a lot on decorations because the inside of the venue itself is unique and beautiful. Not only is the location prime if you are a lover of Minneapolis like I am, yet you have an amazing outdoor space for guests to enjoy. I received a million compliments from my guests on how amazing and perfect my wedding location was. Formal, Artistic, Rustic, Romantic is how I would describe this venue. Hint: Have your wedding on a Thursday to by pass High F&B minimums.
Nancy V
5.0
9/09/2015
Kalie Cole was the best contact we had throughout our whole wedding planning process! She never judged us based on our decisions/budgets/indecisiveness, which made working with her so great! I'm pretty sure I emailed her more than once a day with really basic questions, but she ALWAYS responded promptly and politely. I don't think I have ever seen her without a smile on her face. With all the chaos, she did such a great job organizing all the details and ensured we were always on track in terms of timing. She is basically the reason why I would definitely recommend all my friends and family to go through Mintahoe! The event staff went out of their way to ensure our day went off without a hitch! I even noticed some staff dealing with our very picky flower girls and helping them cut up the pizza into smaller pieces! It truly put me at ease when I saw this! My husband organized a surprise flash mob and the staff even jumped in making it truly feel like the best night ever. I loved all the support and detail they gave to us!!! Their bartenders made us feel like we were family. Even though I didn't make it to the bar until 10PM, all my guests raved to me about how nice and courteous the bar staff was. Anytime I ordered a drink from them through my bridesmaids or guests, they gave me a glass cup! I really felt special throughout the WHOLE night even though I never met them until 10PM! Now that's what you call awesome service!
Leigh-Ann D
5.0
8/25/2015
Excellent location! Right by St Anthony Falls, beautiful inside, area to walk by the River
Knottie26280289
5.0
8/03/2015
I recently had my wedding reception at The Nicollet Island Pavilion, and it was the absolute perfect wedding venue in every possible way. Kalie Cole and her team were phenomenal to work with. During the year of our wedding planning Kalie was so attentive and accommodating which was especially appreciated since we were planning from out of state. We sent her endless emails and questions in which she always responded promptly and enthusiastically. She helped us plan our dream wedding while respecting that we needed to stay within a budget. We loved the indoor reception area, but the outdoor area with views of the Mississippi river and downtown skyline were the talk of the night. It was a beautiful place for our outdoor cocktail hour. The food catered through Mintahoe was good, and the service was flawless. Our guests are still talking about how wonderful the evening was, and how impressed they were with every aspect of our venue. I would strongly recommend that any future bride and groom have their wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion. Thank you Kalie Cole and your team for everything! We are so grateful and the reception could not have run more smoothly.
Kathy R
5.0
7/29/2015
Lovely venue for a wedding! My daughter chose this wedding so she could have an outdoor wedding with a covered location outside in case of inclement weather. During the entire process of planning the wedding Kalie Cole assisted us and promptly answered our calls and questions. Our guests were all wowed by the outdoor setting for the wedding and views of downtown Mpls, the enjoyable tented area for our cocktail hour and the spacious indoor area for the main reception. We had 170 guests and had an over abundance of room so nothing felt uncomfortable. The staff was friendly and efficient.
We truly loved our experience at NIP.
Kelly R
5.0
7/15/2015
We held our wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion this past June and had such an amazing experience. They work with Mintahoe Catering who was incredible to work with...very timely, helpful, etc. - made the process so easy for us. On top of that, the Pavilion has plenty of space both indoor and outdoor and our guests loved everything about it. Situated right on the Mississippi River, the views were incredible. We couldn't have asked for a better location to hold our wedding!
Elise P
5.0
10/26/2014
We absolutely loved having our wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion. It was a fall wedding and the river and trees were gorgeous. The service on the day of was wonderful and we had a great experience planning our wedding with Nicollet Island Pavilion as well. I would recommend this venue to anyone looking for a classic Minneapolis location.
Courtney D
5.0
8/14/2014
We ate an incredible family-style dinner, danced under beautiful cafe lights, and had a gorgeous view of our favorite spot in Minneapolis on a 75 degree day. It was pretty perfect. Our guests loved the hosted wine and beer and late-night snacks. It was one of the first lovely days this spring, so many people were outside under the canopy or down by the river. We had 175 guests, but it actually felt pretty quaint. I have absolutely no regrets on choosing the Nicollet Island Pavilion for our reception venue.
I was especially impressed with the service the night of the event. Food seemed to come out all at once. There was a lot of it, and it was really excellent (way better than I remembered the food at the tasting event). I still think about how awesome the cake was, and I don't even have a sweet tooth really.
Kalie was very easy to talk to and helped to make the planning process super smooth.
The one nit-picky thing I'd say, and why I only gave "value" 4 stars is that it costs extra to use some of the lighting features. There was some backlighting along the walls we could have added for something like $750 for just half the lights (I think). It felt a little petty. I really, really wanted the cafe lights, but they were also pretty pricy. In the end, we got to share the cost with the weddings happening before and after ours, so the cost came down quite a bit. That was really nice of Kalie to let us know and make that happen for us. The lights really did make for a really beautiful backdrop in our photos.
All in all, really truly lovely place for a Minnesota wedding. I'd be pretty excited if I were invited to a wedding there in the future :-)
Samantha W
5.0
8/11/2014
Recently had our ceremony and reception at The Pavilion on July 12, and it could not have gone better! The venue was absolutely amazing, everyone was stunned at how beautiful it was and how smooth everything went from the ceremony down to the last 10 minutes of the night.
I will admit, at the food tasting I was not impressed at all with the food (Mintahoe is the caterer for the Pavilion). But when it came to the actual event, the food was incredible. Night and day from the food tasting, so don't let that stray you away whatsoever.
Overall, I would recommend this venue to anyone with the budget for it - Kalie Cole was our coordinator and she was always available to help answer any questions.
Jessica K
5.0
8/11/2014
We just had our wedding reception at Nicollet Island and loved every minute of it! The entire planning process was smooth and easy-Kalie, our consultant for the venue, was easy to work with and very helpful with providing advice and answering all of our questions.
We picked this venue because we loved the overall feel of the space. It's very nice looking, but not too formal, which was perfect for our style. We LOVED the outdoor area right on the river. We loved that guests could enjoy the outdoor space, but the e