A Stylish Setting for Exceptional Occasions
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Meghan H.
SALES MANAGER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (5X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Nicollet Island Pavilion is a premier wedding venue in the heart of Minneapolis, MN. This historic property blends rustic charm with timeless elegance, offering couples a one-of-a-kind setting to celebrate their love story. With panoramic views of the Minneapolis skyline, lush park surroundings, and the flowing river running by it, Nicollet Island Pavilion provides a breathtaking backdrop for bespoke ceremonies and stunning photo shoots. Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, the pavilion is a cherished gem among the Twin Cities' most iconic venues.
Originally built in 1893 as the William Bros Boiler Works, the building’s original character remains intact with exposed brick walls, tall industrial ceilings, and vintage architecture. Today, the space has been beautifully restored to accommodate both intimate gatherings and grand affairs. The Main Room seats over 525 guests for a reception or 750 for a theatre-style ceremony. For even larger events, the adjacent tented area expands seating to 700+ or offers space for up to 5,000 guests. The versatility of the space allows couples to fully customize their wedding experience in a setting that is both historic and contemporary.
Nicollet Island Pavilion is operated by Mintahoe Catering & Events, a family-owned company known for its exceptional service and attention to detail. Their dedicated team works closely with couples to bring their unique vision to life, offering a wide range of tailored services to ensure a stress-free experience throughout. Whether you're envisioning a romantic riverside ceremony or a lively reception under the stars, the staff at Nicollet Island Pavilion is committed to making your big day everything you've always dreamed it would be.
Black-owned and Woman-owned Business
Speaks English
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
Meghan H.
Sales Manager
As Sales Manager, Meghan ensures every couple’s experience with our venue begins with excitement, care, and confidence. She leads our sales team with a passion for hospitality and a love for helping people find the perfect place to celebrate their day. Her goal is simple—to make every couple fall in love with our venue from the very first visit.
Reviews
4.9
out of 5.083 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 high praise from multiple reviewers for its stunning outdoor views, magical ambiance, and exceptional service provided by event manager Morgan and the Mintahoe staff. Reviewers appreciate the beautiful venue that required minimal decorating, the professional and attentive staff who went above and beyond during the wedding, and the delicious food that received compliments from guests. The venue's picturesque backdrop, ease of planning, and seamless execution of events make it a highly recommended choice for weddings.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
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!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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.
Morgan K
5.0
12/15/2025
Morgan and Haley were very communicative throughout the entire planning process, including cc'ing my MIL and MOB in email threads. The staff was very helpful with last minute needs...
(e.g. band aid, scissors, pinning the dress on my straps). Even though this wasn't part of their job, they went above and beyond to make me feel cared for on my wedding day. Oh, and people are STILL talking about how beautiful our venue was.
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 01/05/2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re thrilled to hear that Morgan and Hale...
y’s communication and attention to detail helped make the planning process smooth and inclusive for everyone involved. It truly means a lot to know that our team went above and beyond to support you on your wedding day—those thoughtful, behind-the-scenes moments are exactly the kind of care we strive to provide. And hearing that guests are still talking about how beautiful the venue was makes us smile! Thank you for trusting us with such a special day, and congratulations again to you both.
Any questions?
Tanya A
5.0
12/12/2025
We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect place to celebrate our wedding than Nicollet Island Pavilion. The outdoor views alone are breathtaking with lush greenery, classic brick ch...
arm, and the river flowing just steps away. It created such a peaceful, picturesque backdrop for our day. But the inside of the pavilion is equally magical. The space is naturally beautiful, warm, and inviting, and we were amazed at how little decorating we actually needed to do. The venue truly speaks for itself.
A huge part of our wonderful experience was thanks to our event manager, Morgan. She was hands down the easiest person to work with throughout the entire wedding process. Organized, calm, and endlessly patient, she made us feel like none of our ideas were too big or too much. We had a very large guest count (over 400 people) but Morgan never made us feel like this was an overwhelming task – she handled it with ease! Every meeting with her left us feeling more relaxed (something every stressed-out couple can appreciate!) She also handled all communication with our vendors directly, which took such a huge weight off our shoulders. By the end of the entire planning journey, it honestly felt like Morgan had become a close friend.
The venue staff was equally impressive. On the wedding day, they handled all of our added table decor with so much care and precision—when we walked into the room, it looked exactly how we pictured it. Throughout the night, the staff was professional, attentive, and thoughtful. One moment that stood out was when they offered to keep our plates warm while we were busy greeting guests. It’s small gestures like that that make the night feel extra special.
We’ve had countless guests rave not only about how beautiful the venue was but also how smoothly everything ran. Nicollet Island Pavilion gave us a wedding day even better than we imagined, and we’re so grateful for the unforgettable experience. Highly, highly recommended.
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 01/05/2026
Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful and thoughtful review. We’re absolutely hon...
ored to have been part of your wedding day at Nicollet Island Pavilion. It means so much to hear how the natural beauty of the venue—both inside and out—helped create the atmosphere you envisioned, and that it allowed you to truly enjoy the day with ease.
Morgan will be incredibly touched by your kind words. Her calm, organization, and genuine care for her couples are truly special, and we’re so glad she was able to support you every step of the way—especially with such a large celebration. We’ll also be sure to share your feedback with our on-site team, who take great pride in the thoughtful details and guest experience you described.
Knowing that your guests noticed how smoothly everything ran and left with such positive memories means the world to us. Thank you for trusting us with such an important day, and for your heartfelt recommendation. Wishing you a lifetime filled with love, joy, and wonderful memories together!
Benjamin W
5.0
12/03/2025
We could not be happier with our experience at Nicollet Island Pavilion. From start to finish, Morgan was an exceptional event manager — responsive, organized, and genuinely invest...
ed in making our day perfect. She consistently made herself available, listened to our ideas, and ensured every detail came together seamlessly.
The Mintahoe staff was equally wonderful. The food was outstanding and we received compliments from our guests throughout the event, and the team on-site was warm, attentive, and professional throughout the evening. The venue itself was absolutely beautiful and created the perfect atmosphere for our celebration.
We received so many kind words from friends and family about how amazing the event was, and we truly owe that to Morgan and the team. We are incredibly grateful and would highly recommend Nicollet Island Pavilion to any couple planning their special day!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 01/05/2026
Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt review. We’re thrilled to hear that your ex...
perience at Nicollet Island Pavilion was everything you hoped for. Morgan’s dedication, organization, and genuine care truly shine through, and we’re so glad she helped bring your vision to life. We’ll also be sure to share your kind words with our Mintahoe culinary and on-site teams—they’ll be honored to know their efforts made such a lasting impression. It means so much to hear that your guests felt the same joy and care throughout the celebration. Thank you for trusting us with such an important day, and congratulations again—we wish you a lifetime of happiness!
Kaitlin R
5.0
11/21/2025
We absolutely loved our experience at Nicollet Island Pavilion. Morgan and the entire Mintahoe team did a phenomenal job helping us plan and coordinating everything on our wedding ...
day. We truly couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful celebration. Our guests also loved the venue, the food, and the overall flow of the day--we are incredibly grateful to the entire team.
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 12/02/2025
Kaitlin,
Thanks so much for the kind words! We are so happy to hear Morgan and our team ...
took good care of you. It was our pleasure to help you on your special day. Wishing you two all the best in the years to come!
Sonya H
5.0
11/17/2025
Morgan was amazing throughout the whole planning process! She was in touch through the whole planning process and always available for questions. Especially during the week of the ...
wedding when finalizing the finer details. The venue itself was beautiful and all of our guests from in town and out of town enjoyed the beautiful views during cocktail hour. Guests also raved about the catering with Mountable, and the tasting processes was also enjoyable. Would definitely recommend this venue and their catering company. They brought our wedding vision into reality!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 12/02/2025
Sonya,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Morgan m...
ade your planning experience smooth and enjoyable—she truly loves helping couples bring their vision to life, and your kind words mean so much.
We’re also delighted that your guests enjoyed the venue, the views during cocktail hour, and their dining experience with us. It’s always our goal to create a memorable atmosphere from the first taste at the menu sampling to the final moments of your celebration.
Thank you again for trusting us with such an important day. It was an honor to be part of your wedding, and we wish you both all the happiness in the years ahead!
Patty M
5.0
11/15/2025
Nicollet Island Pavilion was a wonderful place to host our wedding reception! The venue and surrounding park area along the Mississippi River are stunning, and were perfect for our...
fall wedding. The venue provides a great backdrop for photos, limiting the need to drive to specific photo spots. We appreciated how the natural decor and building allowed us to minimize the amount of external decorations needed. From a personnel perspective, Morgan, our event coordinator, did a phenomenal job. She was organized, communicative, and supportive through the entire process. In addition, her vendor recommendations were great and made coordinating the day of so easy. Our guests had a great time, were very complementary of the venue and food, and the night was everything we wanted!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 12/02/2025
Patty,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We’re delighted t...
o hear that Nicollet Island Pavilion—and the beautiful surroundings along the Mississippi—helped create the perfect setting for your fall wedding. It’s wonderful to know the venue’s natural charm and historic character made planning and decorating that much easier for you.
We’re especially grateful for your kind words about Morgan. She takes great pride in supporting couples every step of the way, and it’s fantastic to hear her organization, communication, and recommendations helped make your day seamless.
We’re thrilled that your guests enjoyed the food, the venue, and the celebration as much as you did. Thank you again for choosing us to host such an important moment in your lives. We wish you all the very best as you begin this new chapter together!
Samie K
5.0
7/14/2025
We were married at the Pavilion on Friday, June 6. We had an excellent experience on the day of our wedding and in the planning sessions leading up to the wedding!
While Nicollet...
Island is one of the more "premium" venues in the city, I would highly recommend looking at the venue for an off season wedding or considering a Friday to help save on some costs. Because we weren't using a planner, I particularly appreciated our planning sessions and the inclusion of a day of coordinator to help us manage some of that workload ourselves. The food and beverage minimum is very easy/reasonable to hit for an average-sized MN wedding (130ish). The lighting within the Pavilion is also gorgeous, which helped us be comfortable minimizing an additional decor budget.
The location is gorgeous and unbeatable for city + river views. Be sure to discuss your options for indoor/outdoor ceremonies—we had rain in the forecast a few days before our wedding and I wish we'd had more proactive "what if" conversations, but this ultimately wasn't an issue for our day.
The venue has made significant improvements to their "Getting Ready" room since we toured; this was a really pleasant surprise to have access to on our wedding day!
Mintahoe (the caterer associated with this venue) was able to a few tweaks to our menu to add a few special nods—for example, I'm from a big cherry farming community and we subbed dried cherries for cranberries in the salad we chose. Multiple guests complimented the service at our venue.
Overall, we would absolutely recommend this venue!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 08/06/2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We're thrilled to hear that you...
r wedding day—and the planning leading up to it—was such a positive experience. It's wonderful to know that the Pavilion’s beauty, flexibility, and recent updates made an impact, and that our team could help personalize your menu with meaningful touches. We truly appreciate your kind words and helpful insight for future couples. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!
Sammantha W
5.0
6/02/2025
If I had to pick a place to have a wedding or any major party, it would be at Nicollet Island Pavilion with Morgan and Hayley. We told that what we wanted and walked through the sc...
hedule a few times and the day went flawlessly. They provide a list of vendors they have worked with before, and we hired some folks off of that and others we found on our own. Either way, Nicollet Island was able to work with them and deliver a seamless event. I tell people my recommendation for a wedding is to hire people you trust to do their job and then let them do it, and nothing could be more true of the staff at the Pavilion and Mintahoe.
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 08/06/2025
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We're honored that Nicollet Island Pavilion—a...
nd our team, especially Morgan and Hayley—could help bring your vision to life so seamlessly. It means the world to hear that everything flowed effortlessly and that you felt confident trusting us with your big day. We’re grateful for your kind words and thrilled to have been part of such a special celebration!
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!!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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! 💕✨
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 throughou...
t 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!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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 a...
nd 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!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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. Morga...
n 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!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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 incred...
ibly 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!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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 enga...
ged 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.
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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 co...
mfortably 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!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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 s...
pace 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!!!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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!
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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 w...
hich 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 ne...
eded. 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.
Response from Nicollet Island Pavilion on 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 weddi...
ng 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 Minta...
hoe 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 th...
e 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 troublesho...
ot, 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 Gab...
by'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 plannin...
g 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 stand...
ards - 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 pl...
anning 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 t...
all, 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 sum...
mer 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 Minneapol...
is 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 t...
o 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
Anonymous
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 th...
is 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.
Ann 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 l...
ittle 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.
Anonymous
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 becau...
se 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, t...
he 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 ho...
w 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.
Want to book a visit?
Start the convo
*=Required
Use this secure form to reach out and share your wedding vision.
Nicollet Island Pavilion
Meghan H.
|
Sales Manager
Typically responds within 24h
- Messaging our verified vendors on The Knot is free, safe and secure.
- Conveniently track vendor messages and planning details all in one place.
- Our mobile apps make it easy to stay in touch with vendors while you're on‑the‑go.
- For personalized pricing and package details, sending the vendor a message is the fastest way to get info.
By clicking "Request quote," you accept our Terms of Use and agree to The Knot creating an account for you. Your messages may be monitored for quality, safety, and security according to our Acceptable Content Policy. See our Privacy Policy to learn how we handle your data.
Wedding vendors in Minneapolis
Nicollet Island Pavilion
Why use The Knot to message vendors?
Messaging our verified vendors on The Knot is free, safe and secure. Conveniently track vendor messages and planning details all in one place. Our mobile apps make it easy to stay in touch with vendors while you're on‑the‑go. For personalized pricing and package details, sending the vendor a message is the fastest way to get info.