Schaars Bluff Gathering Center in Hastings is a gem of Dakota Parks.
There are many reasons a couple might choose to have their wedding at Schaars Bluff: the lovely paths through woodland and meadow, the views over the Mississippi river from the bluffs, and the slightly prairie style architecture of the event space itself. The overwhelming vibe of weddings at Schaars bluff is peaceful – the whining of insects in the evening, and the prairie views almost all to yourself.
Highlights of Schaars Bluff weddings
Location and Scenery
Minnesota in summer time is a perfect mix of wooded paths and prairie space. Throw in scenic views of the Minnesota River Valley and you’ve got Schaars Bluff! Its lovely for a hike or picnic, and it a lovely background for your guests to enjoy your celebration.
Venue Options at Schaars Bluff
Minnesota in summer time can also a bit unpredictable, so having both indoor and outdoor spaces means there are options as the weather does its thing. This means the opportunity for a ceremony overlooking prairie and then social hour in shaded spaces before dinning indoors.
Enjoying your wedding at Dakota Parks
If you are very lucky, you might have a celebration as lovely as Teagan and Logan did at Schaars Bluff. Their wedding featured some of the best made and tailored suits I have ever seen (and not only for men, across the gender spectrum!)
In praise of a good suit
Let me bring your behind the scenes into a little bit more about me. I love costuming and clothing, since the time I was the head of the costume crew for several years in high school. What does clothing tell us about how we feel, and how we want to present ourselves? How much time do we give it, how much energy and resources?
As a wedding photographer, I see a lot of trends come and go. I see a lot of suits. And when I see a good suit, I immediately notice and ask about it.
Logan is a tall man, and suits can sometimes look disproportionate on this kind of frame. When Logan put his suit on, it was an impeccable fit and a perfect proportion to his body – slightly longer torso, perfectly tailored trousers. And it is burgundy, so that it didn’t just blend into the background.
Many members of the wedding party also had tailored suits from the same company. The styles varied wildly (double breasted tweed with ticket pockets! Slim tuxedo styling!) and they all fit perfectly. It is a whole other art to make suits that fit women well, and these stand out.
All of which is to say, I now always mention King Bros for custom suits in Twin Cities (and beyond). They are based in NE Minneapolis.
Suits: King Brothers
Enjoying Social Hour and Reception at Schaars Bluff Wedding
Teagan and Logan’s Schaars Bluff wedding featured lawn games outside during cocktial hour and dinner designed and cooked by the groom himself. The reception included dancing by windows overlooking the prairie as the sun set.
Planning a Schaars Bluff Wedding?
If you are looking at the Dakota parks for your wedding, I’d love to connect with you! You deserve to relive all the energy and excitement of your event through the images!
