Are you dreaming of a classic, elegant, and historic wedding in the heart of downtown Minneapolis? The Lumber Exchange Event Center is a premier choice for couples seeking a unique and sophisticated setting for their special day. Constructed in 1885, the Lumber Exchange Building holds the distinction of being Minneapolis’ very first skyscraper. Today, it has been meticulously restored, blending old-world charm with modern amenities and an undeniable industrial-chic aesthetic.

These two had their engagement session in Chicago where they lived and then their wedding was in Minneapolis at the Lumber exchange. This wedding film tells their story in full.

Why Choose the Lumber Exchange for Your Minneapolis Wedding?

There are numerous reasons why the Lumber Exchange stands out among downtown Minneapolis wedding venues. Here are some of the key reasons why couples love to book their wedding here:

Unmatched Historical Ambience:

Immerse yourselves in the rich history of Minneapolis. The building’s original exposed brick walls, towering arches, glistening marble floors, and sparkling chandeliers provide a truly captivating and romantic backdrop.

Versatile Event Spaces:

The Lumber Exchange offers a variety of distinct event spaces, allowing you to tailor your wedding to your specific vision and guest list:

• The Fountain Room: This dramatic nine-story atrium is bathed in natural light, featuring a cascading waterfall, vintage lamp posts, and a skylight—perfect for grand ceremonies and receptions.
• The River Room: Adjacent to the Fountain Room, this space showcases the building’s original windows and offers a flexible environment for smaller gatherings or extended reception areas.
• Sawyers on 5th: This unique space features boho-industrial touches like an original banker’s safe, exposed brick columns, and large floor-to-ceiling windows offering sunset views of downtown Minneapolis and the iconic Bob Dylan mural.
• Dylan’s: A luxurious and historic setting that can be booked exclusively or as an extension of Sawyers on 5th, also overlooking the Bob Dylan mural.

Capacity for Large and Small Weddings:

The versatile nature of the Lumber Exchange means it can comfortably accommodate weddings of varying sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations with guest counts up to 450 for a seated meal or even larger for a cocktail-style reception.

Convenience for You and Your Guests:

Located in the bustling heart of downtown Minneapolis, the Lumber Exchange is connected via skyway to two hotels, making guest lodging and travel stress-free. A large covered parking garage is also conveniently accessible via the skyway.

Exceptional In-House Services:

The Lumber Exchange team provides a wide range of services to ensure your wedding day is flawless, including setup, teardown, and assistance with planning and coordination. Rental includes essentials like tables, chairs, and linens.

Culinary Excellence:

The in-house culinary team offers extensive menu options and can even create custom menus to accommodate specific preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy a complimentary food tasting to sample the chef’s creations before your big day.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lumber Exchange

How many guests does the lumber exchange have capacity for?

• Up to approximately 450 seated guests or 570 standing for receptions
• Individual rooms within the building vary in size (e.g., Fountain Room, River Room, Dylan’s, Sawyers on 5th), allowing flexibility for layouts and guest counts from intimate to large.

What’s Typically Included when you book the wedding venue?

• Access to event space for ceremony and reception (full buyout or specific room options)
• Tables and chairs scaled to your guest count
• Linens
• Setup and teardown by venue staff
• Servers and bartenders
• Two private bridal/groom suites
• Wireless microphone and surround sound system
• Liability insurance included with rental
• In-house catering and bar service prepared by the venue’s chef
• Dedicated day-of event staff to support your timeline and flow
• Easy guest access via connected parking garage (700+ stalls) The Knot

How much does it cost to get married at the Lumber Exchange?

• Typical starting pricing for weddings begins around $5,000–$7,500+ for full wedding event space rental (varies by season, day of week, and room choice).
• The Knot’s average estimate for site fee and venue services is around $14,900 (based on real wedding data). You can read more on The Knot
• Exact package pricing depends on space selected, guest count, catering choices, and additional service needs.