The Annex in Minneapolis is a gem of a wedding venue thanks to its flexible rental periods and open catering policy, allowing couples to tailor their wedding day timeline to just what they need (not what industry standard divvies out).

Inside you’ll find two connected spaces: one modern and sleek industrial, the other a more boho, plant-filled green space. Seriously a plant lovers delight - there is no venue like this in the Twin Cities! Even though the space is intimate, there’s still that feeling of breathing room, likely because of the potted trees and brick wall cut outs. The outdoors inside means you won’t have to stress about inclement weather, which in Minnesota happens every. single. damn. month.

A wedding in this space has plenty of hygge, I envision you genuinely connecting with every guest, creating memories together all night long. If I were planning a wedding at The Annex, I would make it special by incorporating personalized decor that highlights the natural greenery, curating a menu from local favorites, and designing a timeline that encourages mingling and shared experiences, making every guest feel like a cherished part of the day.

pinterest images for a backyard ceremony and dinner party at The Annex Minneapolis — *All images from Pinterest*

Wedding Day Timeline for The Annex

Thursday:

Check in to neighborhood Airbnb rental by Bde Maka Ska

Friday:

Getting ready in the rental with Cristina Ziemer and French Meadow catered breakfast with friends
Airbnb rental backyard ceremony with live musician, no other amplification, standing room only, guests are greeted with a cocktail
Shuttle guests to The Annex, couple to stay for photos, take second shuttle trip
Guests are greeted with cocktails and live music
Couple arrives at The Annex, welcome toasts, seated for dinner
Multiple course dinner with toasts in between, wine pairing with NA option, dessert is served
First dance (informal) followed by dancing and raucous frivolity

Saturday:

Post-wedding meet up at some Twin Cities attraction (sports, arts, or physical activity like a hike)

Wedding Day Vendors for The Annex

Chowgirls or Paris Dining Club for catering and bar
- Although The Annex is able to accommodate a cans-only style bar, you’ll want to curate some craft cocktails for your event complete with unique glassware and customized garnishes
Plants by Design for table greenery
- I’d make this a flower-free wedding and lean into the greenery already present in the space; option to add personal flowers from a neighborhood florist
- Add table linens, fancy flatware, specialty glassware, and lamps from Linen Effects - I would pick up my rentals but ask catering to return them (for a fee)
Live music for ceremony and cocktail hour // In house AV for dinner and dancing
- I’m a big fan of Joshua Schmidt or Molly Brandt for guitar and my go to strings is Roma Duo
- For dinner, create a spotify playlist that is 30-40 minutes longer than what you’ll need. For dancing, ask a friend to manage the vibe
Guest transportation = Renee’s Limousine
Officiant = an important person in your life who has been married for 20+ years
Stationery = Katie Murphy Design or Paper Rock Scissor
- Opt for something memorable, save-worthy, intricate. This includes place cards but NO other day of stationery, and an invite that pairs with a digital save the date (check out Lovebird)
Offset the tiny environmental impact of your paper goods (and your enormous environmental impact of guest travel and any non-plant based menu items) by planting trees

eucalyptus and magnolia leafs on the aisle runner

Dos and dont’s for your wedding at The Annex:

DO rely on expert vendors to make your day stress free, easy and enjoyable
DONT forget to account for set up and tear down; typically vendors like a 3-5 hour window for setup and a 1-1.5 hour window for tear down
DO optimize lighting to help set the mood - bright for cocktail hour, dimmer for dinner (remember those table lamps for hotter weather wedding dates or candles for cooler weather), and dimmest after your first dance that raucous frivolity
DONT fret about adding more decor, the space sings by itself and tables can be left more minimalist to help with your wedding’s feng shui
DO set your event times with traffic in mind
DONT think that a 10pm last call means your party has to end, continue the fun at your rental or at a nearby club

Most importantly, DO opt for partial wedding planning from Sixpence Events to ensure that your busy lifestyle doesn’t bring you to the brink of insanity while you try to plan all the details and juggle work, family, and your household!

Special thanks to Kelly and Nathan for having a beautiful celebration in The Annex and to Joe and Jen Photography for capturing moments that highlight the space, the love, the people and the greenery.