When I think of dream wedding venues in Minnesota, Pinewood Wedding and Events, nestled in the heart of a forest, always comes to mind. Located just an hour north of Minneapolis, this venue in Cambridge Minnesota offers everything you could want for a wedding—a blend of nature’s beauty with the elegance of modern design. As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’m constantly searching for places that combine breathtaking backdrops with versatile spaces, and Pinewood ticks all the boxes. If you’re looking for a Pinewood Wedding and Events photographer or simply considering Pinewood as your venue, I’m here to share why this place has captured my heart.
Pinewood is more than just a venue; it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Surrounded by towering pines, this 10-acre property provides the kind of outdoor scenery that elevates wedding photography. Whether you’re planning a summer celebration or a cozy winter wedding, the forest backdrop offers a timeless, magical feel.
In the winter, Pinewood transforms into a snowy wonderland. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by snow-dusted pines—talk about a photographer’s dream! The soft light bouncing off the snow and the cozy atmosphere of the venue nestled among the trees make for some of the most stunning wedding shots. And even if the weather gets chilly, Pinewood’s indoor spaces are just as charming. Having both indoor and outdoor options means your wedding day is stress-free, with backup plans already in place.
Pinewood offers two distinct ceremony spaces: an outdoor location and an indoor option, each with its own unique vibe. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, the towering 100-foot pine trees will serve as the perfect natural backdrop. Picture walking down the aisle with the forest as your witness, sunlight filtering through the branches. I love capturing those intimate moments in such a serene, natural environment.
If you’re worried about weather (we all know how unpredictable Minnesota can be!), the indoor ceremony site is equally stunning. Located on the second floor, the Upper Gathering Hall features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room with natural light while still giving you those beautiful views of the pines. The hall is always set up and ready to go, so last-minute changes are seamless. Plus, it has elevator access, ensuring every guest can enjoy the day comfortably.
One of the things I appreciate most about Pinewood is the layout. The reception room is completely separate from the ceremony space, meaning no room flips are necessary. This makes the day flow smoothly and allows me to focus on capturing all the little moments—from your first dance to toasts—without any interruptions.
The Main Gathering Hall is a blank canvas with clean, modern lines, making it easy to transform into your dream reception space. With so many windows and doors letting in natural light and views of the forest, every corner is an opportunity for stunning photos. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or a more intimate affair, this space can adapt to your vision.
As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for venues that make those getting-ready moments special. Pinewood has not one but two getting-ready suites, located on separate floors for privacy and ease. Each suite is designed with weddings in mind, offering plenty of natural light, which is a dream when photographing candid moments like buttoning dresses, pinning flowers, and sharing laughs with your closest friends and family.
Pinewood isn’t just beautiful; it’s practical, too. The newly constructed event center was designed by wedding professionals, so every detail has been thoughtfully considered. From the indoor and outdoor bar service to the easy accessibility with elevator access, this venue truly makes your day stress-free, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your love story.
One thing I adore is that the venue allows you to have both indoor and outdoor options set up at the same time, meaning there’s no rushing or last-minute decisions when it comes to your ceremony. The flexibility and flow of the day are unmatched, and that translates to a relaxed and joyful atmosphere—ideal for natural, candid photos.
I’ve photographed at numerous venues across Minnesota, but Pinewood holds a special place in my heart. Its versatility, combined with the natural beauty of the forest, provides the perfect backdrop for those heartfelt, unscripted moments that I love to capture. There’s something truly magical about the way the light filters through the trees, or how the venue looks blanketed in snow—it feels like you’re in your own little world, far from the bustle of everyday life.
And because of the venue’s modern design and seamless flow, I can focus on what I do best: documenting your day in a way that feels true to you. Whether you’re envisioning a grand outdoor ceremony or an intimate indoor celebration, Pinewood offers the kind of flexibility and beauty that lets your love story shine.
If you’re planning your wedding at Pinewood and are looking for a photographer who not only knows the venue but adores it, I’d love to chat. I believe that the best photos come from genuine moments in beautiful settings, and Pinewood provides exactly that. Let’s work together to create memories that will last a lifetime! Reach out to me via the contact form on my website and we can start talking about your wedding photography.
Photographer: Abi Jane Photography / Instagram: @AbiJanePhoto
Venue: Pinewood Wedding and Events / Instagram: @Pinewood.MN