1. When Should We Book a Fall Wedding?
Short answer: As early as possible!
Fall is one of the most popular seasons to get married, especially September and October. We recommend booking your venue 12–18 months in advance if you’re aiming for a prime fall weekend date. However, weekday weddings and Sundays are becoming increasingly popular and offer more flexibility (and better rates).
2. What If It Rains (or Gets Cold)?
Fall weather can be unpredictable, especially here in Minnesota — one weekend could be sunny and 70°, the next could bring chilly winds or rain. At Crooked Willow, we always have a solid weather backup plan in place. Our large and flexible indoor reception space is perfectly designed to be converted into an indoor ceremony space last minute.
Whether it’s a cozy indoor ceremony space or a sunny outdoor wedding day, we’ll work closely with you to ensure your day is beautiful and comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.
3. What Are the Best Fall Color Palettes for Our Venue?
Autumn weddings open up a world of gorgeous color combinations. Some of our favorite seasonal palettes include:
Burnt orange, sage green & ivory
Burgundy, blush & gold
Terracotta, dusty rose & cream
Navy, copper & rust
The natural surroundings at our venue pair beautifully with warm, earthy tones and bold accent colors.
4. What Flowers Are In Season in Fall?
Great question! Some of the most popular fall florals include:
Dahlias
Chrysanthemums
Ranunculus
Roses
Eucalyptus
Pampas grass
These blooms add texture, richness, and a seasonal feel to your bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony arches. Need a florist recommendations? Check out our list of recommended vendors here: OUR. VENDORS
5. How Can We Make Our Wedding Feel “Fall” Without Being Too Themed?
You don’t need pumpkins and hay bales (unless you want them!) to capture the essence of autumn. Consider these subtle touches:
Warm lighting (think candles, lanterns, and string lights)
Seasonal flavors (like apple cider cocktails or pumpkin-spiced desserts)
Velvet accents in attire or table linens
Wood, copper, or brass decor elements
Earth-toned floral arrangements
One of our go-to local. vendors, Creations , is happy to help you style your event in a way that feels seasonal but still elegant and timeless!
6. Should We Serve Seasonal Food or Stick to a Traditional Menu?
It’s entirely up to you, but fall is an amazing time to get creative with your menu. Some fall-inspired favorites include:
Butternut squash soup shooters
Roasted vegetable platters
Apple cider signature cocktails
Mini pumpkin pies or s’mores bars
Ask your caterer about incorporating seasonal ingredients to add warmth and comfort to your meal.
7. What’s the Best Time of Day for Photos?
In fall, the sun sets earlier — usually between 5:30–6:30 PM, depending on the month. That means:
Golden hour (perfect for romantic portraits) happens around 60–90 minutes before sunset.
Schedule your ceremony accordingly to ensure you get that dreamy, golden light.
Don’t forget to build in time for group photos before it gets dark.
Our venue team and your photographer can help you fine-tune the timeline for the best natural lighting.
8. Can We Have an Outdoor Ceremony in the Fall?
Absolutely — and fall is one of the best times for it! The scenery is stunning, the air is cool, and bugs aren’t as much of a problem as in summer.
At Crooked Willow, we offer both outdoor and indoor ceremony options, so you have flexibility in case the weather changes. We also provide heaters, blankets, and other cozy touches to keep guests comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Fall weddings are full of magic, and we’re here to make sure yours goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re planning a rustic party, an elegant celebration, or a cozy intimate gathering, our team at Crooked Willow is ready to help bring your autumn wedding vision to life.
Still have questions? We’d love to chat or schedule a tour — just reach out INQUIRE HERE and we’ll help you plan a celebration that’s as unforgettable as the fall colors themselves.
*photo credit: In His Image Photography, Shawn Pemrick Photography, Liz Johnson Photography