Picture your perfect wedding ceremony set in lush, mature gardens with towering trees, ambient music, and never-ending greenery. No, it’s not the English Countryside — it’s in Stillwater, Minnesota! Trellis Weddings is a stunning outdoor ceremony venue that has a beautiful backdrop for your vows. Kelsey Martin tells us all about this location and the 170-year history of the property.
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: Wedding ceremonies! It is all that we do. We worked for years to prune and perfect our beautiful grounds, creating a timeless background for your wedding day. We have two ceremony spaces for our couples to choose from and acres of gardens to enjoy. This gives us the flexibility to craft beautiful ceremonies for intimate weddings with smaller guest counts or accommodate larger celebrations up to 250 guests.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: We are located in Stillwater, MN. Stillwater is a charming river town nestled in the St. Croix River Valley just outside the Twin Cities. Because Stillwater is a popular summer vacation destination (only 25 min from the airport), this allows our couples great options for reception, dining, and lodging.
Q: Tell us when and how your business began.
A: Trellis Weddings was established in 2008 by a mother-daughter duo with a dream of helping couples celebrate their love stories. From a family homestead, the grounds were transformed into an enchanting garden venue. The original owners retired in 2020 giving my husband and me the honor of carrying on the legacy that was built. Trellis is still a family-run business – we are passionate about the natural beauty of our grounds and forever grateful that we are able to take care of amazing couples every season celebrating love.
Q: What makes Trellis Weddings unique from others?
A: Wedding ceremonies are all that we do! Our grounds are specifically designed for hosting wedding ceremonies. The natural beauty of the space also allows our couples to keep things simple. Our couples love that they don’t need to invest in decorating our space – our gardens and beautiful grounds are your décor. You bring in the details that personalize your event and we take care of the rest! This means more time spent on what matter most – enjoying your celebration with your loved ones.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: I have been in the industry for two years. Entering the wedding industry in the middle of COVID was certainly not your average start! I think it has given us a unique perspective and allowed us to grow organically as the industry evolves.
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: Coffee and emails are always first on the list! I then will typically spend many hours in the gardens doing all the things to keep our grounds looking pretty. Late afternoons are usually used for meeting with couples for tours, hosting check-in calls with our clients, or hosting rehearsals. Weekends are all about our amazing couples and hosting weddings ☺
Q: What should a couple searching for their wedding venue know?
A: Consider hosting your ceremony and reception at separate venues! Hosting each part of your celebration at separate locations eliminates awkward downtime associated with the need to ‘flip a space’ and can help you refine your day of timeline. It also allows you to provide a greater variety of experiences for your guests and an atmosphere for photos.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: A year in advance is always a good target. This will give you the most date options.
Q: What is the history behind Trellis Weddings?
A: The venue was originally part of the Boutwell family farmstead dating back to the 1850s. Our bridal cottage was a small animal barn and the acres of gardens were a forest! We have certainly come a long way since then.
Q: What is the biggest crowd-pleaser at your venue?
A: Our grounds. Our mature gardens have been meticulously refined for over 15 years and they truly provide an atmosphere like no other place I have ever been. From the moment you enter the venue, you are surrounded by nature in a sea of greenery. You then meander along the pathway discovering hidden courtyards and acres of gardens.
Q: What are your other hobbies and passions besides creating beautiful wedding days?
A: I cannot get enough of the outdoors. Hiking with my pups, paddle boarding or hitting the golf course are definitely some favorites!
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: Wait wait don’t tell me, Radiolab and Invisibilia are my top 3!
Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?
A: This definitely rotates – but currently it is Tyler Childers
Q: What was your latest impulse buy?
A: A sherpa lined flannel shirt (hello MN winters! Ha)
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach
Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A: Gin and tonic
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Veterinarian
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: Savory
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Pizza
Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?
A: Duck Duck Grey Duck!
The pictures don’t do this property justice, you have to see it for yourself. Meet Kelsey at Twin Cities Bridal Show on Sunday, February 26th, and discover how you can book a tour!
