Choosing a venue to host your wedding day can be a daunting task. From barns to gardens and historical buildings, the 605 Weddings team has you covered. This alphabetical list of tried and true South Dakota venues will inspire you to take a closer look at everything the state has to offer.
Drifters Photos by
Kadence Cruse Photography
Fort Pierre
Drifters Event Center
For couples seeking a picturesque destination wedding, Drifters Event Center offers a blend of waterfront views and exceptional service.
Nestled along the Missouri River, the venue opened in May 2016, founded on owner Emily Steber’s passion for hospitality.
“I’ve always had a deep connection to the hospitality industry and knew I wanted to create a space where couples could make lasting memories,” said Steber.
Drifters Event Center keeps the wedding planning process simple with a thoughtfully curated all-in-one wedding package. This package includes the event space, tables and chairs, linens, projectors, screens, microphones, setup and teardown, a dance floor, and a full-service bar setup.
Couples can also enhance their big day with add-ons like a scenic ceremony site, patio access, and an outdoor bar rental.
The venue’s location offers easy access to amenities that elevate the guest experience, including three nearby hotels, boat slip rentals, an oversized fire pit, and sweeping views of the capitol building, Missouri River, and Riverwalk Landing Marina.
“We’re proud to provide couples with a venue that feels special and stress-free,” said event manager Kayla Nelson, who has been a dedicated team member since the very beginning.
Nelson works closely with each couple to ensure their day unfolds effortlessly, bringing a personal touch and meticulous attention to detail.
Steber shares guests rave about the dining experience, thanks to Drifters’ talented chef, Waylon Waite.
“A dull meal is nowhere to be found here,” said Steber. “Chef Waite’s dishes are packed with flavor, and leave wedding guests talking about the meal for days afterward.”
With its unique views, personalized service, and custom cuisine, Drifters Event Center is an ideal venue for couples looking to host a memorable wedding.
“I love seeing people’s reactions when they first experience the property,” said Steber. “The scenery is stunning, and it’s always exciting to hear out-of-town guests marvel that such a gem exists in central South Dakota.”
For more information, visit driftersbarandgrille.com/weddings+
Good Roots Farm and Gardens LLC
Brookings
Good Roots Farm and Gardens, LLC
Just minutes outside of Brookings sits a rustic barn venue on 40 acres of land.
Owners Julie and Bill Ross own and operate Good Roots Farm and Gardens LLC, and have hosted weddings and events since 2017.
“Over the course of several years, we thoughtfully converted acres of the farm to a beautiful, peaceful place for gathering and celebrating,” said Julie.
The 98 year old restored barn with a commercial kitchen and getting-ready room makes it an ideal choice for those who love to celebrate outdoors with all the charm of a historic barn.
Good Roots offers several packages, including a whole weekend option covering all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until noon.
“Most of our couples choose this option,” said Julie. “Then you have a relaxing window for you and your team to customize your celebration or just enjoy the barn and grounds as-is.”
The farm is also available to rent for just one day and has extra rentables, including tables and 200 chairs for indoor and outdoor use. The barn has both a loft and a main floor, a patio, and a perfect location for a tent, if wanted.
“You’re welcome to do light prep in our commercial kitchen and you can involve any caterer you like,” said Julie.
The farmgrounds have plenty of photo opportunities amid the blooming flowers, maintained yards, and natural light.
With the ability to host up to 350 guests, the venue has spacious parking, a beer and wine license, and in-house bartenders. Hayrides and use of the firepit are available on request.
“We enjoy meeting the families and helping however we can,” said Julie. “Simply put, we love to serve.”
For more information, visit goodrootsfarmandgardens.com+
TayMarie Photography
Ally Wurts Photography
Brookings
McCrory Gardens
A part of South Dakota State University, McCrory Gardens began as the horticulture research grounds on campus. Now, venue sales and services coordinator Lori Puetz says the gardens are a stand-out among South Dakota’s wedding and event venues, like no other in the region.
The botanical gardens consist of 25 acres of formal gardens and the adjoining 45 acres of state arboretum.
Ceremonies can be held in several display garden locations or the arboretum. The Terrace Garden, Education & Visitor Center, and Great Hall are reception options.
“These areas are filled with grand planters overflowing with lovely seasonal blooms, surrounded by beds of perennial plantings, punctuated with trees of varying distinction and characteristics, and accented with a contemporary design fountain, pergolas, cedar outdoor furnishings with umbrellas, and an enchanting sculpture,” shared Puetz.
During the right time of year, Puetz also says butterflies linger and flutter among the flowers, making for a magical experience.
“Altogether, any of our spaces create a captivating, inviting, and memorable place to celebrate one of the happiest days for a couple, their family, and friends,” said Puetz.
Another perk of McCrory Gardens is the exclusive catering service. From hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer, buffets, and served meals, to desserts and late night snacks—the possibilities are endless for the SDSU Jacks catering chefs. The venue also offers wedding tastings before the big day.
Photo opps are endless, and booking a wedding at the gardens also includes the ability to take engagement photos on site with no admission charge.
“The natural and built landscapes of the formal gardens create some of the most stunning photography backdrops, helping to create memories to last a lifetime,” said Puetz, sharing couples often come back to reminisce for their anniversaries in future years.
Puetz says she has seen many beautiful wedding themes, from very creative movie-themed weddings, to discussing tying the knot in silk pajamas, to brunch receptions with omelet and waffle bars.
“We’ve held many weddings, yet for each couple, we listen with fresh perspective, eager to learn what plans can unfold to elevate the experience and make each couple’s special day perfect for them,” she said.
For more information, visit sdstate.edu/mccrory-gardens+
Sioux Falls
Mosaic Arts & Events
For a place where creativity, community, and artistry come together, consider Mosaic Arts & Events. Previously the Museum of Visual Materials, the business opened in 2007 and occupies a quartzite and brick building in uptown Sioux Falls.
Originally built in 1887, the building was first occupied by the Consolidated Tank Line Company, later becoming the Standard Oil Company.
In 2005, it was purchased by Dr. Rose Faithe, who incorporated recycled materials and energy efficient practices.
Mosaic offers full-day rentals, as well as special non-profit pricing. Additional items are available to rent that may best fit a couple’s event.
Events and marketing manager Claire Litzen says the building is filled with years of charm and character.
“I take great joy in seeing guests utilize our exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and original wood floors as a stunning backdrop. It’s wonderful to watch each celebration transform our space into a unique and personal reflection of their love story,” she said.
Litzen oversees all aspects of event management, which includes coordinating tours, finalizing meetings, designing floor plans, and handling alcohol orders.
As a non-profit, booking an event with Mosaic also means the investment directly supports art education programs.
“Your events help us provide art education resources for homeschool families, adults with disabilities, elderly communities, early education initiatives, and a variety of community activities,” said Litzen.
“You can feel good knowing your wedding makes a meaningful impact,” she added.
For more information, visit mosaicsiouxfalls.com+
Photos submitted by AC Ellis
Sioux Falls
Old Courthouse Museum
For historic charm and downtown walkability, consider the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls.
Originally the Minnehaha County Courthouse, the building opened in 1890, became a museum in 1974, and began hosting events in 1987.
The museum does flat rates for day time hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and hourly rates after 5.
There is no list of preferred vendors, so couples can bring in any caterer, florist, photographer, or professional they like.
“Something that sets us apart from other venues is the historic charm of the building—the wood floors, tall ceilings, chandelier in the courtroom, stained glass windows, and grand staircase, to name a few,” said events coordinator Staci Peters.
She notes decorating can be simple, but elegant in the setting, and often not a lot of décor is required.
Exhibit galleries stay open during the event, so guests are able to wander and explore the museum.
Peters works with couples to plan ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, photoshoots, and bridal showers.
The museum hosts other events, like anniversary parties, graduation open houses, conference receptions, and more.
Open seven days a week, with the exception of holidays, couples are welcome to stop in and browse. If preferred, a tour can be set up.
Peters says her favorite part of the job is seeing the process from start to finish.
“I enjoy getting to know the couples as they are starting their married life together, seeing the excitement build as the day gets closer, and the joy at the end of their wedding day. It’s one of the biggest days of their life, and they’ve chosen to share it with us. That, to me, is priceless!”
For more information, visit siouxlandmuseums.com+
Photos submitted by Kinsey Whidby Photography
Sturgis
The Farmhouse Barn
Amy Gustafson and Savannah Horst have always envisioned building a wedding and event venue, and one night over cocktails at Murphy’s Pub & Grill in Rapid City, it became a reality.
Both mothers and nurses by trade, they built The Farmhouse Barn from the ground up with the help of family and friends.
The Sturgis venue opened in 2019, offering one day to three day rentals for the space, as well as decorating and coordinating packages.
A full bar, outdoor power, patio spaces with lawn games, and a vintage truck for photo opps are all available. Additionally, a marquee sign can be customized to welcome guests to the wedding.
All packages include access to The Farmhouse Cottage—a separate bridal suite with a makeup bar, full bathroom and shower, kitchenette, heat and air, and a pull-out sofa.
The cottage can also be added on as a honeymoon suite.
The barn can host 50 to over 400 people, with different spaces inside and out allowing for versatile planning.
Horst says her and Gustafson’s “down-to-earth” nature sets them apart from other venues.
“We are very easy going, and we also want the best for each of our guests. We want them to feel like they are a part of The Farmhouse Barn family,” she said.
The co-owners’ favorite part of weddings is watching guests kick back and have fun, using the outdoor spaces to have s’mores around the fire, dance, and play cornhole.
“It makes us so happy to watch all our guests enjoying themselves inside and outside, and utilizing the full property,” said Horst.
