Venue Roundup

GREAT BEAR SKI VALLEY

Great Bear Ski Valley began hosting weddings 20-plus years ago, and sales manager Jayne Vanderberg says since then they have found their niche as a more affordable, rustic, but elegant wedding venue in the Sioux Falls area.

“The rustic charm of The Lodge has drawn in many couples, but the serene landscape elevates our couple’s visions,” said Vanderberg.

Their banquet facility—The Lodge—holds 50-250 guests with a variety of menu and beverage options. Couples also have access to the 220 acres, and can add on a six-person golf cart to their package, complete with a chauffeur to get around the property.

Other add-ons include table and chair covers, a dance floor, arches, an in-house photographer, and chair lift rides.

“Our goal at Great Bear is to inspire great memories,” said Vanderberg. “When it comes to our couples, providing a relaxed and educated experience allows for great moments to be achieved with little to no anxiety.”

Transforming a ski chalet into an event venue means not everything is in one room. The design allows couples to play with the space, Vanderberg says.

“Is the dance in the dining area or on the deck? Are we eating upstairs, or on the main floor? Should the ceremony be next to the chalet, or on the hiking trails?” said Vanderberg. “The diversity, paired with our goal to become a one-stop-shop, makes us stand out.”

Some of the staff’s favorite memories include a breakfast charcuterie wedding, anytime a pet is the ring bearer, a wedding reception that doubled as a volleyball tournament, and more.

Great Bear recently brought on a “highly-experienced” caterer to join the team, and Vanderberg says they’re excited.

“With his vision to specialize wedding meals more than ever, I believe Great Bear has leveled up yet again,” she said.

Whether it’s the stunning views, delicious food, or unique ambiance, Vanderberg says it’s worth a tour—and she loves giving them.

“My favorite thing about what I do are the tours I have been honored to host,” she said. “Couples may or may not choose Great Bear, but I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience a bit of their journey and hopefully provide a small amount of expertise and joy.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GREATBEARPARK.COM+

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MCCRORY GARDENS

Celebrate your special day among the flowers, autumn colors, or snowscapes at one of South Dakota’s most unique wedding and event venues in Brookings.

What is known today as McCrory Gardens began on the horticulture research grounds on campus proper in 1962, at what was then known as South Dakota State College. With growth and expansion of programs on campus proper, the research gardens were relocated to the present day site, dedicated as McCrory Gardens in 1966, at what by that time had become South Dakota State University.

“The original two acres of the gardens were expanded over time to become the current grounds we know today, now encompassing 25 acres of botanical gardens,” said venue sales and services coordinator Lori Puetz. “As one can imagine, the beauty of the landscape drew attention, becoming a very popular spot as an outdoor ceremony wedding site.”

In 2012, the Education & Visitor Center opened with its Great Hall, an adjoining patio, and Terrace Garden, lending an accompanying private exterior space to support events of all types, but especially lovely for weddings, says Puetz.

The McCrory Gardens team strives to provide individualized service, listening to clients’ wishes and bringing that vision to life.

“Whether a client is interested in a garden ceremony and Great Hall dance reception for up to 250 guests, a dance outside surrounded by the ambience of the outdoor Terrace Garden, holding a brunch celebration for 75, or having an intimate micro-wedding for 20, we are delighted to provide guidance with every detail for all types of weddings,” said Puetz.

Couples who book with McCrory Gardens get to experience a pre-wedding tasting with SDSU Catering.

“It’s a feast not only for the palate, but a gorgeous presentation for the eyes,” said Puetz. “Our tastings are also a time to meet the catering staff and chefs who love to share about the menu selections and ways in which a menu can be tailored to a couple’s vision for their day.”

The Swedlund Room is a smaller venue on site that is included with ceremonies and receptions, and makes for a great place to get ready and hold lunch and other moments for the bridal party and immediate family.

As the region’s premier botanical garden, Puetz says the venue offers innumerable picturesque spots for formal garden photography. There are also many display gardens to select from for a ceremony, and a patio and Terrace Garden for social hour, dancing, or conversation.

One of Puetz’s favorite parts of her job is when couples come back to visit where they exchanged vows.

“We love to see our couples return to the gardens and mention the memories of their special day, developing that connection with us as we truly care about our clients for a lifetime relationship,” she said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SDSTATE.EDU/MCCRORY-GARDENS+

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MOSAIC ARTS & EVENTS

Mosaic is hosting this year’s Falls Park Farmers’ Market two Saturdays a month through April. Take a peek at the space and grab yourself a treat or two.

“Every moment is a masterpiece” at Mosaic Arts & Events in Uptown Sioux Falls.

Formerly the Museum of Visual Materials, the historic destination rebranded in 2024 to put focus on the 18 year old non-profit’s mission.

“We have so much community support and excitement, especially since our rebrand,” said events and marketing manager Amanda Fritz. “I think, more and more, Mosaic is showing up on the map for the Sioux Falls community, and we are just so thrilled to be a space the community recognizes for its beauty and charm.”

With old-world character, the event hall offers natural light with large, arched windows and skylights, and includes original quartzite walls and recycled wood rafters. Fritz says Mosaic has doubled their yearly bookings and are seeing more couples wanting to use the space for weddings and other events.

This, Fritz says, is in part because of the venue’s unique “canvas.”

“Mosaic is a space to create and to celebrate, and we bring our artful whimsy into every facet of our facility,” she said. “If you are looking for a charismatic space filled with history and romance, Mosaic is the perfect fit for your downtown wedding.”

The spacious event hall can comfortably accommodate over 230 guests, and just had its bridal suite remodeled. Couples who rent Mosaic have access to the entire facility, including tables and chairs for wedding needs. Set up and teardown is included with packages, and also comes with bartenders to serve guests domestic and local beer and wine offerings.

The outdoor courtyard space can be used for “wedding day merriment” like lawn games or for mingling.

Fritz says seeing the couple’s dreams become a reality is her favorite part of the job.

“Hearing the vision during tours and initial meetings and then witnessing them unfold in real-time in our beautiful space makes every event an exciting and rewarding venture for me,” she said.

Whether it’s for a wedding, event, or classes, Fritz says Mosaic is accessible for all ages and abilities to come experience everything it has to offer.

“Every event is a work of art, every class an inspiration, and every visitor is an artist adding their own brushstroke to a collective masterpiece,” she said. “At Mosaic, we come together to create, celebrate, and learn in a space that is as diverse and vibrant as our community.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT MOSAICSIOUXFALLS.COM+

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SANFORD EVENT BARN

From weddings and parties to business meetings, corporate fundraisers, and holiday events, this 10,000-square-foot venue in Sioux Falls includes an expansive event space, outdoor patio and bar area, fit with customizable options helping leave a lasting impression on all your guests.

“The Sanford Event Barn was originally imagined as a simple gathering space for internal meetings and corporate events, but the building features prove this space is suited for much, much more,” said lead events specialist Jake Brooks.

Beyond company luncheons, holiday parties, and galas (events where the conference room and screen projector really shine), now the space is shared with the surrounding community for social gatherings like weddings, graduations, and family reunions.

While blending the rustic, Midwest charm of a quaint countryside venue with class and effortless elegance, Brooks says the Sanford Barn allows for any style, acting as a seamless blank slate.

The 22-foot vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and a gorgeous outdoor space tied together with a firepit are the canvas for which any vision can come to life, added Brooks.

“We have full service event planning available, including top-notch in-house catering and bar services from Blue Rock Bar & Grill,” revealed Brooks. “We craft menus and drinks that perfectly match your vision and budget.”

The Sanford Barn team helps organize everything from catering, to linens, discounted rehearsal dinners, and bachelor/bachelorette parties at Great Shots. The on-site facility manager is also available, if needed.

Brooks says they encourage out-of-the-box ideas for live entertainment. Groups including bands, magicians, dueling pianos, hypnotists, and comedians have all performed at the barn.

The inviting dance floor is made that much more impressive with the in-house sound system.

With customizable seating for 250, a relaxing bridal room, and options for planning and day-of coordinators, the barn was busy with 24 weddings in 2025. Amenities like these make the big day that much more seamless, according to Brooks.

“Each first look and first dance was just as touching as the last,” said Brooks. “It’s in those special moments that we feel so honored to be a part of our client’s memories.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SANFORDBARN.COM+