Unique Ceremony Venue Feature: Lakewood Cemetery Chapel | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

One of my favorite places to get married in Minneapolis is at a cemetery.

Now hear me out! (Or just skip to the photos.)

The chapel at Lakewood Cemetery is beautiful. Unique. A little off the radar but still centrally located in the Twin Cities near Bde Maka Ska in South Minneapolis. This non-denominational chapel seats 200, and is full of photo ops inside and out. It’s a jewel box of a structure that begs a visit, whether you’re in the market to get married there or just looking for a beautiful place to visit.

Modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the Byzantine influence is heavy. Figuratively and literally—there are 10 million mosaic pieces decorating the chapel interior, made of gold, stone, and glass. I can even personally confirm the resemblance! Even since I first learned about the Hagia Sophia in my art history classes in college, it was a bucket list destination that I was able to accomplish several years ago. I can confidently say both structures are literally jaw dropping.

The feeling you have when you’re in a space like the Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Chapel is precisely the energy I’d encourage you to invite into your wedding ceremony: reverence, awe, and presence. The colors, the artistry, the attention to the detail is incredible! It’s believed that this 116 year-old chapel could never be replicated for any amount of money now, as the highly skilled artisans responsible for it—along with their vast knowledge—has been lost to time. Not only beautiful, the chapel is renowned for its excellent acoustics, making it especially lovely if you hire a musician.

For Brittany and Ryan’s springtime ceremony, it was the perfect fit. Their wedding day was a blend of throw backs to classic styles but with a modern twist. Take a look at her hair with those perfect finger waves! Her stunning Monique Lhuillier gown paired with Ryan’s traditional black tux and bow tie! The getaway car that had these two looking like Old Hollywood royalty! (Highly recommend the vintage car hire here—it’s got a great set-up for a fun reception exit.)

If you’re looking at getting married at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel: do it! And if you’re looking for a photographer to capture it—and you!—in all its glory, you won’t find a photographer more enthusiastic than me. Reach out to see if your date is still available, I’d be honored to chat with you!