Have you been dating your loved one for years, maybe months, maybe just mintutes and you cannot wait any longer to pop the biggest question of your life!? Coke or Pepsi? No, we just kidding! WILL YOU MARRY ME!? The four best words that might ever come out of your mouth, EVER! It truly doesn’t matter how long you have dated someone or know someone, sometimes when you know you know. Sometimes it’s an instant head over heals and sometimes it can takes years or sometimes an entire decade, and it’s all amazing no matter what timeline your engagement is on. Keep reading for some of our favorite places to plan a surprise proposal in Southern Minnesota and some other helpful tips!

Many people are finding it harder and harder to plan an incredible surprise proposal these days. With Pinterest and TikTok showing off so many creative and beautiful, mind blowing engagements, some people are finding it hard to plan a unique or intimate engagement. Many people do not know where to start.

Many people opt for a gorgeous public park. If you are getting engaged in the Mankato Area, you may have enjoyed Sibley Park’s beautiful gardens and may want to ask your big question right there with the goats in the background. Others may prefer a little more private setting, maybe less laughing kids and farm animals all around. We think it’s a beautiful setting for your engagement but there are many other options out there, too! Sibley Park is located at 900 Mound Avenue, Mankato, just in case you want to take a long romantic walk, with or without the ring in your pocket!

You Can’t Beat A Surprise Proposal at The Barn at Ballard Creek

One day, we received an inquiry from a young gentlemen named Bryr. He was hoping and wishing we could help him pull off a surprise engagement! He said he lived over 2 hours away but had reached out to numerous venues and no one would accept his proposal (PUN INTENDED!). He told us him and his soon to be fiance’s beautiful story and how he wanted to give her the proposal of a lifetime! He sent me his inspiration photos and hoped we could help make his dream proposal come true. My heart melted and of course we said YES!

I immediately shared the inspiration photos he had pulled from Pinterest with Kylie, owner of Memorable Moments by KW and she said she was SO excited to style the shoot for this incredible surprise proposal. I gave Bryr a list of some of the top Southern Minnesota Wedding Photographers and they chose the very talented Jessica Sauck Photography! Bryr came to visit us for a preview and he said it was absolutely perfect! Between our gorgeous space, Kylie’s talent and Bryr’s vision, we knew we could pull of the most epic surprise proposal Southern Minnesota and Mankato has even seen! A few weeks later, we started prepping the barn for the best day ever!

Tim and I cleared the barn so it was a gorgeous fresh palette for Kylie to work her magic. She brought in the most stunning pampas grasses, lanterns, candles, dried and faux florals and Bryr provided us with this adorable “Will You Marry Me?” neon sign. Our hexagon arch was the perfect final touch to hang his sign and set up for the most romantic proposal ever. Bryr came up with a story to tell Ashley that a new venue was having a launch party with lots of fun vendors and music. I was SO nervous when I greeted them because I didn’t want to ruin their big moment! I welcomed them and thanked them for coming to the launch of our Southern Minnesota Wedding Venue. I explained that they were the first ones here but more couples would be arriving soon and I hurried them inside! The look and joy as we opened the doors on Ashley’s face was absolutely priceless and I literally had to hold back the tears.

They held hands all the way down the candle lit aisle, and held each other so tightly before Bryr got down on his knees and asked the question, “Will you marry me?”. She said YES and we all were SOOO happy and cheered and Bryr’s relief was the absolute best! After they hugged and talked for some time, they toured the venue with champagne and Jessica captured the freshest, most romantic Southern Minnesota Surprise Proposal moments throughout the property. Check back for those beautiful photos!

We hope you’ll consider having your dream wedding or dream surprise wedding proposal here at The Barn at Ballard Creek. The Barn at Ballard Creek is a wonderful Southern Minnesota Wedding Venue and will make your wedding dreams come true! Not only is the Barn at Ballard Creek a gorgeous barn venue with modern amenities and the most serene country setting, but it also is so conveniently located so close to Mankato, less than 2 hours from the Twin Cities and is worth any drive truly for both your wedding and engagement! Take a minute to look at our packages for more info and fill out our contact form so we can visit here soon! We can’t wait to hear from you!

XOXO

Lindsey

Photography For Bryr and Ashley’s Big Day: Jessica Sauck Photography

Styling: Kylie, owner of Memorable Moments by KW

It’s never too early to start dreaming and planning your wedding! If you have been dating for a while, recently engaged or just wanting to explore options and give your loved one a little nudge, please visit our website to see all we have to offer at our beautiful Southern Minnesota barn wedding venue. The Barn at Ballard Creek will not only give you and your partner a wedding of a lifetime, but will also give your guests an experience they will never forget!

Thanks so much for reading our blog and reading about all of the top Southern Minnesota and Mankato Hotels, Air B and Bs and VRBOs to stay at during your wedding weekend! We’re so excited about using our blog to highlight locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a more personal touch and dedication to your wedding day. As you plan your wedding, we hope you’ll consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover many wonderful locally owned venues across the country. Sending a big shout out to all the amazing locally owned wedding venues out there!

El Tango Reception Hall, Dream Ranch Events, Livingstone Event Space,Make It Jamaica, Thistledome House, La Bella Luna, Oxbow Acres, Sparks Museum & Event Center