Aerial view of the Brainerd Lakes area — Tim Larsen Photography, Brainerd Lakes MN

The Journal

Real Brainerd Lakes Weddings

Full wedding stories. Real venues. Real couples. Planning guides for your day.

Grand View Lodge · Summer 2025

Monika & Mats — Color, Pines, and a Dance Floor That Wouldn't Quit

A rainbow bridal party, a Grand Staircase ceremony lined with begonias, and a reception with a live band that kept the floor packed until the last song.

Grand View Lodge · Winter 2025

Lauren & Matthew — The Chapel, the Frozen Lake, and a Winter Day Worth Every Snowflake

A winter chapel ceremony with stained glass and candlelight, portraits on the frozen lake in a fur stole, and a reception that packed the dance floor until the last song.

Madden's on Gull Lake · Summer 2024

Emily & Brad — Lily Pads, a Pontoon, and the Last Light on Gull Lake

A garden-rose bouquet, a first look on the veranda, a pontoon ride between portraits, and a reception that ended with a chair lift and a dance floor that refused to quit — Madden's on Gull Lake.

Grand View Lodge · Summer 2024

Shannon & Jon — Begonias, the Dock, and an Hourglass Full of Promises

A Grand Staircase ceremony lined with begonias and lanterns, an hourglass unity ceremony, dock portraits on Gull Lake, and a reception that never slowed down.

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