Why Couples Are Choosing Countryside Wedding Venues Over City Venues
Carly Mac Photography
Couples today are looking for more than a beautiful venue; they’re craving connection, authenticity, and space to be fully present with each other and the people they love the most. That’s why countryside wedding venues have become such a meaningful choice. Away from the noise and pace of the city, venues surrounded by nature invite a slower rhythm and a sense of calm that sets the tone for the entire celebration.
In recent years, couples have been trading skyscrapers for sunsets and city lights for starlit skies when planning their weddings. According to The Knot’s latest Real Weddings Study, 58% of couples now host their ceremony outdoors, and a People article, citing Pinterest’s Wedding Report data, states “Venues that bring the couple and their wedding guests closer to nature are also increasingly popular, judging by significant jumps in searches for concepts including "rural wedding," "small forest wedding" and "whimsical garden wedding." Nature-first venues offer couples a more relaxed and intimate wedding, and countryside wedding venues, like Legacy Hill Farm, near Red Wing, Minnesota, provide just that: an ideal balance of natural beauty and modern elegance, just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities.
The Charm & Serenity of the Countryside
There’s something inherently romantic about wide-open spaces, rolling hills, gardens, and a grove of trees that’ve been standing tall for decades holding the stories of days and years gone by. There’s no comparison to the serenity nature provides. Zola’s 2025 wedding trends report found that “garden parties” and “rustic ranches or farms” are among the top venue styles couples are dreaming about this year. A countryside venue allows couples to slow down and focus on what really matters: celebrating their love surrounded by family, friends, and breathtaking views. Unlike crowded city event centers, countryside wedding venues provide privacy, tranquility, and an atmosphere that feels deeply personal and meaningful.
At Legacy Hill Farm, there is a special feeling in the air as couples exchange vows under sweeping skies at the outdoor ceremony site. The sounds of celebration and laughter surround everyone as guests greet the happy couple and transition to the outdoor patio and reception area. There is a glow in the sky on summer evenings. The beauty of the leaves changing and fresh autumn air on September nights. The smell of the firepit and fresh florals mix in the air as day turns to night. The atmosphere is intimate, timeless, and truly magical. At Legacy Hill Farm, the elegant French country-inspired spaces that blend the authentic farm architecture with modern building updates and amenities, combined with intimate spaces throughout the property, puts guests at ease and invites them to slow down and enjoy themselves. Every corner of the property feels intentionally designed for both beauty and function, always with couples and their guests in mind, with perfect backdrops for photos all around.
Space, Scenery, and Stunning Photo Opportunities
Urban venues often come with space limitations, restrictive décor policies, and background noise that can distract from the moment. In contrast, countryside wedding venues open up endless possibilities. With more than half of U.S. weddings now taking place outdoors, couples are actively seeking venues that offer natural backdrops and wide-open spaces. Legacy Hill Farm’s sprawling acreage provides space for a dream countryside wedding: outdoor ceremony, a grand fireplace with floor to ceiling doors surrounding the reception pavilion (perfect for any weather a wedding day may bring), and breathtaking views and backdrops that shift beautifully with each season, from the lush greens of summer to the golden hues of autumn.
Photographers continuously gush over the numerous backgrounds for photoshoot moments throughout Legacy Hill Farm and the soft natural light and charming details that create effortlessly beautiful photos without needing elaborate décor.
Trend Insight:
Industry studies show that couples are continuing to favor outdoor, nature-inspired venues with garden parties, rustic farms, and open-air estates ranking among the most-searched styles for upcoming weddings. Many planners note that couples want their venue itself to feel like part of the story, not just a backdrop. Countryside wedding venues deliver exactly that: authenticity, natural beauty, and a setting that instantly feels meaningful.
A Peaceful Escape That’s Still Convenient
While countryside weddings may feel worlds away from the city, they don’t have to be inconvenient. For example, located near Red Wing, Minnesota, Legacy Hill Farm is just a 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities and the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.
This kind of “driveable destination” offers couples the opportunity to choose a venue close enough to reach by car, but far enough to feel like an escape. Couples can enjoy the experience and peace of the countryside while knowing their guests won’t need to make extravagant travel plans. The short drive gives everyone the best of both worlds: serene countryside surroundings and easy access to urban accommodations and amenities.
Natural Beauty Meets Personal Expression
One of the biggest reasons couples are drawn to countryside wedding venues is the effortless beauty that comes with being surrounded by nature. Rolling hills, open skies, and natural light and landscapes provide a romantic backdrop that doesn’t need to be manufactured. These venues offer something city spaces rarely can: a setting that’s already rich with texture, light, and charm. The environment itself becomes part of the design, allowing couples to let the natural surroundings do much of the aesthetic work while still expressing their unique style.
This balance between built-in beauty and creative freedom is what makes countryside venues so special. They provide a sense of place and atmosphere while leaving room for couples to personalize the details, from floral choices and tablescapes to color palettes and special guest experiences. The result is a celebration that feels effortlessly cohesive yet entirely individual.
At Legacy Hill Farm, this harmony is perfectly realized. The property’s French country-inspired architecture, open-air spaces, and sweeping views create a setting that feels both curated and customizable. Couples don’t have to overdecorate or transform it to make an impact; the space already carries an understated elegance that complements any vision.
Unlike many city venues, where strict vendor lists and preset décor packages can make celebrations feel formulaic, Legacy Hill Farm offers the best of both worlds: a venue that’s naturally stunning and beautifully adaptable to each couple’s vision.
Why Couples Are Choosing Countryside Weddings at Legacy Hill Farm
For couples seeking a venue that combines natural beauty, modern elegance, convenience, and truly timeless wedding experience, Legacy Hill Farm offers the perfect countryside escape. Located near the Twin Cities and Red Wing, it’s a destination that feels secluded yet accessible, where every celebration becomes a cherished memory surrounded by the beauty of the Minnesota countryside.
What couples love most about celebrating in the countryside at Legacy Hill Farm:
Naturally beautiful settings and views all around
Built-in flexibility with cohesive yet customizable spaces
Seamless, convenient guest experience – just 45-min from the Twin Cities
Proven expertise with over a decade of experience hosting weddings
A setting that invites couples and guests to slow down, connect and create memories
As more couples embrace nature-forward celebrations and outdoor ceremonies, countryside wedding venues like Legacy Hill Farm continue to rise in popularity offering the space, peace, and atmosphere that city weddings simply can’t match.
Key Takeaways: Why Couples Are Choosing Countryside Wedding Venues
Nature-forward celebrations are here to stay. More couples are exchanging city skylines for scenic views, opting for open-air ceremonies and rural venues that reflect a deeper connection to nature.
Outdoor weddings remain one of the most popular choices. Garden, ranch, and farm venues consistently rank among the top styles couples search for when planning their big day.
Countryside venues offer space and freedom. From flexible vendor options to wide-open backdrops, rural settings give couples creative control and room to design a celebration that feels truly personal.
Peaceful doesn’t mean remote. Driveable destinations, venues close enough to reach easily but far enough to feel like an escape, are increasingly sought after for their balance of convenience and tranquility.
Legacy Hill Farm embodies the best of both worlds. Just a short drive from the Twin Cities, it combines refined design, natural beauty, and a sense of calm that city venues simply can’t match.
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