On a brisk December evening in the heart of Mankato, Maria and Jim Plaetz celebrated their vintage-glam-themed winter wedding. Having a horse and carriage to whisk them away to their reception was a perfect addition to their romantic day.
Like Maria and Jim, many couples are opting for unique transportation options to help them celebrate their big day. From Italian-style gondolas to retro trolleys to casual-cool pedicabs, today’s wedding-day transportation options offer a little something for everyone.
How to Plan
Choosing the type of transportation is a personal decision and one that should be made with the bride and groom’s comfort in mind.
“Some brides are looking for a fairy-tale wedding,” says Mary Block, owner of Johmar Farms in Marine on St. Croix, who rents horse-drawn carriages. Romantic transportation options like carriage rides give the couple some much-appreciated private time. “They’ve had a hectic week with a lot of last-minute planning and now they’ve just been married. They can have some quiet time before they return to the reception for an evening of partying.”
The Plaetzes, who turned to a family friend who runs the Medora to Deadwood Stageline Co. in Mankato for their transportation, reveled in the experience, as a team of black Percheron mares pulled the gleaming red 1870s-replica carriage through the streets of Mankato. “I really enjoyed the quiet ride with just my husband and me,” says Maria. “The carriage picked us up from the church and brought us to the reception. Looking at the beautiful winter scenery was very romantic, and we enjoyed taking in that moment of being newlyweds.”
“Sometimes couples want to please the bridal party, but this is your day, so you should do what you really want to do,” she continues. “Everything happens so fast on your wedding day that you don’t have a lot of time with just you and your significant other.” Those private moments with her fiancé were one of the highlights of the day.
Johmar Farm offers several wedding-ready transportation options, all rented by the hour, including a classic white or black vis-à-vis carriage, a Cinderella-style carriage or a rustic Western-style wagonette that can fit the entire wedding party. “All are horse-drawn,” says Block. “We also have antique carriages for those interested in having an authentic Victorian carriage.” Couples can also use some of the rental time to give rides to guests.
From romantic horse-drawn carriages (above) to lively pedicabs (below) — and everything in between — Minnesota offers transportation options to fit every personality. Photos by Jeannine Marie Photography.
One for All
Looking to provide fun transportation for the entire wedding party? Consider renting a trolley, classic car or traditional stretch limousine.
Andrew Macko, office manager at Twin City Trolleys in Minneapolis, says that classic trolleys with wooden benches, oversized windows and classic fixtures are a popular choice for many couples. “Our trolleys can hold between 20 and 30 people, and are typically rented for a two-hour period during the wedding day,” says Macko. The Stillwater Trolley Co. also offers historic trolley service throughout the Twin Cities region and boasts a charming open-air experience for all aboard.
If you’re looking for a modern feel, Renee’s Royal Valet of Plymouth offers award-winning limousine experiences. Limos include a super-stretch Lincoln Town Car, H2 Hummer and Excursion SUV models, and all feature luxe amenities aplenty, including flat-screen televisions, rich walnut wood-grain bars, fiber optic lighting and high-end sound systems.
Interesting Options
Add a bit of flair to your wedding-day transportation with Minneapolis’ Twin Town Pedicabs. The three-wheeled pedal cabs are powered by trained, licensed bicyclists. Used for shorter excursions, the pedicabs offer an entertaining experience for couples as they cycle through town. Not getting married in the Twin Cities? The pedicabs can be transported by truck to special events outside the metro area.
If luxury travel is more your style, rent a classic car. Silver Rolls Royce of Minneapolis offers a vintage 1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, complete with Champagne and classic accoutrements for a lavish drive around town celebrating your newlywed status.
Or consider whisking away in a helicopter ride from Minnesota Helicopters in Blaine. Imagine making a grand entrance to your outdoor wedding as your helicopter touches down, and you and your fiancé emerge. Helicopter rides can be completely customized to meet your specific needs on the big day.
And for those couples celebrating their nuptials near the St. Croix River, a ride in a Venetian-inspired gondola, powered by a gondolier from Gondola Romantica in Stillwater, may be the perfect private escape between your wedding and reception. You can also invite your wedding party to join you in a gondola cruise along the beautiful St. Croix River.
Photo by Jennifer Whalen Photography.
