Venue Tour: Watson Block | A Minneapolis Wedding Planner + Officiant Perspective
We recently had the pleasure of touring Watson Block in Minneapolis, MN—and we absolutely loved this charming venue! Situated near the vibrant North Loop neighborhood, Watson Block occupies the entire second floor of a beautifully restored historic office building. Guests can easily access the venue either via a staircase or, more conveniently, by elevator.
Upon entering, the venue immediately impresses with its cozy furniture, one-of-a-kind piano bar, and elegantly designed built-in bar area to the left. On the right is the stunning ceremony space, complete with neatly arranged chairs and a customizable wooden A-frame altar. Bold ruby-colored curtains frame large windows, bathing the entire space in inviting natural light.
We affectionately describe Watson Block as "boujee frugal"—ideal for couples dreaming of a sophisticated, upscale wedding experience without breaking the budget. It’s a perfect match for our own philosophy here at Blocks of Love Weddings!
Getting Ready for the Wedding Ceremony
Couples often prepare for their big day at nearby hotels like the Hewing Hotel, just a short walk away. Watson Block provides a convenient third-floor suite for final preparations and gathering before the ceremony. Security services are included, ensuring that only your invited guests have access. Parking is straightforward too, with ample nearby options such as the Minneapolis Central Library parking ramp.
Wedding Ceremony
Ceremonies at Watson Block are beautifully intimate and indoor-only, removing the stress of contingency plans. Guests comfortably settle into their seats on the second floor, and the wedding party makes a memorable entrance via a nearby staircase. Couples often personalize the wooden A-frame altar with floral designs. Additionally, built-in speakers and provided microphones create seamless sound quality, something we especially appreciate as officiants.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests smoothly transition to the stylish cocktail area. Featuring cozy seating arrangements, high-top tables, and an engaging piano bar, it's an ideal setting to enjoy refreshments and live music from a hired pianist or talented friends and family. During this approximately hour-long social time, the attentive venue staff effortlessly converts the ceremony space into a stunning dining area.
Dinner
Watson Block offers versatile dining setups tailored to each couple’s guest list and preferences. Venue catering conveniently includes linens and select table chargers. Couples can choose from four exceptional catering services: The Deco Catering, Green Mill Catering, Kafe 421 Catering, and Sterling Catering.
Dancing & Celebration
While Watson Block provides space for a dance floor, they also cater to the rising trend of more intimate, low-key receptions. Imagine an elegant jazz-club atmosphere, scalable to match your desired ambiance, from laid-back to lively.
Additional Details
Your booking at Watson Block includes a generous 12-hour reservation window, typically from noon until midnight, perfectly accommodating your entire celebration. A dedicated Venue Manager is provided, guiding and assisting you from planning stages through the big day itself, ensuring everything unfolds smoothly.
Ready to Start Your Watson Block Love Story?
Watson Block truly is a gem for couples seeking an elegant yet affordable wedding experience in Minneapolis. If you’re ready to take the next step and bring your unique love story to life at Watson Block, we’re here to help! Reach out today by filling out our simple contact form, we can't wait to celebrate with you.
