Lake Superior is truly a dream destination for a wedding, and one of my favorite wedding venues here with scenic lake views is Bluefin Bay!
Bluefin Bay is the perfect backdrop for your day if you want it to feel romantic and dreamy, with everything taking place next to the water. I had the chance to photograph R + N’s stunning celebration at Bluefin Bay in Tofte, MN, and it was incredibly romantic and magical thanks to Lake Superior’s undeniable charm.
Keep reading to learn more about planning a wedding at Bluefin Bay and take a look at Ryan and Noy’s wedding here to get a better idea of what your own celebration could look like!
Your Guide to Planning a Wedding at Bluefin Bay
Bluefin Bay is a gorgeous wedding venue right next to Lake Superior. It’s the ideal venue for you if you want to have an intimate to medium-sized wedding celebration with a lakeside ceremony. They can accommodate up to 80 guests.
You can have your ceremony at the Beach Patio or the Tofte Cove, and another amazing feature of this venue is that they also have on-site accommodations. On-site, they have condos, townhomes, and suites, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. There are lots of great hiking spots nearby, as well as many activities you and your guests can enjoy!
Some incredible experiences you could enjoy (depending on the time of year of your wedding) include guided sea kayaking tours on Lake Superior, alpine skiing and snowboarding at Lutsen Mountains, Golfing at Superior National Golf Course, and so much more!
They also have three different reception spaces, including the Superior Room, Shore Room, and Surfside Ballroom, and they provide catering services at their on-site restaurant, the Bluefin Grille. Bluefin Bay has really thought of everything to provide you and your guests with an unforgettable experience!
What time of the year is best for planning a wedding at Bluefin Bay?
The North Shore of Minnesota has a lot to offer year-round; however, each season has its pros and cons. If you want to plan a wedding at Bluefin Bay, I would definitely encourage you to consider the weather before planning an outdoor ceremony by the lake.
Spring (March – June)
The ‘brownest’ and most unpredictable time of year. If you’re open to taking a gamble on the weather and don’t really give a hoot about whether the trees are budding or you’re hiking through the snow, then you can plan a spring wedding.
Summer (June – September)
Summer is one of the most popular times for weddings, as the weather is comfortable, the days are longer, and there’s lots of warmth and sunshine!
Fall (September – December)
Many couples also choose to get married at this time of the year. You’ll have gorgeous fall colors and a moody, dramatic backdrop to work with.
Winter (December – March)
If you love the idea of a snowy backdrop and the cold, having a wedding next to Lake Superior during winter will be *chef’s kiss*. It gets quite chilly up here, and the sun sets early, so plan accordingly and hand out hand warmers.
Ryan + Noy’s Enchanting Fall Wedding at Bluefin Bay in Tofte, MN
Here’s a behind-the-lens look at Ryan and Noy’s wedding:
Background on the couple
“I met Ryan in the most unexpected way – just when I had given up on dating. My friend works at Carbone’s, where Ryan used to take his grandpa to lunch every week. One day, my friend asked him if he was single, and before I knew it, we were set up. Our first date was bowling with my friend Chant and her husband, full of laughs and easy conversation, and from that day on, the rest was history.” – Noy
Getting ready
Ryan and Noy both got ready onsite at Bluefin Bay in separate rooms at the resort, and as soon as they were both ready, they both came together for a beautiful, heartfelt first look on Lake Superior.
Their wedding took place on a brisk fall day that was unbelievably gorgeous, with perfect weather for taking lots of pictures by the water and for an outdoor ceremony. I loved having the chance to photograph these two with the vibrant fall foliage and the lake behind them – it made for such dreamy images. Blufin Bay truly has so many great photo spots!
The ceremony
Ryan and Noy both had a stunning ceremony right next to the water, and they were surrounded by the most supportive friends and family. Everything about their ceremony and their entire day was so joyous!
After the ceremony, we took just-married photos right on the rocky beach with Lake Superior as the background, and of course, we also had to take a photo of Ryan and Noy popping a bottle of champagne to celebrate this beautiful new chapter in their lives!
The reception
We then headed to Blufin Bay’s spa & cafe, where Ryan and Noy celebrated with dinner, heartfelt speeches, and lots of dancing to conclude a magical day!
Ryan + Noy’s Wedding Vendors:
I wanted to give a shout-out to Ryan + Noy’s wedding vendors who made this day so special:
Videographer: @Jaspermeddockproductions
Venue: Bluefin Bay IG: @bluefinbay
Hair/Makeup: @bysophiathao
Florist: @eating_with_meng
Ready To Plan Your Wedding At Bluefin Bay?
I hope you found all this info on planning a wedding at Bluefin Bay helpful, and hopefully, R + N’s wedding here gave you some inspo and ideas on what your own celebration here could look like.
Now all you need is your wedding photographer! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in Duluth, Minnesota, specializing in playful, true-to-color photos for couples who love Lake Superior and the North Shore of Minnesota. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to connect!
You can learn more about my wedding services here or get in touch with me here!
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