An Intimate Garden Wedding at Minnetrista

 

Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, located in Muncie, mixes history and nature for a unique and intimate wedding experience.

 
The groom and bride hold hands and walk along the brick path next to the Oakhurst House at Minnetrista.
 
 

History of Minnetrista

Before Minnetrista became a cultural center and gathering place for Muncie, it was where the Ball family called home. The Ball family, most famous for their production of Ball mason jars, moved their glass manufacturing business to Muncie in 1887 during a natural gas boom in Central Indiana. The five Ball brothers, Lucius, William, Edmund, Frank, and George, built homes side-by-side along their property that lined the White River.

The name “Minnetrista” originated as the name for Frank’s house and later became the name of the entire site. The word combines the Sioux word “mna” (water) and English word “tryst” (gathering place), inspired by the homes’ location along the river. Although the name is derived from the Sioux language, this is not an homage to the indigenous tribes, the Potawatomi and Miami, who were original natives to the area.

Frank’s house once stood where the current museum is located before it burnt down in 1967. The remaining Ball Brothers’ homes still stand in their original locations as part of the Minnetrista Boulevard Historic District.

 
The sun shines through the window on a pair of white heels laying on a floral veil on the ground.
A flat lay of all the wedding details including the bride and groom's shoes, rings, invitation suite, perfume, flowers, and jewelry.
A close up of the bride and grooms perfume and cologne.
Close up of the bride holding her bouquet with a floral veil.
Portrait of the groom cut off so you can only see his smile and upper chest to show off the details of his floral shirt and boutonniere.
 

Minnetrista Today

Since 1988, Minnetrista has been open for the public to enjoy. The main museum and Ball houses feature an archive of the Ball family and company, sharing the history they brought to Muncie and displaying thousands of items they produced. Minnetrista hosts a variety of classes, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. The 40-acre property also has beautiful gardens, wooded trails, and green spaces that are open for the community to explore. You can learn about Minnetrista’s upcoming community events here.

 
The brides back is to the camera as she walks to the groom for the first look with Oakhurst house in the background.
The groom turns around to see the bride during their first look.
The bride and groom look at each other smiling while standing near the Oakhurst House.
The groom kisses the bride on the temple while she sways her floral veil.
The bride and groom face each other and laugh as they are about to kiss, the bride's veil wrapped around the front of them.
A detail photo of the bride holding her bright pink bouquet as the couple kiss.
A close up shot of the bride's engagement ring while she rests her hand on the grooms arm.
The bride and groom kiss underneath the bride's floral veil.
A full body portrait of the bride along Minnetrista Boulevard.
A full body portrait of the groom on Minnetrista Boulevard.
The couple kiss with their backs to the camera. The bride is holding out her flowers and has her leg popped.
 

Weddings at Minnetrista

Minnetrista is a popular Muncie wedding venue and offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding day with its historic buildings and unique gardens. The property offers indoor and outdoor wedding spaces with five different ceremony locations and three reception spaces depending on the event size. Minnetrista provides tables + chairs, planning meetings, a venue coordinator and in-house catering. Aside from catering and bar service, you are able to bring on your own vendor team but they can provide a list of vendor recommendations as well.

 
 

 

Sydney & Garret’s Minnetrista Wedding

Sydney and Garret had an intimate elopement ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends on the Oakhurst Patio. They started with a first look by the Oakhurst Home and took photos along Minnetrista Boulevard. After their short and sweet ceremony, they shared some moments with their guests and took a few photos in the Sunken Gardens.

Vendor Team

Photography: Reagan Lynn Photography
Venue: Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
Dress: David’s Bridal
Florist: Eclectic Blooms
Rings: Staghead Designs

 

 
 
The couple walk arm in arm along a wooded brick path.
The bride and groom with their backs to the camera walk to their ceremony arch. Their guests are standing at their seats to the right.
The wedding officiant laughs at the ceremony arbor.
Guests are seated for the ceremony.
The bride puts the groom's ring on his finger.
Guests are seated for the ceremony.
The bride and groom laugh during their ceremony.
The bride and groom share their first kiss during their ceremony.
The bride throws a fist in the air while the groom laughs after they are officially married.
The bride and groom dance down the brick path surrounded by woods.
 

FAQ

  1. How many guests can I have for my wedding?

    Minnetrista offers event spaces that can host up to 300 guests. They also offer smaller elopement packages for intimate wedding ceremonies.

  2. What is the average cost for a wedding at Minnetrista?

    Base venue packages range from $400-$6,500 depending on location and day of the week.

  3. Can I bring my own vendors?

    Catering and bar service must be provided through Minnetrista or an approved outside caterer. You are welcome to bring on any other outside vendors for your wedding day.

  4. DO I have to book both my ceremony and reception at Minnetrista?

    No, Minnetrista offers customizable packages so you can build a full day wedding or only do a ceremony or reception.

  5. Are there getting ready spaces?

    Yes, there are conference rooms you an add on to your package if you’d like to get ready at the venue.

  6. Is Minnetrista LGBTQ+ Inclusive?

    Yes, Minnetrista strives to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

 
The bride and groom walk through the Sunken Gardens at Minnetrista.
The groom twirls the bride surrounded by greenery.
The couple kiss, surrounded by trees and greenery.
The bridal bouquet full of a variety of pink flowers tied with a hot pink ribbon lays on a rock wall.
A detail photo of the wedding rings sitting on a rock surrounded by greenery.
The bride and groom laugh while they each pop a bottle of champagne.
The bride and groom kiss as they each pop a bottle of champagne.
The bride and groom laugh at each other as they pop champagne.
The bride and groom intertwine arms to drink champagne out of the bottle.
The bride and groom kiss in the background with their arms extended to show off their wedding rings and champagne bottles.
 

 

Hey there! I’m Reagan - an Indianapolis wedding and elopement photographer documenting candid and colorful love all over Indiana & Michigan.

I currently live in Muncie with my fiancé, Will, and our three dogs, Winston, Poppy, & Thor. When I’m not out documenting wedding days, you can find me at a concert, building legos, watching Star Wars, eating Thai food, exploring a new city, or wedding planning!

 
 
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