Looking for a way to make your big day stand out? As Minnesotans we know that the few months of beautiful summer weather are not taken lightly, so why not take advantage of our spectacular lake life and hit the water for your wedding! Paradise Charter Cruises offers beautiful and memorable options for any of your wedding celebration needs. This week we spoke with Dave, founder of Paradise Charter Cruises to learn more about this fabulous wedding venue option!
Q: What does Paradise Charter Cruises specialize in?
A: We specialize in Private Charters, and Public Cruise Tours. A large portion of our Private Charters are Wedding Events, such as Ceremonies, Receptions, Bridal Showers, Bachelorette/Bachelor parties, Engagement Parties, Gift Openings, Post Wedding Cruises to name a few.
Q: What makes Paradise Charter Cruises stand out in terms of wedding venue options couples have in the Twin Cities?
A: We offer 2 unique locations, on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River, departing from Downtown Minneapolis. Our river location also offers a land-based ceremony site, providing our 145 passenger motoryacht Paradise Lady or our riverboat, the 125 passenger Minneapolis Queen the perfect reception venue!
On the lake, The Paradise Destiny, Paradise Princess II and Paradise Grand are ideal for onboard ceremonies and receptions for groups from 10-100.
Q: When did Paradise Charter Cruises begin?
A: I founded the company in 1985.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Lake Minnetonka, departing from the ports of Excelsior and Wayzata, and on the Mississippi River, departing from the Port of Bohemian Flats, on the West Bank of the U of M Campus, in downtown Minneapolis.
Q: What do you love about working in the wedding industry?
A: The enjoyment of making a couple’s special day special just for them and their guests… The memories created are everlasting!
Q: What’s an average (wedding day) like for Paradise Charter Cruises?
A: Starting with pre-wedding setup of the vessels, preparing the boat and wedding site to the bride and groom’s desire, and putting together a successful wedding event all while exceeding expectations!
Q: What would you want a couple in the wedding planning process to know about choosing the perfect venue?
A: That we take pride in providing our couples with event coordinating, working with just about any budget and producing memorable results!
Q: Other than the reception, how can couples utilize what Paradise Charter Cruises has to offer?
A: From Ceremonies, Receptions, Bridal Showers, Bachelorette/Bachelor parties, Engagement Parties, Gift Openings, Post Wedding Cruises and more!
Q: Have you coordinated any unique/memorable wedding celebrations or events that stand out?
A: We had a bride and groom arrive by float plane on the Mississippi River a few years ago and boarded the Minneapolis Queen for their reception, which was quite the under taking, getting clearance from the FAA, and local officials. We have also done quite a few Lake side events, where we provide the reception location on board one of our boats, following the wedding event at the private home. Some of these have been for some very influential people we are not allowed to name!
Q: Anything else you want couples to know about Paradise Charter Cruises or choosing their wedding venue?
A: That we have the Perfect Venues for any Wedding Event!
Lightening Round!
Q: Red or White?
A: Red
Q: Chocolate or Vanilla?
A: Vanilla
Q: Coffee- black, cream or sugar?
A: Cream
Q: Milk, Dark or white chocolate?
A: Dark
Q: What’s your go-to comfort food?
A: Wheat thins with cheese
Q: What’s the last book you read?
A: A pirate looks at 50
Q: If you could time travel, would you go back in time or visit the future?
A: Future
Images Courtesy of Paradise Charter Cruises