A Modern Minneapolis Wedding Venue

Architecture that reflects the Minnesota landscape of wood, water & copper

Having earned 68 5-star ratings on The Knot, the architecturally-stunning McNamara Alumni Center is a gorgeous Minneapolis wedding reception venue with numerous conveniences and amenities to offer both large and small wedding celebrations.

All-Inclusive Packages for Small and Large Wedding Celebrations

The center has 2 unique zones for large and small wedding celebrations bundled in all-inclusive packages. They are in separate areas of the first floor and both accommodate ceremonies. Our Memorial Hall package accommodates celebrations up to 400 people; University Hall package is for smaller celebrations up to 150 people.

Benefits to Choosing Us

Twin Cities Most Awarded Caterer Onsite—D’Amico Catering

D’Amico Catering is the exclusive caterer of the McNamara Alumni Center and must provide all the food and beverage service for weddings. They are the Twin Cities’ most awarded caterer and have an onsite kitchen facility with full-time sales and kitchen staff. They have extensive experience preparing delicious menus that meet dietary and cultural requests. And they make delicious cakes, too!

Easy Access from Interstates 35W and 94

McNamara is very easy to get to! We’re just 9 blocks down University Avenue from Interstate 35W and a short drive off of Interstate 94.

Adjacent 500-car Parking Ramp

McNamara has an adjacent 500-car parking ramp that is connected by tunnel to the center. McNamara staff can reserve parking for you and your guests and provide helpful digital maps for you to forward to your guests.

Adjacent Graduate Minneapolis Hotel Connected by Tunnel

The swanky Graduate Minneapolis Hotel is connected by tunnel and offers 315 sleeping rooms with off-peak discounts for McNamara wedding clients. Their wedding suite overlooks the McNamara Alumni Center! Two other hotels are within walking distance.

Great Partners in Décor, Floral, Music Etc.

We’ve hosted nearly 600 weddings in the 24 years since we opened in 2000. We know what vendors are the best in the business and we see what’s trending. If you want our opinion, we can recommend vendors in almost every category as we’ve likely seen their work firsthand here at McNamara. We also poll our wedding clients every year to collect the vendors they recommend.

Picture your wedding here…

Memorial Hall Package

Up to 400 Guests

View Package

University Hall Package

Up to 150 Guests

View Package

See for Yourself

This 2-minute video gives you an idea of what weddings at McNamara feel like—fun!

Applause from our Clients

“We toured a whole slew of venues but it was pretty clear from the get-go that McNamara Alumni Center was the perfect fit for what we were looking for including our budget. What really ‘sold’ it for us was the HUGE danceable floor—no having to rent a wood dance floor. Other big pluses: The fact that we could do the ceremony AND the reception there; the floor-to-ceiling windows gave us and ‘outside’ wedding feel without risking having crap weather; the fountains and greenery outside are a lovely backdrop for wedding photos. Regarding staff we worked with—every single person was SUPER attentive, knowledgeable and helpful. We didn’t use a wedding coordinator, so that meant I was the one working with all the staff and they made it so easy for me to stay on top of everything with reminders and always being super responsive to my questions. We LOVED the food and the cake!”

— Danielle W., Bride

“Our wedding day was a dream come true! We had a blast and our family and friends did too! The entire McNamara team was a pleasure to work with.”

— Katie K., Bride

“If you want to stand out from other weddings, then McNamara is the place for you! Uniquely beautiful, spacious, gorgeous. A perfect metropolitan location.”

— Michelle H., Bride

“Absolutely perfect! The McNamara staff were so easy to work with along the planning journey and on our wedding day they were so friendly and excited for me and my husband. I had last minute changes and they were so accommodating. The exclusive caterer was just as amazing as the venue staff.”

— Haili R., Bride

“We had a great experience hosting our wedding ceremony and reception at McNamara. The space is so beautiful that we didn’t need to add much decor to have a spectacular setting. D’Amico Catering works closely with the venue, so catering and set up was seamless. The staff was super knowledgeable and helpful in suggesting layout and flow for the day. Overall it was a beautiful event. A gorgeous setting for an affordable price.”

— Jennifer S., Bride

“If you are looking for a spacious wedding venue with beautiful views, professional staff, and an overall amazing experience, McNamara is the right venue. The event coordinators and their detailed planning itineraries really allow you to enjoy your special day without having to worry. They help you organize everything down to specific details. D’Amico Catering was also amazing, and we got so many compliments! Don’t let the fact that this is on campus intimidate you! The Graduate Hotel is there for guests from out of town and a parking ramp is attached to the building. You definitely get more than you pay for with this venue!”

— Laura S., Bride

“McNamara was one of the best wedding decisions we made! It was an absolute dream venue! If you’re looking to impress your guests, THIS is the venue! Every single aspect was handled smoothly and professionally from start to finish! And the food–Wow! My husband and I just cannot say enough about every person we worked with and the venue itself!”