Creating a Magical Wedding with Neon Signs, String Lights, and Vintage Lighting in the St. Cloud MN Area

5 tips to Elevate Your Wedding with Lighting at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue

Let’s face it: every wedding has that “wow” moment. You know the one. The moment you walk into the reception and your jaw hits the floor because everything looks straight out of a Pinterest dream board. Well, spoiler alert: lighting is usually the unsung hero of that “wow” factor. And if you’re getting married at Adler Ranch, you’re already ahead of the game—because the venue is basically a lighting dreamland!

If you’ve ever seen Adler Ranch at night, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Imagine strolling through the venue grounds lit up with glowing vintage neon signs, string lights twinkling above, tall vintage gas and oil signage and a whole lot of rustic charm! The vibe is pure magic, and your wedding can take full advantage of it. But, before you get too cozy on that cloud of Pinterest-perfect visions, let’s break down how you can make lighting work its magic for you. After hosting weddings and events for years, here are some of our favorite suggestions for lighting for your wedding!

The Wedding party suites, The Cabin and The Gas Station at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, located two hours from both Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND

Start With What You’ve Got

First things first, let’s talk about the venue. Adler Ranch is like that friend who shows up looking flawless without even trying. The space already has a ton of built-in charm that’s perfect for creating an unforgettable wedding atmosphere—especially at night. Between the large collection of vintage lighted signs, neon lights, and string lighting in multiple areas, Adler Ranch does a lot of the work for you. These features create an ambiance that’s perfect for an evening ceremony and reception.

Take advantage of these magical built-in elements. These vintage signs add so much character to your wedding photos and create a warm, intimate setting. When it comes time to party, the vintage Viking Bar neon lights across the reception area will give you that dreamy, soft glow to the ceiling. It’s romantic, it’s whimsical, and it’s the perfect backdrop for dancing, mingling, and celebrating into the night.

And just in case you’re wondering, Adler Ranch is conveniently located about one hour from the St. Cloud, MN area and only two hours from both the Minneapolis, MN and Fargo, ND areas. So whether you’re coming from a big city or a little farther out, it’s a picturesque location that’s easy to reach and close to Alexandria, filled with so many options for beautiful places to stay!

The Banquet Barn at Adler Ranch

Uplighting at the Banquet Barn at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue

Heidi Strauss Photography

Add Some Uplighting for Extra Pop

Now, if you’re feeling extra and want to take the lighting to the next level (because, hey, it’s your big day!), let’s talk about uplighting. Uplighting is like that secret weapon that can transform any space in minutes. If you’ve never seen it in action, you might be thinking, “Okay, sounds cool, but what exactly is uplighting?” Well, it's simple: uplights are those small, often colorful lights placed on the floor that shine upward on walls, pillars, or trees. These little gems create drama, set a mood, and make your venue look next-level. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can match them to your wedding colors or the vibe you want to create.

Fireplace seating area surrounded by vintage neon and lighted signs at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, located one hour from St Cloud MN

Many DJs offer uplighting as an add-on to their packages, and they can bring in a few, or a bunch, depending on your vision. You can use them to highlight your wedding cake, accent the venue’s natural features, or add an extra pop of color to the dance floor. If you're looking for a little extra flair, this is your ticket.

Let’s talk about colors. Want your wedding to feel like an enchanted forest? Go with soft greens and blues to complement the venue’s natural surroundings. Or if you’re envisioning a classy, elegant vibe, golds, silvers, and soft whites will give your space that glowing, romantic ambiance. You can even use a subtle wash of color on the dance floor to get the party started.

The best part about uplighting? You can easily adjust the intensity of the color and brightness throughout the night. Want to turn it down for a quiet moment? No problem. Ready to crank it up when it’s time for the first dance? You’ve got it. It’s like lighting on demand.

Bride & Groom at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue and it’s vintage lighted sign collection, located one hour from the St Cloud MN area, Eric Vest Photography

Lighting for Different Moments: Timing is Everything

Lighting isn’t just about pretty colors. It’s about creating the right mood at the right moment. Think about the different phases of your wedding day, and how lighting can make each moment feel even more special.

Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, Wedding couples and their guests love this fireplace area under the lighted vintage signs outside the Cabin and the Gas Station. Kristen Jyrkas Creative

For the reception: Once you’ve made your grand entrance and the dinner plates are cleared, the lights need to get down to business. It’s time for dancing! You can get creative with the wedding lighting here and try pairing it with music to create an energetic, lively vibe. Your DJ will likely have a lighting system that can sync with the beats, making the dance floor feel like a club (but, you know, way classier). Uplights along the walls, around the perimeter of the room, or on the centerpieces can add dimension and focus the attention where it matters.

For the cake cutting and speeches: Want your wedding cake to look like a masterpiece? You can use uplighting to shine a spotlight on it. It’ll add a touch of drama, making it the star of the show for a few minutes. The same goes for speeches and toasts—well-placed lights on the podium or the speakers can help highlight these moments, without making it feel too overdone.

Bride & Groom dancing in the sunset at Adler Ranch Wedding & Event Venue, near St Cloud MN, Madelyn B Photography

Don’t Forget the Nighttime Magic

We’ve talked a lot about indoor lighting, but if you’re having an outdoor ceremony or reception at Adler Ranch, you’re in for a treat. Adler Ranch Wedding Venue has a collection of vintage gas pumps and unique outdoor seating areas that look absolutely stunning under the glow of the vintage gas & oil lights. There’s something about a warm, soft light against the backdrop of the evening sky that just screams romance.

Adler Ranch also includes string lighting in various places and solar lighting around trees and along the fences at the edge of the venue grounds. Without any additional decor or lighting, Adler Ranch is stunning during the day and at night!

Overhead view of Adler Ranch Wedding Venue and its vintage lighted sign collection, located one hour from St Cloud MN

Consider Your Photographer and Guests

Finally, let’s talk about photos. Good lighting can make a huge difference in your photos, especially when the sun dips below the horizon and the party continues. Having the right lights in place ensures your photographer can capture all the important moments. Trust us—nothing beats a shot of you and your partner surrounded by glowing lights, sharing a quiet moment in the midst of a lively reception.

The sparkler exit at Adler Ranch against the backdrop of the vintage lighted signs! Located one hour from St Cloud MN, Gray McCurdy Photography

Also, think about your guests. Lighting plays a huge role in their experience. Soft, flattering lighting will make everyone look their best. Plus, no one likes dancing in a dark room where they can’t see anyone else. The goal is to create an inviting space where everyone feels comfortable, and lighting is a huge part of that.

Lighting is more than just an afterthought when planning your wedding at Adler Ranch. It’s a key ingredient in setting the mood, creating lasting memories, and making your wedding feel like a fairy-tale come to life. Whether you’re taking advantage of the built-in charm of Adler Ranch Wedding Venue or adding a few uplights to enhance your theme, lighting can transform your wedding into something truly special.

And don’t forget, Adler Ranch is perfectly situated for couples coming from a variety of places! Whether you’re from St. Cloud (just an hour away), Minneapolis (two hours), or even Fargo (also two hours), it’s easy to get here, easy to stay here with the abundance of hotels and air BNB’s, and enjoy the unique setting this venue has to offer. It’s the perfect place to light up your love and make your wedding one for the books.

The Banquet barn at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, near the Grain Bin Bar, a great spot for cocktail hour! Located two hours from both Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND, and one hour from the St Cloud MN area in West Central MN.

At Adler Ranch, we take pride in being an independently owned and operated wedding venue, nestled in the picturesque lakes area of Alexandria, MN. When you celebrate your wedding with us, you’ll experience the care, dedication, and attention to detail that only a family-run venue can offer. Every detail of your day is handled with intention to make it as extraordinary as your love story. Hosting only a limited number of weddings each season allows us to provide the personalized attention and intentional moments that make your celebration unforgettable.

Adler Ranch Wedding Venue lighted Sign collection, near St Cloud MN in West Central MN

What truly sets Adler Ranch apart is our unparalleled collection of vintage signs—treasures we’ve gathered over 35 years. This carefully curated collection adds a unique charm, character and history to your wedding day, offering a backdrop like no other venue in the area. The signs tell their own story, creating the perfect setting for capturing memories that will last a lifetime and offering a setting for wedding photography like none other.

For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement and wedding planning advice, be sure to follow Adler Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Let’s make your dream day a reality! Looking for more information? Contact us, we can’t wait to meet you! 💕Thanks for visiting! ~Marlys

Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, The Cabin and The Gas Station, wedding party getting ready suites, located one hour near the St Cloud MN area in West Central MN.

A shout out to these other wonderful Independently owned wedding venue owners around the country: Legacy Lakes Venue, Laurel Haven Estate, The Bougainvilleas, New Park Event Venue, Barn at Bradstreet, Evermore Ridge Black River Lodge, Legacy at Serenity Farm, The Hidden Gem of Gruene Mistletoe Bough|Bed & Breakfast SC Southern Charm Events Rein Fire Ranch