Is an Outdoor Wedding Right for You?

The popularity of outdoor weddings is easy to understand. They result in beautiful pictures, scenic views, and an airy, open experience.

Sometimes, however, they do not quite turn out as expected. In addition to weather changes, the bride and groom must consider amenities, food, and decor when hosting an outdoor wedding.

Weather

We don’t want anyone to stress at their own wedding! Prepare for bad weather ahead of time and be ready for the weather taking a turn for the worse. One way to deal with this is having a stash of umbrellas ready to go.

Since the reception takes up the majority of your wedding, you definitely need to have a shelter available. When you host your wedding at St. Cloud Country Club, this shelter is our beautiful clubhouse. The clubhouse will keep your guests comfortable and dry.

Amenities

An outdoor wedding requires just as many - if not more - amenities as an indoor wedding. Before determining where your wedding will take place, consider what you’ll need: electricity, restrooms, parking, decorations, seating, and more.

Everything you need will be readily available at the St. Cloud Country Club. When we host an outdoor wedding, you get all the same benefits as an indoor wedding.

Food and Decor

Outdoor weddings have their own unique and beautiful look. Whether you want something rustic or romantic, we have a wedding planner to make your dream become a reality. We remove stress from your wedding day by setting up everything so you don’t have to worry about the logistics and deliveries that sometimes come with outdoor weddings.

St. Cloud Country Club also gives you and your guests with a memorable, delicious meal. After a complimentary food tasting, our five-star chefs will give you with the menu of your choice. You won’t have to worry about transporting, heating, or serving the food.


If an outdoor wedding is for you, look no farther than St. Cloud Country Club! Our beautiful space, which can accommodate up to 200 people, has everything you need. Visit the website or call to book a tour for your 2019/2020 wedding!

St. Cloud Country Club: A Family Experience

When my husband first approached me about joining St. Cloud Country Club I replied with “Sure, sounds like a great place for you to golf!” When he explained there was more to love than just golf, I was suspicious to say the least, because I’d heard that about other courses, too.

Well, 4 years later I’m ready to admit it: My husband was RIGHT. Here are some of the things I’ve come to appreciate about the St. Cloud Country Club.

The Pool

What a lifesaver this place has been! Along with a large pool and water slide, there is a great kiddie pool for the littles in your life. Take it from a mom who’d rather sip a cocktail poolside than get into the water (I may be part cat), having a kiddie pool you can wade in with your kids is fantastic.

You don’t have to get super wet, and your kids still enjoy themselves. There is also a snack hut where you can order drinks, snacks, and the full 19th hole grill menu, which they will deliver to you by the pool. This is nice for the parents who don’t want to strip the swimsuits off their kids’ wet little bodies to go inside and eat, only to squeeze them back into said wet swimsuits when they’re done eating. The pool is also fully staffed with trained lifeguards. It’s nice to know there are always multiple sets of eyes watching over the pool and keeping everyone safe.

The Course

While I may not take pride in my golf game, I do know what makes for a great golf experience. The course is always well maintained and has a beautiful layout that blends into Mississippi River views around you.

While a round of 18 holes would take upwards of 4 to 5 hours at another course, the rate of play at the St. Cloud Country Club is steady, making a typical round last about 3 ½ hours. My favorite part about the course is that we can bring our 4-year-old, who is obsessed with golf, out onto the course in the evenings to play a few holes. He loves the fact that he’s on a real course with the adults, and we love that he’s getting a true golf experience. The staff always acknowledges him and engages in golf chat with him.

We’re excited for him to be old enough to participate in the junior golf program. There are also leagues for men and women, and couples golf nights, which usually have a dinner theme (perfect for date night!) These are all fun ways to enjoy the course in a more social setting.

The Dining and Banquet Experience

The dining experience at the St. Cloud Country Club is unmatched in the St. Cloud area. My husband’s family drives 2 ½ hours from Fargo every year for the Mother’s Day brunch – that’s how good it is. There are weekday specials like a build-your-own pasta bar, burger bar, prime rib night, fish frys during the Lenten season, and a “meet Santa” brunch in December.

We have also participated in some themed dinners, such as a Beaver Island dinner, which included special food selections, each course being paired with Beaver Island Brewing Co. beer. Planning date night is easy for us because we can just look at the events calendar each week and decide what we want to do!

As members, we’re able to rent out the banquet facility for events, which we did for my sister-in-law’s graduation party. The party was a breeze because Paige, Norm, and the rest of the staff were so on the ball. Our food was hot and fresh throughout the entire day, drinks were always full, and everyone who came to the party was thoroughly impressed by the facility, food, and staff.


The St. Cloud Country Club has become on of my favorite places to spend quality time with my family and friends. I was skeptical at first, but I’m so thankful that my husband was able to convince me to check out all that the SCCC has to offer. Come see for yourself – set up a tour of the St. Cloud Country Club today. I’ll wave to you from the pool!

The Top 5 Benefits of Becoming A St. Cloud Country Club Member

You may think you know all there is to do in Saint Cloud, but if you are not a member of the Country Club, you are missing out.

There is so much to do at the Saint Cloud Country Club if you are one of our members! Consider the top 5 benefits of becoming a member:

1. A Pristine Golf Course

The SCCC boasts the best 18-hole golf course in Saint Cloud. As a member, we offer many options for competitive play as well as junior, women's, and men’s leagues. If you are a novice, individual lessons and clinics are available to learn! You will absolutely love the quiet atmosphere and the gorgeous views on SCCC’s pristine golf course.

2. Splash in our Swimming Pool

Summer fun means pool time, but there are limited options in Saint Cloud for a place to dip your feet. As a member of the SCCC, you get access to our large outdoor swimming pool from May 27th through September 4th. If you have a family, this benefit is huge! The pool includes a water slide, kiddie pool, and we also offer swimming lessons. The SCCC also serves meals to order poolside and has ample snack and drink options while you relax.

3. Fun Family Events

As a member of SCCC, you have access to our large gathering space which can accommodate up to 200 guests. This is not just for weddings, think office parties, holiday gatherings, family celebrations, birthdays, and more! You have a venue ready to serve delicious food and do the clean-up for your family events.

4. Scrumptious Food

Speaking of delicious food, our dining experience is excellent. Our chefs use seasonal foods to shape a gourmet menu just for you. The cuisine paired with the gorgeous views of the rolling hills along the Mississippi river make for the perfect mealtime experience. Join us for a date night, a fish fry, a Thursday night pasta bar, or a Sunday brunch. You will not be disappointed!

5. Part of a Community

The best benefit of becoming a member at the Saint Cloud Country Club we saved for last. The community at the SCCC is outstanding! Many members have been a part of the Country Club for decades. Expand your professional network, meet a golf or tennis pro, and build relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime.


Consider becoming a member of the Saint Cloud Country Club today! With so much to do and so much to gain, the benefits really outweigh the costs.

Winter Wedding Planning Tips

Winter weddings are becoming more and more popular for many reasons. Many vendors will offer lower prices during the colder seasons. If it’s snowed recently before the wedding or even flurries during the wedding, it makes for perfect photo opportunities. Here are our top tips for planning your winter wedding.

Work with Your Caterer or Venue to Create a Winter-Themed Meal

There’s no need to have a heavy entree; you can still have light, winter-themed meals. Work with your caterer or venue to decide on savory soups and delicate appetizers. Instead of champagne, think about having mulled wine and ciders. At the end of the night, treat your guests to a hot chocolate bar.

Pick Flowers that are in Season

Although you will save money on most vendors for a winter wedding, florists are not one of them. Since the majority of flowers are in season during the spring and summer, the cost of flowers can increase significantly during the winter. If you choose to go with real flowers instead of faux, pick flowers that are in season to help keep costs down.

Create a Cozy Reception

To keep your guests comfortable, provide pillows and throws throughout the reception. Instead of turning on the bright lights, keep your lighting low and use lots of candles. It will help create a romantic environment, and the warmth from the candles will help keep it cozy.

Send your Save the Dates Early

Although it’s not the summer, people may be just as - if not more - busy. If you want a majority of your friends, family, and colleagues to make it to your winter wedding, send your Save the Dates early.

Don’t Get Obsessed with Tracking the Weather

Although you’re less likely to get rain on your wedding day, you will still be obsessed with tracking the weather. You’ll likely check each day before the wedding to ensure a snowstorm doesn’t happen on your perfect day. Plan for bad weather and make your plans early; the weather will come no matter what, so all you can do is let it happen.



St. Cloud Country Club can help you plan a fantastic winter wedding. Contact us today to learn more.