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Normandale Japanese Garden
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,156 Google reviews · Garden wedding venue in Bloomington, Minnesota
Relaxed, zen-like garden featuring a pond with koi and bridges, as well as waterfalls.
Plan your tour
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 952-358-8145
- Website normandale.edu — most venues book tours right on their site
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
The setting
“I was surprised to see only 1 koi, not sure if the sunfish have made their way to the garden on purpose or not but that caught me off guard.”
“Small garden path and bridges over a water feature pond.”
“Short walk to garden behind school has prairie type wildflowers, statues/art pieces, and benches and sitting areas.”
Amenities couples mention
“I was surprised to see only 1 koi, not sure if the sunfish have made their way to the garden on purpose or not but that caught me off guard.”
“Many benches and places to rest during your walk around the pond.”
“I had to get some help on the way out so I wouldn't tip over in my wheelchair.”
What couples say again and again
“Normandale Japanese Garden is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places to visit in Minnesota.”
“The garden is clean, well cared for, and truly a hidden gem for anyone looking to escape the busy city and enjoy a calm, beautiful environment.”
“Beautiful Japanese garden, decent size, free parking and entry.”
Getting married at Normandale Japanese Garden
Normandale Japanese Garden comes up for weddings — confirmed on their own site. Two things make the tour worth it. First, see the garden at the time of day and season you'd actually get married — a garden that glows at golden hour in June can look very different at noon in March, so ask what's in bloom for your date and walk the path your guests take from parking to ceremony to reception. Second, bring your real questions: the rain plan (where does the ceremony move, and does it hold everyone?), shade and bugs for a summer afternoon, the catering and bar policy, the music curfew, and exactly what's included — tables, chairs, setup, and teardown are where quotes quietly diverge. Popular garden dates book 12–18 months out, so if the tour feels right, ask what's open in your season before you leave.
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