Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Timeless Outdoor Wedding Venue in Lindstrom, MN
Panola Valley Gardens was founded in 1996 as a small family venture by Mary Ann and Gary Norton, who transformed their passion for gardening into a premier outdoor event destination. Over nearly three decades, we have evolved from hosting backyard weddings to operating a fully landscaped eight-acre venue that accommodates diverse events while maintaining our commitment to personalized service. Our reputation for exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a uniquely beautiful setting has been built through decades of hands-on experience and a dedication to creating unforgettable experiences.We specialize in blending timeless elegance with affordability, ensuring every client's vision is realized with meticulous attention to detail. As a family-owned business, we take pride in fostering lasting relationships with our community and visitors worldwide, continuously refining our offerings to meet the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
Services
Weddings
Private Venue Rentals
Catering
Tea in the Garden
Private Tea Parties
Luncheons
Private Garden Picnics
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in outdoor event planning and execution.
- Our family-owned operation provides personalized attention to every client's vision.
- We maintain a 4.9/5.0 average customer satisfaction rating from returning clients.
- Our dedicated staff ensures seamless coordination from booking to event completion.
- We combine natural beauty with practical amenities like weather-protected pavilions.
What people say
Stunning property
Perfect backdrop
Flawless day
Reasonably priced
AMAZING experience
Services
Weddings
Our outdoor wedding services include venue rental, coordination, and catering for ceremonies and receptions. We provide a picturesque garden setting with weather-protected pavilions and customized menu options. Our experienced team ensures seamless execution of your special day with personalized attention to every detail.
Private Venue Rentals
We offer flexible venue rental options for private events including receptions, showers, graduations, and corporate meetings. Our eight-acre property accommodates various configurations with both open-air and covered spaces. Clients receive exclusive access to our landscaped grounds and dedicated support during their event timeframe.
Catering
Our catering services feature seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients for weddings and private events. We accommodate dietary restrictions and offer customizable options from casual buffets to formal plated dinners. Our experienced culinary team works directly with clients to create memorable dining experiences in our garden setting.
Tea in the Garden
Seasonal tea service includes luncheons and afternoon teas served in our outdoor garden setting. We offer weekly events June through September with reservations required for seating. Our tea service features curated menus with specialty teas, pastries, and light meals presented in a picturesque garden environment.
Private Garden Picnics
Customizable garden picnic experiences available for intimate gatherings or special occasions. We provide curated picnic setups with gourmet food options and exclusive use of designated garden areas. Reservations include tableware, seating arrangements, and personalized service to create memorable outdoor dining experiences.
People
Mary Ann Norton
Founder & Owner
Mary Ann Norton co-founded Panola Valley Gardens in 1996, transforming her backyard wedding hobby into a premier event venue. She oversees operations and client relations, maintaining the business's original vision while guiding its growth into a regional destination.
Gary Norton
Co-Owner
Gary Norton partners with Mary Ann in managing Panola Valley Gardens, contributing to the venue's development since its 1996 founding. He supports operational aspects while maintaining the property's horticultural excellence that forms the foundation of their event services.
Questions
What wedding services do you offer?
We provide outdoor wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners with venue rental, catering, and coordination services. Our packages include access to landscaped gardens, weather-protected pavilions, and customized menu options.
Are you available for non-wedding events?
Yes, we host corporate meetings, graduation parties, anniversary celebrations, and other private events. Our venue accommodates groups of various sizes with flexible space configurations and full catering support.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full catering services for weddings and events with seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. Our culinary team creates customized dining experiences ranging from casual buffets to formal plated dinners.
What are your operating hours?
The venue is open May-October 8am-7pm Tues-Sun for events and public viewing. Office hours for inquiries are 12pm-5pm Monday-Friday. Tea service operates on specific reservation dates during summer months.
How do I book an event?
Contact us via email or phone to check availability. We require advance reservations for all events, with booking procedures including contract signing and deposit payments to secure your date.
