Hey, it’s Kimberly! Your trusted Minnesota wedding photographer. For the last 15 years, I’ve been photographing beautiful weddings for fun-loving couples all over the state and across the country. While Minneapolis is currently home, my roots are in Rochester. I’m a Byron girl, born and raised! Consider me your own personal expert when it comes to the best wedding venues in Rochester, MN. To help you plan for your wedding—in both Rochester and the surrounding area—I’ve put together a guide to help you navigate venue options. Whether you want a historic mansion (where I hosted my own wedding) or are going for a classy country club vibe (where I had my senior prom,) there’s something for everyone here. Happy planning!
10 Wedding Venues Near Rochester, Minnesota
Mayowood Stone Barn
3385 Mayowood Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Mayowood Stone Barn is my favorite venue in the Rochester area—I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve gotten to shoot here, but I know it’s near 40! The historic site, once owned by Mayo brothers Will and Charlie, features two ceremony locations that are equally stunning. The outdoor ceremony location features a large, natural oak tree, that’s truly a centerpiece itself. The indoor barn loft features warm wood and textured stone alongside ropes of string lights. The skylights in the loft ensure that the lighting is perfect at any time of day, making it a gorgeous option for when the weather is cold or inclement. Mayowood Stone Barn is well suited to both summer and winter weddings.
Rochester Art Center
20 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904
The Rochester Art Center, found within the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester, stands out as another one of my favorite venues in the area, and is often overlooked. The Rochester Art Center is the perfect space for the modern couple that’s looking for a clean blank canvas from which to style their wedding. With spacious interiors illuminated by ample natural light, high ceilings, and bright white walls, the Rochester Art Center is a photographer’s dream! The Art Center overlooks the Zumbro River and borders Mayo Park, providing the option for portraits in a natural environment.
Plummer House
1091 Plummer Ln SW, Rochester, MN 55902
The Plummer House, under the direction of Rochester Parks and Recreation Department, is a real Rochester classic! An English Tudor mansion that sits on 11-acres of land, the real beauty of this venue lies in it’s outdoor gardens. The mansion’s patio offers a view of the lower gardens which features two large ponds. The upper garden where most ceremonies take place, features a spacious lawn sheltered by trees, and a view of the “Rapunzel tower” as I used to call it as a kid, a landmark visible above the treetops from the nearby highway. Rentals include access to the mansion’s first two floors, providing back-up locations in inclement weather. The venue is best suited for intimate weddings—the limit is 100 guests—and it’s even where I held my own wedding!
Important considerations to note with the Plummer House: a dance and DJ is not allowed, there are restrictions with what items you can secure on the lawn, and there is an additional fee to close off the gardens to the public which you are responsible for enforcing.
Somerby Golf Club
975 Somerby Parkway NE, Byron, MN 55920
Somerby Golf Club in Byron, Minnesota is a renowned golf club situated just west of Rochester. The outdoor ceremony site, adjacent to the clubhouse, offers a scenic view of the golf course. The gem of this venue is the course itself, offering endless photo opportunities. The landscape features stunning oak trees, gentle rolling hills, and maintenance sheds disguised as old English cottages covered in ivy. They really paid attention to detail in designing it.
Golden hour is particularly beautiful in this setting; the windows from the ballroom and the overlooking deck are well positioned to take full advantage of a great sunset.
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery
78757 State Highway 16, Spring Valley, MN 55975
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery is located in Spring Valley, Minnesota, just south of Rochester. The food and drink here is delicious, the vines are supremely photogenic, and the rural location gives a sense of tranquility. The reception space is decorated with walls of wine barrels interspersed by glass garage doors that open onto the patio. Adjacent to the event space is the Four Daughter’s tasting room, open to the public—I highly recommend the wine tasting experience!
Legacy Hill Farm
16434 US-61, Welch, MN 55089
Legacy Hill Farm is located in Welch, Minnesota, to the north of Rochester. It’s a beautiful blend of rustic and elegant styling, with access to various areas of the farm including an outdoor ceremony amphitheater, a bar and patio, a pavilion, private getting ready suites, and more. Legacy Hill Farm offers so many gorgeous spots for photos, and constantly evolves with more! A new addition that’s been built since I photographed there is a fountain courtyard, which adds a touch of old-world beauty to the space.
Bleu Duck Kitchen
14 Fourth Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Bleu Duck Kitchen is situated in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, within the historic Conley-Mass building. Bleu Duck is a habitual winner of the Rochester’s Best Restaurant award which will come as no surprise if you’ve dined here. Not only is the venue a fantastic choice for intimate weddings and ceremonies, but also for rehearsal dinners. Their cozy back room features warm brick walls, wood beams, and an inviting atmosphere. Bleu Duck is also in close proximity to several hotels, allowing convenient spaces for brides and grooms to get ready in.
Serenity Hills Pavilion
21630 US-52, Preston, MN 55965
Serenity Hills Pavilion in Preston, Minnesota is a 40-minute drive south of Rochester. It’s nestled among the beautiful farmland and rolling hills that characterize the region. One of the best features of Serenity Hills Pavilion is the dedicated getting-ready spaces, both the standalone cottage and the cozy room attached to the main hall. It’s designed to be all-inclusive for every event of the day, providing a seamless wedding experience for you and your guests.
Woodhaven
26155 Nicolai Ave, Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Woodhaven at Gopher Hills Golf Course in Cannon Falls stands out from the typical golf course wedding venues. Just a 50-minute drive north of Rochester, this modern venue presents backdrops that photograph like a dream. (It’s also on my dream list of venues I’d like to shoot at in the area!) Featuring ample windows and airy, white interiors, Woodhaven provides the means to bring any wedding vision to life, whether you’re leaning towards lush neutrals or splashes of poppy color.
Hilltop House
1735 3rd Ave NW ,Rochester, MN 55901
The Hilltop House, which opened in 2023, is one of Rochester’s newest venues. Originally built as a country residence in 1928, it retains an atmosphere of 20th-century elegance with modern conveniences. Although I haven’t had the pleasure to photograph here yet, it’s on my wish list! I can already picture the photos I’d take on the beautiful grounds, amid its stately architecture.
I hope this guide to wedding venues in the Rochester, MN area serves as a valuable resource, assisting you as you bring your wedding day vision to life. If you’re interested in exploring full galleries of real weddings captured at these venues, please reach out to me via the inquire button below, and I would be thrilled to share with you.
Thank you for stopping by!
Cheers,
Kimberly