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Blog: Wedding Venues, Planning Tips & Inspiration for Twin Cities & Rochester, MN

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You’re engaged (congratulations), this must be an exciting time in your life, but it can also feel like a whirlwind of decisions, especially when it comes to planning the perfect day in Rochester, MN. Where do you start? How do you find an affordable and photogenic venue that feels like you? And how can you make sure your wedding photos will be as beautiful as your memories?

You’re in the right place. This blog is your complete guide to creating an unforgettable wedding, written from the unique perspective of a local wedding photographer.

Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding in Rochester, MN and Around.

Whether you’re just starting your search or finalizing the last little details, we have the resources you need. We combine practical advice with real-world inspiration to help you navigate every step of your journey with confidence and ease.

Find Your Dream Wedding Venue

From high-end historic manors like the Plummer House to sustainable farm venues like Schaar’s Bluff and affordable hidden gems, we provide in-depth guides to the best wedding venues in Rochester and the surrounding Minnesota area. We break down what makes a venue photogenic, compare costs, and share insider tips you won’t find anywhere else.

Get Expert Planning Advice

How many hours of photography coverage do you really need? What’s the secret to getting amazing photos in perfect light? How can you save money without sacrificing style? Our articles answer all these questions and more, helping you build a realistic timeline, manage your budget, and plan a celebration that truly reflects your love story.

See Real Wedding Inspiration

Browse galleries from real weddings and engagement sessions right here in Rochester. See how other couples have celebrated at venues like the Mayowood Stone Barn or planned intimate backyard micro-weddings, and get inspired for your own beautiful day.

The Ultimate Guide to getting Married in Rochester MN: Crafting an Unforgettable Celebration So, you’re getting married in Rochester, MN! That’s absolutely incredible, and the start of such an exciting...

Published: September 4, 202529 min read

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Published: December 11, 202510 min read

Rotate your device for the best experience

Published: December 10, 20251 min read

Rotate your device for the best experience There is a specific moment at almost every wedding that stops me in my tracks. It is not always the first kiss, and...

Published: December 8, 20259 min read

Rotate your device for the best experience Why Kids Belong at Weddings Some of my favorite photos weren't planned. A three-year-old who decided the dance floor was hers. A ring...

Published: December 8, 20254 min read

Wedding Venues in and Around Rochester, MN Comparing venue prices, features, and options can be very tedious and time-consuming. I have for you here the venues located in Rochester, MN,...

Published: September 18, 20254 min read

Complete Wedding Photography Venue Guide in Chatfield, MN Joy Ridge Event Center: Venue Overview Joy Ridge Event Center is a family-owned wedding venue located in Chatfield, Minnesota, situated on a...

Published: September 18, 20259 min read

A Photographer's Guide to Weddings at Vindauga Event Center (Stewartville, MN) Golf courses can be a dream wedding venue… or a logistical headache.Today, we're taking a deep dive into the...

Published: September 17, 202510 min read

Wedding Photography at Rustic Family Owned Pond View Barn, Pine Island, MN Searching for a rustic barn venue near Rochester that offers authentic charm without sacrificing modern conveniences? Pond View...

Published: September 17, 20259 min read

A Multicultural Summer Wedding at the beautiful Garten Marketplatz in Rochester, MN Today, Let me introduce you to Amanda and Ahmed's wedding day, which took place at the Garten Marketplatz,...

Published: September 15, 20256 min read

Wedding Venues under $3000, Cheap and Economical, in Rochester, Minnesota, and Around. Planning a beautiful Rochester wedding without breaking the bank is absolutely possible. You don't need to spend $10,000+...

Published: September 15, 202510 min read

Picture this: you're wrapped in your partner's arms, hair flowing in the breeze, with Rochester's skyline stretching behind you. Rooftop engagement sessions create magic that ground-level photos simply can't match....

Published: September 8, 202511 min read

9 Points that Make a Venue Photogenic (From a Photographer’s Perspective), and does it impact the price of the Venue? And Several Red Flags when choosing your venue. When couples...

Published: September 5, 202516 min read

Best Locations for photos in Rochester MN Best Locations for a Photo Session in Rochester, MN You are looking for the best place in Rochester, MN, to take portraits. As...

Published: September 5, 202527 min read

Example of a 10-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline One essential element for a successful wedding day is your timeline. In a previous article, we helped you design a tailored timeline based on...

Published: September 4, 20255 min read

Guide for Getting Married in Olmsted County, Rochester, MN: Courthouse Wedding at the Government Center If some administrative procedures seem complicated, don't worry; getting married is quite easy. You will...

Published: September 4, 202537 min read

Complete Wedding Planning Guide for your wedding at the Plummer House in Rochester, MN. f you are dreaming of a wedding that feels timeless, intimate, and full of character, the...

Published: September 2, 202522 min read

How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost in Minnesota? If you have no idea of how much you are willing to spend, let's start by checking what other people are...

Published: September 1, 202530 min read

This wedding timeline calculator aims to help build the perfect tailored timeline for your event.It complements deeper pieces of information on each element you should learn before using the calculator...

Published: September 1, 202510 min read

Guide to Plan a Backyard Micro Wedding In this article, you will learn all you need to know to plan your own micro wedding. We’ll share how they made their...

Published: August 30, 202533 min read

You will find on this page all the resources that you need to plan your perfect wedding, engagement session, and location, book your Rochester, MN, venue, and much more. There...

Published: August 26, 20253 min read

Sustainable & Artisanal Wedding Venue in Minnesota: An Eco-Friendly Fairytale Farm Venue in Rochester Today I will present to you a unique place to get married, an alternative to mainstream...

Published: August 21, 202513 min read

22 Real (Smart) Tips to Save Money on Your Wedding Venue Without Sacrificing the Beauty of Your Preferred Venue Planning a wedding can feel like juggling beauty, budget, and a...

Published: August 20, 202520 min read

Cheap vs. Affordable vs. Budget-Friendly vs. High-End Wedding Venues in Minnesota: What’s the Difference? Planning a wedding in Minnesota can feel like learning a new language. You’ll see venues described...

Published: August 19, 202517 min read

Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center: A Sustainable Wedding Venue with Stunning River Views A nature-focused wedding venue in Spring Lake Park Reserve Nestled in the Spring Lake Park Reserve in Hastings,...

Published: August 4, 202513 min read

The Studio Event Space in Kasson, MN – Historic, Affordable & Photogenic Wedding Venue Introduction The Studio is a new wedding venue in Kasson MN, just 15 minutes from Rochester.Opened...

Published: August 1, 202514 min read

Somerby Golf Club Wedding: Complete Venue Guide for Minnesota Couples Planning your wedding at Somerby Golf Club in Byron? You've chosen a venue with English countryside charm and rolling Minnesota...

Published: August 1, 20259 min read

The Castle Lounge & Venue: Rochester's Historic Wedding Destination Looking for a unique wedding venue in Rochester? The Castle transforms a 1915 armory into an elegant three-level event space in...

Published: August 1, 202515 min read

Aune Hall Weddings in Rochester: Affordable Space for 250 Guests Finding an affordable wedding venue in Rochester can feel like chasing the last piece of cake at the reception. Aune...

Published: August 1, 20259 min read

Crawford Hall at Graham Park: Affordable Post-Industrial Wedding Venue in Rochester Many Rochester residents know Crawford Hall as the home of the Rochester Farmers Market. What they might not realize...

Published: August 1, 202514 min read

Spruce Hill Event Center Wedding Guide: What Couples Need to Know Imagine discovering a hidden wedding venue just one hour from the Twin Cities that saves you thousands of dollars...

Published: August 1, 202511 min read

Hilltop House Wedding & Events venue in Rochester MN Perched on a limestone bluff overlooking Rochester, Hilltop House offers couples something rare in today's wedding market: authentic history paired with...

Published: August 1, 202511 min read

Willow Creek Golf Course Wedding Guide: Everything You Need to Know to get the Best Photos Your search for the perfect wedding venue ends at Willow Creek Golf Course in...

Published: August 1, 20258 min read

Bearwood Event Barn Byron MN: A Photographer's Complete Wedding Venue Guide Introduction Picture this: a historic 1917 barn seamlessly blended with modern elegance. That's exactly what you'll find at Bearwood...

Published: July 29, 202512 min read

What to Wear for Your Courthouse Wedding as the Bride and Groom Your courthouse wedding is in a few weeks, and you are wondering what you will be wearing. A...

Published: July 23, 202535 min read

Planning Your Photos with Perfect Light with our Sunset & Golden Hour Calculator Let's talk about something absolutely crucial for your photos: sunlight! As your photographer, I want to help...

Published: May 30, 202527 min read

How to Negotiating Church Wedding Photography with Your Officiant As a wedding photographer, I've navigated the unique environment of countless church ceremonies. While many are welcoming, I've also faced situations...

Published: May 28, 202512 min read

Proof You Can Have Fun Photos at a Church Wedding, Especially with Kids! When you picture "church wedding photos," especially for a Catholic ceremony, do images of strictly serious faces...

Published: May 5, 202516 min read

11 High-End Wedding Venues in Rochester, MN (Chosen by a Local Wedding Photographer) When you think of Rochester, MN, the Mayo Clinic probably comes to mind first. But couples looking...

Published: April 22, 202516 min read

How to Find an Affordable Wedding Venue in Minnesota Without Compromising on Style in order to get some good photos! You might be worried that sticking to your wedding budget...

Published: April 18, 202510 min read

Alternative to Traditional Wedding Venues in Rochester, MN In a previous article, we mentioned affordable wedding venues in Rochester, discussed the average price of venues in Minnesota, and explored which...

Published: April 17, 202531 min read

Affordable Wedding Venues in Rochester, MN Wedding venues can be surprisingly expensive in cities like Rochester, MN, where the Mayo Clinic and steady population growth have helped drive up demand...

Published: March 17, 202414 min read

Restaurant Receptions in Rochester, MN: A Perfect Choice After a City Hall Wedding? Planning a city hall wedding often means seeking a simple yet elegant reception for close family and...

Published: March 17, 202446 min read

Unforgettable Winter LGBT Engagement Session Rochester If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering an engagement session in winter. We’ll explore the pros and cons of shooting during this season and...

Published: March 17, 202421 min read

The Most Photogenic Doors in Downtown Rochester, All Within a 5-Minute Walk, to use during your Engagement Session or Wedding Day For your engagement session, your photographer (hopefully me) suggested...

Published: March 17, 20249 min read

Beautiful Wedding Day at the Mayowood Stone Barn If you’re reading this, consider hosting your wedding at the Mayowood Stone Barn. In this article, I’ll share Nicole and Ethan’s wedding...

Published: March 17, 20244 min read

Is Plummer House in Rochester, MN, the Best option for a Fall Couple Photoshoot? If you live in Rochester long enough, there's a chance you've heard about the Plummer House,...

Published: March 17, 20247 min read

Wedding at the Floral Hall, Rochester, MN: Essential Tips for Planning & Photos Today, let's talk about a historic venue in Rochester, MN: the Floral Hall. It's through the wedding...

Published: March 17, 202413 min read

Discover Amanda and Alexis’ micro wedding in photos, and what you should know before holding a backyard micro wedding in Rochester, MN. Let's see what Amanda and Alexis did and...

Published: March 17, 202412 min read

White Winter Wedding at the Garten Marketplatz Perennial Farms in Rochester, MN If you are planning a winter wedding with snow in Rochester, MN, and are looking for a venue,...

Published: March 17, 20246 min read

Simple, Chic & Elegant Brunch Wedding at the Historic Plummer House in Rochester, MN If you’re planning a brunch wedding in Rochester for around 100 guests, this article is for...

Published: March 17, 20247 min read

Born and raised in Paris, I am now a proud Wedding Photographer in Rochester, MN, serving MPLS.

I don’t only capture emotions in candid pictures, I also create timeless images and artful photographs.
Recognized as one of the best photographers in the Twin Cities.

I serve Duluth and also far beyond the 10,000 Lakes State (Wisconsin, Iowa, and beyond). I am more than happy to discover beautiful landscapes and new horizons.

Have a look at my previous publications to learn more. As an experienced professional photographer, I don’t limit my field to lifestyle, family, or event photography! I invite you to visit my portfolio and discover my photography and work outside the studio.

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