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 for an elegant, luxurious wedding venue will find that Rochester has much more to offer than just world-class healthcare.
From historic mansions to contemporary art spaces, there are a handful of stunning high-end venues that combine beautiful architecture, refined service, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Whether you’re planning a sophisticated ballroom reception or a stylish outdoor ceremony, here are eight of the best high-end wedding venues in Rochester to consider.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer:
This article is absolutely not sponsored in any way. It was created simply to help couples during their wedding planning.
What the price displayed represents:
The prices mentioned are:
- 150 guests reception
- Saturday (Friday and Sunday prices displayed when available)
- During the High Season (if there is a winter/low season price)
- With the ceremony option (if it’s an add-on)
- With the getting-ready rooms (if it’s an add-on)
- With the cocktail hour room (if it’s an add-on)
Prices are provided for your general reference, but please note that venues may adjust them at their discretion. Make sure to read the complete guide for each venue to understand the available options and special conditions (caterer or beverage minimums, cleaning fees, hours, linen, etc.). If you spot any mistakes or outdated information, I would be happy to correct them.
Friday and Sunday Prices
Check the dedicated article and find out whether the venues offer a cheaper price for Friday and Sunday.
How, as a wedding photographer, I chose the High-End Venues: Quality & Service.
I found that most high-standard wedding venues start at around $6,500. So you will find $6,000 venues along with a few top venues that offer a lower initial price, but where you would need to book a separate hotel suite to get ready, which increases the final cost.
But a high-end venue is not only about the starting price. So, if you pay attention, you will also find venue prices less than $6,500 that are photogenic and offer high-end service.
THE PREMIUM VENUES
J Powers Events at Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area
For couples who want a modern and sophisticated backdrop for their wedding, the Hilton Rochester sets the standard.
The ballrooms managed by J Powers Events are spacious, featuring 19-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sparkling chandeliers that create a bright and luxurious environment for photos.
One of the hotel’s major assets is the Mother Alfred Moes Outdoor Terrace. Surrounded by glass buildings and offering direct views of the city skyline, it’s the perfect place for a ceremony or cocktail hour.
Although some rooms include a functional getting-ready space, we recommend booking one of the Hilton’s suites. They are not only convenient for getting ready, but also perfect for gorgeous bridal portraits.
Another advantage of the Hilton is its impressive lobby and spiral staircase, which we can use for first looks or indoor group photos in case of bad weather.
The service is impeccable, and the hotel’s stylish interiors create a polished, upscale feel from start to finish.
From a photography standpoint, the Hilton shines with its grand staircase, modern lounges, and clean architectural lines, ideal for dramatic portraits and chic urban shots.
Note on Price: The Starting price is around $4000 for a reception room. But we have included the 2 King Presidential Suite + the Outdoor Terrace.
Address: 10 E Center St #2B, Rochester, MN 55904
Capacity: 400 guests
Rates:
- Saturday Estimated: $8000-$9000
- Friday & Sunday: check the article.
Mayowood Stone Barn
If you’re looking for an elegant venue with a touch of countryside romance, Mayowood Stone Barn is hard to beat.
Originally part of the Mayo family estate, this historic stone barn blends rustic charm with timeless sophistication.
The stone walls, sweeping grounds, and century-old majestic oak trees create a setting that feels both grand and intimate.
The bridal suite and groom’s den are convenient for getting ready.
The Loft (the second-floor chapel), with its warm wooden floors and ceiling, is a great option for indoor ceremonies in case of bad weather.
For photos, Mayowood offers endless opportunities: golden-hour portraits among the trees, romantic ceremony shots under the barn’s exposed beams, and classic black-and-white images against the timeless stone backdrop.
Address: 3385 Mayowood Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Capacity: 300 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $7,000
- Friday & Sunday: Discount price, check the article.
Garten Marketplatz
For couples dreaming of a romantic, nature-filled wedding, Garten Marketplatz offers an idyllic setting just a short drive from Rochester.
As a working perennial farm, the venue is enveloped in breathtaking natural beauty, especially during the summer when the sprawling gardens are in full bloom.
As the name suggests, the Garten Marketplatz is inspired by old-world European styles, filled with vintage furniture and decor that hints at German, British, and French influences.
This vibrant, living landscape provides endless and stunning photography options for the bride and groom, from intimate moments among the flowers to grand portraits against the rolling hills. The venue boasts several charming options for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours, including two distinct patios that allow guests to mingle and enjoy the serene countryside atmosphere.
A highlight of the property is the new carriage house extension, a bright and airy space featuring gorgeous exposed wood beams and elegant wood chairs, perfectly blending rustic charm with modern sophistication for an unforgettable reception.
Address: 5225 County Rd 15 SW, Byron, MN 55920
Capacity: 150 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $6,000
- Friday & Sunday: Discount price, check the article.
Bearwood Event Barn
Nestled in the rolling hills of Byron, the Bearwood Event Barn is a big, historic red barn originally built in 1917.
Today, it blends that original barn charm with the modern features of a huge and bright extension.
The restored barn maintains its wood floors and even has a balcony, while the newer addition is bright and open, with large windows and a sleek, waxed concrete floor.
Set on rolling hills with the Zumbro River just out front, it’s a fantastic spot for an outdoor ceremony.
For getting ready, there’s a private bridal suite right on site.
It’s rustic where you want it to be, but updated where it matters.
For the more adventurous clients, the adjacent Oxbow Park offers an even greater expanse of natural beauty to explore for truly unique wedding photos.
Address: 5901 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920
Capacity: 200 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $6,800
- Friday & Sunday: Discount price, check the article.
Rochester Art Center
The Rochester Art Center is perfect for couples who want a modern and chic wedding.
With its minimalist architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Zumbro River, and open spaces, the Art Center provides a stylish blank canvas that can be transformed to match any vision.
In case of bad weather, an indoor ceremony with a view of the river offers a beautiful backdrop and great natural lighting.
From a photography standpoint, it’s a dream: clean lines, natural light, riverfront scenery, and an indoor-outdoor flow that works beautifully for both daytime and evening events.
The bridal suite is quite simple, and there isn’t really a dedicated space for the groom and groomsmen to get ready. We recommend booking a suite at a nearby hotel, which will naturally add to the final cost.
For bride and groom photos, we would use the plaza and other options available in downtown Rochester.
Address: 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Suite 120, Rochester, MN 55904
Capacity: 250 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $3,000
- Friday & Sunday: check the article.
The Kahler Grand Hotel and Marriott
Right in the heart of downtown Rochester, the Kahler Grand Hotel offers classic luxury with the convenience of being connected to the Mayo Clinic and the downtown skyway system.
The Elizabethan Ballroom, with its rich wood paneling, historic fireplace, and glittering chandelier, offers an elegant setting for a ceremony, especially for weddings of up to 144 guests.
Couples looking for an upscale getting-ready space can also book a luxury suite at The Towers at the Kahler.
From a photography perspective, the hotel’s proximity to city landmarks, such as The Kahler’s own facade, the Plummer Building and its copper doors, and the Peace Plaza, offers fantastic options for portraits, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Address: 20 2nd Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Capacity: 144 guests
Rates:
- Estimated Saturday: $4,500 – $5000
- Friday & Sunday: check the article.
The Castle
Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, The Castle offers a unique, historic setting for couples looking for a distinctive wedding experience. Housed in a beautiful century-old armory, the venue features a grand ballroom with an arched wood ceiling, dramatic arch windows. It’s second floor as a cocktail bar, with modern, chic, warm and intimate atmosphere that feels both timeless and sophisticated.
While The Castle isn’t the brightest venue in terms of natural light, it more than makes up for it with its exceptional service, refined ambiance, and the quality of its food and drinks. The venue team places a strong focus on crafting an upscale experience, with carefully curated menus, premium beverage options, and a seamless event flow from start to finish. It’s definitely one of the higher-end venues in town!
For photography, The Castle offers a rich, moody backdrop perfect for creating elegant, editorial-style images. With its historic details, cozy corners, and refined atmosphere, it’s an ideal choice for couples who want a stylish celebration in a truly unique setting.
Address: 121 N Broadway, Rochester, MN 55906
Capacity: 250 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: Start around $10,000
- Friday & Sunday: Check the article.
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery
Located just 30 minutes south of Rochester, Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery offers a perfect blend of sleek contemporary design and rustic winery charm.
This modern venue, with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls and rows of wooden barrels, creates an atmosphere that is both elegant and welcoming. We especially love the outdoor ceremonies held right in the middle of the vineyard — it’s a truly romantic setting. There’s also a beautiful oak tree near the entrance, and another on the west side of the building, that makes for fantastic photo spots.
Inside, the space is bright and inviting, thanks to the large windows and polished concrete floors. Bold red accent walls add a vibrant touch to the clean, modern lines of the building.
Beyond the setting, Four Daughters places a strong focus on local flavors. Guests can enjoy their award-winning local wines, ciders crafted onsite, and a farm-to-table menu featuring fresh, regional ingredients.
On top of that, the food is delicious, and the service is outstanding; it’s genuinely one of the best venues around.
Address: 78757 MN-16, Spring Valley, MN 55975
Capacity: 300 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $6,500
- Friday & Sunday: Check the article.
Spruce Hill Event Center
Located just a few minutes from Rochester, in Zumbrota, Spruce Hill Event Center earns its spot on our high-end list for the aesthetic quality of the venue.
Bright, brand-new, and thoughtfully designed for weddings, Spruce Hill offers a fresh take on a traditional event space. Its black-and-white tones give a modern and elegant look to your wedding.
With crisp white walls, large windows letting in tons of natural light, and an open, airy layout, Spruce Hill feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
From a photography perspective, the venue’s neutral palette lets your colors and your story take center stage. Gorgeous getting-ready spaces, wide lawns for outdoor ceremonies, and beautifully simple interiors make it easy to create timeless wedding images.
Address: 42593 Hwy 52 Blvd, Zumbrota, MN 55992
Capacity: 200 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $6,800
- Friday & Sunday: Discount price, check the article.
Hilltop House
The Hilltop House offers couples an elegant wedding experience in a beautifully renovated 1928 Rochester estate. The mansion features a chic getting-ready room for bridal preparations, with outdoor ceremony sites set among mature grounds. Reception takes place under a bright white tent with cement flooring—a sophisticated European-style approach that’s reflected in the venue’s excellent value pricing.
From a photography standpoint, the venue excels with the mansion’s grand architecture for formal portraits and gorgeous prep spaces for getting-ready shots. The manicured grounds, Silver Lake views, and nearby Zumbro River and downtown area provide diverse backdrops just steps away. The bright white reception tent creates a clean, luminous canvas that makes your décor and celebration truly shine.
Address: 1735 3rd Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Capacity: 200 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $5,500
- Friday & Sunday: Discount price, check the article.
Serenity Hills
Tucked away in the rolling countryside 45 minutes south of Rochester, in Preston, MN, Serenity Hills is one of those modern barn designs built with weddings in mind.
Surrounded by corn fields and hills, it offers a peaceful, refined setting for couples who want an elegant yet relaxed wedding day.
The pavilion features a soaring ceiling with exposed beams and a chic, neutral color palette that can be adapted to any wedding style. The large windows not only frame stunning views of the surrounding hills but also flood the space with beautiful natural light (from east in the morning to west for sunset light).
What makes Serenity Hills truly special is the balance it strikes between luxury, rustic charm, and nature.
We love the wooden tables and the use of countryside materials typically found in barns, like corrugated metal panels, waxed concrete floors, and warm, low-hanging lights.
Guests can enjoy both indoor comfort and outdoor beauty, with spacious patios, wide lawns, and scenic overlooks perfect for a ceremony or cocktail hour.
One specific feature of this venue is that it hosts only one wedding per weekend (on Saturday), and for the same price, you get access to the venue on Friday and Sunday as well: a very convenient bonus!
From a photography perspective, the golden light over the hills at sunset is simply breathtaking. The clean architectural lines, wide open fields, and quiet atmosphere create endless opportunities for stunning portraits and candid moments that feel both grand and intimate.
Address: 21630 US-52, Preston, MN 55965
Capacity: 300 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $7,500
- Friday: Access included with Saturday rental
- Sunday: Closed
Pond View Barn
The Pond View Barn is a century-old renovated farm barn, now converted into a beautiful wedding venue.
It offers a getting-ready room and an amazing wood barn for your reception.
For your ceremony, you have plenty of outdoor choices: by the pond, overlooking the valley, among the pine and deciduous trees, by the swing, or under the large trees.
It’s a fantastic location for wedding photography, with plenty of variety and natural beauty.
Even better, it’s a locally owned venue run by a wonderful couple, Barb and Randy (who truly feel like they could be your own parents or grandparents!). They’re present on the wedding day and are always happy to lend a hand.
I’ve covered weddings there several times, and it’s definitely a place worth considering.
Something to mention is that they take only one wedding per weekend, giving you extra time to setup the day before and clean the day after!
Address: 23897 510th St, Pine Island, MN 55963
Capacity: 200 guests
Rates:
- Saturday: $6,500
- Friday & Sunday: Check the article.
Final Thoughts on These Top Venues
High-end doesn’t just mean a beautiful building — it means service, experience, and atmosphere. These venues stand out not just because of how they look, but because they offer couples a truly seamless and unforgettable wedding day.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a grand ballroom or the clean lines of modern architecture, Rochester has a luxury venue ready to bring your wedding vision to life.
As a local wedding photographer, I’ve had the chance to work at many of these venues and know how to make the most of each unique space — whether it’s finding the best light indoors, using the best photo spots in town, or planning portraits around the changing weather.
Other Venues you might want to consider
In a previous article, I talked about the cheap venues under 3K, affordable venues in Rochester (link below), alternative options like restaurants, Instagrammable venues, and explained the average cost of a wedding in Minnesota.
If you’re looking for someone who knows Rochester inside and out and can help you capture every detail of your day beautifully, I would love to hear more about your plans. Feel free to reach out — I’d be happy to chat about your wedding and how we can create timeless, authentic memories together.
COMPLEMENTARY GUIDES
VENUES UNDER $3000
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From simple basic venues to brick buildings, lodging, and historic venues around Rochester, MN.
THE VENUE EXPLORER
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Explore venues and filter by type, distance, capacity, price, and more… and find the perfect match.
AFFORDABLE VENUES UNDER $6500
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Budget-Friendly Venues: Hotel, Historic, Museum, Golf: all the affordable venues around Rochester, MN.
