Complete Wedding Photography Venue Guide in Chatfield, MN
Table of Contents
Joy Ridge Event Center: Venue Overview
Joy Ridge Event Center is a family-owned wedding venue located in Chatfield, Minnesota, situated on a hilltop overlooking creeks, bluffs, and the charming small town of Chatfield, just south of Rochester. Located at the top of a bluff at 273 Mill Creek Road NW, Chatfield, MN 55923, this elegant venue combines the convenience of being in town with the privacy and scenic beauty of Minnesota’s Bluff Country.
History of this Family-Owned Business
Joy Ridge Event Center was created through the conversion of the former Pope & Young Club in Chatfield, MN, into a modern event center. Even earlier, the building was home to Jim and Dee’s Supper Club. The venue opened in December 2021. The concept for Joy Ridge began after owners Michael and Kirsten Tangen found inspiration in their own wedding experience at an event center. The family-owned business includes Sue Tangen, her son Michael Tangen, and his wife Kirsten, who took on this venture together.
Interior Design & Photography Opportunities
The Main Reception Room
The newly renovated ballroom serves as the centerpiece of Joy Ridge. The black ceiling contrasts with the white walls and clear wood floor. In addition, it features crystal chandeliers that enhance the atmosphere in photos. The room features 2 big glass doors that bring natural light to the room, but not enough to completely light the space. Therefore, the lighting is mostly supported by spotted lights in the ceiling.
Something to be mindful of is avoiding the mix of natural light (blue) and artificial light (yellow). This can be done simply by adding curtain decoration on the windows (no need to block the view, just to dim the light). Or it can be handled by the photographer using flash (so be ready to see the flash firing repeatedly).
The Bar
The gorgeous bar and lounge area offers elegant design with its blue walls and massive wood plank cut from a log for the bar countertop. It’s perfect for cocktail hour shots and intimate couple portraits with flash. The bar features a big deer antlers chandelier and a big black leather couch. Perfect for direct flash photos and a few photos with the wedding party.
The Lobby
The entrance lobby features white marble-type tile floor, light gray walls, and white ceiling with a big chandelier and a gorgeous blue velvet couch. It also has a bunch of decorative elements, such as green plants and gold/copper type decorative elements. It’s probably the brightest and fanciest room of the venue. This sophisticated space serves as an ideal backdrop for taking getting-ready photos with excellent natural lighting.
The Getting Ready Room
The venue offers a bridal suite, and for the groom, a functional board room. Both have natural light and are functional. Simplicity over fancy. That’s why the bride should zip her dress in the lobby.
Outdoor Spaces
Building Architecture
The building features standard farmhouse architecture with an elevated entrance. The light beige brick, white siding, and gray metallic roof blend with nature.
The Patio
The building features a patio next to the main reception room, ideal for an outdoor cocktail hour.
The Ceremony Space on the Lawn
The venue has a vast flat lawn area that serves as the ceremony space. This space is located on the slope of the hill, at the bottom of a field, offering a perfect view of the charming town of Chatfield. The lawn features a small cement pad meant to welcome a wedding arch, orienting the ceremony direction toward the north. Behind you would have evergreen pines at your back, which work great for all seasons. On the east side of the ceremony area stands a kind of flower bed that can be used for a few photos.
On the other side of the lawn, you could have yard games installed.
What Makes Joy Ridge Unique
Joy Ridge combines comfort with class and just a little whimsy, creating an atmosphere that’s both elegant and welcoming for wedding photography. The venue’s stunning chandeliers add something special to your photos, and the venue’s position, nestled atop a hill, offers incredible scenic beauty that serves as a natural backdrop in some of your photos.
An Additional Services & Photography Enhancements
Joy Ridge offers comprehensive decorating services for couples who prefer professional styling over DIY approaches. Their event staff can create custom looks using either the couple’s decorations or items from Joy Ridge’s extensive “Inspiration Room” collection of wedding décor, centerpieces, signage, and greenery.
If you have the budget, I think it’s the room can be truly transformed with beautiful floral arrangements, adding a personal touch to your photos. So, that’s a service that will pay back for your experience but also in your photos.
Photography Spots
During the day we will use different photography spots for your photos.
Lobby for Preparation
As mentioned, the lobby is chic and elegant and has natural light. That’s the place where I want to take photos of the bride and her mother zipping the dress. And probably, depending on the activities, where I would get the groom.
First Look in Front of the Venue Entrance
You should do the first look in the early afternoon, when the sun is mostly in the south, which means just behind the venue entrance. We will take advantage of the symmetry. That’s where we should also take the group photos.
The View on Chatfield
From the parking lot, I can get a shot of the bride and groom with an open view of the city in the background.
The Flower Bed
We will use the flower bed later in the day, around golden hour time. Or we can use it as well for group photos.
Pine Trees Near the Arch
When there are such pine trees, a good photo would be to have you hugging with branches around.
Additional Photo Stops Nearby
If you want an elevated session photo, you would like to go to another place. Here are some places around:
- Chatfield Center for the Arts: This brick building adds a touch of Midwest city charm
- Saint Mary Catholic Church: Its entrance with stairs adds a dramatic photogenic background
- Mill Creek Park: For a few photos along the Mill Creek River
Capacity, Specifications & Pricing
- Ballroom Capacity: 277 wedding guests
- Head Table: Accommodates up to 16 people
- Additional Seating: 23 guests can be seated in adjacent lounge (limited visibility to head table)
- Venue Type: Ballroom with full bar service and conference capabilities
- Climate Control: HVAC systems ensuring year-round comfortable conditions
- Accessibility: ADA compliant for all guests
Summer Price and Winter Discount
Like most venues, Joy Ridge applies summer prices and discount prices for the bravest who dare to brave the cold Minnesota weather. The venue maintains no food or drink minimums, allowing couples complete freedom in budget planning. Couples may choose any licensed caterer, with Joy Ridge providing recommendations across various price points and service styles. Food trucks are also welcome, adding unique photo opportunities and casual dining options.
The venue’s liquor license requires all alcohol to be served through their bar, but they offer flexible hosting options from a cash bar to full open bar service. Their bartenders are included with alcohol service, and they can accommodate special requests for signature cocktails or specific beverages with advance notice.
Peak Season (May-October)
- Friday: $4,800
- Saturday: $5,600
- Sunday: $3,800
On-site ceremony services are available for $400
Off-Peak/Winter Season (November-April)
- Friday: $3,800
- Saturday: $4,800
- Sunday: $2,800
Operating Hours
Standard rental includes 10am-11pm for Friday and Saturday weddings, with dressing room access available as early as 8am.
Conclusion: A Reliable Choice for Couples
Joy Ridge Event Center represents a simple, elegant, and functional venue that prioritizes substance over extravagance. While it may not offer the ultra-luxurious amenities of nearby venues like Serenity Hill, it delivers exactly what many couples are seeking: a beautiful, well-maintained space with genuine character and exceptional value.
The venue’s gorgeous ceremony site, with its sweeping views of Chatfield, provides ample opportunities for stunning bride and groom portraits. The elevated location offers photographers at least 30 minutes worth of diverse shooting options, especially capitalizing on that spectacular city vista that serves as a perfect backdrop for romantic couple photography.
From a practical standpoint, Joy Ridge’s fair entry pricing, combined with their no-caterer-obligation policy, gives couples the flexibility to choose vendors that fit their budget and style preferences. The main reception room is spacious enough to accommodate both the ceremony and the reception, making it an efficient choice for couples who want everything in one location. The newly renovated space features year-round climate control, ensuring comfortable conditions regardless of Minnesota’s unpredictable weather.
As a solid, traditional family-operated business, Joy Ridge Event Center offers couples a sure value. It’s the kind of venue that delivers on its promises without unnecessary frills, making it an excellent choice for couples who appreciate authentic hospitality, scenic beauty, and reliable service at a fair price point.
Joy Ridge Event Center
273 Mill Creek Road NW
Chatfield,
MN
55923
United States
Phone: 507-218-7743
Need a Wedding Photographer? I’m based in Rochester with no travel fees for the Chatfield area. Contact me to discuss capturing your special day at Joy Ridge Event Center.
