Should you get married at the Mayowood Stone Barn in Rochester, MN?

Far from Minneapolis and its Como Conservatory, in Rochester, MN, Nadia and Jeffrey’s ceremony took place under a century-old oak tree.
She is a nurse with an enormous smile, and he is a handsome military man who bears a striking resemblance to Jeremy Lee Renner.
I first captured their engagement pictures at Oxbow Park, which included their children.

They had a family wedding filled with genuine emotion, exactly the kind I love. The wedding prominently featured two children from the groom’s side. Nadia, the bride, loves them as her own, and, as you will see, they clearly adore her in return.
These children are simply adorable and engaging, and they transformed what might have been an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary celebration, highlighting the profound importance of family gatherings.

I’ll take the opportunity of their wedding to introduce you to the Mayowood Stone Barn, a true gem among southwest Minnesota wedding venues, well-known by local residents but perhaps less familiar to those from the Twin Cities.

Bride and Bridesmaids’ Preparation

As is often my practice when I’m unfamiliar with a location, I try to arrive earlier to scout it.
I was very excited when I discovered the venue’s exterior.
The Mayowood Stone Barn complex is actually composed of several buildings spread across the property. Some are dedicated event spaces for weddings, while others are private residences (though they can, with permission, sometimes be used for photographs).
Surrounded by a white fence, the property feels more like a manor than a traditional farm. The gray stone accents in the courtyard lend the place the ambiance of a European villa.

The Bridal Suite: Considerations for Light and Makeup

Upon entering the bridal suite, my initial excitement was somewhat tempered. There was very little natural light. The room’s only two small windows face west and are unfortunately obscured by a large tree and an expanse of lawn. Consequently, the minimal natural light that did filter in had a greenish cast.
As a result, the room was primarily lit by the warm, yellow glow of electric bulbs. Furthermore, most of the room’s furniture was dark, which can be challenging for photography. Photographers generally prefer brighter rooms with large windows that provide ample, natural light.

Additionally, makeup should ideally be applied in lighting conditions similar to where it will be predominantly seen and photographed.

This lack of abundant natural light is quite common in older buildings, such as barns and farmhouses, due to their original design. Historically, the architects’ priority was insulation against cold temperatures rather than maximizing natural light.

A practical alternative to a dimly lit bridal suite is to get ready in a well-lit hotel suite. For instance, the DoubleTree in Rochester offers rooms with ample natural light.
Alternatively, if relatives live nearby, preparing at a family home could also be a good option.

Despite the lighting challenges, I focused on capturing images of the bride surrounded by her excited friends and relatives.

Special Floral Decorations

While the bride was having her hair done, I used the opportunity to capture detail shots. After photographing the shoes, rings, and earrings, I went to the main barn room.
There, the mother and aunt of the bride were personally arranging the floral decorations for the tables.
I always enjoy capturing these candid moments of family members working together to prepare for the celebration.

Groom’s Preparation

The gentlemen, as is often the case, were running a bit late! When they arrived, it was a flurry of activity. They got ready in the aptly named “Groom’s Room.”
From the outside, this building resembles a small, white chapel.

Inside, it features charming wood walls and floors.
Similar to the bridal suite, natural light was scarce, so I kept the main door open as much as possible to improve the lighting conditions.

The guys started to play table tennis and other games. They hadn’t had a rehearsal dinner the day before, so they were clearly excited to see each other.

I took advantage of this time to meet the groom’s best man, who was quite a personality!

Father and Son Connection

Despite his striking appearance, he is quite calm and reserved. He reminded me of a stoic cowboy (or a superhero)—the calm before the storm, capable of handling any situation seemingly without breaking a sweat.

But when it comes to his children, his face suddenly lights up, a smile reaching his eyes. In those moments, you can see the playful child behind the composed man, and the bond he shares with his kids is deeply emotional.

Groom with Groomsmen and Bride with Bridesmaids

The bride and groom wanted their first sight of each other to be as she walked down the aisle. Therefore, we made every effort to manage the schedule and prevent them from seeing each other beforehand.

As you can see, the guys clearly had a lot of fun!

A Heartfelt Letter Exchange

If you are looking for a sweet and anticipatory pre-ceremony moment, this is a wonderful idea. The bride and groom can use a wall or a door to remain hidden from each other while they exchange heartfelt letters and perhaps a few whispered words.

Vibrant Outdoor Ceremony

Jeff and his mother were followed by his son and daughter. They walked down the aisle first. Jeff Jr., dressed all in black, walked with an air of ease and confidence. He was so proud to carry the wedding rings and be an integral part of this moment. His sister, the flower girl, was quite visibly impressed by the occasion!

Nadia and Jeff hadn’t seen each other since their rehearsal dinner the previous day.  They both shed tears of joy when they saw each other at the aisle.

It was also a deeply emotional moment for Nadia as she walked down the aisle escorted by her father.

A Special Officiant to Unite Them in Marriage

As a wedding photographer, I’ve documented hundreds of weddings. In my experience, ceremonies can feel less personal when the officiant, such as a priest, doesn’t personally know the couple.
The most heartfelt weddings are often those where the couple shares a meaningful connection with their officiant.

At this wedding, Nadia’s uncle officiated the ceremony, adding a wonderfully personal and intimate touch to the ritual.

A Dreamy Century-Old Oak Tree

They exchanged vows under the majestic, century-old oak tree. It’s the kind of picturesque tree you often see in movies, absolutely perfect for photography.
Although the morning was cloudy and rainy, the afternoon brought beautiful sunshine.

Before exchanging rings, the bride, groom, and their children participated in a symbolic sand ceremony.
It was not only an emotional moment but also visually stunning against the venue’s tremendous backdrop.

Fun Group Pictures

After their first kiss as a married couple and their joyful walk back up the aisle, it was time for group pictures.

Following some formal photographs with close relatives, the bridal party was full of excitement and ready for some fun shots.

Portraits of the Newlyweds

Then, it was time to capture portraits of the newly married couple—now husband and wife—taking full advantage of the venue’s beautiful features.
We utilized not only the magnificent oak tree but also the charming white fence and the secluded inner courtyard.

Nadia looked gorgeous in her dress and was radiant with happiness. Jeff visibly relaxed and truly enjoyed the moment.

Since they were eager to rejoin their guests, we kept this portrait session sweet and efficient.

Dinner and Celebrations

Following the outdoor cocktail hour, guests gathered for a large group picture before heading into the main dining hall for dinner.

A Memorable Best Man Speech

Then came the traditional wedding speeches. Nadia’s sister spoke first. She was followed by Jeff’s best friend, who is a chaplain. His speech was entirely original, hilariously funny, and affectionately embarrassing for Jeff.
At the same time, it was packed with genuine friendship and the deep bond that brothers share.
It was an absolutely excellent speech that had (almost) everyone alternating between laughter and tears.

After dinner, the DJ skillfully kept the dance floor packed, even with the evening’s warmth.

I was delighted to capture candid shots of the bride and groom enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

Creative Sunset Portraits

During dinner, we slipped away to stage a couple of artistic portraits. I took advantage of the beautiful sunset light and their classic American convertible.
We also had some fun incorporating the venue’s swing into the photos.
Additionally, I captured some striking silhouette pictures against the vibrant sunset sky.

Finally, to fulfill one of the bride’s most cherished requests, we created some magical images with sparklers.

About the Mayowood Stone Barn

Located on Mayowood Road SW, in the southwest area of Rochester (often referred to as Medcity), the barn is a significant part of local history.
For over a century, it was part of the Mayowood Mansion estate, belonging to the renowned Mayo family.
Initially serving as a core part of the farm, it later transitioned into a sought-after venue for events, particularly weddings.
This chapter of its Mayo family ownership concluded in 2007 when it was sold to a private company.

The Mayowood Stone Barn truly is a treasure for exceptional wedding photography.

Planning Your Wedding at the Mayowood Stone Barn: Key Details

If you’re considering this enchanting venue for your special day, here are a few key details to keep in mind.

Numerous Picturesque Photo Spots

Firstly, with its expansive grounds, historic buildings, and diverse settings, this venue offers a multitude of picturesque spots ideal for capturing stunning bride and groom portraits.

• Exteriors of the stone barns
• Interior of the stone barn
• The Stone Barn’s first floor (the loft, featuring charming windows)
• The wooden barns
• Rustic stone walls (e.g., the Blacksmith Shop walls)
• Large sliding doors (approximately four large 15×15 ft white doors, facing various directions)
• A covered porch with a stone floor
• Wooden fences (the property is bordered by these)
• An old grain silo (its weathered material is surprisingly photogenic)
• Abundant trees and flowers
• The stunning oak tree
• A charming swing
• Adjacent cornfield (seasonal)
• Nearby South Fork of the Zumbro River
• Nearby Mayo Lake
• Forest backdrop (south of Mayowood Road SW)

On-Site Coordinator Service

Like most high-standing venues, the Mayowood Stone Barn provides services to supervise the smooth coordination of your wedding. Typically, Melissa Walker oversees this, but if she is unavailable, another experienced coordinator will manage your event.

Decoration Rental Service

The Mayowood Stone Barn offers a rental service for various decoration items.
This could be a great option, for example, to add a stylish couch for your bridal party pictures or create unique photo vignettes.

Capacity

The venue can accommodate up to 300 seated guests for both the ceremony and dinner.
Standard rentals include seating for 250; thus, if your guest list approaches 300, you may need to arrange for additional chairs at an extra cost.

Last Dance

As is common with many venues in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” wedding celebrations typically conclude before midnight. At the Mayowood Stone Barn, festivities wrap up, and guests must depart by 11:30 PM.

Dog-Friendly (Outdoors)

Good news for pet lovers: you can include your furry best friends in some of your outdoor wedding photos!
Please note, however, that pets are generally not allowed inside the buildings.

Conveniently Located: 7 Minutes from Downtown Rochester

Although the Mayowood Stone Barn doesn’t offer on-site accommodations, downtown Rochester, MN, is conveniently just a 7-minute drive away.
This makes it easy to arrange transportation services, allowing your friends and family to celebrate fully without the concern of driving.
Downtown Rochester boasts several excellent hotels to accommodate your guests, such as the DoubleTree by Hilton, The Kahler Grand Hotel, Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, and Aspen Suites, among others.

Ample Parking with Security

The venue provides a large parking area sufficient for up to 300 guests, and a security guard service is included in all wedding packages.

Exclusive Catering by Powers Ventures (Canadian Honker)

Some venues choose to partner exclusively with one caterer to ensure consistent, optimum quality and service throughout a busy wedding season.

This is particularly true for historic venues, which may not always feature brand-new, spacious kitchen facilities.
Consequently, having a single catering company that intimately knows the venue’s specific layout, flexibility, and limitations helps ensure their staff can provide excellent service for your reception.

The Mayowood Stone Barn has chosen to work exclusively with Powers Ventures for their catering needs. While I cannot comment on the specifics of pricing, I can attest from my experience that the food provided has been consistently good.

Choice of Other Vendors

While the Mayowood Stone Barn may recommend professionals they trust for services such as decor, florals, DJing, and photography, you have the liberty to select your preferred vendors for your wedding celebration.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a historic venue, are comfortable with the travel distance from Minneapolis, MN, and the venue’s exclusive caterer, then the Mayowood Stone Barn should certainly be considered a first-class option. It’s not only a charming historic barn steeped in local history but also a venue offering ample space for large events.
The main limestone barn (Carriage Way), with its impressive arch, is both welcoming and beautiful. The first floor (known as the Loft) provides an excellent backup option in case of rain. The magnificent century-old oak tree is truly the icing on the cake!

Last words:
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the bride and groom for entrusting me with their wedding photography.
Secondly, if you are planning to get married at the Mayowood Stone Barn, I would be delighted to discuss how I can capture your special day. Please feel free to contact me!