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 in 2022 inside a restored 150-year-old building, it combines historic charm and modern comfort.

For couples planning an intimate wedding of up to 70 seated guests, it offers a bright and photogenic setting at an affordable price.

Presentation

The Studio is located in downtown Kasson, Minnesota, about 15 minutes west of Rochester. The venue sits inside a restored 150-year-old brick building that has been remodeled and decorated with care and taste.

The business itself opened in late 2022, making it a relatively new venue in the region. And who says newest usually means more competitive pricing for couples? (more on that after).

The Studio was created by Angie Bowman-Malloy. The first floor hosts a dance studio directed by her daughter, Chelsey Wheeler, while the second floor is dedicated to weddings and events.

The space can accommodate 70 seated guests or 150 in a cocktail-style layout, making it perfect for couples planning a small to medium wedding in a bright, intimate setting.
The venue has thee separate rooms: the main reception room, the spacious kitchen, and the getting ready room.

The Studio Events Space : a Photogenic Wedding Venue near Rochester

Not every venue is built with photography in mind, but The Studio checks many boxes. It illustrates several points I explain in my article about what makes a venue photogenic.

• The main hall feels spacious, even with its 70-guest capacity.
• The two-story ceiling with chandeliers creates height and elegance.
• The wood floors reflect natural light.
• The large windows on every side flood the space like a photography studio (which is rarely the case on a Broadway-style, small, old brick venue).
• The building’s exposed brick walls, visible beams, and post-industrial accents add texture and character.
• Furnishings are carefully chosen, from dark wood chairs to stylish tables, giving a polished look without being overly formal.
• The bridal suite is another strength. While compact, it is bright and filled with daylight, making it perfect for natural portraits.

Together, these details make The Studio one of the most photogenic small venues near Rochester.

Ceremony and Reception Options

The Studio is designed for couples who want to keep everything in one place. The ceremony and reception are both held in the main hall, which can be arranged to fit different layouts.

With seating for 70 guests, the room feels intimate but not crowded.

For larger weddings, couples may want to explore The Midway, another Dodge County-managed venue in Kasson, which can host up to 300 people.

The Kitchen

The Studio includes a fully equipped residential-style kitchen, complete with refrigerator, stove, and sink. The space is generous enough to serve a second purpose: during the time the main hall is being flipped from ceremony to reception, the kitchen can also be used as a spot for cocktail hour.

It’s more than just functional. With its brick walls and open layout, the kitchen feels like a New York loft, making it a true dream kitchen for couples who love character and style.

This setup is convenient for professional caterers, but also works well for couples planning a DIY reception or working with a private chef. It gives flexibility to serve plated meals, buffets, or family-style dinners without relying on off-site facilities.

The Getting Ready Room: The Bridal Suite

Located on the second floor at the back of the building, the bridal suite offers a bright and welcoming space. Two large windows fill the room with natural light, and a shower is available for warm summer days.

The décor is tasteful, with white walls, a soft blue carpet, and furniture accented with gold. The room is comfortable for a group of three or four women to get ready, though it may feel small for a larger wedding party.

Rates and Affordability

One of the strongest points of The Studio is its pricing structure. It is among the most affordable wedding venues near Rochester.

• Weekdays (Monday–Thursday): rentals start at $75 per hour, with a one-hour minimum.
• Weekends (Friday–Sunday): couples can choose a half-day package (5 hours) for $450, or a full-day rental (8 AM–11 PM) for $800.
• A $50 cleaning fee applies to all bookings.

Optional extras, such as backdrop arches, linens, or AV equipment, can be added at a modest cost.

When compared to other venues around Rochester, these rates make The Studio a budget-friendly choice, especially for couples who want a charming location without exceeding their budget.

Pros of The Studio

• Small but spacious: While the seated capacity is limited to 70, the tall ceilings and open layout make the room feel airy.
• Super photogenic: Natural light, exposed brick, chandeliers, and wood floors create a variety of beautiful backdrops.
• Affordable: Hourly weekday rentals and modest weekend packages make it one of the most budget-friendly venues near Rochester.
• Kitchen included: The full kitchen is convenient for professional caterers or couples planning a DIY-style wedding meal.
• Very Spacious Kitchen: If not used as a Kitchen, this room can be a perfect cocktail hour room, perfect for flipping the main room from ceremony to dinner.
• Bright bridal suite: A well-lit space that makes makeup, hair, and portraits easier.
• Flexibility: the venue is very flexible (especially regarding alcohol and caterer), making it a perfect place for DIY weddings.

Cons and Solutions

• No dedicated groom’s room: The venue has a bridal suite, but not a separate groom’s space. A practical solution is to use the dance studio on the first floor, which offers a large open area.
• Bridal suite is compact: It works well for the bride plus two or three bridesmaids. However, it may feel tight for a full bridal party of six or more. Couples can plan makeup and hair sessions in shifts, or use additional nearby spaces.
• Sound and music setup: The venue includes a portable speaker that connects easily to a phone, which is enough for background music. But if you want a true dance party, there is no built-in stage or sound system. DJs and bands must bring their own equipment. This is standard for smaller venues, but couples should confirm details in advance.
• 23-minute driving time from Rochester Downtown: You might need a shuttle service.

With some adjustments and planning, these limitations are easy to work around, allowing couples to enjoy the strengths of the venue.

Photography Opportunities at and Near The Studio

For portraits, the venue offers several distinctive backdrops: the brick wall, the industrial staircase, the matte black accent wall, and the green kitchen door. These details allow for a few creative indoor photos without leaving the building, which is especially useful on a rainy day.

For wedding party photos, couples could also step into the backstreet or nearby side streets, where brick walls provide strong, urban-style backgrounds.

Of course, for more variety and stronger pictures, the bride and groom (and their wedding party) would benefit from moving to another location nearby.

Several excellent spots are only minutes away:

• Old Kasson Public School and its water tower add historic character.
• The adjacent streets lined with Victorian-style homes create elegant backgrounds.
• Mantorville’s historic streets bring a small-town charm.
• Oxbow Park in Byron offers natural scenery and wide-open spaces.

This mix of indoor and nearby locations ensures couples get a diverse photo gallery, even with a smaller venue.

Seasonal and Weather Considerations

The Studio works year-round, making it flexible for couples who prefer a winter wedding or a summer celebration.

On rainy days, the indoor ceremony option is a major strength. The tall ceilings, wide windows, and bright walls ensure that the space never feels dark, even when skies are gray.

In winter, the abundance of natural light through large windows helps create soft, flattering photos. Plus, the chandelier and other lamps with Edison bulbs would create a warm atmosphere.
In summer, the downtown streets and nearby parks provide easy access to outdoor portraits after the ceremony.

This versatility makes The Studio a dependable choice in Minnesota’s unpredictable climate.

Sample Wedding Timeline at The Studio

As a photographer, I can tell you that a timeline is very important to get a smooth day and good photos. Check our article on the wedding timeline here.
Here’s an example of how a wedding day for about 70 guests could unfold at The Studio:

• 10:00 AM – Bride arrives and begins makeup and hair in the bridal suite. Groom uses the dance studio downstairs.
• 1:00 PM – First look inside, often by the staircase or brick wall.
• 1:30 PM – Family and wedding party portraits, with the option to step outside to Main Street, the Victorian houses, or the nearby backstreets with brick walls.
• 3:00 PM – Indoor ceremony in the main hall.
• 3:30 PM – Cocktail hour with background music on the venue’s speaker system.
• 4:30 PM – Dinner setup and service in the same hall.
• 6:00 PM – Toasts and cake cutting.
• 6:30 PM – Golden hour portraits at Oxbow Park or Mantorville’s historic streets.
• 7:30 PM – First dance followed by open floor for the party.
• 10:30 PM – Last call and farewells.

This schedule makes the most of the venue’s flow while still giving the couple time for portraits both inside and around Kasson.

Conclusion: Who should get married at The Studio Events Space in Kasson, MN?

The Studio is one of the newest wedding venues near Rochester. It offers a beautifully remodeled historic building with modern comfort. The renovation highlights its brick walls, tall ceilings, and industrial details with chic furniture elements. Pair that with tons of windows, and it is one of the most photogenic small venues in Southeast Minnesota.

It is typical of the Midwest style of wedding venues, with a vibe that reminds us of spaces like 324 Studio in Rochester, The LC, The 3 Ten Event Venue in Faribault, or Cannon River Winery Weddings.

It is ideal for couples planning a wedding of 70 guests or fewer, who want an affordable but stylish space. Prices are currently very competitive, making it one of the most affordable venues in the Area. But as with many new venues, they may rise as demand grows. Booking early is the safest way to secure today’s rates!

While the venue has a few limits, like the compact bridal suite and no dedicated groom’s room, these are easy to work around with the spaces available. And a couple who have a large wedding party can still book a hotel suite in Rochester or get a nice Airbnb home nearby.

For couples searching for a charming, budget-friendly venue that photographs beautifully, The Studio Events Space
is worth serious consideration.

---

---

Planning your wedding at The Studio in Kasson, MN?
If you need a wedding photographer who knows this venue and how to use its light and spaces, I’d love to help.
You can visit my Portfolio to explore my work or reach out today to save your date.