Christmas Wedding at Blue Moon Ballroom, Rochester, MN
If you’re planning a wedding in Rochester and hunting for the perfect venue, let’s dive into Jennifer and Nick’s celebration at the Blue Moon Ballroom. I’ll share images from their day and outline the advantages and limitations so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Table of Contents
A few words about the couple and their special day
Jennifer is an occupational therapist, and Nick works as an accountant for a satellite-launching company. Though they live in Colorado, family ties brought them back to Minnesota—Nick grew up on his family’s farm in Zumbrota.
After their engagement session on the farm, they chose Blue Moon Ballroom for a fun, festive wedding surrounded by family and friends. Given that their wedding theme was Christmas, they were expecting a white wedding. But Minnesota weather is stubborn, so they just got a Christmas-themed Wedding.
Expect a lively dance floor and plenty of laughs, especially since they asked guests to wear ugly Christmas sweaters for a playful holiday twist!
How they organized their wedding day
Preparation and First Look at the Hotel
Because Blue Moon Ballroom doesn’t offer dressing suites, Jennifer and Nick got ready in their hotel, the Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area. The hotel room was decent but clearly not as spacious as a Suite. If you get ready in a hotel in Rochester, take a nice suite at the Towers by Kahler, or J. Powers by Hilton, which are perfect for photos.
Once dressed, they shared a first look on a charming riverside walkway along the Zumbro River.
Bride and groom downtown portraits
Then we headed downtown for portraits with the Plummer Building’s Door and the Peace Plaza.
Wedding Party Downtown
For their wedding party portraits, we headed to Peace Plaza by the Kahler Grand Hotel. We even captured shots in front of the city’s giant Christmas tree before using the Gonda Building’s glass façade and the Plummer Building’s bronze doors as backdrops.
Ceremony and Reception at the Blue Moon Ballroom
The ceremony took place on the hardwood dance floor in front of the head table. After heartfelt vows, we did a few group portraits before cocktail hour and dinner, complete with memorable toasts.
Once dinner wrapped up, the dance floor was packed all night. When a surprise rain shower began, I saw an opportunity and photographed the couple under umbrellas, turning rain into an artistic highlight.
A Christmas Wedding
A Christmas wedding is the theme that has become more popular in recent years. A couple just associates their wedding with what they love.
In their case, Christmas is a big family reunion, which is exactly the definition of a wedding.
For their wedding, the couple used all the Christmas trees they found. And on their wedding day, they even have a contest for the “ugliest” Christmas costume.
Of course, you will see a lot of Santa Klauss hats, ornaments, Tinsel, garlands, Candy canes, and pinecones.
Presentation of the Blue Moon Ballroom for a wedding
Blue Moon Ballroom is located at 2030 US-14 East, Rochester, MN 55904. The main space features an arched ceiling over 5,000 square feet, including a 2,000 square-foot maple dance floor. When not hosting weddings, the venue serves as a dance studio—hence that expansive floor!
Opened in 2006 by Fred Gommels and now managed by coordinator Gretel, the venue is both simple and affordable, making it perfect for couples who prioritize family, fun and convenience.
Is it the right venue for you?
If you resonate with Jen and Nick’s story—valuing a big party with loved ones over grandiosity—Blue Moon Ballroom could be ideal. Next, let’s explore its key advantages and limitations.
10 Good reasons for booking this wedding venue
- The price: it’s among the most budget-friendly venues in Rochester.
- With 5,000 square feet of space, it comfortably accommodates up to 250 guests.
- A sprawling maple dance floor ensures a fun, lively party.
- Conveniently located off US-14 and close to downtown photo spots.
- Plenty of nearby backdrops—Quarry Hill, Chester Woods Park, Eastwood Park, Eastwood Golf Course and the Eastside Wildlife Management Area.
- A dedicated room for the catering team to set up.
- Flexible vendor policy allows you to choose any caterer you prefer.
- Optional pre-wedding dance lessons right on-site.
- The venue provides chairs, tables and basic décor.
- Staff can install decorative lighting, table linens and skirting for head and cake tables.
4 Limitations of such venues
- No dedicated prep suite—plan for a nearby hotel or Airbnb.
- The minimalist backyard limits outdoor ceremony options; guests seeking green space might prefer Garden Market Platz, which also works well for winter weddings.
- Modest décor—while better than a basic hall, it lacks the historic charm of a barn or estate, so don’t expect an outdoor cocktail hour.
- May feel too spacious for smaller weddings; restaurant-style venues like Studio 324 or the Blue Duck might suit intimate gatherings.
So, Who is The Blue Moon Ballroom Particularly Great For?
If dancing is high on your wedding day priority list, or if you’re envisioning a truly special first dance that will leave your guests speechless, then this venue definitely has something unique to offer you. While you’re planning your big day here, it’s worth knowing that the wooden dance floor is a real standout – smooth and inviting for everything from a gentle sway to a lively jig.
But the real draw for couples who want to make a statement on the dance floor? The opportunity to learn directly from the owners, Gretel & Fred Gommels. Imagine this: in the lead-up to your wedding, you can take advantage of their full-hour weekend lessons, evening weekend sessions, or even book private lessons right there at the venue. This makes it incredibly convenient to polish your moves or even learn a complete surprise routine for your first dance. So, if you’re a couple who loves to dance, wants to learn, or dreams of creating that unforgettable “wow” moment with your first steps as a married pair, the dance opportunities here make this venue a compelling choice.
Conclusion
I hope this gives you a clear sense of what Blue Moon Ballroom offers. And I want to thank again the Bride and Groom for giving me the opportunity to take photos of their wedding day.
So, if you want an affordable, family-oriented celebration, it could be your perfect match. For a more upscale or outdoor affair, consider barns or garden venues.
If you enjoyed these photos and are looking for a photographer who knows the local venues, contact me today—I typically reply within the same day!
