Sushma and Daniel’s Wedding at the Kahler Grand Hotel in Rochester, MN

After capturing Sushma and Daniel’s engagement session at the Plummer House and exploring downtown, it was finally time for their big day. They chose the Kahler Grand Hotel for an intimate celebration with just 20 guests, and while “Grand” might suggest extravagance, this wedding proved that small can be spectacular (no budget bloat required).

Sushma and Daniel: Doctors at the Mayo Clinic

Sushma comes from a family of doctors in Chicago and was completing her neurology residency at the Mayo Clinic, where her talent for dance and art shone through. Meanwhile, Daniel transitioned from college basketball to a cardiology fellowship. They met during their intern year, and although the pandemic limited large gatherings, they decided to wed in Rochester before planning a larger celebration back home.

Presenting the Kahler Grand Hotel

The Kahler Grand Hotel has welcomed Mayo Clinic visitors for over a century. Located opposite the Gonda Building and next to the Peace Fountain, its Beaux-Arts façade, complete with Gothic-style arched windows and ornate cornices, radiates timeless elegance.

Inside, the lobby combines vintage charm with modern comforts, and accommodations range from cozy guest rooms to the luxurious Towers Suite, which is ideal for pre-wedding preparations. As I always recommend, if your venue lacks a prep suite, consider one of the best hotel suites in Rochester for a seamless getting-ready experience.

When it came to the ceremony and reception, Sushma and Daniel selected the hotel’s two main event spaces. The Heritage Hall offers a minimalist convention-style setting with a neutral palette, while the Elizabethan Grand Ballroom, entered through a Gothic door, features wood-paneled walls, a grand fireplace, and dramatic chandeliers.

Getting Ready Part

Bridal Preparations in a Hotel Suite

Sushma was prepared in a spacious two-bedroom suite, surrounded by her mother and bridesmaids, who are also Mayo Clinic doctors.

She opened a heartfelt letter from Daniel, creating the candid, tear-jerking moments every photographer loves to capture.

Groom Preparations

Meanwhile, Daniel’s family gathered in a meeting room, which provided a relaxed, candid atmosphere.

For formal portraits, we found a quiet corner of the lobby, making the most of its classic décor and (unfortunately) bright overhead lights.

The individual’s picture of the groom

Then it was time for a few individuals’ pictures of the groom. For that, we used the Siebens building, which is just in Front of the Kahler Grand Hotel.

With his slim figure, sharp eyes, and blond hair, it was easy. He looked like a model, making the job of his wedding photographer much easier!

First Looks

First, Sushma shared a tearful first look with her father outside the Gonda Building. Then it was Daniel’s turn, which helped them manage their emotions and savor the moment ahead of the ceremony.

Intimate Ceremony in the Elizabethan Grand Ballroom

Their 15-minute ceremony unfolded before the ornate fireplace, with guests masked for safety. I focused on capturing every expression despite the dim lighting, wood panels, and warm carpet tones.

The Elizabethan Grand Ballroom

This dramatic room features wood-paneled walls, faux-window curtains, ornate chandeliers, and a richly colored carpet. While it poses a challenge for low-light photography, its historic elegance is truly unforgettable.

Family and Wedding Party Portraits

After signing their marriage certificate, we captured quick family photos in the ballroom. Next, we headed to Peace Plaza to shoot wedding party portraits under festive lights.

Bride and Groom Portraits

We used the Plummer Building’s bronze doors and then slipped into the Gonda Building for a few frames. As the sun set, we shot from Mayo Clinic’s Ramp 23 to include the Kahler’s red sign in the background, complete with a “Just Married” banner and colorful smoke bombs.

Cake Cutting and Dancing

The intimate dinner took place at the Lord Essex Tavern & Grill inside the hotel, a cozy pub with Tudor-inspired charm. I returned for the cake cutting—featuring a topper blending a brain and a heart—and captured their first dance under soft pub lighting.

Why You’ll Love the Kahler Grand Hotel

What to Consider

Keep in mind the absence of natural light in the ballrooms, the hotel-like aesthetic versus rustic charm, lack of true outdoor ceremony space, and size limits for larger gatherings. In sum, it’s perfect for an indoor winter wedding.
But, if you need a different vibe, compare options like the affordable wedding venue or Floral Hall.

Price

The Kahler Grand Hotel offers à la carte rental options. We recommend choosing the Elizabethan Ballroom for the ceremony and a larger reception room for the wedding. For the preparation part, you should consider staying in one of the nice suites at the Towers at Kahler Grand Hotel. So that would mean:

• Luxury Suite Options: $500 for a simple suite (enough if the groom gets ready alone) , $1,500 for a Two Bedroom Grand Suite to $2,500 for Two Bedroom Luxury Suite
• Ceremony Space: Elizabethan Room – $1,000
• Reception Venue: Marriott Ballroom (one of their largest spaces) – $1,500
• Total Investment: Approximately $5000-$6,500, depending on suite selection for bride and groom.

While positioned in the premium category, the Kahler Grand offers exceptional value through its all-in-one luxury hotel experience. Your wedding party enjoys the convenience of getting ready, celebrating, and staying under one historic roof, while guests appreciate the seamless downtown location without venue hopping.
The pricing reflects the hotel’s established reputation and full-service luxury standards that come with this iconic landmark, and compared to other venues around, it’s pretty competitive.

Friday and Sunday Price

Friday and Sunday prices remain the same.

FAQ

What is the Kahler Grand Hotel?

The Kahler Grand Hotel is a historic hotel in Rochester, MN that has welcomed Mayo Clinic visitors for over a century. It features Beaux-Arts architecture with Gothic-style arched windows and ornate cornices, combining vintage charm with modern comforts.

Where is the Kahler Grand Hotel located?

Address: 20 2nd Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Phone: (507) 280-6200
Website: www.kahler.com
The hotel is conveniently located opposite the Gonda Building and next to the Peace Fountain in downtown Rochester.

What makes this venue special for weddings?

The hotel offers timeless elegance with its historic architecture, multiple event spaces, and prime location near Mayo Clinic facilities. It’s particularly ideal for intimate weddings and couples connected to the medical community.

What event spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?

The hotel offers three main event spaces (and more meeting room):

• Elizabethan Grand Ballroom: Features wood-paneled walls, a grand fireplace, dramatic chandeliers, and Gothic entrance door
• Heritage Hall: A minimalist convention-style setting with a neutral palette
• The Windsor Hall: Another convention-style reception room with no windows.

What is the guest capacity?

The venue is perfect for intimate to medium celebrations. The featured wedding accommodated 20 guests comfortably, but the Elizabethan Grand Ballroom can welcome 80 guests seated, making it ideal for small, meaningful gatherings.

Can we have both ceremony and reception at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel can accommodate both your ceremony and reception in their event spaces. Not that additional dining options at the on-site Lord Essex Tavern & Grill restaurant would fit only a small group.

Are there rooms available for getting ready?

Yes, the hotel offers various accommodations including:

• Cozy guest rooms
• Luxurious Towers Suite (ideal for pre-wedding preparations)
• Spacious two-bedroom suites for bridal party preparations

Do you recommend staying at the hotel the night before?

Absolutely! Having a prep suite at your venue creates a seamless getting-ready experience, especially if your ceremony location doesn’t have dedicated preparation spaces.

How is the lighting in the event spaces?

• Elizabethan Grand Ballroom: Features dim lighting with warm tones from wood panels and carpet, which can be challenging for photography but creates an intimate, historic atmosphere
• Heritage Hall and Windson Hall: Convention-style lighting, no natural light.
• Lobby: Bright overhead lighting suitable for formal portraits

Are there good photo opportunities nearby?

Excellent photo opportunities include:

• Plummer Building’s bronze doors
• Mayo Clinic Gonda Building interior
• Peace Plaza for wedding party portraits
• Mayo Clinic’s Ramp 23 for sunset shots with the hotel’s red sign
• Siebens building (directly in front of the hotel)

Is there outdoor ceremony space?

The hotel lacks true outdoor ceremony space, making it primarily suited for indoor celebrations.

What dining options are available?

The Lord Essex Tavern & Grill inside the hotel offers intimate dinner service. This cozy pub features Tudor-inspired charm and is perfect for small wedding receptions.

Can we have our cake cutting and dancing at the venue?

Yes, the venue accommodates cake-cutting ceremonies and provides space for dancing, including first dances.

What should we consider when choosing this venue?

Pros:

• Historic charm and elegant atmosphere
• Convenient accommodations for guests
• Perfect for intimate weddings
• Excellent downtown Rochester location
• Great nearby photo opportunities

Considerations:

• Limited natural light in ballrooms
• Hotel aesthetic rather than rustic charm
• No true outdoor ceremony space
• Size limitations for larger gatherings
• Best suited for indoor celebrations

What type of wedding works best here?

The Kahler Grand Hotel is perfect for:

• Small weddings (50-80 guests)
• Indoor winter weddings
• Couples connected to Mayo Clinic
• Those who appreciate historic architecture
• Medical professionals or academic celebrations

Are there alternative venues if this doesn’t fit our needs?

If you need a different atmosphere, consider comparing with other Rochester options like affordable wedding venues or Floral Hall for different vibes and settings.

What unique touches can we incorporate?

The venue’s historic setting allows for creative elements like the featured couple’s cake topper that blended medical themes (brain and heart), reflecting their careers as doctors.

Is the venue suitable for themed weddings?

The Elizabethan Grand Ballroom’s Gothic and Tudor-inspired elements make it particularly suitable for vintage, classic, or historically-themed celebrations.

This FAQ is based on a real wedding experience at the Kahler Grand Hotel. For the most current information about pricing, availability, and specific policies, contact the venue directly.

Conclusion

The Kahler Grand Hotel truly shines for intimate weddings, blending historic charm with fantastic Rochester portrait opportunities.
A heartfelt thank you to Sushma and Daniel for inviting me to capture their beautiful and joy-filled day!

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If you’re dreaming of similarly vibrant, heartfelt photos and need a photographer who knows Rochester inside and out, reach out today. I’m quick to respond and would love to hear about your wedding plans!