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Wedding Venues under $3000, Cheap and Economical, in Rochester, Minnesota, and Around.

Planning a beautiful Rochester wedding without breaking the bank is absolutely possible.

You don’t need to spend $10,000+ on a venue to create lasting memories. Rochester, Minnesota, offers, affordable wedding venues under $3,000 that work great in photography.

From historic buildings to scenic outdoor spaces, from a small place in downtown to a large room, these budget-friendly locations provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. Each venue on this list offers unique charm and practical amenities.

Disclaimer

This article is not sponsored by any venue.
For the updated price, I invite you to check directly with the venue of your interest.
The rates mentioned here are provided to give you a general idea; they may not include all options or additional fees, and don’t offer any guarantee. Venues may adjust their prices at any time at their discretion.

What do you need to understand about the price?

To offer a fair comparison (and to avoid the starting price marketing effect), I chose the price for the typical average wedding in Minnesota. 

  • 150 guests reception
  • Saturday (Friday and Sunday prices displayed when available)
  • During the High Season (if there is a winter/low season price)
  • With the ceremony option (if it’s an add-on)
  • With the cocktail hour room (if it’s an add-on)
  • With the getting-ready rooms (if it’s an add-on)
  • When the venue charges an extra fee for the ceremony, I have included it. Indeed, if it’s possible, most couples would choose convenience and get married at their venue.

GO!
VENUES UNDER $3000 IN ROCHESTER

Plummer House


Plummer House is one of my favorite venues to recommend. It’s a historic five-story English Tudor mansion located in Rochester’s Historic District, just five minutes from downtown.
The house features bright and spacious bedrooms for getting ready, along with a living room, library, grand staircase, sunroom, and a dance room — all beautiful spots for bride and groom photography.

Outside, the mansion offers several gardens, two fountains, a metal and stone staircase, and a variety of evergreen plants and pine trees, making it one of the most popular locations in town for photo sessions.
Its lawns are ideal for an outdoor ceremony, and the terrace is perfect for an outdoor reception.

Managed by the City of Rochester, this venue is ideal for small to medium-sized weddings, welcoming up to 100 guests.
There is one downside (which might actually be seen as an advantage by some couples): you can’t have a traditional dance floor with a DJ for a big party.

The Plummer House is ridiculously affordable considering the quality of the venue.
It’s not only a charming experience for your guests but also one of my personal favorite places to shoot wedding photos.

Address: 1091 Plummer Ln SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Capacity: 100 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $900
  • Friday: $900
  • Sunday: $650

Studio 324


Studio 324 is a small but stylish industrial-chic venue located downtown on Broadway.
It’s perfect for an intimate wedding with a cozy, urban vibe. You’ll enjoy the wood floors and red brick walls decorated with abstract paintings — it’s a warm and inviting space for modern couples.

Address: 324 South Broadway, Rochester, MN 55901
Capacity: 80 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $850
  • Friday: $850
  • Sunday: $650

Crawford Hall


Grawford Hall, formerly Rochester’s roller rink, is a 75-year-old brick building filled with large windows and plenty of natural light.
This functional and charming venue is conveniently located near downtown, in Graham Park.
Olmsted County requires a two-day minimum rental for Grawford Hall, but given the extremely affordable price, it’s a great opportunity to set up everything the day before or take your time cleaning up the day after your reception.

Address: 1418 Fairgrounds Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Capacity: 340 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $1200 (Entire weekend)
  • Friday: $1200
  • Sunday: $1200

Aune Hall


Aune Hall (also known as the 4-H Building) is another venue managed by Olmsted County and located in Graham Park.
From the outside, it’s a brick-covered building, but inside, with its arched ceiling, it has a warehouse-like feel.
Compared to Floral Hall, it offers a similar capacity at roughly half the price — making it a very budget-friendly option!

Address: 1508 Aune Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Capacity: 340 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $1,600 (Entire weekend)
  • Friday: $1,600
  • Sunday: $1,600

Blue Moon Ballroom


The Blue Moon Ballroom is a locally owned wedding venue in Rochester, MN, that stays open year-round.
The arch-shaped building, featuring wood floors and a high ceiling, is a very convenient option offering complete packages for receptions.
It’s one of the few venues in the area that remains open in all seasons.

Address: 2030 US-14 East, Rochester, MN 55904
Capacity: 250 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $2,995
  • Friday: $2,995
  • Sunday: $2,995

LC’s Venue


LC’s Venue is located right on Broadway, housed in a historic brick building near Studio 324, with a bigger capacity.
I love its polished waxed floors, the cozy wood walls, the in-house bar, and the low ceiling strung with warm, glowing lights — perfect for an intimate, urban vibe.

Address: 316 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904
Capacity: 158 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $1,450
  • Friday: $1,450
  • Sunday: $1,450

Willow Creek Golf


Willow Creek is part of the popular family of golf course venues that know how to take full advantage of their beautiful outdoor landscapes.
You’ll love the willow trees and the covered patio, which is a great backup in case of rain.

The venue is conveniently located on the south side of Rochester, right next to Willow Creek Reservoir, a spot I often use for family and engagement sessions.

Address: 700 48th St SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Capacity: 250 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $2,600
  • Friday: $2,600
  • Sunday: $2,600

The Studio Events in Kasson


Located just 13 miles from Rochester, The Studio Events in Kasson is a charming, 150-year-old Midwest-style building featuring red brick walls and hardwood floors in a post-industrial design.
We love the numerous windows that bring plenty of natural light into the space.

The venue allows couples to choose their own caterer (or bring their own food) and hire their own DJ. It’s also ADA-compliant.
With a maximum capacity of 70 people, it’s ideal for intimate to medium-sized weddings.

Address: 121 W Main St, Kasson, MN 55944
Capacity: 70 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $800
  • Friday: $800
  • Sunday: $800

The Isle Bar and Events


The Isle Bar and Events is a spacious, no-frills venue with a warm, rustic vibe.
Inside, you’ll find wood walls, exposed beams, a wooden ceiling, and a mix of hardwood and tile floors. It’s a big, open space, perfect for customizing your style.

Rental includes full access to the building, along with tables, chairs, tablecloths, and use of the outdoor tent area.
They provide their own bartender and serve alcohol on-site, but you’re welcome to bring your own food or hire any caterer you like.

They’re known for being flexible and easygoing, making it a solid choice for relaxed, personal celebrations.
Despite it’s not the most charming venue, the rental price makes it one of the most affordable places to rent around Rochester, making it a good choice for small budget.

Address: 13029 Co Hwy 3, Spring Valley, MN 55975
Capacity: 150 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $1,800
  • Friday: $1,300
  • Sunday: $1,300

Good Earth Village


Good Earth Village is a place to consider if you love the woods, log buildings, and stunning natural views.
It’s actually a retreat center located about 43 minutes from Rochester, MN, in the Wykoff Balsam Fir Scientific and Natural Area, crossed by the Spring Valley Creek.

It offers an outdoor ceremony spot with a breathtaking view of the valley, plus several indoor options inside cozy log-style buildings (like the Cedar Lodge and the Chapel).
There’s also on-site lodging available, so your guests can stay overnight if you rent the space for the whole weekend.

And, finally, the cherry on top: it’s very (very!) affordable.
One important limitation to note: the venue hosts summer camps during certain weeks, so it cannot be rented for weddings during those times. (Check their website for precise available dates.)

Address: 25303 Old Town Dr, Spring Valley, MN 55975
Capacity: 150 guests
Rates:

  • Saturday: $2,000
  • Friday: $2,000
  • Sunday: $2,000

Other cheap places to consider for hosting your event

I have not included a “simpler” type of venue who don’t really have a place dedicated to the ceremony such as:

  • Gold Star Venue at VFW Post 1215
  • Elks
  • Rochester Eagle Club
  • Charlie’s Eatery & Pub

Those are part of a longer article on an alternative type of venue.

You might want to check those other venues

This article focuses on venues under $3,000 located in or around Rochester, MN. So I have not included the affordable/budget-friendly venues, nor the more expensive high-end ones.

Also, note: restaurants and dog-friendly venues (which often fall into alternative categories) are not covered in this guide.
If you spot any mistakes or outdated information, feel free to let me know; I’d be happy to update it!

Conclusion

Rochester’s affordable wedding venues prove that budget-conscious doesn’t mean compromising on beauty.

These venues under $3,000 offer incredible value while providing decent to stunning backdrops for your wedding photos. Each location has unique lighting opportunities and scenic spots that create timeless images.

Smart planning and the right photographer transform any space into wedding magic.

Your venue choice sets the foundation for your entire wedding day. The right lighting, timing, and photography expertise capture every precious moment beautifully.
Keep in mind that there are several ways to save money on your venue. One smart way is to pick a Friday or Sunday. Sundendly, its price can drop.

Ready to explore these amazing Rochester venues? Reach out to save your date and discuss how we can capture your perfect wedding day story together.

COMPLEMENTARY GUIDES

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Born and raised in Paris, I am now a proud Wedding Photographer in Rochester, MN, serving MPLS.

I don’t only capture emotions in candid pictures, I also create timeless images and artful photographs.
Recognized as one of the best photographers in the Twin Cities.

I serve Duluth and also far beyond the 10,000 Lakes State (Wisconsin, Iowa, and beyond). I am more than happy to discover beautiful landscapes and new horizons.

Have a look at my previous publications to learn more. As an experienced professional photographer, I don’t limit my field to lifestyle, family, or event photography! I invite you to visit my portfolio and discover my photography and work outside the studio.

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