The Best Wedding Venues Near Rochester, MN — Within 1 Hour
- Ryan Ernster

- May 15
- 2 min read

If you're planning a wedding in the Rochester, MN area, you've probably noticed that local options can be limited — especially if you want something with character, space, and a full-service experience.
The good news: some of southern Minnesota's best wedding venues are within 45–60 minutes of Rochester, and they offer far more than any hotel ballroom at a fraction of the price.
Why Rochester Couples Look Beyond the City
Rochester is a great city, but wedding venue options there tend to skew toward hotel conference rooms or event centers that feel generic. Couples planning 150–400 guest weddings often find they want something with more personality — exposed brick, original architecture, or unique multi-space flow.
That's exactly what you'll find in southern Minnesota's smaller historic downtowns.
The 3 Ten Event Venue — Faribault, MN (45 min from Rochester)
The 3 Ten sits in a beautifully restored 1895 building in downtown Faribault — about 45 minutes northwest of Rochester on Highway 60. It offers two completely independent event spaces under one roof:
The 3 Ten Ballroom (street level): Up to 430 guests reception-style, original pressed tin ceilings, crystal chandeliers, hardwood floors, exposed brick, handcrafted bar, and a private alley patio.
The 3 Ten Rooftop Loft (upper level): 150 guests seated or 350+ cocktail-style, 1,700 sq ft open-air rooftop patio with panoramic views of the Straight River valley, exposed beams, reclaimed wood, and its own bar.
Pricing starts at $3,295 all-inclusive — with Chiavari chairs, farm tables, LED downlighting, a bartender, and setup/teardown already included. No surprise fees.
What Makes It a Great Fit for Rochester Couples
Easy drive on Highway 60 — no metro traffic
Ample free parking in downtown Faribault
Open vendor policy — bring your own caterer
Fully LGBTQ+ welcoming
ADA accessible with elevator
Thursday and Sunday events with no bar minimums
How to Plan a Rochester-Area Wedding at The 3 Ten
Many Rochester couples choose a Thursday or Sunday event at The 3 Ten to save on bar minimums and often find the overall price comes in well under Rochester hotel options — while getting a far more beautiful, memorable space.
Catering through local Rochester-area vendors is totally fine with our open vendor policy. We work with caterers from Rochester, the Twin Cities, and everywhere in between.
Schedule a Tour
We host open houses and private tours regularly. If you're coming from Rochester, we recommend scheduling a tour on a day when you can see the space set up for an event — the chandeliers, the rooftop at sunset, and the energy of a real wedding setup make a big difference.
Visit 3teneventvenue.com to request your free pricing guide or book a tour today.




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