A’BULAE Wedding Venue in St. Paul, MN

A couple in formal attire stands closely together in dim lighting at Abulae Wedding Venue, with soft focus on their faces and a brick wall in the background.

A Modern Rooftop Space for Elegant Downtown Celebrations

If you’re planning a city wedding in the Twin Cities and want skyline views, built-in planning help, and a rooftop vibe that feels both upscale and personal, A’BULAE in St. Paul deserves a spot on your list. Located in the Lowertown neighborhood just steps from CHS Field, this venue blends style, functionality, and convenience — and as a Minneapolis wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve loved capturing events here.

This guide walks you through what makes A’BULAE a standout venue for urban weddings, how to get the most from the space, and what to expect from photo and video coverage in this sleek downtown setting.

Why Couples Love A’BULAE

A Downtown Venue with Modern Style and Support

A’BULAE was designed with weddings in mind. It’s not a traditional ballroom or repurposed warehouse — it’s a venue that prioritizes both design and function, making it ideal for couples who want a polished event without the stress of coordinating every moving part.

Here’s what makes it a favorite among modern couples:

Rooftop ceremony space with city views
On-site getting ready suites with natural light
Spacious ballroom with architectural lighting and high ceilings
In-house planning and coordination
Full AV support and lighting customization
Flexible layouts for large or mid-sized guest counts

And most importantly, it’s all in one place. No driving between locations or reconfiguring logistics between ceremony and reception. Everything flows in one smart, beautifully designed space.

Rooftop Ceremonies with a View

The rooftop terrace is A’BULAE’s signature feature. It offers panoramic views of the St. Paul skyline and creates a ceremony backdrop that feels both elevated and romantic. The terrace includes built-in lighting, partial cover for weather protection, and lounge seating for cocktail hour transitions.

Photographically, this space shines at golden hour. The skyline provides depth and structure in the background, while the open air gives portraits a soft, glowing feel — ideal for first looks, private vows, or romantic couple shots as the sun dips behind the city.

Reception Layouts and Ballroom Design

Inside, the ballroom is clean, neutral, and easy to customize. With white walls, exposed structure, and customizable uplighting, the space works with a range of aesthetics — from minimalist black and white to bold jewel tones or classic pastels.

Guest capacity can go up to 465, but smaller weddings around 150 to 250 also feel intimate here. The room layout allows for a traditional reception format (dinner, speeches, dancing) or more creative event flows. Lounge setups, long tables, or a split dining/dancing floor plan are all easy to execute.

Included in most bookings:

Tables, chairs, linens, and place settings
Lighting design and sound system
Lounge furniture
On-site bar and catering coordination
Suites for both parties to get ready

Everything about the layout has been designed for ease — you can walk into a planning session with a Pinterest board and walk out with a mapped floor plan, lighting design, and timeline ready to go.

In-House Planning and Support

One of A’BULAE’s strongest assets is its in-house team. When you book here, you don’t just get a venue. You get experienced professionals who help guide the planning process, including:

Ceremony and reception design
Timeline creation
AV and lighting coordination
DJ and entertainment support
Vendor guidance and planning consultations

This hybrid approach gives couples structure without stifling creativity. You can still bring in your dream floral designer or baker, but the A’BULAE team ensures all the elements come together smoothly on the day.

Photo and Video at A’BULAE

Dynamic Backdrops and Natural Light Flow

As someone who photographs and films weddings in both Minneapolis and St. Paul regularly, I can say A’BULAE has one of the most photography-friendly layouts of any urban venue. The natural light from the rooftop and prep suites is soft and directional, which works well for both portraits and documentary coverage.

Key photo moments we often capture here:

Golden hour portraits on the rooftop
Rooftop first looks with skyline views
Quiet candids in the getting ready suites
Dramatic wide shots of the ballroom during speeches or dances
Architectural lighting during the reception and dance party

For video, the AV team allows us to integrate our audio seamlessly for ceremony and speeches, which makes highlight films from A’BULAE feel extra cinematic and clean. The venue’s consistent light tones also help maintain a natural color balance throughout the entire wedding film.

Who A’BULAE Is Best For

A Venue for Design-Loving, City-Minded Couples

A’BULAE is perfect for couples who want a full-package experience that still feels customizable. It’s not a rustic barn or boho loft — it’s a sleek, modern space with clean lines and smart logistics.

It works well for:

Couples hosting 150–400 guests
Downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis locals
Planners who want structure without giving up design control
Spring, summer, or fall weddings — though winter works beautifully indoors too
People who want rooftop energy and all-weather comfort

Tips for Planning an A’BULAE Wedding

Book Early: This is one of St. Paul’s more in-demand venues. Saturdays and fall dates go quickly.
Leverage the Rooftop: Plan for golden hour portraits or a cocktail hour on the terrace.
Ask About Lighting Options: The in-house lighting design changes the mood of the ballroom completely — it’s worth playing with.
Bring a Photographer Familiar With City Weddings: Urban lighting, fast transitions, and indoor-outdoor balance are key — I’d love to help guide that.

Want help planning your ceremony timeline or figuring out whether A’BULAE fits your day? Reach out through our contact form to chat through options.