Overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Red Wing, the St. James Hotel offers a blend of historic elegance, full-service hospitality, and scenic charm. This iconic Minnesota venue has been hosting weddings for more than a century and continues to deliver timeless experiences for couples who want their celebration to feel refined, romantic, and rooted in tradition.
Whether you’re envisioning a grand ballroom wedding or an intimate riverfront gathering, the St. James Hotel offers the flexibility and charm to match your vision.
Historic Elegance with a Riverfront View
Built in 1875, the St. James Hotel is a true piece of Minnesota history. Inside, you’ll find preserved Victorian architecture, elegant staircases, classic wood finishes, and views that overlook both the river and Red Wing’s historic downtown.
Couples love this venue for its balance of old-world elegance and modern service. With multiple ballrooms, private dining rooms, and outdoor ceremony options, it’s a space that can be tailored to fit events of many sizes.
Ceremony and Reception Options
The St. James Hotel offers several unique spaces for weddings:
- Summit Room: A top-floor space with panoramic views of the Mississippi River
- Historic Victorian Dining Rooms: For small to mid-size weddings with vintage ambiance
- Outdoor Courtyard or Patio Options: Ideal for seasonal ceremonies or cocktail hours
Ceremonies can take place indoors or outside, and many couples choose to keep the entire day on-site to take advantage of the seamless guest experience and available hotel rooms.
Lodging and Full-Service Planning
One of the biggest advantages of hosting your wedding at the St. James Hotel is that it offers full-service event planning and on-site lodging. This means your guests can stay steps away from the celebration, and you can rely on a trusted team to guide your wedding from start to finish.
The venue provides:
- Planning and coordination assistance
- Custom menu design and in-house catering
- A full bar team with curated drink options
- Tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware
- Set-up and tear-down service
Many couples choose this venue specifically because it simplifies logistics and provides a one-stop solution for both the celebration and the overnight stay.
Wedding Photography at the St. James Hotel
From a photography standpoint, this venue is a dream. The historic interiors create rich, layered backdrops filled with texture, light, and period detail. Portraits often include:
- Staircase shots inside the hotel
- Romantic images on the balcony or rooftop
- Sunset views along the riverfront
- Historic Red Wing streets just outside the door
This venue offers a perfect balance of indoor elegance and outdoor access for golden hour photos and candid moments with your guests.
Is the St. James Hotel Right for You?
This venue is perfect for couples who want:
- A historic, full-service hotel with vintage charm
- Riverfront views and classic interiors
- Lodging and event space all in one location
- Seamless planning with experienced professionals
- A quiet, scenic destination wedding feel with urban access
It’s especially well suited for couples hosting out-of-town guests, as the accommodations and amenities simplify the travel experience for everyone involved.
Contact us here to learn more about wedding photography at the St. James Hotel.
Browse more Minnesota wedding venues or visit our guide to Rochester wedding venues for other options nearby.
The hotel is in downtown Red Wing, MN, along the Mississippi River, offering scenic views and historic ambiance.
Depending on the ballroom, it can accommodate 50 to 240 guests.
Yes. The hotel has guest rooms, making it convenient for weddings and weekend stays.
Its historic charm, high-end service, and riverside location make it a standout destination venue.
Yes. Ceremonies can be hosted in private rooms or on the riverside terrace.
