If you’re looking for a wedding venue south of the Twin Cities with great event flow, backup plans for inclement weather, great getting-ready suites, and easy access to cute photo spots, look no further than 3 Ten Event Venue in Faribault, Minnesota!
This post will specifically feature the 3 Ten Event Venue Rooftop Loft. I’ve photographed there twice in the last year with different formats, and each was amazing in its own way. I’ll detail my experience and advice as you plan your own wedding there or mull on whether it’s the right place for you!
Here we go!
The Versatile Layout
When you walk in the front door of 3 Ten Event Venue Rooftop Loft from Central Avenue, you’ll be in a room filled with excellent natural light. This space can be used to greet your guests, as your indoor ceremony spot, or for your cocktail hour.
When you walk up the stairs, you’ll find one getting-ready suite at the top of the stairs, as well as the entrance into the bar/dining room. Down the hallway you’ll find the bathrooms and the second getting-ready suite. If you go through the bar/dining room, you’ll see the, well, rooftop! This space can be used for your ceremony (weather permitting) photos, and/or for your guests to hang out!
I’ll detail the way each of my couples used the space so you can get an idea of how versatile it is and what you may need for each option.
Sarah & Bryce, October 27, 2023:
Sarah and Bryce used the downstairs area for both a welcome space as their guests arrived, and the cocktail hour after their ceremony. This worked well since their wedding day was windy and chilly, as expected for late October.
The upstairs space was used for their ceremony, and then flipped to be their dinner space while guests were downstairs enjoying cocktail hour. We did take some photos on the roof, but because it was so windy, we actually took most of their portraits in the downstairs space as well.
Taylor & Luke, September 21, 2024
Taylor and Luke used the downstairs space as a welcome area as their guests arrived as well, and as a backup ceremony spot in case of inclement weather. We were lucky to get a gorgeous day for them, so their ceremony was on the rooftop per Plan A, and we took their family portraits on that first floor.
Because Taylor and Luke DIYed their decor, dinner tables had to be set up in the upstairs prior to portraits taking place (rather than having a room flip). Planning fairly simple decor allowed them to set it and forget it throughout the day.
While the weather worked out for them, having a downstairs ceremony would have eliminated the space we used to take their family photos without distraction (chairs, decor, etc.) Keep this in mind as you decide whether or not to have a coordinator perform a room flip for you! Read more about what a coordinator does and if you need one here!
Where to take photos
Ok, so I already mentioned where in the venue you can take photos, provided that the weather works out for you. My advice is that you plan to keep the downstairs as a gathering area only so that it’s available and accessible as a photo spot, if needed (like I said – fewer distractions!).
If the weather is great or you want an adventure, I’d recommend heading a couple blocks down the road to Heritage Park for couples and wedding party portraits. Of course, family can be done there too as long as you feel good about everyone getting there on time and being ok with the moving pieces!
Beyond portraits, you’ll likely want some getting ready photos, so here is my advice for those spaces: the room designated as the “bridal suite” is large (yay!) but has fairly yellow lights. My recommendation is to have all hair and makeup complete by the time your photographer shows up so that the yellow lights can be turned off for those intimate getting ready photos. Designate the space by the windows to be a “clean zone” so that your pictures can focus on your relationship and vibe rather than clutter.
The other suite, designated as the “groom’s suite” has great natural light and a fabulous brick wall. I’d recommend keeping all items and clutter away from the window side of the room and keeping the lights off during the getting ready portion, provided that you can see alright!
For both weddings I photographed at 3 Ten, we also took photos at their fabulous bar both for formal portraits and for the couple’s table dash — check Taylor and Luke’s wedding below!
Wrapping it up!
3 Ten Event Venue Loft Rooftop is a fabulous place to get married, with excellent staff and a versatile space to make your own. As you plan your day and who you need with you, consider your Plan A and Plan B layouts, as well as your guest experience.
Most of all, have a great time! If you’re looking for an experienced photographer to get you through the day, enjoying every moment, you can reach out here — can’t wait to hear from you!
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