Avalon Saint Paul Wedding Venue: An Historic New Space in the Former James J. Hill Library

Here’s what we’re gonna do, everyone!

You’re gonna get married. This year! You’re gonna do it at the newest venue in St Paul—Avalon, formerly known as the James J Hill Library, opening this spring after years of planning and renovating are complete. And you’re gonna hire me to photograph it, so we can run around this gorgeous space together, having a blast and creating iconic images together. What do you say, are you in?

Why Avalon Is a Dream Wedding Venue for Photography

As a wedding photographer of 17 years, what stood out to me when I toured the space: the number of getting ready suites/lounges. I counted 4! All of them furnished with their own vibe, charm, and natural light. The bridal suite even boasts a view of the Landmark Center across Rice Park. There are still some finishing details to come, but they’re looking beautiful already. Imagine getting to put your wedding dress on in a clean, private suite (emphasis on clean, haha!) while your crew continues to get ready in the next room. That’s incredibly rare to find in a venue!

You don’t have to try to infuse mood into the space for your wedding; Avalon lives and breathes already. It’s one of those venues that doesn’t need a lot of adornment, as the high ceilings, the stacks of books, and the light coming through set the tone for you.

It’s beautifully balanced. There are spots that feel wide, open, and grand, that are big enough for full wedding party photos. But then there are so many nooks to escape into, that feel cozy and intimate for newlywed photos. There are spots around the venue for couples that like a bright and clean look, and plenty more for those that want to lean into portraits more moody and romantic. It’s a gorgeous, historic space, but with the modern amenities a wedding in 2026 needs.

The upper level offers a balcony view that wraps around the entire space, offering rare and unique vantage points that one doesn’t usually get throughout the day. With all events happening in one space (with the exception of cocktail hour in the modern space below the main hall) it allows for those wide shots throughout the day and night, that help provide a greater sense of storytelling in your wedding gallery.

Best Photo Spots Near Avalon in Downtown St Paul

I got you, this is my old neighborhood! Avalon is literally in the same building as the public library that I used to often walk to with my family. I’ve done many shoots within this city blocks!

The building itself: perfect. The white exterior stone photographs like a dream and there’s good light every single hour of the day. The classic 1916 architecture elevates any look and pairs so nicely with wedding formal.

Rice Park just out the front door of the Avalon: another winner! In the warmer months, the trees, grass, and flowers soften the urban space and the Landmark Center across the park makes for a great background. My unexpected favorite though is winter. Rice Park in winter is filled with Christmas lights and if you head outside for portraits when they switch on at dusk: it’s unbelievably romantic. I did my own holiday photos there amongst the lights a few years ago!

The Landmark Center: head across the park to get up close and personal with this St Paul icon. Just outside the main entrance there’s a beautiful covered space that comes in handy if it’s raining and you still want outdoor photos. While the Avalon and public library exterior is very light, the Landmark Center has a darker vibe that offers a beautiful contrast.

Irvine Park: A few blocks away sits this historic + petite park. The centerpiece is the big fountain at the center. Surrounding it is a surprising versatile green space for portraits. In May, the most beautiful white bushes erupt in blooms. In July, it’s the ring of pale hydrangeas that circle the park. In December, it’s the charming red bows that decorate the vintage lampposts.

City streets: Walk just one more block over and you’ll find more options if you crave less park, more bustling city vibes. (As much as St Paul bustles. One of its many charms.) It’s also possible to find more modern facades to mix it up a little.

Planning Your Wedding at Avalon

If you're planning a wedding at Avalon, I’d love to photograph it.

Historic wedding venues like Avalon require an experienced photographer to be able to work with the challenges of the light and space, showcasing it to its highest potential. This place has so much soul and character, it deserves to be taken care of. You deserve to be taken of! One thing I know for sure, is that Avalon is going to be an absolute stunner when it’s finished, and one of the best wedding venues in Minnesota.

And I can’t wait to photograph weddings there.

Looking for a photographer for your Avalon wedding?
Reach out here → Inquire! to see if I still have your date available. Crossing my fingers I do! Looking forward to hearing from you.