Capital Room Wedding in St. Peter, MN

A couple of weeks ago, I had the absolute honor of photographing Desi and Matt’s incredible wedding in St. Peter, Minnesota — and I’ve been itching to share these photos ever since. From the quiet moments getting ready to the wild dance floor that capped the night, their day was everything you hope for as a photographer: laughter, connection, and love that you can actually feel.

Desi & Matt’s Day at the Capital Room

We started the morning in two different spaces — Desi surrounded by her bridesmaids, and Matt hanging with his guys. The energy in both rooms was electric but in totally different ways. Desi’s suite was full of warmth, with her gorgeous smile that could light up any room. In another area the Capital Room, Matt and his groomsmen brought the personality and laughs that make a wedding morning so fun to photograph.

(Looking for more wedding morning inspiration? Check out Jenna + Nick’s Van Dusen Mansion Wedding for another unforgettable start to the day.)

First Look + Portraits at the Capital Room and Gustavus Adolphus Arboretum

When Desi tapped Matt on the shoulder for their first look, the whole world just seemed to pause. Their reaction — pure joy and relief and love all at once — is exactly why I love this job. Once settled, we headed over to the Gustavus Adolphus College Arboretum, one of the most stunning gardens in southern Minnesota. The Arb has everything — trails winding through native prairie, towering trees, quiet ponds, and that perfect golden light filtering through the leaves.We spent time wandering the Arb’s paths, letting them just be together while I documented the laughter, the little looks, and the deep exhale that happens once you’re finally side by side.

(You might also love Hannah & Isaac’s Wedding at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for another couple who embraced the beauty of the outdoors.)

Ceremony at The Capitol Room

If you’ve never been to The Capitol Room in St. Peter, you’re missing out. The space is full of history and old-world charm — exposed brick walls, huge windows, and the kind of character that only comes with time. Originally built in the early 1900s as the St. Peter Armory, it’s now been restored into one of the most beautiful wedding venues in southern Minnesota.

Desi and Matt’s ceremony was everything a wedding ceremony should be — heartfelt, intimate, and full of emotion. As Desi walked down the aisle, you could feel the love radiating through the room. Their vows were every bit as genuine as they were tear-filled.

Friends, Family, and the Best Kind of Celebration

Their bridal party brought the party vibes to the day — every single person there was all in. Desi’s bridesmaids were endlessly supportive, cracking jokes one second and tearing up the next. Matt’s groomsmen matched the energy perfectly — fun, kind, and clearly proud to stand beside him.

The speeches that evening were beautiful — Desi’s dad talked about her light and her laughter, while Matt’s dad shared stories that had everyone laughing. It was one of those moments where you just feel how much two families have come together.

One of my FAVORITE moments of the day came when we snuck outside, just me, Desi, and Matt, for a few photos and a breath of air as the sun went down. As we took a stroll through downtown, Matt lit up when he saw a familiar ice cream shop (Sota Scoops– the cutest ice cream shop ever). If you know Matt, you know that his love of ice cream is way off the charts. Little did he know that the lovely staff there were waiting for him, so excited for the newlywed couple to come strolling in and have a secret moment together over ice cream, while their guests were celebrating with cocktails next door. Thank you Sota Scoops for opening your doors to us!

And then… the party started. The Capitol Room’s dance floor came alive with a mix of pure joy, throwback hits, and a few unexpected dance-off moments that had everyone cheering. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

(If you love a good dance-floor story, you’ll want to peek at Karen & Tim’s Royal Foundry Wedding — another all-night celebration done right.)

Why St. Peter Is the Gem of Southern Minnesota

A Town With Character

St. Peter is one of those towns that still feels rooted — charming main streets, a rich sense of history, and the Minnesota River Valley wrapping everything in green. It’s small enough to feel personal but big enough to offer beautiful venues, scenic photo spots, and welcoming local energy.

The Capitol Room

The Capitol Room is hands-down one of the best venues in the area. Its old-world bones, exposed brick, tall windows, and open-concept reception hall make it a dream for photography. Add in the modern getting-ready suites, and you’ve got everything you need in one spot.

Gustavus Adolphus Arboretum

Just minutes away, the Gustavus Adolphus Arboretum is a photographer’s dream — the perfect natural counterpoint to the industrial charm of The Capitol Room. The Arb’s quiet trails, native flora, and soft light are a perfect setting for portraits that feel relaxed and timeless.

Tips for Planning a Wedding in St. Peter, Minnesota

If you’re dreaming up your own St. Peter wedding, here are a few things I’ve learned photographing here:

Pick a venue with history and light. The Capitol Room checks both boxes in a big way.
Plan your portraits around the Arb’s golden hour. The light there is unreal.
Give yourself breathing room. Build time into your schedule for the small, real moments.
Use the town’s charm. A quick stop downtown or by the river adds texture to your story.
Work with vendors who know the area. They’ll make the whole day flow so much easier.

Perfection in the River Valley

Desi and Matt — you two are the kind of couple that make this work feel effortless. From your joy in the morning to your energy on the dance floor, the entire day was filled with warmth, laughter, and that kind of love that makes everyone around you better.

The Capitol Room was the perfect setting for your celebration — a blend of history, beauty, and meaning. And St. Peter, with its small-town charm and natural backdrops, couldn’t have been a better place to tell your story.

If you’re planning a wedding in St. Peter, Mankato, or the greater Minnesota River Valley, I’d love to help you capture it in a way that feels like you.

See more weddings and stories over on the Jeff Dose Blog or head to my Contact Page to get in touch.

A very special thank you to these talented vendors:

Venue: The Capital Room

Photography: Jeff Dose

Culinary: Chef Craig’s Catering

Band/DJ: Instant Request DJ