Getting married under a century old oak tree and partying inside a vintage mansion? That’s the dream!

As a hybrid film and digital photographer based in Minneapolis, I am drawn to spaces with real architectural character. Getting married at a historic mansion, like summit manor, provides such a unique and cool space for an intimate wedding. Summit Manor sits at 275 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102, on one of the most architecturally stunning streets in Minnesota.

Some venues and some couples just make sense together. A Victorian maximalist bride who hand-sews pearl details onto a custom cape and a historic 1901 quartzite stone mansion on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul is one of those combinations. My artistic forward documentary photography style was made for a wedding like this.

Rehearsal Dinner in Loring Park

The night before started at Café & Bar Lurcat in the historic Loring Corners alleyway just off Hennepin near the Basilica of St. Mary. Unfortunately Lurcat has since closed its doors, which is genuinely a loss for the city.

For a couple flying in from out of state, this night was so much more than just dinner. Both families were meeting each other for the first time, and since we had skipped an engagement session, it was also my first time meeting Lily and Phill in person.

By the next morning it genuinely felt like I had known everyone for years. That easy comfort carried through the entire wedding day and you can feel it in the photos. That is exactly why I always recommend adding rehearsal dinner coverage when you can.

Vintage Bridal Suite at Summit Manor

The bridal suite is upstairs and it is exactly what you picture when you imagine getting ready inside a Victorian mansion. Antique furniture, ornate woodwork, vintage wallpaper, and natural window light that comes in warm and soft throughout the morning.

As a Minnesota film photographer, this space is a dream because the tones are rich and layered in a way that Portra 800 renders beautifully. Curious why film looks so cool and different from digital? I broke down the full comparison here.

Groom’s Getting Ready in the Basement Speakeasy Bar

Downstairs is a prohibition era speakeasy style bar complete with dark wood, red carpet, and prints on the walls. The additional back room is pretty dark and has yellow walls, so we stepped forward into the more stylized bar space for a cooler groom prep environment.

First Look & Film Portraits Outside on the Lawn

The historic quartzite stone facade and mature trees create a backdrop that looks like it belongs in a European countryside.

Intimate Ceremony Under the Oak Tree at Summit Manor

Summit Manor has multiple ceremony spots both inside and out depending on your guest count and vision. But for larger groups, outside centered on the century-old oak tree is where everything comes together.

Earlier that morning Phillip sat underneath that tree writing vows about growing old together. He noticed an acorn on the ground and slipped it into his pocket for later. During the ceremony, he placed it in Lily’s hands as a promise to grow old together. There was not a dry eye in that ceremony. It’s so beautiful how the oak tree became part of the story.

Relaxed Cocktail Hour around the Historic Mansion

Cocktail hour at Summit Manor flows naturally through the house and lawn. Guests are moving through the foyer, wandering the garden, discovering the speakeasy bar downstairs. It is the kind of cocktail hour that feels relaxed and communal from the start because the space invites exploration.

Family-Style Dinner across all the Vintage Styled Rooms

After the ceremony the whole mansion opens up for dinner. The family style buffet spreads across the main level rooms, the speakeasy downstairs, and the outdoor tables. It creates this really communal feeling where guests are moving through the whole house together.

Speeches on the Grand Staircase & Late Night Portraits

After dinner everyone gathers and packs in around the staircase together. It is cozy, family oriented, and a bit chaotic (in the best way). After speeches the main fireplace room flips into the dance floor. We ended the night with fun late night portraits inside this house!

One practical note worth knowing: for larger guest counts (~100-150 people) movement gets tight in this space during speeches. If you have more guests, I genuinely recommend a second photographer since everyone’s packed in and unable to move around.

Why Summit Manor is St Paul’s Best Kept Secret for Vintage Weddings

Summit Manor is for couples drawn Victorian aesthetics, dark romantic details, intimate guest experiences, and architectural character.

As a hybrid film and digital photographer obsessed with film and vintage aesthetics, Summit Manor in Saint Paul is the kind of venue I want to shoot every single wedding at. The ornate woodwork, a prohibition speakeasy bar, a quartzite stone exterior, and a century-old oak tree make my photographer heart so happy.

What does it cost to get married at Summit Manor?

Summit Manor provides a complete reception service including add ons including in-house catering, linens, silver service, security, and bar service. As of Feb 2026, their full day (8 hour) venue rental starts at $7,000 with catering and service fees quoted separately. This includes a wedding coordinator, planning meetings, event management, silver service, china, tables, chairs, and linens included in the rental fee. To secure your wedding date, they require a deposit of $3,500. Learn more through their pricing brochure listed on their website here.

Summit Manor Wedding Vendors

Venue & Catering: Summit Manor Reception House, reach out to David McLaughlin

Wedding Photo: Brianna Kirk Photo + Film 😉

DJ: A Ran Music Service

What an Wedding Investment with Bri Includes

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