We had our wedding here (ceremony and reception) a few weeks ago and can't recommend this venue high enough. We went with their micro wedding package (40 guests and below), and also stayed at the hotel for several days. When looking for a venue, we were on the hunt for an all-inclusive location. Agonizing over room layouts or centerpieces and coordinating across multiple vendors was not something we were willing to do. The St. James gave us just enough options to make it feel personalized without being overwhelming. Their list of recommended vendors was very thorough and we chose our officiant, DJ, and photographer from that list.
We walked out of this hotel planning our anniversary return trip. If history, small-town charm, and an all-inclusive format is what you're looking for, this is the place to go.
Food/Catering: Our guests were raving about the reception dinner for days afterward. We had a plated dinner service as part of the package and every step was flawless. From the timing of the courses, presentation of the dishes, and flavor (don't mess with a classic, the Minnesota Pot Roast is where it's at), the staff killed it. Many thanks to Amy Zerwas, who was the genius behind our cookie bar and three-tiered cookie-disguised-as-a wedding cake. Also, many locals we talked to in town highly recommended: "Amy's Pretzel and Beer Cheese" (served at the hotel's restaurant Scarlet). Even if you don't get married here, have a meal at the Scarlet. My wedding party did…several times. I lost track of the number of pretzels we ordered over the course of 3 days.
Ceremony/Reception Space: The St. James is a historic hotel for a reason. We got married in their original Victorian Library, Lobby, and Dining Room. You don't need extra décor or flowers in a space like that. The photos online don't do it justice.
Additional Services: Don't hesitate, to reserve the ready rooms. Ever traveled with a group and tried to hang out/make plans in one person's cramped hotel room? The St. James offers a Bridal Ready Room and a Groom's Ready Room which you can reserve for the day of your wedding. These are large suite-like rooms that have plenty of seating, a private bathroom, mini kitchen, and (in the groom's room) a pool table, darts, and TVs. These rooms kept everything organized and people together on the day of the wedding. You can also have breakfast/lunch catered for the rooms, and my god was that worth it too.
Accommodations: The rooms fit the hotel's overall aesthetic…they're beautifully old world and you feel like you've been transported to another era. Clean, cozy beds and the steamboat theme is adorable.
Staff: Everyone at the hotel was kind, welcoming, and helpful. There was another larger wedding occurring at the same time as ours in a different part of the hotel but had the wedding coordinator, Daniel Holtz, not warned us about it, I never would've guessed. Daniel checked in with us consistently throughout the day and made sure all the smaller details and last-minute changes were handled. Despite having to reschedule our original wedding date, planning the event was seamless.
Location: If there's one thing to give you pause, it's the location. Red Wing is about an hour south of Minneapolis so if you're flying in, transportation needs to be considered a little more carefully; however, the town has plenty to do and you should give yourself at least a day on the front and back end to walk around the historic downtown.