Monterey Ballroom
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Monterey Ballroom Photos
About This Vendor
A Stylish Banquet Hall in the Gopher State
Located in Owatonna, Minnesota. Monterey Ballroom is a versatile wedding venue that combines historic elegance with modern charm. Constructed in 1938, this banquet hall has been providing the backdrop for weddings and other special occasions for decades. It is conveniently situated close to I-35, with Minneapolis, St Paul, and Rochester within driving distance. Whether you wish to host an intimate or large-scale celebration, this sophisticated property is a perfect place to exchange your vows. At Monterey Ballroom, couples can enjoy outdoor and indoor events. Defined by its inviting ambiance, the outdoor patio area can set the stage for your “I do” moment. Decorated with intimate bistro lights, this event space has a romantic vibe that will surely delight you and your beloved. After your ceremony, you and your guests can head into the main banquet hall for dinner and dancing. With ample event space and a contemporary vibe, the hall can be customized to suit your stylistic vision. The staff is passionate about bringing their clients’ ideas to fruition and will be on-hand to provide assistance throughout. Monterey Ballroom can comfortably accommodate a maximum of 500 wedding-goers. Eager to make sure that every detail of your big day exceeds your expectations, the team will provide you with a list of their preferred vendors. Drivers can make use of the venue’s large on-site parking lot, and vehicles may be left here overnight. There will be ample time for you to decorate before the start of your event. The staff welcomes all manner of wedding types, including elopements, civil unions, vow renewals, religious celebrations, and secular ceremonies.
Amenities & Details
Ceremony Area, Dressing Room, Handicap Accessible, Indoor Event Space, Liability Insurance, On-Site Accommodations, Outdoor Event Space, Reception Area, Wireless Internet
Guest Capacity300+
Ceremony TypesCivil Union, Commitment Ceremony, Elopement, Interfaith Ceremony, Non-Religious Ceremony, Religious Ceremony, Second Wedding, Vow Renewal Ceremony
Venue Service OfferingsBar & Drinks, Planning, Rentals & Equipment, Service Staff, Transportation
SettingsBackyard, Ballroom, Garden, Historic Venue, Trees
Business AttributesWoman-owned Business
Pricing for Monterey Ballroom
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| Starting Cost | Affordable |
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Monterey Ballroom Reviews
Marc Gabiger (other) 1 out of 5 Rating
I would like to leave an honest review of the Monterey Ballroom for everyone out there thinking about booking their wedding there. The only reason you get one star is because negative ten is not an option. My family and I flew across the country for a wedding and reception at the Monterey. When we got to the Monterey, which our daughter was the maid of honor in, we had quite some time before the wedding started. While I walked around the inside of the building, it was dark, dank and in the bar area it smelled like a homeless encampment had just moved out. The smell of urine was overwhelming. It was hot as Hades outside and the air conditioning didn’t seem to have the stamina to keep up with the heat. This was before guests started arriving. It didn’t get any better for the rest of the day and into the night. Once the wedding happened, in the beating down sun, everyone moved inside for the reception. Things seemed to be going fine, but the drink service was atrocious! There were two bartenders, one of whom had the worst attitude I’ve seen in some time, that could not keep up with the crowd. As I sat and watched the bar saga start, I observed them pouring drinks with hardly any alcohol in them. Mike, the owner, actually admitted that he instructed his bartenders to do so when he met with the bride two days later. At some point, Mike made the decision to throw the wedding party out about an hour before the venue was booked until. At no point during the evening did Mike come to any of the family and say he was having a problem with anything. He just decided that the party was over and we were all going to have to leave. The bride did meet with him on Monday and rather that give her some of her money back, Mike decided that he would tell her that he would throw her a free party to make it up to her, but only if she convinced her friends to write Mike some “five-star reviews”, the more reviews the better he would treat her! Look at the reviews for this place. The ones with five stars and nothing to say are probably the previous parties he is extorting! This might be alright with some people, but this bride does not live in Minnesota any more. Mike, if you read this I’d like to tell you that you are a horrible person and that the way you conduct business is even worse. You can make any statement you want on here and I guarantee I’ll have a cogent response. Folks, if you read this, I’d highly suggest you run for the hills and find another venue for what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life.
Reviewed on 23-08-2023
I would like to leave an honest review of the Monterey Ballroom for everyone out there thinking about booking their wedding there. The only reason you get one star is because negative ten is not an option. My family and I flew across the country for a wedding and reception at the Monterey. When we got to the Monterey, which our daughter was the maid of honor in, we had quite some time before the wedding started. While I walked around the inside of the building, it was dark, dank and in the bar area it smelled like a homeless encampment had just moved out. The smell of urine was overwhelming. It was hot as Hades outside and the air conditioning didn’t seem to have the stamina to keep up with the heat. This was before guests started arriving. It didn’t get any better for the rest of the day and into the night. Once the wedding happened, in the beating down sun, everyone moved inside for the reception. Things seemed to be going fine, but the drink service was atrocious! There were two bartenders, one of whom had the worst attitude I’ve seen in some time, that could not keep up with the crowd. As I sat and watched the bar saga start, I observed them pouring drinks with hardly any alcohol in them. Mike, the owner, actually admitted that he instructed his bartenders to do so when he met with the bride two days later. At some point, Mike made the decision to throw the wedding party out about an hour before the venue was booked until. At no point during the evening did Mike come to any of the family and say he was having a problem with anything. He just decided that the party was over and we were all going to have to leave. The bride did meet with him on Monday and rather that give her some of her money back, Mike decided that he would tell her that he would throw her a free party to make it up to her, but only if she convinced her friends to write Mike some “five-star reviews”, the more reviews the better he would treat her! Look at the reviews for this place. The ones with five stars and nothing to say are probably the previous parties he is extorting! This might be alright with some people, but this bride does not live in Minnesota any more. Mike, if you read this I’d like to tell you that you are a horrible person and that the way you conduct business is even worse. You can make any statement you want on here and I guarantee I’ll have a cogent response. Folks, if you read this, I’d highly suggest you run for the hills and find another venue for what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life.
Reviewed on 23-08-2023
Lindsay Cirkl (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 13-08-2021
Wonderful to work with. Beautiful table settings. Quick responses to all our questions. Great prices, and bar rates. Overall made our special day awesome!
Reviewed on 25-08-2021
Wedding Date 13-08-2021
Wonderful to work with. Beautiful table settings. Quick responses to all our questions. Great prices, and bar rates. Overall made our special day awesome!
Reviewed on 25-08-2021
DeAnn Vacura (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 24-04-2021
I was so happy with the Monterey Ballroom! The decorations, the staff and Mike the owner was amazing .
Reviewed on 12-05-2021
Wedding Date 24-04-2021
I was so happy with the Monterey Ballroom! The decorations, the staff and Mike the owner was amazing .
Reviewed on 12-05-2021
Abby Oorlog (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 01-05-2021
Great Place! Mike was so easy to work with and made our day perfect. Would highly recommend!
Reviewed on 12-05-2021
Wedding Date 01-05-2021
Great Place! Mike was so easy to work with and made our day perfect. Would highly recommend!
Reviewed on 12-05-2021
Michelle Morris (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 10-09-2020
Planning a wedding through this pandemic has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do and they (Mike & Denyse) made it as easy possible. Very responsive to emails, open communication and outstanding service. This venue is totally gorgeous, the reception hall is spacious. We were able to have our separate cocktail hour area, large bar and guest seating all in one room without feeling cramped. I could not speak anymore highly about the Monterey Ballroom!
Reviewed on 14-11-2020
Wedding Date 10-09-2020
Planning a wedding through this pandemic has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do and they (Mike & Denyse) made it as easy possible. Very responsive to emails, open communication and outstanding service. This venue is totally gorgeous, the reception hall is spacious. We were able to have our separate cocktail hour area, large bar and guest seating all in one room without feeling cramped. I could not speak anymore highly about the Monterey Ballroom!
Reviewed on 14-11-2020
Connie Kniefel (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
I couldn’t more more pleased with our choice to use the Monterey Ballroom for our daughter’s weddings. So far we have had two of our three daughters wedding receptions and one wedding unexpectedly at the Monterey. The day of our daughters wedding that was in our back yard it started to down pour 20 minutes before the service was ready to start. We called the Monterey and Mike said come on down without any hesitation. Let me say, not once did I feel overwhelmed with the details of two different personalities and styles in my daughters wedding visions. One wanted up lit cocktail tables and centerpieces with club dancing and lighting. The other wanted a rustic wood feel the with slabs of wood with candles and babies breath and oars as a guest book and line dancing, the Monterey staff accommodated our requests and had the dance floor packed!
Reviewed on 12-11-2020
I couldn’t more more pleased with our choice to use the Monterey Ballroom for our daughter’s weddings. So far we have had two of our three daughters wedding receptions and one wedding unexpectedly at the Monterey. The day of our daughters wedding that was in our back yard it started to down pour 20 minutes before the service was ready to start. We called the Monterey and Mike said come on down without any hesitation. Let me say, not once did I feel overwhelmed with the details of two different personalities and styles in my daughters wedding visions. One wanted up lit cocktail tables and centerpieces with club dancing and lighting. The other wanted a rustic wood feel the with slabs of wood with candles and babies breath and oars as a guest book and line dancing, the Monterey staff accommodated our requests and had the dance floor packed!
Reviewed on 12-11-2020
chris gruendemann (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 15-08-2020
The Monterey Ball room is a beautiful venue. My wife and I got married and had our wedding reception here. The food was great and all of our guests were commenting all night on how good it was. We went with the house DJ and there sound system was awesome. The DJ was very entertaining, played all of our requests and played great music. The staff was outstanding and made our day the best.
Reviewed on 03-11-2020
Wedding Date 15-08-2020
The Monterey Ball room is a beautiful venue. My wife and I got married and had our wedding reception here. The food was great and all of our guests were commenting all night on how good it was. We went with the house DJ and there sound system was awesome. The DJ was very entertaining, played all of our requests and played great music. The staff was outstanding and made our day the best.
Reviewed on 03-11-2020
J Willette (parent) 2 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 22-02-2019
My son and daughter-in-law held their reception at the Monterey and I would not recommend the venue. The night started out nice, but went downhill as the evening progressed. The main entree was fine, but the kids meals were cold and inedible. Pop was $2 a cup and wait staff would come around and clear off table while people were out dancing, taking a half full cup of pop. Mike allowed people to take cups on the dance floor, which was soon gross - he announced it's OK to take glasses on the floor, just don't spill. As we were cleaning up, Mike came over and started yelling at parents for using aluminum foil tins for carrying the leftover cupcakes out - there were never served by the wait staff - he complained we were 10 meals over, which we paid for. The DJ that was paid for didn't show up. On the plus side, the venue is large enough to accommodate a large group and it is decorated nicely.
Reviewed on 25-02-2019
Wedding Date 22-02-2019
My son and daughter-in-law held their reception at the Monterey and I would not recommend the venue. The night started out nice, but went downhill as the evening progressed. The main entree was fine, but the kids meals were cold and inedible. Pop was $2 a cup and wait staff would come around and clear off table while people were out dancing, taking a half full cup of pop. Mike allowed people to take cups on the dance floor, which was soon gross - he announced it's OK to take glasses on the floor, just don't spill. As we were cleaning up, Mike came over and started yelling at parents for using aluminum foil tins for carrying the leftover cupcakes out - there were never served by the wait staff - he complained we were 10 meals over, which we paid for. The DJ that was paid for didn't show up. On the plus side, the venue is large enough to accommodate a large group and it is decorated nicely.
Reviewed on 25-02-2019
SĂ©verine Poul (bride) 2 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 03-11-2017
I went to a wedding at this venue and was unimpressed. The wedding took place in September a.k.a full wedding season. The flowers outside were dead. There were cobwebs and other spider crap all over the outside entrance. Then, the toilets weren't working and they were out of water. They did serve some water from the place during dinner while it was still available and it was yellow and tasted metallic. Floors felt like they were going to collapse. The ceiling where the buffet was had loose paint and water damage all over.IMO, this place needs some serious renovations. It could be beautiful but looks like the owner(s) don't care.
Reviewed on 20-04-2017
Wedding Date 03-11-2017
I went to a wedding at this venue and was unimpressed. The wedding took place in September a.k.a full wedding season. The flowers outside were dead. There were cobwebs and other spider crap all over the outside entrance. Then, the toilets weren't working and they were out of water. They did serve some water from the place during dinner while it was still available and it was yellow and tasted metallic. Floors felt like they were going to collapse. The ceiling where the buffet was had loose paint and water damage all over.IMO, this place needs some serious renovations. It could be beautiful but looks like the owner(s) don't care.
Reviewed on 20-04-2017
Mag Fogarty (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 23-08-2014
The Monterey Ballroom is absolutely gorgeous! They do a great job lighting the building and making the place look wedding-worthy. They do charge you for the ceiling drapings, which they leave up year round, but they look great and add to the feel of the ballroom. I'd definitely recommend doing the chair covers, it helps the ballroom blend together as a whole and look unified. The majority of the compliments we received was on how great the ballroom looked.\r\rThe food was absolutely delicious! We had several compliments strictly on the quality food. Due to the size of our reception, we had a buffet which I was nervous about but it moved quickly and they did serve 4 tables (Grandmas, Grandpas, Photographers, etc.) which was very helpful. The price per plate was comparable to other venues (both buffet and plated). They also served sandwiches at 9:00pm which was a hit for both the kids and adults! I would recommend doing that to everyone!\r\rWe were allowed to bring in a DJ (not their option), but they couldn't use the sound system at the Monterey so the back of the ballroom couldn't hear any of the speeches. That was the biggest downfall for us that we weren't expecting.\r\rDenyse is very easy to work with and gets back to you right away. She works within your time frame to meet and go over what they have for you. I would recommend the Monterey to anyone looking for a ballroom for any event!
Reviewed on 10-09-2014
Wedding Date 23-08-2014
The Monterey Ballroom is absolutely gorgeous! They do a great job lighting the building and making the place look wedding-worthy. They do charge you for the ceiling drapings, which they leave up year round, but they look great and add to the feel of the ballroom. I'd definitely recommend doing the chair covers, it helps the ballroom blend together as a whole and look unified. The majority of the compliments we received was on how great the ballroom looked.\r\rThe food was absolutely delicious! We had several compliments strictly on the quality food. Due to the size of our reception, we had a buffet which I was nervous about but it moved quickly and they did serve 4 tables (Grandmas, Grandpas, Photographers, etc.) which was very helpful. The price per plate was comparable to other venues (both buffet and plated). They also served sandwiches at 9:00pm which was a hit for both the kids and adults! I would recommend doing that to everyone!\r\rWe were allowed to bring in a DJ (not their option), but they couldn't use the sound system at the Monterey so the back of the ballroom couldn't hear any of the speeches. That was the biggest downfall for us that we weren't expecting.\r\rDenyse is very easy to work with and gets back to you right away. She works within your time frame to meet and go over what they have for you. I would recommend the Monterey to anyone looking for a ballroom for any event!
Reviewed on 10-09-2014
Brittany (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 13-08-2011
Denyse does a great job decorating so you won't have to do a thing, other than adding your personal touches. Everyone ranted and raved over how good the food was. We also utilized her DJ that she has there, he was so good at keeping the crowd until they couldn't no more! So glad to have had our Reception here.
Reviewed on 07-09-2011
Wedding Date 13-08-2011
Denyse does a great job decorating so you won't have to do a thing, other than adding your personal touches. Everyone ranted and raved over how good the food was. We also utilized her DJ that she has there, he was so good at keeping the crowd until they couldn't no more! So glad to have had our Reception here.
Reviewed on 07-09-2011
Kira Schiller (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 28-08-2010
Monterey was great! She was always available to answer questions. The food was amazing! They made my big day very stress free. Everyone should use them :)
Reviewed on 14-09-2010
Wedding Date 28-08-2010
Monterey was great! She was always available to answer questions. The food was amazing! They made my big day very stress free. Everyone should use them :)
Reviewed on 14-09-2010
Shanae Johnson (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 05-05-2018
EVERYTHING! The food was amazing the staff was awesome and the dance floor was definitely big enough for me and my dancer friends to cut a rug.
Reviewed on 10-06-2009
13 Reviews, with a Rating of 4.15 out of 5.0Wedding Date 05-05-2018
EVERYTHING! The food was amazing the staff was awesome and the dance floor was definitely big enough for me and my dancer friends to cut a rug.
Reviewed on 10-06-2009
Contact Info for Monterey Ballroom
| Contact | Value |
|---|---|
| https://www.facebook.com/pages/monterey-ballroom-owatonna/185753653254 | |
| X (Twitter) | Monterey Ballroom |
| Monterey Ballroom | |
| Website | montereyballroom.com |
| Phone | (507) 444-9890 |
| Address | 4712 South County Rd. 45, Owatonna, MN, 55060 |
| montereyballroom@gmail.com |
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