Duluth area wedding and reception
By tickledpink on Jul 18, 2010 in Recommendations
My sister is getting married Feb. 26. We are having trouble locating a venue that can accommodate approximately 300 people, let us cater our own reception and allow music and alcohol. Does anyone have any suggestions for possible venues?
Maybe Sacred Heart?
You couldn’t do 300 people at Sacred Heart I don’t think so anyway. That is a lot of people. And I don’t think any place big enough for 300 would allow you to do your own alcohol. But some places do allow you to use another caterer. Finding a combination of all of those things, it could be impossible. Here are my initial thoughts:
Maybe the Superior Curling club? The “New” Shrine Auditorium in Hermantown, or the place I’d try to get if I were in your spot, the Norshor Theater. Another place that might work but I don’t know if it would fit 300 people is the Buffalo House in Nopeming-ish area.
For that many people it might almost be worth looking into getting a huge pole barn on private property or an empty warehouse, maybe an aircraft hangar, although heating the space and decorations could be an issue there. The other sticking point with this is the time of year, dead of winter.
Email me if you really get stuck and maybe I can help you brainstorm some more. In the meantime I’m looking forward to hearing other people’s ideas.
The Rex @ Fitger’s.
Mike is happy to close the place to outsiders, let you bring in your own food (w/o charging you), and letting you have the run of the place.
It’s not the most desirable location, but all of our family and friends wedding receptions were at the St. Margaret Mary parish hall in Morgan Park. They have a full kitchen and allow for drinks. The Viking used to do a lot of the bar set up for people.
Just a thought.
We had our wedding reception at the Depot’s great hall. It was really lovely, you could cater it yourself (although the kitchen is a smaller space) and we were able to bring our own booze. To have alcohol, we had to hire a security guard and get a one-night insurance policy for the entire building but that wasn’t too unreasonable. We had 150 people at our wedding and there was plenty of space--you’d have to check on what the capacity is. We had our wedding at the Rose Garden for a $25 rental fee for 2 hours but the kind Depot staff would have let us have the ceremony there if the weather had been bad.
The Depot is a good suggestion, though I’d check on capacity, like michellep said. I think 300 might be tight.
I think 300 would not fit into the Depot. I do know the people at 3Five Design (3FiveDesigns.com) do have a space for events and receptions at their building in Lincoln Park. It looked pretty big, but I’m not sure about the kitchen and alcohol.
There is also the Clyde Iron Complex that would definitely fit 300 and I know they were recently allowing free use of the facility for receptions in order to get the word out about the place. However, I’m not sure if that offer will still be standing come February. Might be could to check that out in the meantime. Again, not sure on the alcohol/food thing, but I just wanted to throw out an option that would fit 300.
I’m in the process of wedding planning right now and I don’t think we saw any venues that fit all your criteria. We ultimately went with Holiday Inn since they had good room deals for guests, free parking for anyone coming to the event and discounted meals for kids. They also had a complimentary room for me and my fiance, which didn’t hurt. The big ballroom for them also seats 300 so that was a plus.
Good luck in your search!
I was wondering about the Clyde Iron Complex. I’ve been thinking of booking our 2011 Company Christmas Party there (I like the vibe of the place) but want to know more about their catering options.
It’s a ways out but the Munger Town Hall might work for you.
300 would work in the Depot using the Great Hall and train museum. Call Mary at the Depot to discuss options.
It’s one of the last venues where you can hire your own caterer!
Look to a park. You could do it in Lincoln Park for as little as $50 + a security officer (to have alcohol).
Um… Mevdev? Any park in February would be quite an endurance test on the guests.
I think the Holiday Inn might be open to you having your own food catered and bringing your own alcohol. I am not 100% on the policies, but the ballroom definitely fits 300. You can call Kirsten at the sales office and find out.
In the past Holiday Inn has been pretty hostile to self catering. They want you to buy your food through them (unless something has changed).
Oops, I thought that said August 26th.
I second the park suggestion. Lincoln Park, Billings Park, any park that will let you.
We had our wedding at the Duluth Aquarium in 2006. The price was reasonable, and they accomodate both outdoor or indoor ceremonies, making it ideal for unpredictable weather. They even feed the otters late so they are out to play when your guests are there. Exclusive catering contract with Bellissio’s, and the food, service, and bar were great. The band set up under the giant carp/catfish thing in the entryway. It was unusual, but our guests still comment on it being one of the best weddings ever. If you will have a lot of guests with children, this is a great way to go.
The Depot or the Aquarium would be safe bets.
Not the classiest joint, but the Superior Curling Club fits the size and catering needs. I’m not sure about their policies on bringing in alcohol.
Don’t quote me exactly, but I’m fairly certain you can bring your own alcohol (at least some of it) to the Superior Curling Club. I went to a reception there where the bride and groom wanted a certain wine to be served for free, and so it was (but I’m pretty sure the bartender was a Curling Club employee).
Northland Country Club should also be considered. Its ballroom is not just for use by the members and Chef Mike does amazing things with food! Jenn Kolenda will help you plan every detail as well.