When Brett and Erin Hautala began planning their fall 2008 wedding, they cast a wide net in seeking a reception site. They toured the Carlson Towers, the Medina Country Club and several hotels. In the end, though, they celebrated their nuptials at Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove. “The atmosphere was perfect,” Erin Hautala says. “It didn’t feel like a convention center or a hotel. It didn’t feel open to the public. It felt like a private club. It felt exclusive.
“We live in Maple Grove, and we work in Maple Grove,” says Erin, noting that before she and her now-husband Brett decided on a reception site, they already knew their wedding service would be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in their hometown. While many bridal couples opt for downtown reception sites offering old-world charm, cosmopolitan design or views of glittering city lights, the Hautalas felt secure holding their party closer to home, in part because the Rush Creek space was right next door to their church. “The location was extremely convenient,” Erin says. “It was definitely a good thing. We didn’t lose people between the church and the reception. The out-of-towners didn’t have to find two different places. The patio at happy hour was packed.”
The roughly 180 guests attending the Hautalas’ reception dined on filet mignon and walleye stuffed with wild rice, and then danced the night away with the help of a deejay. It was the perfect finish to a picturesque day, and looking back, Erin wouldn’t reverse any of her decisions. “A downtown reception,” Erin admits, “was something that was out of our price range. With Rush Creek, though, I never felt like I was giving anything up by being in the suburbs. The food was really good and the ambiance was top of the line.”
In fact, many Maple Grove businesses offer top-of-the-line service when it comes to hosting a wedding reception. We’ve pulled together a list of some the area’s best event spaces, so that you can get ready, get set, and get married in classic Maple Grove style.
Three walls of windows in the MacMillan Ballroom at Rush Creek Golf Club offer expansive views of the golf course. An outdoor terrace accompanies the space and on long summer nights, cocktails are served from a bar on the patio. “The fire pits on the patio are always a hit once the sun goes down,” says Kendra Stoeckman, catering coordinator at Rush Creek. “Inside the ceiling is open and vaulted. The space has an intimate feel without being tight.”
Capacity: MacMillan Ballroom holds 325 for a seated dinner; 250 for a buffet. Two smaller spaces are also available for more intimate receptions, bridal showers or groom’s dinners.
Meals: Catering by Rush Creek
Cost: Receptions held between May and October are considered prime season, so expect to pay more. All events must meet a food and beverage minimum. Average cost for a plated menu is about $25 per person; for a buffet the average cost is about $30 per person.
Included with Room Rental: Dance floor, room set up, table linens, china and flatware
Each year, about 30 couples hold their wedding receptions in the banquet room at Maple Grove Community Center. Some of those even hold their ceremonies on site in the adjacent flower garden. “The flower garden is a nice extra. It’s a great overflow space for summer weddings,” says Lisa Jost, the community center manager. “Our banquet room has brick walls with warm tones and decorates really nicely.”
“We are a good fit for couples looking for an affordable price,” Jost says. “We’re reasonably priced with a variety of food options, which gives us flexibility. We’re able to work within budgets and add on extras.”
Capacity: The banquet room holds 275 guests for dinner. The outdoor flower garden can accommodate 175 guests for a ceremony. Smaller indoor rooms are available for bridal showers or groom’s dinners.
Meals: Choose from one of four approved caterers, two of which have liquor licenses. Most couples choose to serve buffet style, Jost says.
Cost: Banquet room rental rates start at $700 for Maple Grove residents and $750 for nonresidents. Each additional service is added on, including an alcohol charge.
Included with Room Rental: Dressing room for the bride and attendants
Learn More: ci.maple-grove.mn.us, click on Community Center
The Chalet at the Elm Creek Park Reserve sits on a hilltop overlooking a gorgeous natural setting. The building is reminiscent of a ski lodge. Antique downhill skis hang over the imposing stone fireplace, which lends a cozy air to the space. “It feels rustic, comfortable, laid-back and intimate,” says Jenn Strehler, group sales coordinator for Three Rivers Park District. “It really is a unique space that you don’t have to put a lot of effort into decorating.”
Capacity: The Chalet holds 200 guests for a seated dinner. Several picnic areas inside the park are available to accommodate outdoor wedding ceremonies.
Meals: Choose from nine approved caterers. There isn’t a bar onsite, and hard alcohol is not allowed. Bottles of wine, cans or kegs of beer are allowed by caterers, but must be arranged separately.
Cost: The Chalet is only available for wedding receptions April through October, 10 a.m. until midnight. Weekend rates are $1,200. Four different picnic areas for wedding ceremonies range between $120 and $250. The space must be booked one year in advance.
Included with Room Rental: fireplace, dance floor, projection screen and surround sound, room set up
The water slides winding out of and back into the Maple Grove Holiday Inn ensure family fun, but don’t let the hotel’s water park keep you from checking out the refined event space inside. “Our event space has a Venetian theme,” says Gina Gassmann, sales and catering manager for the hotel. “The ambiance is upscale and classy. You don’t really feel like you’re in a hotel.” Wall murals and framed paintings depict scenes from the Italian countryside while granite countertops and high-reaching columns complete the look. “The chandeliers give off a bronzed, warm glow and for events we dim the lights to help set the mood,” she says.
Capacity: The reception space accommodates 150 guests for dinner.
Meals: Work with hotel kitchen to select a menu. Most bridal couples choose passed hors d’oeuvres and a plated dinner, but a buffet option is available. Popular choices include a roasted garlic chicken and a London broil. The hotel also offers full bar services.
Cost: The Friday night food and beverage minimum before taxes and gratuity is $1500; Saturday night is $3,000.
Included with Room Rental: Complimentary suite for bridal couple, discounted room rates, free passes to hotel water park, audio/visual equipment, room set up, table linens, table centerpieces,
The patio and garden landscaping at the Hilton Garden Inn has won several awards.
“Our outdoor area is beautiful,” says Therese McKenna, director of sales for the hotel. “It’s got wild flowers and tall grasses that bloom in full color. For weddings, we often put up a tent and serve appetizers and cocktails on the grounds.” Some couples have also chosen to hold their wedding ceremonies in the gardens, moving inside as the night progresses for dinner and dancing. “Our banquet room is decorated with earthy colors. It feels warm and light,” McKenna says. “Personal, intimate weddings are our specialty.”
Capacity: The reception space accommodates about 100 guests for dinner. Smaller event spaces are available for bridal showers or groom’s dinners.
Meals: Guests can work with the hotel catering staff to select a menu. Popular choices include a petite sirloin served with walleye or salmon. The hotel also offers a full bar.
Cost: A basic room rental charge starts the bill (a Saturday night charge is $500); if you have a sizable reception, rental charge is complimentary. A per-guest charge between $20 and $25 is added above that and depends on the selected meals.
Included with Room Rental: Complimentary room to bridal couple, discounted room rates for guests, earn rebates toward gift certificates for bridal couple, audio/visual equipment, room set up, table linens, table centerpieces, discounted girlfriend getaway packages for bachelorette parties/bridal showers.
