Venue FAQs

The rental cost includes the use of the entire building, including ceremony woods, a white reception room, the Pub, bathrooms, outdoor patio, fire pits, and two private suites. Tables and chairs for up to 200 guests for reception and ceremony. You will also have access to the 3-acre property with beautiful woods. We will never book more than one event at the same time, so you get the whole space for the whole day!

The maximum number of guests is 200. This includes the couple and wedding party, though it does not include vendors and staff. You may invite more than 200 to your dance; we have a larger standing capacity!

There are numerous recommended Airbnb and VRBO options in the local community. There are multiple hotel choices about 200 minutes away. We have a partnership with Arch and Cable in Mankato. The Courtyard Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Grand Stay are some other options as well. There is next-door lodging for up to 40 guests.

We have ample parking on-site. We recommend hiring a shuttle to transport your guests if it fits within your budget. Overnight parking is okay as long as vehicles are picked up before 10 am the following day.

Aside from our in-house bar service, we have a list of recommended vendors. If you have another caterer in mind besides the ones on the list, no problem! It is a flat fee of $500 for any caterer not on our list. This is only applicable to caterers, not other vendors. Our team is happy to share their recommendations for vendors that fit your style and budget, but you are welcome to hire anyone you desire.

Yes, it is! We have wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, bathrooms, and access to the ceremony space.

Vendors may arrive at 10:00 am on the day of your event. Earlier hours may be purchased for $250/hr and can be as early as 8 am.

Our venue manager will be on-site all day to answer any questions you and your vendors have throughout the event, but they will not be involved in the setup or teardown of décor. If you're looking for help setting up or tearing down your décor, please reach out to your professional Day-of Coordinator for guidance! Make sure to ask about our in-house Day of Coordination services, we would love to curate an incredible day for you. All décor and belongings must be removed by the contracted time on the night of your facility rental. We kindly ask that you inform all vendors of your contracted times prior to your event.

We want all clients to feel that they have plenty of room for creativity when it comes to designing their décor. We only allow real candles if you choose one of our packages and we are responsible for proper execution of open flame. Battery-operated candle fixtures are always allowed!

The building is a tobacco-free facility. Smoking/Vaping is restricted to a designated smoking area in the parking lot and prohibited inside.

We understand that pets are a cherished part of the family, and we are happy to accommodate our wedding couples who wish to include their furry friends in their special day. Pets are welcome only outdoors and must remain on a leash at all times. They may join the celebration only after the photography session begins and must leave immediately following the ceremony. Pets are not permitted inside any buildings, and it is the responsibility of the wedding couple to ensure their pets are cleaned up after and well-managed. A refundable security deposit of $250 is required for pets, which will be returned 15–30 days after the event, provided all guidelines are followed. Please reach out for further details!

Ahavah Cottage does not require outside security for events. If clients would like security at their event, it must be provided through Ahavah Cottage for an additional cost. Ahavah Cottage does not require wedding insurance, as we carry building and liquor liability insurance.

We have an outdoor fire pit for warmth at no additional cost! We also have many propane heaters available to our couples. We do ask that the couple provide backup propane for these heaters on chilly nights.

Elysian is a very accommodating small town with a beautiful beach about 0.5 miles from the property, stunning state trails, an ice cream shop, a local bakery, mercantile, and a couple of restaurants.

The first payment due by clients is the deposit, which covers 25% of the facility rental. This is required at the time of booking which will be when your contract is signed. The remaining payments are split into 3 equal payments of 25%, with the final payment due 6 months prior to your event. Ahavah Cottage will send invoices reflecting these amounts prior to the due date. Payment plans are also available—just ask us about your options, and we are happy to work with you!

Because many dates are in high demand, we require a deposit and signed contract to hold a date. Once you contact us about booking, we will block the date off in our calendar, and you will have a hold on it for up to 24 hours. If, after 24 hours, we have not received a signed contract and deposit, the date will be released to other potential clients.

We do allow early entrance starting at 8am for $250/hour.

For couples having their ceremony at Ahavah Cottage, the wedding party will have access to the bridal suite and groom’s room from the start of your contracted time until the start of the ceremony, at which time access will be locked off.

We have refrigeration available in the Grooms Suite which can be used during the day as long as it is cleaned out before the ceremony starts. You may also bring coolers for storing items while getting ready, but we ask that the coolers be moved to a car before the start of the ceremony.

Clients can bring in non-perishable snacks for the bridal party, such as popcorn, Chex mix, candy, etc. Perishable appetizers must be provided by a licensed and insured caterer.

We offer alcohol and beverages for your wedding day! You are required to pay $30 per person for any person ages 3 or above. We also offer mocktails and coffee bars.

If the weather is poor, the ceremony can be moved to our indoor ceremony space. This decision can be made shortly before the ceremony start time, and no room flip is required.

To ensure an unforgettable night, we do require you have a Day of Coordinator through Ahavah Cottage or hire an outside professional Day of Coordinator. Family members or friends are not permitted to fill this role as we want you to be fully present with your friends and family on your big day.

Yes, we require that a professional DJ provides all equipment and curates the music for your event. This ensures the highest quality sound experience and a seamless flow throughout your ceremony, reception, and dance party. Our recommended DJs are experienced in creating the perfect atmosphere and will work with you to customize your playlist to fit your vision, ensuring the music aligns with every moment of your special day.