FAQ
What's included with the rental cost?
The rental cost includes the use of the entire building, including ceremony woods, white reception room, the Pub, the woods, bathrooms, outdoor patio, fire pits, and two private suites. Tables and chairs for up to 210 guests for reception and ceremony. You will also be able to access and use 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!
Where is the venue located?
1 hour south of Minneapolis
A little over an hour north of Rochester
20 minutes from Mankato.
Our address is:
510 Highway 60- W Elysian, MN 56028
What is the max capacity?
The maximum number of guests is 210. This includes the couple and wedding party though it does not include vendors and staff.
How many hours are included in the rental?
10:00am - 12:00am Friday - Saturday*
10:00am - 10:00pm Sunday - Thursday
*For Friday and Saturdays, music is off at 11:30 pm.
How do we officially reserve the date?
The first payment due by clients is the deposit, which covers half of the facility rental and is required at the time of booking. The second deposit, which covers half of the facility rental, is six months prior to the event. Ahavah Cottage will send invoices reflecting these amounts prior to the due date. Payment plans are also an option for any client at Ahavah Cottage - just ask us about your options and we are happy to work with you!
Where is the nearest hotel and accommodations?
There are numerous recommended Airbnb and VRBO options in the local community.
There are multiple hotel choices about 20 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.
Transportation and Parking
We have ample parking on-site. We recommend hiring a shuttle to transport your guests if it fits within budget. Overnight parking is okay as long as vehicles are picked up before 10 a.m. the following day.
Can we bring in whatever vendors we’d like?
Aside from our in-hour bar service, we are more than happy to work with anyone that walks through our doors, as long as they are licensed and insured. Our team is happy to share their recommendations for vendors that fit your style and budget, but you are more than welcome to hire anyone you desire.
Our team has worked with hundreds of vendors over the years and suggest only the very best. If you are looking for additional help with vendor selection please feel free to reach out to us!
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is! We have wheel chair accessible parking spaces, bathrooms, and access to the ceremony space.
When can vendors arrive for setup?
10:00 am on the day of your event.
Will your staff be involved in setting up and breaking down the décor?
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 setup or tear down of decor. If you're looking for help to set up or tear down your decor, please reach out to your professional Day of Coordinator for guidance! We'd also be happy to guide your search in finding a helping hand! All decor and belongings are expected to be removed from the premises by the contracted time on the night of the facility rental. We kindly ask that you inform all vendors of your contracted times prior to the day of your event. We also ask that you not nail, tape, or tack anything to the walls. Fog machines, silly string, helium balloons, and chocolate fountains are not permitted anywhere inside the facility. Anything thrown outdoors must be biodegradable (i.e. no fake floral petals).
Note: The use of birdseed and blowing bubbles is permitted only outside for wedding and reception farewells. Rice, confetti, fake flower petals, balloons, glitter, silly string, pyrotechnics, and sparklers are not permitted inside or outside the facility.
Can we choose the layout for tables and chairs?
Yes, we have a few options for table and chair layouts and can help you plan your table layout whenever you're ready!
Do you allow candles?
We want all clients to feel that they have plenty of room for creativity when it comes to designing their decor. We only allow real candles if you rent linens at your expense. We do not allow them with our linens. There is a max of 3 per table and must be enclosed. No real candles are allowed outside of the building or anywhere else on the property. Battery-operated candle fixtures are always allowed!
Do you allow smoking?
The building is a tobacco-free facility. Smoking is restricted only to a designated smoking area in the parking lot.
Do you allow pets?
We understand that pets are like family. We are happy to allow our wedding couple to bring their furry friends. We require your pets to be on leashes unless outside or discussed with Ahavah Cottage (we know for the ceremony a leash may not be ideal). We also require that the wedding couple take full responsibility for their pets, that their pets are fully house-trained, and that they clean up after their pets. There will be an additional security deposit of $250 for pets which will be refunded 15-30 days after the event if the above rules are followed. Please inquire with us for further details :)
Do you require security or wedding insurance?
Ahavah Cottage does not require any outside security for events. If clients would like security at their event, it must be provided through Ahavah Cottage and will be done so for an additional cost. Wedding insurance is not required for Ahavah Cottage as we carry our own building and liquor liability insurance.
Is there an option to rent outdoor heaters on a chilly night?
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 for the couple to provide backup propane for these heaters on those chilly nights, however.
What else is nearby?
Elysian is a very accommodating small town. There is 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.
If you have any additional questions please contact us