Reception site.

[camera_hapsy]

Hi. I'm new to this community, but I recognize some names from the weddingplans community, too

Comments

[lxforeverx]

I have the perfect location for you.

http://www.sua.umn.edu/reservations/wedding/

Well, okay. It's not that pretty...and it's not that crazy...but they allow outside caterers, can accommodate a TON of people, allow outside booze, and seriously are the nicest, most helpful, most flexible people to work with.

I know the space looks/is cheesy, but they seriously are so good. They have a sound system, all the furniture/setups you could want, an attached kitchen for food storage (not prep)...it's pretty cool.

The fact that the space means a lot to us is why we finally chose it, but I couldn't be happier with how they've been to us, so that's awesome. I highly recommend at least checking it out.

Good luck!!

[camera_hapsy]

Awesome! Yeah, at first I was being picky with the whole "ambiance" issue, but I've decided I really don't care what the place looks like, I just want room for everyone I want there! :) How are they price-wise?

[lxforeverx]

For us it was $1500. That included any setups we wanted (any amount of rearrangement), the room from 10 am to midnight and lucky us, the room for us to set up the day before. We added on decorations and an hour of open bowling for a few extra hundred.

At first I was annoyed that wedding rental was 2x regular rental, but they've been so helpful and responsive I'm totally over it, haha.

[annabelle_blue]

What geographical area is your preference?

[camera_hapsy]

Right now, I don't care! Ha, I'm so fed up, I might even cross the river and do it in Wisconsin. BUT, I guess preferably in the Cities region... though right now I'm considering Harmony Park, which is way down by Albert Lea. So I'll take any suggestions. :)

[ej]

When I had my wedding at the James J Hill Library, they allowed outside catering as long as the caterer was licensed/insured. It looks like they're not *quite* large enough, though.

The Landmark Center and The Great Hall are both really huge and allow outside (licensed) caterers, too, IIRC.

[peril_in_pink]

Maybe you could try talking to the Landmark Center. While they have a list of preferred caterers, you can really use anyone to cater as long as you get approval from them.

http://www.landmarkcenter.org/rental.html

I think it mentions that information if you scroll down on the price list. You might have to use them for beverages though.

[peril_in_pink]

You could also try the Semple Mansion, I believe they also allow outside caters as long as they are licensed.

http://semplemansion.com/index.php

[peril_in_pink]

They only seat up to 250 guests though

[camera_hapsy]

I would love Semple Mansion, but they're rental price is insane! And they totally pride themselves on being one of the few places in Minneapolis that allow outside caterers. I'm seriously thinking of starting my own place.. ha. Thanks, though. :)

[ihatebibimbap]

Here is where I'm doing mine. It holds up to 250, the park is absolutely stunning (the park is filled with plants and waterfalls...really), and they allow any caterer to come in. It's worth the visit, if you can.

[lxforeverx]

That place seems pretty cool!! I remember you posting it!