Info & FAQs

Weddings 2023

Rates

Option One –
Full Weekend for up to 144 Participants: $12,000

Option Two –
Full Weekend for up to 200 Participants: $14,000

Reserving Your Date

Interested couples can schedule a visit with Emily and Glenn Swanson by emailing info@oldenburghouse.com or by calling 218.384.4835.

A non-refundable 50% down payment secures the wedding date. A 25% payment is due two months before the wedding, and 25% payment is due two weeks before the wedding.

Sustainability

Oldenburg House hosts only 3-4 weddings each year to assure that each one receives our full attention and the wedding couples’ expectations are met, and hopefully exceeded.  The limited number also helps us steward our property. 

Our waste management practices emphasize zero waste by diverting as much waste as possible from landfills through source reduction, materials reuse, recycling, and composting.

How We Work - Vendors

With the exception of our exclusive relationships with Doucette’s (provider of tents, tables, and chairs) and Brett’s Biffies (provider of executive portapotties) we welcome the wedding couple’s choices in caterers, florists, photographers, and other vendors.  We are also happy to refer wedding couples to our network of high-quality and reliable vendors who share our business principles.

Event Dates

Oldenburg House hosts weddings from May 15th to October 15th.  Typically, weddings are scheduled over a four day block of time: two days prior to your wedding date, the wedding & reception day, and the day thereafter.  Most often weddings are scheduled on Saturday, but we can accommodate any day of the week.

Guest List Size

Oldenburg House can accommodate up to 200 guests in our outdoor ceremony and reception sites. The indoor space seats up to 30 guests for a rehearsal dinner or a wedding party brunch. In the event of rain or poor weather conditions, we utilize the reception tent as our backup location for the ceremony.

Accommodations

Oldenburg House
Overnight accommodations are available for up to 10 people. The Oldenburg, Jay Cooke, and Morning Glory Suites are available for up to 6 guests, and each has its own private bathroom. We also offer our  sleeping porch for 2 guests and an outdoor yurt for 2 guests.

Guest Lodging

Local Accommodations

Accommodations for wedding guests can be found at several local hotels,
resorts and campgrounds, with many more offered in nearby Duluth, MN.

  • Best Western – Spirit Mountain
  • America’s Best Value Inn Duluth Spirit Mountain
  • Spirit Mountain Villas
  • Mont Du Lac Resort – RV camping, cabins, and rental houses
  • Royal Pines Inn
  • First American Hotel & Suites
  • Black Bear Casino Resort
  • Jay Cooke State Park – RV camping, campsites, and camper cabins
  • Cloquet/Duluth KOA Journey – RV camping, campsites, and camper cabins

Shuttles:  We can refer you to local shuttle companies to transport your guests to the Oldenburg House and back to their guest accomodations.

What We Provide

Tent:
One white Charnecke sectional pole tent and sidewalls installed - 40’x80’ or 40’x100’ based on the number of guests.
Lighting for Tent:
500’ of cafe lights installed.
Tent Flooring (20’x40’):
Installed as per custom tent floor plan provided by client.
Chairs:
Natural wood or white padded folding chairs for the wedding ceremony and reception
Benches:
15 cedar benches, each 8 feet long for seating anywhere on the property.
Banquet and Round Tables:
Dining Tables: 8’ banquet tables or 5’ rounds for dining offer seating for eight guests per table, and can also be ordered for cakes, gifts, presentations, catering needs, etc.
Cocktail High-Top Tables:
Ten 3’ round high-top tables and 30 Chiavari chairs are also available.
Sound System:
PA system and microphones with stands are available. Note: This sound system is not designed for a live band. Typically a live band brings its own sound system and the cost is included in their fee.
Liquor License and Bar Service:
Oldenburg House carries general liability insurance and provides a licensed and insured bartender, bar, refrigerators, and ice. The wedding party provides alcohol, mixers, soft drinks, glassware, and event liability insurance (available from www.wedsafe.com). All unused alcohol and mixes are returned to the wedding party after the event. Oldenburg House’s bartenders also can help you estimate quantities and select alcohol offerings.
Executive Outdoor Restrooms
Flush porta-potties - including one unit that is wheelchair accessible - are available on the grounds. Use of B&B bathroom facilities is limited to overnight guests using those rooms.
Waste Service:
Recycling, composting, and waste bins are included.
Parking:
Parking is available on the property for up to 8 vehicles. All other vehicles can be parked across the street in the Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Saturday Light Breakfast:
Yogurt, fruit, coffee, muffins, and champagne for the wedding party on the day of the wedding.
Sunday Brunch:
A celebration brunch for up to eight wedding party guests the day after the wedding.

Amenities

Bean bag, bocce, badminton and croquet games are available to set up on the grounds.
Bar and outside refrigerator
Various serving pieces and décor
First Aid and Repair kit - scissors, thread, tape, stain removal, etc.
Caterers have access to water in the Oldenburg House kitchen and refrigeration is available in the basement and outdoors.

Not Provided

Food for the rehearsal or reception dinner, bar/ware, liquor, garnishes, tablecloths/linens, glassware, cutlery, table decor, flowers, signage.

FAQ

What additional services do you offer?
Valet Parking: $100
Sound system: $150
Can we hold the wedding ceremony anywhere on the property?
Yes. Typically, the wedding ceremony is held at the Morning Glory Pool patio/grotto, but all areas of the property can be used. In the event of rain or poor weather conditions, the reception tent is used for the wedding ceremony as well.
Can we bring in our own food?
No, food must be supplied by a licensed caterer. You can use any catering partner you choose, and we also can recommend great caterers.
Do you have any local wedding planners, florists, photographers, bakers, hair and make-up stylists, lighting and sound providers you recommend?
Yes, we have experience with outstanding providers in all areas and are happy to introduce you.
Can we use our own decor?
Yes, you can customize the ceremony site and grounds to your heart’s desire provided that any existing decor is not damaged in the process. We ask that you do not use glue or nails. We do not provide décor.
How does music and audio work?
You can bring in your equipment or we can provide our portable sound system and speakers at the ceremony site, the patio and reception area. Glenn will work with your sound engineer as needed.
Can we have bonfires?
Yes, our ground pits can be lit for no extra charge. Our crew will set up, light, replenish, monitor, and extinguish fires; wedding guests are not allowed to use the fire pits on their own. Use of the cliffside fire pits are available for a $250 fee.
How do you keep children safe?
Children are allowed if they are supervised at all times by a designated childcare adult who is not a member of the wedding party. We will meet with your designated childcare person before the wedding to review our children's safety requirements.
Can we have our dog in our ceremony?
Yes, dogs are welcome, and our dog Sukie is very friendly with other dogs.
Is smoking allowed?
No. Smoking is not allowed on Oldenburg House grounds. Smoking is allowed outside the venue in designated areas.
Are firearms or fireworks allowed?
No weapons, firearms, fireworks, Chinese lanterns, or sparklers of any kind are not allowed at Oldenburg House under any circumstances.
How late can the wedding party go?
The City of Carlton’s policy is that there can be no unnecessary noise after 11pm. All amplifying sound equipment must be turned off at 11pm, and wedding guests must depart by midnight.
Can any guests set up tents and camp on the property overnight?
No, Oldenburg house is not a licensed campground and cannot allow tents on the property. There are several campgrounds nearby at Jay Cooke State Park or the KOA campground.
How does setup and teardown work?
We set up the tent, tables, chairs, and lights. Most of our wedding parties set up and breakdown all other aspects of the site themselves, or have their vendors take care of it. This includes clearing table settings and decorations. We can provide set-up and clean-up support at $40/ hour if needed. The site needs to be restored to its original condition by 11 am on Sunday. We can make arrangements with your vendors for later equipment pick­up if required.
How do you handle recycling and trash?
We work with vendors who compost, recycle or carry out what they bring in. Our trash and recycling bin systems are placed in high-traffic areas across the grounds. We recommend using reusable service ware (reusable dishes, cutlery, cloth napkins, etc.) or BPI-certified single-use compostable cups, napkins, plates, and cutlery to reduce waste.

Typical Wedding Day Timeline

Breakfast for Wedding Party
10 am
Hair and Make-up
11 am - 1 pm
Dressing
1-2 pm
First Look, Photos
2-3 pm
Guests Arrive
3 pm
Ceremony
3:30-4:15 pm
Receiving Line, Cocktail Hour, Chair Move
4:15-5:15 pm
Dinner, Toasts
5:30 pm
Cake Cutting
7:00 pm
Dance
7:30 pm
Fires lit
8:00 pm
Lake Night Snacks
9:30 pm
Amplified Sound Ends
11:00 pm
Shuttle Service
11:30 pm