Elm Creek Park Chalet

Overview:

From a former DJ in 2012:

Elm Creek is a bit tricky to setup because the dance floor buts right up against a wall, and on two sides there are doors, one to outside (which needs to remain clear for a fire exit), and one to the Ski Patrol Room (which is often used as a dressing room/storage room for the wedding party).  I had a smaller wedding, so I was able to place my lights against the wall on the dance floor, but if you have 200+ people, you might not want to take up that space.

Also, this is a fairly new venue and in very good shape, so please avoid using duct tape. Because it’s likely that you will have to run cables where people will be walking/dancing, make sure you bring some gaffer’s tape.

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All Three Rivers Park District Venues share some policies, including:

Reservations end at Midnight. That doesn’t mean last song at midnight, that means lights off, doors locked by midnight.  You need to make sure your dance ends early enough so you can tear down and get out by then.

They are Green facilities. All caterers are required to either have compostable or non-disposable dinnerware.  Often, they don’t even put out garbage cans.  You may need to make an announcement reminding guests if the plates/silverware are compostable.  Please be conscious of your own garbage too.  Treat it like a campsite, if you bring it in with you, take it out. Don’t throw that Mcdonald’s bag or 5 hour energy bottle in the compost bin.

Smoking is banned within 25′ of entrances.  Don’t be the one to violate this rule, and if you see guests violating the rule, kindly encourage them to move farther away from the doors before the Park Security busts them.

Load In:

There is not a lot of room to set up your gear because the dance floor butts up against the wall. At this point (1/9/2016) I am unsure where you load in from. Ask the venue.

Challenges:

You're not going to want to take up much space and will want to call the venue ahead of time to ensure you'll have enough space for your lights and gear. Small venues like this one can be difficult with the sound too, especially if there is echo coming back at your speaker (mic feedback). Be aware of this and do a good soundcheck before people arrive and after.

Extra Venue Call Questions:

Where do I load my gear in?

Where will my table be located?

Will I have room for my dance lights?

Website:

https://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/elm-creek-park/elm-creek-chalet.aspx

The Knot:

https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/elm-creek-chalet-maple-grove-mn-359062