Wedding Package | Savage, MN

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Congratulations. You said yes!

Now, say yes to a wedding at the McColl Pond Environmental Learning and Event Center (ELC). Celebrate your special day at this beautiful and unique venue, set among 10 acres of native prairies, butterfly gardens and mature trees. The McColl Pond ELC is a natural choice for your intimate wedding, reception and groom’s dinner.

The McColl Pond ELC has beautiful indoor and outdoor space. The Aspen Room has a stunning wall of windows that overlook the serene McColl Pond and bathe the room in natural light, making it a picture-perfect spot to say “I do”. The outdoor covered patio is nestled among the landscape and gardens, and provides a beautiful woodland backdrop for your intimate vows/nuptials, without the worry of a rainy day. You can even say your vows surrounded by trees and flowers at one of several locations throughout the park grounds.

Those who choose the ELC will have full use of the stainless steel catering kitchen and food prep area, 60” round tables and matching chairs, and a full video/audio system. All- inclusive packages include use of both the indoor and outdoor areas, plus two separate rooms for prepping, dressing or storing personal belongings. Ample parking is designated directly in front of the building. In addition to the natural areas, the ELC provides convenient access to a playground area and 2 picnic shelters as well as the 53-acre Savage Community Park and its athletic complex.

Ceremony and Reception Space

The McColl Pond ELC Wedding Package includes full use of the Aspen Room, both adjacent classrooms and the outdoor patio. The Aspen Room capacity is approximately 100 people and the outdoor patio seats an additional 60 - 75 guests. The package also includes an additional two hours that can be used for setting up and decorating, hosting a groom’s dinner the night before, or cleaning up after the event (subject to availability and some restrictions may apply). If you would like to receive more information about hosting a gathering at the McColl Pond ELC, fill out the Facility Rental Inquiry Form.

Aspen Room rental includes:

Large prep kitchen
15 - 60" round tables with chairs (7-person standard seating) (indoor use only)
4 - 29" x 144" buffet tables (indoor use only)
100+ chairs (indoor use only)
Full video and audio sound system
Podium and wireless microphone
Wifi
Outdoor covered patio
11 - 48" octagon picnic tables (outdoor patio use only)
1 - 6' picnic table (outdoor patio use only)

Available upon request: easels, coat racks, 3 - 30" high-top tables

View Aspen Room Sample Floorplan >

Pricing

Aspen Room
Wedding Package	Full Day (7 a.m. - 11 p.m.) + additional 2 hours*	$2,000

*The wedding package includes an additional 2 hours to be used the night before your reservation (7 - 9 p.m.) or the morning after your reservation (8 - 10 a.m.). Please indicate the time block you prefer when making your reservation. If you would like to reserve additional time, the rate will be determined by our standard fee schedule.

Make a Reservation

We honor all reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis. To secure your event space, we require a signed contract and a 50% reservation down payment at the time of reservation. Your down payment is non-refundable but will be applied towards your balance due. Wedding Package final payments are due 90 days before the event date.

McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center hours available for reservation are between 7 a.m. -11 p.m. Events should conclude by 10 p.m. All reservations need to be cleaned up and out of the building by 11 p.m.

*Please Note: reservations cannot be made more than 365 days in advance.

Reserve Now >

Wedding Package Reservation Form (PDF)

Contact Us

McColl Pond ELC Reservations/Appointments  | 952-224-3420
Email  | elcinfo@savagemn.gov
Fax  | 952-224-3430

McColl Pond ELC
13550 Dakota Ave.
Savage, MN 55378

FAQs

Am I able to bring in my own wine, beer, or liquor?

Yes, you may bring in alcoholic beverages, including kegs of beer. Alcoholic beverages may be served to, and consumed by, guests aged twenty-one (21) years of age or older in compliance with state laws, regulations and city ordinances, but shall not be sold without a valid temporary on-sale license for beer and/or wine issued by the City. No glass is allowed on the outdoor patio.
Are there cooking facilities on site at the ELC?

The facility is set up for catered or potluck type of events. There is no cooking equipment at the ELC. There is a small refrigerator onsite.
Can I bring in outside entertainment?

Yes, however please note that if they are playing music outside, they must conclude by 10 p.m.
Can I bring my own food?

Anything from family potluck to full catering is allowed at the McColl Pond ELC. All caterers must be licensed with the Minnesota Department of Health and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. Renter is required to provide contact information for all professional or commercial caterers/restaurants to the City of Savage. If you hire a caterer, please make sure they fill out this form and return it to Savage Parks and Recreation 30 days prior to the Date of Use. Caterers who will be supplying or selling alcohol must abide by all state laws, regulations and city ordinances.
Does my reservation time include set-up and clean-up time?

All set-up time and clean-up time must be included in the billable reservation time. McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center hours available for reservation are between 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. All reservations need to be cleaned up and out of the building by 11 p.m.

Wedding Package Only: Your reservation does include two additional hours (7-9 p.m.) for set up or a groom’s dinner the night before your event, or you can use this time to clean up the next morning (8-10 a.m.). All subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply.
How do I pay my balance?

In-person:
Savage Parks & Recreation
Public Works, 13770 Dakota Ave., Savage
Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

24-hour Drop Box:
Public Works, 13770 Dakota Ave., Savage

Pay Online >

Payments cannot be taken over the phone.
How do I secure my reservation?

To secure a reservation at the McColl Pond ELC, the appropriate Reservation Application and the Reservation Fee of 50% of the total balance is required to hold the rental. The reservation fee is non-refundable but is applied toward the final balance due. Reservation applications can be found on the Reserve Now tab.

For Standard Reservations & Business Reservations, final payments are due 60 days prior to the Date of Use. For Wedding Package Reservations, final payments are due 90 days prior to the Date of Use. Renter may lose use of the facility, and rental agreement may be voided, if balance due is not received when due prior to Date of Use.
How far in advance can I make a reservation for the McColl Pond ELC?

Reservations are taken one year out to the date. Please call our office at 952-224-3420 if you are interested in a specific date.
Is smoking or vaping allowed on site?

The ELC is a TOBACCO-FREE FACILITY and the use of tobacco products of any kind are prohibited throughout the ELC building, patio, and surrounding area except only as permitted in the designated areas of the ELC parking lot.
Is smoking tobacco allowed on site?

All City facilities are tobacco-free. There is a designated smoking area at the east side of the back parking lot, identified by signage.
Is there a staff person at the facility during my event?

May - October: One to two staff members may be on site for assistance during your event.

November - April: there are no staff members on site for your reservation. Any needs will have to be discussed prior to your reservation.
What are renters clean-up responsibilities?
- You will be given a Check-out List when you pick up your key for your reservation (week of your reservation).
- All garbage needs to be gathered and taken out to the garbage shed structure on the north side of the facility. Renter does not need to do anything with outdoor patio trash.
- Clean tables and chairs and return to storage closet.
- Sweep and mop floors as needed. Cleaning supplies are included and are on site.
- Bathrooms should be wiped down and garbage removed.
What are the dimensions of the Aspen room?

The Aspen room is 39' x 43', 1677 square feet, with vaulted ceilings.
What can I decorate?
- Table top decorations, floor and window accents are encouraged.
- Candles are permitted when used in a fire-safe, enclosed container.
- Affixing items to the walls, ceilings, windows or other building elements is strictly prohibited.
- Fog/smoke machines are prohibited.
- No confetti, streamers, birdseed, rice, glitter, sand, silly string, or fresh flower petals are allowed in the ELC or outside on the grounds.
- Tables, chairs, and furniture of any kind from inside the building is not allowed to be moved outdoors for any reason. Moving these items outside could result in damage to the floor of the ELC. The renter could be liable for covering the cost of such damage if this policy is not followed.
Where do I pick up/drop off the key?

The renter is responsible for picking up the key from the Parks and Recreation office at the Public Works building at 13770 Dakota Ave., during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. For weekend events, keys will need to be picked up the Friday before unless other arrangements are made.

More FAQs

Savage, MN

Weddings

Weddings

Weddings

Congratulations. You said yes!

Ceremony and Reception Space

Pricing

Aspen Room

Make a Reservation

Contact Us

FAQs