Wedding Package | Savage, MN

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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).

Aspen Room rental includes:

15 - 60” round tables that seat 6-8 people
4 - 29” x 144” buffet tables
3 - 30" high-top tables (upon request)
11 - 48" octagon picnic tables (outdoor patio use only)
1 - 6' serving table (outdoor patio use only)
100+ chairs
Stainless steel prep kitchen with full refrigerator and sink
2 stainless steel utility carts
2 coat racks
Wireless microphone
Podium
Wifi
Full video and audio sound system
Easels (upon request - subject to availability)

View Aspen Room Sample Floorplan >

Pricing

Aspen Room
January-December	Full Day (7 a.m. - 11 p.m.)	$1,600

The wedding package includes a two hour time block 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.

We honor all weddings on a first-come, first-serve basis. To secure your event space, we require a signed contract and a $250+ tax deposit ($270.93) at the time of booking.

Your deposit will be applied to your balance due but is non-refundable if you cancel your reservation. Final payments are due 90 days before the event. Reservation dates may be rescheduled based on availability.

Make a Reservation

Wedding Package Reservation Form (PDF)

Reservation form and deposit can be:

mailed or dropped off in person at Savage Parks and Recreation, 13770 Dakota Ave., Savage, MN 55378
faxed to 952-224-3430

Tours of the McColl Pond ELC are available by appointment. Please call our office at 952-224-3420 to schedule a time.

Tour the McColl Pond ELC online >

Contact Us

McColl Pond ELC Reservations/Appointments  | 952-224-3420
Email  | elcinfo@cityofsavage.com
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, but you cannot sell it unless you have a valid temporary on-sale license for beer and/or wine. You can apply for this type of license from the City of Savage. 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 registered with the MN Department of Health. If you hire a caterer, please make sure they fill out this form and return it to Savage Parks and Recreation. Call 952-224-3420 with questions.
Does my reservation time include set-up and clean-up time?

2024: Your reservation includes a 30-minute grace period on each end of your rental time. The time you list on the reservation application is what you will be billed for.

As of January 1, 2025: set-up time and clean-up time must be included in the billable reservation time.

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 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 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?

One to two staff members may be on site for assistance during your event.
What are renters clean-up responsibilities?
- You will be given a Check-out List
- 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.
The renter will receive a complete checkout list along with the key.
What are the dimensions of the Aspen room?

The Aspen room is 40’ x 44’ with vaulted ceilings.
What can I decorate?

Table top decorations, floor and window accents, and flameless candles are encouraged. Fog/smoke machines are prohibited.
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, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For weekend events, keys will need to be picked up the Friday before unless other arrangements are made.
Will there be any other events going on during my event?

Hourly Reservations Only: There may be other reservations in the classroom area.

Wedding Package Only: There will not be anyone else using space at the McColl Pond ELC, however there may be other activities or events happening within the Savage Community Park. These will not interfere with your event, and there is a designated parking area directly in front of the ELC for guests to park.

More FAQs

Savage, MN

Weddings

Weddings

Weddings

Congratulations. You said yes!

Ceremony and Reception Space

Pricing

Aspen Room

Make a Reservation

Contact Us

FAQs