​PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT!

The Ames Center was built to host the best in performing arts but our weddings are just as spectacular. Our varied spaces will provide an elegant backdrop to your special day. Our event venues can accommodate your ceremony and reception depending on the size and style you desire. Steal the show in the stunning Atrium, featuring floor to ceiling windows or take center stage in the Masquerade Dance Theater. Enjoy the adjacent Nicollet Commons Park or our extremely versatile Black Box Theater. The choice is yours, but we will be there to help you every step of the way.

Detailed information, including a cost estimate, can be provided once our staff has visited with you to assess your needs. Contact the Ames Center Sales & Event Manager at 952-895-4679 if you have questions, to check room availability and pricing, or to make a reservation.

RECEPTION SPACE 

ATRIUM
Steal the show in the stunning Atrium, featuring floor to ceiling windows. The Second Floor Atrium can accommodate 150 guests. Atrium is not available during Masquerade Dance Theater Events. 

BLACK BOX THEATER
This intimate space will make it a day that will be remembered forever by up to 50 guests, reception style. Also a wonderful space for a ceremony.

All events must conclude by midnight, or additional fees will apply. 

Rental includes heat/air conditioning as appropriate for the season, non-theatrical lighting, electricity, custodial services and set up and tear-down of the event space. Tables and chairs available from our inventory are also included in the rental All other services are at the sole expense of the user depending on services requested and required. Prices are subject to change without notice. 

RENTAL RATES INCLUDE 
Room(s) reserved
8 Hours in the space (including personal set up & tear down)
Standard Custodial Services
Standard Utilities
Dance Floor
Customized Floor Plan
Setup & Tear Down
Tables & chairs from inventory
Insurance
Onsite Event Coordinator
Guest Parking
1 Bar set up & bartenders 

RENTAL RATES DO NOT INCLUDE 
Catering
Beverages
Linens
Glassware
Excessive Clean Up 

CEREMONY SPACES 
Seating up to 75 guests for a ceremony is a room with warm wooden floors and art pieces that rotate every 6-8 weeks. 

The Black Box Theater is the smaller of the Ames Center’s theaters, seating up to 150. The room is a completely open space, which makes it entirely flexible. Rental of the Black Box also includes private dressing spaces for the bridal party, as well as the sound system and theatrical lighting. 

Second Floor Atrium
This package is perfect for those who love the Second Floor Atrium. Guests will start in the Second Floor Atrium for the ceremony, and then they make their way to the Art Gallery for a Cocktail Hour, after the Cocktail Hour they return to the Second Floor Atrium, which has been transformed for the reception. It includes 90 minutes for the ceremony, 90 minutes for the cocktail hour while the room is being flipped, and microphone and speakers for the ceremony

EVENT ADD ONS 
Art Gallery 
The Art Gallery and surrounding lobby space can accommodate a cocktail hour for up to 200 guests. The rental includes an additional bar set up.

Setup/Decorating (Our staff will set up your decorations)
Table cloths (white or black)
Linen Napkins
LED Uplights (8)
​LED Uplights (16)
Additional Bar Set Up
LCD Projector
Microphones/Speakers/Ipod Hookup

Please contact us for pricing.

BOOKING PROCEDURES

Contact our Sales & Event Manager at 952-895-4679 regarding available dates and pricing. 

Reservations may be made by phone or e-mail, but are considered tentative until a Use Agreement has been signed. If reservation is not confirmed within 14 days, it is automatically released.

DEPOSIT

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required with a signed contract; the remaining balance is due one week prior to your event.

PAYMENT

Final payment is due one week prior to your event. A credit card on file is required for all other
additional charges.

LINENS & DECORATIONS

Your caterer can supply all linens for the dining event and serving tables. The Ames Center also
has linens available for rental. They will also provide place settings, flatware, and anything other for food service. They may be able to supply you with some decorating options. The florist you use can be of your own choosing. Deliveries must be coordinated through The Ames Center personnel.

CAKE

Cakes or cupcakes may come from any licensed bakery of your choosing. Cake cutting fees may apply, based on which caterer you select. Deliveries must be coordinated through Ames Center personnel.

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment can be provided by a DJ or live performers at your expense. Load in and set up
must be coordinated through Ames Center staff.

BEVERAGES & BAR SERVICE

The Ames Center will supply a bar and bartenders as needed. All beer, wine, & spirits must be
served by Ames Center staff. Absolutely no outside alcohol is allowed in the building

CEREMONY SPACES

The Ames Center has a few locations for ceremonies; they include the Black Box, Art Gallery, &
Second Floor Atrium. Also, just outside is the Nicollet Commons Park, for park rental information contact City of Burnsville Parks and Recreation Department at 952-895-4500

CATERING

The Ames Center has a preferred caterer list, see below for caterers and contacts. Talk to your caterer about their level of staffing for your event. The Ames Center does not provide staff to assist the caterer with setup, serving, or tear down. You may bring in a licensed caterer that is not on the below list, for a fee. Please inquire with the Ames Center.

PREFERRED CATERERS

Crave Catering
www.cravecatering.com
952-565-5620
[email protected]

Mediterranean Cruise Café
www.medcruisecafe.com
952-641-6222
Jamal Ansari - [email protected]



BEVERAGE LIST (please inquire for pricing)
Hosted Soda (50 person minimum)
Bottled Water
Domestic Beers
Craft & Imported Beers
House Wine (Glass)
House Wine (Bottle)
Domestic Keg
Import & Craft Keg
​
Prices do not include Sales Tax
20% service charge on hosted beverages.
Beverage prices subject to change without notice

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

May I bring in my own food or use caterers of my own choice?
All food and nonalcoholic beverages must be provided by a licensed caterer. You may bring in an outside caterer of your choosing for a fee. For weddings, the wedding cake must be provided by a licensed bakery.

Am I able to bring in my own wine, beer or liquor?
Per our liquor license, the Ames Center must be the sole supplier of all alcoholic beverages. If you have a specific request, please contact your event coordinator regarding special orders.

May I come in early to decorate the space prior to my guests arriving?
You will be able to use the space for the time as specified in your contract. Please make sure to schedule adequate time to setup and tear down when making your reservation. Also, please remember that all items must be removed from the space at the end of your event.

Are there any décor restrictions?
Candles are acceptable as long as they are enclosed in a container and the top of the flame is at least one (1) inch below the top of the container. Helium balloons are prohibited in the building at any time because if they should escape, they will set off our fire detection units and sprinkler systems in the ceiling. No confetti & glitter may be used anywhere in the building.

Is there an area available to unload items?
Depending on your needs and location of your event, your event coordinator will inform you of the best location to unload. We also have a limited supply of carts and dollies for your use but we cannot guarantee their availability when you arrive.

Will there be other events going on during my event?
There may be other events or performances taking place during your event, however they will not interfere with your event.

For additional questions, rates and availability, please contact:
Sales & Event Manager
Kelsey Covart
952-895-4679
[email protected]
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Click here to fill out a request for proposal/information.
*Response could take up to one week.  Please wait at least one week before resubmitting form.