WEDDINGS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Historic Concord Exchange?
The beauty and elegance of the building provide a ready-made beautiful atmosphere, with little or no extra decorating necessary. Complete background music and/or audio-video and microphone equipment are built-in on site so all of your needs are already covered. You are able to quickly and efficiently plan an amazing event by adding a menu and set-up choice.

Where are you located?
The Historic Concord Exchange is located in South St. Paul, just off of 494 and Concord Street. 200 North Concord Exchange South St. Paul, MN 55075

What is the capacity of the mansion?
We can hold seated dinners of up to 250, and cocktail receptions up to 500. Multiple rooms may be used for seating, depending on the size of your party.

When may I tour the mansion?
Tours are set-up by appointment for your convenience. Please contact the Event Coordinator at 651-233-6619 to set-up your tour. Evening and weekend tours are available.

Can we bring our own alcohol?
All alcohol must be provided by Historic Concord Exchange. You may set-up any combination of cash or hosted bar for your event.

Do you allow outside catering?
Our in-house chef and caterer, Duke Lindberg, will provide all the food for your event. We only permit outside caterers to provide your cake or entertainment.

Can we bring our own DJ?
No, The Historic Concord Exchange is equipped with a state of the art in-house sound system, and we work with our trained staff DJ who is trained to operate our system.

Can you accommodate bands?
We can accommodate bands. Your Event Coordinator will approve all bands and any fees associated with set-up. Piano or string quartets have been excellent for ceremonies.

Where do my guests park?
The venue has a free parking ramp directly across the street, and has limited street parking directly in front and back of the building.

Do you offer valet?
We would be happy to arrange valet for your guests through one of our vendors. Additional fees apply.

What are your restrictions on decorations?
Decorations are permitted as pre-approved by your Event Coordinator. No open flame candles or confetti of any kind are allowed. Tools that could damage the mansion, such as tape, tacks, nails or glue are not permitted.

Do you have changing rooms for the Bridal Party?
We have several areas that can be used by the Bridal Party as a changing room.
Please contact your Event Coordinator to reserve

Can we host our grooms dinner after our Rehearsal?
Yes. We have a specific menu for grooms dinners. Please ask your Event Coordinator for more details.

Can we host our gift opening on Sunday at HCE?
Yes. We have the ability to provide you with continental breakfast, breakfast buffets, brunch etc. If you would like to host your gift opening, please contact your Event Coordinator.

Event Facility Policies

Payment
50% of base rental fee is due on deposit to hold your date. The remainder of the deposit must be paid 180 days before your event. The deposit is non-refundable. Any additional amounts are due 10 days before the day of your event.

Cancellation
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to HCE with proof of receipt, 6 months prior to event date. In the case of cancellations submitted less than six months prior to the event date, Historic Concord Exchange is entitled to recoup up to the full Rental fee plus all estimated revenue. The deposit is non-refundable regardless of cancellation date.

Service Fees
All costs invoiced by Historic Concord Exchange, with the exception of the Rental fee of building, are subject to a 20% Labor Charge. This Labor charge is for all servers, kitchen staff and set-up/ take-down of equipment and clean-up; it is not a gratuity.

Parking
Ample, free parking is available across the street from the building for all guests. There is limited available parking on the street in front of the building. Valet can be arranged through your Event Coordinator if desired.

Rehearsals
Ceremony Rehearsal can be scheduled prior to your event date. Attendance must be limited to immediate wedding party only. Rehearsals will be scheduled based on availability of the Historic Concord Exchange, but we will schedule to accommodate Renter as much as possible. Up to two consecutive hours of scheduled time is included with the Ceremony option, with additional time charged at $150 per hour. You are invited to host your Rehearsal Dinner with us in a private dining room.

Security
All security is to be performed by HCE staff at a rate of $35.00/hour per security guard. Historic Concord Exchange reserves the right to remove any person from the event.

Photographs and Publicity
Historic Concord Exchange reserves the right to photograph any Event and guests attending the event, and to use this photography as it chooses, in advertising or other publications, without compensation to Renter or guests at the premises.
Damage and Liability
Historic Concord Exchange is not responsible for any damage or loss of any merchandise, articles or valuables belonging to the Renter or guests at any time they are on the property. Renter is responsible for any damages incurred to the building and or property by themselves, their guests, and any contractors or agents hired by the Renter.

Decorations
All decorations must be pre-approved by the event coordinator. No open flames, confetti of any kind, or wall tapings are permitted. Candles contained in glass or flame-proof containers that are monitored at all times such as on the tables--- are permitted. Flameless candles are also accepted.

Audio/Visual
We have a state-of-the-art sound and audio visual system that is throughout the building spaces, including flat panel monitors to allow you to play a slide show of pictures. There is also a professional nightclub lighting system for an entertainment experience that is delivered by the most talented and experienced DJs in the Twin Cities. Cordless microphone for announcements/toasts is provided.

Menu Selections
Menu must be confirmed no later than 14 days prior to event date. A complimentary tasting for two will be scheduled 2-3 months before your event. A maximum of three entrees are permitted. Salad and dessert selections are the same for all guests. The menus provide helpful suggestions in meal and party planning, but you are not limited to these selections alone. Your event coordinator and the chef are happy to help you design a custom menu.

Meal Guarantees
Renter is responsible for submitting a full and complete guaranteed guest list 2 weeks prior to event. This includes your floor plan (we will supply you with your options), seating chart, food selections for each table and place cards labeled with name and food selection. Menu selections must be clearly identifiable on place cards, to assist in prompt and correct delivery of all plated dinners.

Food and Beverage Regulations.
All food and beverages served and consumed on the premises must be provided by Historic Concord Exchange and/or the Historic Concord. The only exception to this regulation is decorative cakes.

Bar Service
There is a $50.00 charge for each bar set-up, and a $75.00 charge for each bartender. One bartender is required for every 75 guests.
Host Bar All beverages consumed are paid by the host. A bar set-up fee of $50 per bar, and $75 per bartender is required.
Cash Bar All beverages consumed are paid in cash or credit card by the individual. A bar set-up fee of $50 per bar, and $75 per bartender is required.

Equipment & Rental Services
The catering office can provide any equipment needed in the setup of a function, for the applicable rental fee.

Hotel Rooms
Historic Concord Exchange offers a Bridal Suite with fireplace and whirlpool tub is complementary for the newlyweds on the day of the wedding. Nine other spacious hotel suites all with fireplace and whirlpool tub are available for rental exclusively to guests of the event.

Prices
The prices listed on our catering menus are current. However, due to market conditions these prices are subject to change. A price can be confirmed to you 60 days prior to you event, with subsequent changes occurring only under extreme market conditions. Prices do not include 7.125% tax on all food, labor charges, and other optional service charges, and 9.875% tax on all alcohol sales. There is no tax or service charge on the Room rental cost.
Optional Service Charges
$50.00 - per each 100 guests for butler passed hors d'oeuvres.
$50.00 - per each 100 guests for butler passed champagne and/or wine
$895.00 - use of Historic Concord Exchange DJ services
$25.00/hour Coat Check
$35.00/hour each extra security guard
$600.00 Ceremony Fee (includes dressing rooms for Wedding Party, and 2 hours of rehearsal time)

Booking our space and timeline
If you would like to book your event at the historic Concord Building please sign and return our contract with signatures along with your deposit which is 50% of your room fee (see estimate above for fee). Our policy is first come first serve, we do book up our weekends quickly so if you love the space and all that it has to offer call with a credit card number so we can hold your date.

3 Months before your wedding: Your food tasting will be held with your coordinator unless you prefer to have it sooner. We will contact you one week prior to the tasting to determine the food items you wish to sample. We will also be determining room set up at this time and discuss time lines for the set up of your event and for all of your vendors.

3 Weeks before your wedding: Your final walk through and meeting with your coordinator will be arranged 3 weeks prior to your wedding date. We will send you a final estimate after this meeting along with your timeline for the day. We will be contacting any vendors needed to finalize delivery times and to present them our time line of the day.

We will need :
Final guest total
Seating chart with menu choices indicated for plated dinners,
Time line of ceremony & reception with mobile phone number and email contact information for all vendors.

Please contact us for any other questions or arrange for a tour of the building spaces and hotel suites at [email protected] or call the Event Coordinator, Shannon Berczyk at 651-233-6619.