Important Planning Dates

1. Date Held: Once you have determined Pique is on your "shortlist" of options, we can place a "Hold" on that date for you. You will then have first right of refusal if we receive another inquiry for that date (you'll have 48 hours to either secure the date with a deposit or release the date)
2. Date Secured: At the time of booking with a deposit.
3. Booking Fee: At the time of booking (non-refundable, credited towards total rental rate
4. Contract Due: At the time of booking.
5. Final Payment Due: 45 days prior to the event (non-refundable unless the date is booked by another client).
6. Proof of Insurance Due: If required, due 10 days prior to the event.
7. Final Planning Details: 10 days prior to the event a completed floorplan with any furniture moving, rentals, additional hours requested must be submitted along with a timeline of vendor arrival.

How many guests can the venue fit?

Stand-up cocktail receptions can accommodate 175-200 guests. For seated dinner receptions, we recommend not exceeding 130 guests, and 110 for a buffet. There is no minimum number of guests and the space can be set up to feel cozy from 20 to 200 people.

What is included in the rental rate?

Seating:

• 4 brown leather club chairs
• 40 vineyard cross back chairs
• 40 white ceremony folding chairs
• 6 metal bar stools

What is NOT included in the rental rate?

• Additional insurance. For all Saturday events, and some other events, you may be required to provide insurance coverage (typically a $200 expense). This is evaluated at the time of booking.
• Planning Services. Excelsior Events does not provide event management services or coordinating for the event. We highly recommend hiring a planner to coordinate and assist with planning your logistics, timeline, floorplan, vendors, decor, etc. Excelsior Events can only provide information regarding our venue.
• Food and beverage
• 3.5% credit card fee. No fee if pay by check
• $250 service fee for Pique staff on site if not using a preferred caterer.
• $350 cleaning fee
• $500 security deposit.

Is staff on-site during the event?

If you are using one of our Preferred Caterers they will supply the staff to manage your event on-site since they are intimately familiar with our venue. If you are using one of our Pre-Approved Caterers or your own caterer, due to liability we require Pique staff to be on-site at an additional service fee. If you need more day-of support on-site, we recommend hiring an event planner (see partners page on this site).

When can I get into the space?

The rental rate applies to the following specific time parameters: Weekday Evening: 4 pm - 11 pm Friday Evening: 4 pm - Midnight Saturday: 12 pm - Midnight Sunday Daytime: 9 am - 4 pm Sunday Evening: 4 pm - 11 pm Sunday Full-Day: 9 am - 11 pm All setup and tear down must occur within your rental timeframe including vendors. You can book additional time for setting up at $100/hour (additional time not guaranteed).

Can I ship or drop-off things in advance?

If the shipment or drop-off is minimally disruptive to any other day-to-day operations we can accept it. We try to be as accommodating as possible without charging the additional rental time so just ask if you have a specific request.

What floorplan and set up details are required?

We will send out a final details sheet to fill out and return no later than 10 days prior to the event. Our staff will arrange our furniture according to your drawn floorplan. Please provide a floorplan with all furniture/set up for the event and share with other vendors. You may visit the space any time with your party during working hours to assist with planning/set up.

What parking is available?

There is a 60-space lot directly behind the building that is shared by us, The Suburban restaurant, and CrossFit SISU. Additional free parking can be found across 3rd street and east of Water Street business, behind the Excelsior Brewery. Ask us for an area map of free public parking within two blocks of the event venue (can be shared with your guests).

Is there security on-site?

There is no security at the event site. If you are concerned that your event will be in need of security, please contact the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. In addition, you can contact a private security company of your choice (can provide security personnel on an hourly basis). The space is equipped with a security system and cameras.

Will I need to purchase insurance?

We reserve the right to require any event to obtain event insurance, most commonly applied to weddings, receptions, or other private events with over 100+ guests serving food and alcohol. If we require it for your event, you will be responsible for providing proof of $1 million general liability coverage that includes bodily injury and property damage, and needs to be filed at least 30 days prior to the event. The “additional insured” needs to be listed as follows: Excelsior Events LLC, 306 Water Street., Excelsior MN 55331.

Is the space handicap accessible?

Yes, there is a ramp leading up to the front entrance and bathrooms are ADA approved.

What restrooms are available?

We have a separate men’s and women’s restroom with two private stalls in each.

Are we allowed to bring in our own decor?

Yes. We try to be as accommodating as possible but will want to make sure your plans adhere to a few key parameters.

• Please do not bring in confetti or glitter.
• Candles with live flames are not allowed, LED candles only.
• We do not allow nails or tape on the walls or permanent items to be affixed.
• We do not allow sparklers/fireworks inside, but they can be lit in the parking lot or front area (assuming they are legal).
• Any hanging fixtures must be approved by our team.

Can we buy our own alcohol and drinks?

Yes! Buying your own alcohol will likely save your budget and allow you to serve unique or signature drinks, but you must provide it to guests free of charge given liquor laws. Since we don’t hold a liquor license you will be required to use our preferred partner Liquid Motion for licensed bartending services. If you are planning on a partial or full cash bar, please talk to us about additional options. This requires a special license not all companies can offer. For non-alcoholic drinks you can bring your own, hire a coffee bar service, etc. Whatever! You will also be responsible for bringing all the coolers, cups, ice, etc.

What is your food & beverage minimum?

Pique does not require a minimum dollar amount to be spent. Our catering partners provided on our Partners page have their own minimums that can be addressed directly with them.

Are food trucks allowed?

Yes. As long as they are legally licensed to serve food and meet the necessary requirements to do so, they are allowed at our venue. They will be required to park in the back parking lot (most often directly behind the venue, just off the back steps). No food trucks are allowed to park in the front of the building, or on the side of the building along the deck. Due to liability there is an additional $250 service fee to have Pique staff on site. Pre-Approved Food Truck Partners: Cafe Racer - caferacermn.com/events-weddings
Chili Lime - truck.chililime.net
O Cheeze - ocheeze.com
Gastrotruck - gastrotruck.mobi/catering

Can I have both my ceremony and reception at Pique?

Depending on the guest count, we may be able to accommodate both (ideally for 100 guests or less). The only additional charges that maybe be incurred from Pique are if you decide to extend the rental timeframe. However, please be sure to talk to your chosen catering partner. They may have additional charges for increased staffing and labor for "flipping" the space.

Is there space for our bridal party to get ready?

We can show you a couple of potential spaces, but they are typically off-limits and available only for use by the catering partner. The restrooms would be the only guaranteed space available. Please be sure to discuss this with our team during your venue tour.
We often suggest that bridal parties contact The Bird House Inn (a quaint bed and breakfast less than a block away) for a quiet, fun space to get ready that day. The Excelsior Hotel is another option.

Are there nearby hotel options?

There are two good choices in nearby Chanhassen - AmericInn and Country Inn & Suites and are within a 10-15 minute drive. In Excelsior, the Bird House Inn and Excelsior Hotel accommodate a small number of guests. For a touch of luxury, the Landings Hotel in Wayzata is another good choice.

Why should I use your preferred caterers?

We have carefully selected a range of caterers to meet your desired tastes and budget. These are trusted partners who are intimately familiar with our venue. Working with these them will save time, energy, and peace of mind knowing they offer a turn-key solution from set-up to tear-down. Best of all, you will save $250 since Pique staff is not required to be on-site. It’s like hitting the easy button.

Can I use my own caterer?

Yes. You can choose your own caterer. Please note, we do not have a kitchen on-site. Food preparation should be done at their commercial kitchen. Plating can be done at Pique. Outside caterers will need to provide proof of license and insurance. If they do not have an off-site liquor license, Liquid Motion can provide bar services. Due to liability, we charge an additional $250 fee for Pique staff to be on-site and to verify the caterer's insurance and licensing is all in order.

Can we bring our own food?

No. MN law does not allow for event venues to serve food brought by individuals. We do have affordable drop-off catering options with Kowalski’s market right up the street.

Are there nearby places to take pictures?

Some favorite spots for photos at Pique include our deck, front entrance, 1940’s phone booth, stable doors and floor to ceiling fireplace. Excelsior is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful Main Streets in America with many historic buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Lake Minnetonka is just 3 blocks away. Popular stops include the Port of Excelsior with docks and paddle wheel dinner cruises. The Excelsior Commons parkland has expansive green lawns and old growth Oak trees. Charter a 1900s Trolly from streetcar.org. Reasonable rates at $85/30 minutes. The railroad tracks end across the street from our property. Excelsior Brewery is also located across the street to pose with a growler of Excelsior’s best beer.

How much does it cost to rent?

Reasonable Rental Rates: Monday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $500 Tuesday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $500 Wednesday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm |$500 Thursday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $750 Friday | 4:00 pm - 12:00 am |$1,500 Saturday | Noon - 12:00 am | $2,500 Sunday (Daytime) | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | $750 Sunday (Evening) | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $750 Sunday (Full day) | 9:00 am - 11:00 pm | $1,250 Holidays = Inquire for availability and pricing ​ Rental pricing is subject to change without notice. Rental includes the space “as is” with furniture, tables, and most décor. Additional general liability insurance coverage may be required at the client's expense, typically a $200 expense. Earlier set up times can be requested but not guaranteed at a rate of $100 per additional hour. For liability purposes, a $250 service fee is charged for Pique staff on site if not using a preferred caterer. Our security deposit is $500. A 3.5% credit card fee is applied to all charges. You can save 3.5% by paying by check.