Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
From inclusions to our bad weather policy, check out our FAQs below.
You probably have so many questions for us!
And we hope we can answer them all for you, but if you have read all of our FAQ’s and still have questions, feel free to then call, email or fill out our contact form below.
Barn’s Hayloft: 240 guests Barn’s Ground Floor: 96 Outdoor Pavilion: 300+
Various table arrangements for reception are available upon request
Lady on the Lake Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located on the premises and is included in your wedding package. Each of our 4 luxury guest rooms has a view of Lake Elsie. All include private bathrooms; 3 feature jetted Jacuzzis. Room occupancy–up to 2 guests per room. The rest of the mansion’s interior is one-of-a-kind as well: parquet floors, original fireplaces, and other unique touches; you will love the comfy, yet elegant, common areas and beautiful lakeside views. Check-In Time: 3:00 p.m. Check-Out Time: 1:00 p.m.
Other Lodging in Hankinson, ND:
Hankinson Inn: 1.8 miles from Lake Elsie Wedding Barn; 7 rooms held; book online to ensure that your core people stay close to the action.
Hot Cakes & Lodging: 1.8 miles from our wedding barn.
Dakota Magic Casino and RV campground: 18 miles from our wedding barn.
Lake Elsie Wedding Barn has a liquor, wine, and beer license, a fully stocked bar with premium products, and professional bartenders. In addition, we offer (upon request) a juice bar with smoothies, signature non-alcoholic drinks, and iced coffee.
Please note: Outside liquor, beer, wine, bottled water, or sodas are prohibited on the premises as per your contract. All are available for purchase at the bar, which is open from the moment you arrive until 1 a.m. Sunday.
Payment Options:
Bar Tab: Start (and reconcile total bill) with a debit/credit card on file.
Cash Bar: Guests pay for individual drinks. Note: No ATM on property.
Hosted Bar: Bartenders keep track of drinks served for a preallotted time; total cost is then billed to a prearranged master account.
Included in your wedding package is our Safe Ride Bus service. It picks up guests staying at Dakota Magic Casino as well as the Hankinson Inn, and Hotcakes & Lodging. If using our service for guest pickup, your wedding ceremony must be scheduled for 4:30 p.m. or later.
To facilitate the arrival of your guests in a timely manner, please add our Safe Ride Bus service to your wedding website. Then finalize this schedule with Sandy as your special day approaches. Having guests ready to go when the Safe Ride Bus arrives keeps everything running on time.
Celebrating is what this special day is all about, but it should be done safely. Leave the car with us; let our Safe Ride Bus return you to your local lodging. At 9 a.m. Sunday, we will gladly bring the car owner back here to claim the vehicle. Due to spiking oil prices, we require a minimum of 10 guests (in our 20-seater bus) per trip. And, please, no smoking or drinking on the bus.
We initiate Plan B. Knowing how to keep things moving smoothly, in the event of bad weather, is our specialty. Our staff will act quickly to move the ceremony inside and to assist your guests with this change.
In the barn, we have air conditioning and heat. In the outdoor pavilion, we have heat (if needed for your comfort).
Please request a list of our centerpieces, tablecloths, chair covers and easels.
Yes, but we have a list of preferred vendors to save you time and research.
Catering Options:
- Choose in-house catering—new for 2023. Contact Sandy for details.
- Choose from our Preferred Catering List–provided when we start planning.
- Choose your own caterer.
- All caterers must provide Proof of Liability Insurance one month prior to wedding day.
- New Caterers must visit our venue prior to wedding day.
Prepare your own food. Please request our separate kitchen-use guidelines. Need food staff? Email [email protected]
Yes, we have a chairlift that will safely provide access to the barn’s hayloft, where the dancing takes place. Plus, we have ADA compliant handicap accessible restrooms.
Our large parking area for guests is located on the north side of the Barn. Can’t miss it; there is ample signage.
Yes, outside, if biodegradable. But we do not permit rice, confetti, glitter, or candles (except flameless) inside or outside. No smoking allowed inside the Lake Elsie Wedding Barn. State of North Dakota prohibits all smoking within public places.
Only under these 3 conditions: a certified pyrotechnic is onsite; a certificate of liability has been received a month prior; all products are biodegradable.
The bridal couple’s dog is allowed on the premises for the ceremony and wedding pictures. But this is only if there is a designated dog sitter, who is responsible for the animal and all its doings. Dog sitters must clean up after the dog on any of the 5 acres of property and dispose of waste in the outside dumpster only. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Bridal couple will be held responsible for any dog-related damages to Lake Elsie Wedding Barn LLC and its properties. Please note: Dogs are never allowed inside Lady on the Lake Bed and Breakfast.
Contact our team to start planning your dream wedding
Call 701-242-7520, email [email protected] or use this short form for more info, to check availability, and to arrange a tour.