Question 1

Do you have a preferred caterer or vendor list?

Accepted Answer

We do! We have curated a list of exceptional local partners who are familiar with our space and consistently provide excellent service. You can view our Preferred Vendor & Caterer List Here.

Working with Outside Vendors: While we highly recommend our preferred partners, we believe your event should be uniquely yours. You are welcome to bring in outside caterers and vendors of your choice, with the following exceptions and requirements:

DJs: Because of the unique acoustic nature of our historic hall and our specific sound-level requirements, we require that you select a DJ from our approved list.
Licensing & Insurance: All outside vendors (caterers, decorators, etc.) must be professionally licensed and carry their own liability insurance to work at the theater.
Quality Standards: We allow outside vendors as long as they meet our professional standards to ensure your event runs smoothly.

Choosing from our list is a great way to simplify your planning with professionals who already know the "ins and outs" of the North Garden Theater!

Question 2

Is there a catering sur charge or fee?

Accepted Answer

For most social gatherings, there is no surcharge from the theater; you simply work with and pay your chosen caterer directly.

The exception is our Corporate Daytime and Minne-Wedding packages. Because these are designed to be "turn-key" experiences, we take the catering logistics and execution off your plate entirely. In these cases, a streamlined coordination fee is built into the package to cover professional set-up, service management, and clean-up, allowing your team to stay focused on the meeting.

Question 3

I have a question about your bar.

Accepted Answer

Please scroll back up and click on the FAQ Bar category.

Question 4

What time can I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Access to the theater for both clients and vendors begins exactly at the start time listed on your contract. To ensure the space is pristine and our team is fully prepared for your arrival, we cannot accommodate early check-ins, equipment drop-offs, or vendor setups.

Pro-Tip: Please ensure your caterers and decorators are aware of your contracted start time. We recommend booking your access to begin at least 60 minutes before your program starts to allow for a smooth, professional load-in.

Question 5

Can I have more time in the space before/after? Day before/after?

Accepted Answer

We offer a Flexible Time Allotment for our wedding bookings. You can shift a portion of your total hours to the day before (subject to availability) to create a low-pressure environment for setup, deliveries, or a rehearsal.

Please note that all operations at the theater must cease by midnight—no exceptions. This ensures we remain a good neighbor and keeps our schedule on track for the following day.

Question 6

Do you allow real candles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Candles should be in a glass container so when the wax melts it doesn't spill out onto the table linens. The height of the glass container should exceed the height of the flame.

Question 7

How can I check if my date is available.

Accepted Answer

Because we host a diverse range of events—from public theater performances and corporate fundraisers to our signature weddings—our availability changes daily. To ensure you get the most accurate information for your specific vision, we do not use a static public calendar.

The best way to check a date is to reach out to us directly:
Step 1: Visit our Book the NGT page.
Step 2: Select the category that best matches your event (Weddings, Corporate, Performance, etc.).
Step 3: Fill out the short communication form for that event type.

Once we receive your inquiry, we’ll check the schedule and get back to you quickly to let you know if your date is open or to suggest nearby alternatives if it's already "curtain time" for someone else!

Question 8

How many guests can the NGT accomodate / seat?

Accepted Answer

Our max guest count is 150. Caterers, vendors, and staff are not counted in this number. Please work to ensure that the guests attending your event do not exceed 150.

Question 9

Are there different rates throughout the year for peak / off peak times?

Accepted Answer

No. We offer the same great rates all year round.

Question 10

Who cleans up afterward

Accepted Answer

NGT Staff takes care of cleaning up tables, chairs, and floors. The renter is responsible for cleaning up and removing the items / decor they brought in. This includes but is not limited to removing any decorations, and rented items. Additional next day clean up time (schedule and staff permiting) can be rented at $150/hour. Renters DO NOT have to sweep, mop, stack chairs, or fold tables.

Question 11

How do pay for my rental?

Accepted Answer

We will ask for half of the rental fee at the time you sign your contract. We prefer a check, but you can also pay the online invoice with a credit card. The balance and any extras will be due a month prior to your rental date. We also accept cash payments. You can also pay the entire amount of the fee at the time you sign your contract if you wish.

Question 12

Can we have a DJ or a band and dancing?

Accepted Answer

We certainly welcome music and dancing! To ensure a high-quality experience that respects our historic building and neighborhood, we have the following guidelines:

DJs: We require that all DJs be selected from our Approved Vendor List. These partners are familiar with our specific technical requirements and our flooring care policies.
Bands: We allow small-to-medium-sized ensembles. We do not allow larger, high-decibel amplified bands.
The Dance Floor: You are welcome to use our beautiful new flooring for dancing! If you prefer a traditional look, you may also provide or rent your own raised dance floor.
Alternatives: If you are looking for a more curated or low-key atmosphere, check out our blog post on DJs and DJ Alternatives.

Question 13

Are there transportation services available?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in providing valet or limo service for your guests, we can suggest a valet company. If you are interested in a shuttle from a nearby hotel, many local hotels provide shuttle service to and from the North Garden Theater - however, in most cases, you must reserve this service.

Question 14

Are there any outdoor spaces available at the NGT?

Accepted Answer

While there are many picturesque and beautiful spots close by or within walking distance, the North Garden Theater does not have any outdoor spaces other than the sidewalk in front of our building. Check out our blog for some ideas on nearby picture spots!

Question 15

Do you allow animals on site?

Accepted Answer

According to the State of Minnesota health codes, only service animals are allowed.

The exception to this rule is for wedding or similar ceremonies. Small domestic pets (dogs, cats) are allowed to take part in the wedding ceremony, but must be taken off property after the ceremony concludes. This must be arranged and approved ahead of time with NGT Staff.

Question 16

Can we visit the North Garden Theater again for a planning meeting after we've signed our contract and before our wedding/reception?

Accepted Answer

A one-hour planning meeting at the North Garden Theater is included at no additional charge for Wedding/Reception rentals. Additional half hour planning meetings can be arranged as needed for a fee ($25/half hour). Planning meeting time may only be used for advance planning and may not be scheduled within two weeks of your wedding/reception rental date.

Question 17

Are there specific requirements for my vendors (Caterers, DJs, Florists)?

Accepted Answer

To maintain our historic space and our luxury vinyl plank flooring, we require all vendors to use equipment carts with non-marring rubber wheels. We strictly prohibit the use of any adhesive tapes (duct tape, masking tape, etc.) directly on the floor surface. Please coordinate with us for approved cable-management solutions.

Question 18

Can we bring in our own decorations?

Accepted Answer

We love seeing how guests personalize the theater! You are welcome to bring in decor; however, to protect our historic walls and finishes, we do not allow glitter, confetti, or items that require nails or heavy-duty adhesives. If you have a specific vision, just run it by us and we’ll help you find a safe way to make it happen.

Question 19

Do you host fundraisers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only for federally registered 501(c)(3) organizations. The organization must be the primary planner and beneficiary. We do not allow third parties to raise money for other organizations at our venue.

Question 20

Are there specific types of events the North Garden Theater does not host?

Accepted Answer

To ensure we maintain a flexible schedule for all our clients and protect the integrity of our space, there are a few event types we do not accommodate:

Public Stand-Up Comedy: We do not host public, ticketed stand-up comedy performances. However, comedy is permitted for private, invite-only events (such as a 501(c)(3) fundraiser or a private corporate party).
Recurring or Long-Term Commitments: We do not book recurring monthly events or any engagements that exceed a two-week duration.
Youth & Collegiate Dances: We do not host proms, school dances, or collegiate formal events.
Market & Retail Events: Our space is not available for markets, craft fairs, or events where individual vendors sell merchandise.
Third-Party Fundraisers: We only host fundraisers for federally registered 501(c)(3) organizations where the nonprofit is the primary planner and contract holder.
Aerial & Acrobatics: Due to liability and the structural specifications of our historic ceiling and grid, we do not host aerial acts, silks, or any performances requiring overhead suspension.
Adult Variety & Cabaret: While we welcome theatrical productions and dramatic plays that may explore mature themes, we do not host adult-oriented variety shows, cabaret, or age-restricted (18+/21+) specialty acts.

Question 21

How do I share my event slideshow or photos with the venue?

Accepted Answer

To ensure your media plays flawlessly on our venue systems, please email your public links directly to northgardentheater@gmail.com. Because default privacy settings on many platforms often block outside access, please adjust your link settings before sending:

If using Canva: Click Share (top right) and look for Public view link. Click Create public view link and send us that URL. Alternatively, under Collaboration link, change "Only you can access" to "Anyone with the link can view."  
If using Google Slides: Click Share (top right). Under General access, change the dropdown from "Restricted" to "Anyone with the link" and verify the role is set to Viewer.  
If using Google Photos: Open your event album, click the Share icon, select Create link, and send us that direct URL. (Please ensure all photos are fully uploaded before sending).

The Ultimate Safety Net: Web platforms are great, but local backups save the day if internet connectivity ever fluctuates. We highly recommend exporting a hard copy of your deck as a high-quality PDF or PowerPoint (.pptx) file. Save it to a USB flash drive to bring with you to the theater, or upload the raw file to a shared folder like Google Drive or Dropbox.

👉 Need step-by-step help? Download our quick, one-page PDF below to keep on hand while you format your files.

NOW BOOKING FOR 2026 into 2027!

UP TO 14 MONTHS IN ADVANCE.

Celebrate Life's Big Moments at the North Garden Theater

An elegant, historic, and completely versatile canvas for your next milestone in St. Paul.

Family & Community Celebrations

Corporate Celebrations & Holiday Galas

Galas, Fundraisers & Non-Profit Benefits

Private Showcases & Recitals

ATTENTION NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS! MENTION THIS COUPON FOR $100 OFF YOUR RENTAL

Straightforward, Affordable Rental Fees

$900 for up to 4 hours*

WHAT AMENITIES ARE INCLUDED? (A LOT!)

Tables & Chairs

Professional Stage

Custom Ambient Lighting

Historic Lighted Marquee

Premium Linens

Audio & Microphones

Professionally Staffed Bar

On-Site Venue Manager

The Catering Kitchen

14 Foot Projection Surface

Built-In Photo Booth Frame

Climate Control & Accessibility

CLICK START TO CONTACT US...

PLEASE NOTE, We are not able to book events with less than two weeks notice With the exception of funerals / Celebrations of life --------------- BOOKING UP TO FOURTEEN MONTHS IN ADVANCE

Click here to view our preferred vendor and caterers.

Frequently asked questions