the emerald Cottage

on hidden lane

ABOUT OUR SPACE

Woodsy Hidden Gem

Step into the embrace of nature and the unique cottage charm at The Emerald Cottage on Hidden Lake.

Nestled on private property in the heart of Brainerd, Minnesota, our wedding venue is a sanctuary for couples seeking a unique and authentic setting for their special day. We invite you to embark on your journey with us—a journey where simplicity meets sophistication and every celebration is extraordinary.

We invite you to our setting, where the cottage meets luxury. We invite you to The Emerald Cottage.

THE VENUE

Your guests will be in awe when they reach the end of the winding path and see our natural 30×40 cottage structure hidden in the trees of central Minnesota. Set among blooming flower gardens and surrounded by peaceful woods with beautiful sunsets, the Emerald Cottage was built with rough-sawn timbers, charming windows, French doors, and a beautiful extra-large-opening glass door to allow the full beauty of nature to be seen in its entire splendor.

Our intimate cottage is perfect for microweddings or small gatherings of 60 people or less. Imagine the cottage’s interior filled with natural light, the black steel beams wrapped in warm twinkling lights as evening approaches, lush green ferns, and tranquility. And it is all just a stone’s throw away from the most peaceful natural lakes.  

Our winding gravel pathway holds several quiet seating areas for intimate conversations or to bask in nature’s relaxing, soft sounds.

  • Great location, just 1 mile off of 371 in Brainerd, MN. It is located only 5 minutes from Target.
  • Located on our private property
  • The Emerald Cottage team members live onsite and will assist you throughout your scheduled time at the cottage.
  • Multiple lodging options within 3 miles
  • Outdoor Games
  • Wheelchair-accessible ceremony and reception areas (note: the paths are gravel)
  • Exclusive access to the venue and land immediately surrounding it 

**Our “Plan B”  If rain is in the forecast, we will work with you to help decide where to have your ceremony. With just 60 minutes’ notice, we can quickly move your outdoor ceremony inside The Emerald Cottage, where you can hear the rain surrounding you and your guests from the comfort of the cozy cottage setting.

You are invited to use this space for…

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Intimate Wedding Ceremonies

Sunday – Saturday

Bridal Shower Icon

Intimate Bridal Showers

Monday – Thursday *

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Intimate Baby Showers

Monday – Thursday *

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Small Workshops & Retreats

Monday – Thursday *

*or reach out for a weekend day within 30 days for availability.

Our venue is for the couple who wants a small wedding surrounded by nature  but with a luxurious touch. 

Simplicity meets elegance at The Emerald Cottage.

What to expect at The Emerald Cottage

What’s included
  • 30×40 cottage structure
  • The area immediately surrounding The Cottage and the venue pathways
  • 6 wooden tables + a sweetheart table
  • Benches for indoor or outdoor ceremony location
  • Vintage dishware is available for your use
  • Outdoor string lights throughout the space add to the ambiance
  • Peace of mind & relaxation for you and your families to enjoy the celebration

Couples come here to experience the beauty of nature and the luxury of our cottage. Our affordable and transparent packages make the planning process straightforward and effortless.

PRICING

Bookings, details and rates

Poppy Wildflower

The Poppy Wildflower package is perfect for couples who want an intimate wedding or an elopement. The venue is yours to focus on why you are there: to celebrate your love and each other without the stress and cost of a reception.

  • 1 Hour Rental
  • Mon – Thursday Only
  • Couple, Officiant + 2 witnesses 
  • Zero Guests

$1,000

Daffodil Petals

Daffodil Petals is excellent for couples who want an intimate wedding or an elopement in a quiet, natural setting but may want their reception for a larger group.

  • Ceremony Only
  • 2 Hour Rental
  • Couple 
  • On-Site Coordination
  • Up to 60 Guests

$2,500

Honeysuckle Blossoms

Our Honeysuckle Blossoms package is a favorite of couples who want an intimate wedding or an elopement in a quiet, natural setting with a group of their closest friends and family around them.

  • Ceremony + Reception
  • On-Site Coordination
  • 4 Hour Rental
  • Up to 60 Guests

$4,500

Minnesota Blooms Experience

Experience Our All Inclusive Package

Our all-inclusive package is most of our couples’ choice package. We make your wedding day as easy as possible by taking care of the often challenging details during wedding planning. We are happy tell you more about this fabulous package.

  • 4 hours with the venue exclusively for your use, ready the moment you arrive
  • Tables & benches 
  • Three ceremony locations to choose from
  • Cafe string lights
  • Hair & Airbrush makeup for Bride before the ceremony
  • Day of Coordinator services; 4 hours + 1 hour phone consultation
  • Bridal bouquet
  • 4 hours day of photography + an engagement session or choose a luxury gift 
  • Officiant for ceremony
  • Sweetheart cake
  • Water Dispenser
  • *Luxury Boxed meal options
$9,425 (up to 30 guests)
$9,975 (for 31-60 guests) 
*If you choose to go with seated-serve dinners or chef-attended stations instead of the luxury boxed meals included in the package, that portion of your payment will be used toward the catering service. ($450 for up to 30 guests and $900 for the 31-60 guest count.)
**If you’d like to enjoy our luxury charcuterie board spread or a dessert table with a selection of delectable sweets, this can be added to your package. We also have a selection of other artfully crafted entrees and side pairings. Ask for more details! 

Our venue.

Nature and Luxury.

Simplicity and Elegance.

The Emerald Cottage on Hidden Lake

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We would love to share the beauty of The Emerald Cottage with you and your special guests.

BOOK THE EMERALD COTTAGE

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Please fill out the form below with the date(s) you have in mind, your type of event, and how many people are in your group. Once availability is confirmed, we will contact you to discuss your event in more detail, schedule a tour, and discuss our packages. We do require a non-refundable booking retainer. 

FAQs

The Emerald Cottage encourages you to contact your favorite string quartet, guitarist or other string instrument player to add to the beautiful ambience of our location. We are happy to provide a few for you to contact.

To stay with the intimate setting theme that you love at The Emerald Cottage, we max out the number of guests at 60.

Our on-site parking area can accommodate 16 vehicles. Vendors may use the driveway and our parking lot to unload and park. We suggest carpooling and can also suggest a local shuttle service.

4:30 Wedding Sample timeline

4:20pm Arrive at venue

4:30pm Ceremony

5:00pm Concluded ceremony

5:15pm Family photos

5:45pm Wedding party photos

6:15pm Bride & Groom photos

6:45pm Sunset

6:45pm Dinner

7:15/7:30pm Special dances

Candid’s & Enjoy

8:30pm Everyone departs, unless added time

*Note: We do morning/am weddings as well!

We have an approved vendor list with suggestions on who to contact for food and alcohol service. These vendors have the liquor licenses required to serve on our property. No outside alcohol can be brought onto the property for any events.

We recommend many local vendors, including hotels, Air BnB hosts, caterers, local restaurants, hair and makeup artists, photographers, and activities. We will provide you with a list of our recommendations.

We want your day to be as laid back and stress-free as possible. We will provide you with a sample timeline of the day and can help you to fine-tune the hours you have reserved at The Emerald Cottage. We ask that your guests and officiant arrive 15-minutes before the ceremony. Our staff will greet your guests, assist with parking, and show them to your ceremony site. The bride can remain in her vehicle, hidden from view until it is time to walk down the aisle. Be sure to talk with your photographer about how their time with you will be spent during your reserved hours.

While we would love for you to reserve The Emerald Cottage for your rehearsal and Groom’s Dinner, it is not required. 

The pathways are wide, level, and free of obstacles. Wheelchairs can access each ceremony site. *Please note: the walkways and driveway are gravel, so extra assistance may be needed. If your event is scheduled in the winter, we will need advanced notice to accommodate wheelchairs.

The Emerald Cottage is proud to partner with Chef Mike’s Catering, which offers various meal options, from appetizers to plated dinners. He is well-known in the Brainerd Lakes area for helping to make events memorable. The buffet and plated meals include white china plates, silverware, and linen napkins. Contact Chef Mike early in your planning process to meet with him and be added to the schedule.

There is a Luxury Restroom Trailer just up the path from The Emerald Cottage. The luxury trailer has air conditioning, heat, and flushable toilets, with one woman’s bathroom and one man’s bathroom that includes a urinal. Guests love this luxury accommodation in our outdoor, wooded setting. 

If rain is in the forecast, we will work with you to help decide where to have your ceremony. With just 60 minutes’ notice, we can easily move your outdoor ceremony inside The Emerald Cottage, where you can hear the rain surrounding you and your guests from the comfort of the cozy cottage setting.

At this time, our accommodations do not include bridal party suites. Please come dressed and ready to walk down the aisle 15 minutes early. Be sure to work with your photographer so they capture your arrival at The Emerald Cottage.

Event insurance is required. To make this easier for you, we have partnered with Nuptual. 

After you schedule your date with us, you will receive information from Nuptial with the link to purchase the approved policy. The cost is $200-$250. The email you receive will provide you with more information. 

*We have commercial insurance to protect us. Event insurance is for your protection.