About a month ago I got the privilege to stop into pop into The Oxbow, authentic Eau Claire wedding venue. Not only is it a boutique hotel, but also a location to enjoy local comfort food at The Lakely and host an intimate gathering of family & friends for your wedding day.
The Oxbow and The Lakely opened in September of 2016, after a complete renovation of two existing, historic buildings in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The Main House features 14 guest room suites, The Lakely Restaurant & bar, lobby & private event space, The Gallery; and The Flats, a motor lodge have 16 boutique standard hotel rooms. The buildings are joined by a patio with two fire pits, and a lounge area with a maniqued Kubb Pitch.
The Oxbow Hotel is built around experiences and providing a destination for both our local community and tourists that is authentic Eau Claire. Guest rooms, restaurant and public spaces are alive with local art, engaging fixtures and locally-sourced wood harvested from fallen trees in our beautiful city.
As I talked with Cassandra, who helps coordinate all of the logistics of a wedding at The Oxbow I got a great feel for the warmth & coziness of their space. I adore shopping local, and this gives all of the feels of Eau Claire & the Chippewa Valley. Cassandra answered some questions about what it’s like to choose their space for your gathering and I was able to take some gorgeous photos it, too. So… read on!
What should couples know about booking The Oxbow for their wedding reception?
The Oxbow Hotel is a dynamic and unique wedding venue – we specialize in intimate weddings, immersive property take-overs, and creating authentic Eau Claire experiences. The Lakely, our onsite restaurant and bar, offers farm-to-fork meals using fare sourced from our local farmers and producers. For private events, we offer a special menu, Potluck Offerings, which couples are welcome to build their menu from. Couples booking our Exclusive Urban Ash Wedding Package will have the opportunity to curate a one-of-a-kind menu with our critically acclaimed Chef, Nathan Berg, that can be served as a buffet, or as a plated, course-by-course meal, served to tables.
When should couples book The Oxbow for their wedding?
We are quite flexible in regards to when couples should book their wedding. Of course, booking a year in advance is advisable for ease of planning for the couple, but we are very comfortable booking with as little as 3 months’ notice, or up to 2 years in advance.
How many guests can the venue hold?
The Oxbow Hotel & The Lakely can accommodate varying numbers of guests, depending on the package selected by the couple. If the entire venue has been booked, including The Lakely, we are happy to host up to 85 guests. Smaller weddings of 25 are also welcome in our private space, The Gallery and on our Patio.
How does food, beverage & entertainment work?
Couples getting married and hosting their reception with us will enjoy a venue that is one-of-a-kind with hand-selected features and amenities. We offer chef-curated menus, craft cocktails, craft beer and wine. The Lakely has a stage for live music, showcasing local musicians, vinyl nights and other programming. Couples are welcome to use the stage for their own DJs, bands or other entertainment.
When do couples get the venue to set up and how long can they have it?
Couples have access to the spaces they have booked beginning at 7am the day of, until midnight, the day of.
What type of event can I host in the space?
We host rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions and gift openings! We have multiple areas that can be used for ceremonies, such as our Gallery, Patio or the Lakely Stage. We love thinking outside the box, and welcome our couples to be as creative as they want!
Where are you located and how can couples set up a meeting?
The Oxbow Hotel & The Lakely is located in the heart of historic downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin, just steps from the Eau Claire River. If you would like to set up a meeting to discuss booking your wedding, please contact Cassandra at Cassandra@TheOxbowHotel.com
What do couples need to do next to secure their date?
Booking your wedding with The Oxbow Hotel and The Lakely requires a non-refundable deposit which is due at the time of securing your wedding date. A planning meeting to go over details is also preferred.
And… if you’re not in the market for a wedding – you can still pop in to spend the night or dine at The Lakely.
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I’m on a mission to craft personalized sessions for small businesses and high school seniors looking to tell their story.
The best decision I ever made was packing up my car and heading west to finally pursue photography! That decision allowed me to spend the next 15 years capturing life’s fleeting moments.
But the journey is bigger than that. My work isn’t just about capturing a beautiful photo, it’s about changing the perspective, helping others see what true beauty is.
It would be an honor to have you along for the ride!
Eau Claire Brand, Senior and Family Photographer
HI THERE, I’M CHRISTY!
Currently: lacing up the old hiking boots and preparing for my next adventure.
