We had the opportunity to chat with the crew from Surly Brewing in their beer hall, and if you are considering getting married at Surly, we have all the questions answered in one place!

Meet Katie!

Q1: What should we expect when working with Surly’s event team?

Great question! Surly’s team shared that their goal when working with couples is to make sure the venue process is as stress-free as possible. They want you to have fun, not just on your big day, but during the planning process too!

So, expect to partner with a team of professionals from start to finish who are all about making sure you’re relaxed and having fun. The experience usually begins with a meet up at the brewery where you get a tour, discuss the details of your booking with their team, and have a beer.

Over the months leading up to your event, you’ll have ready access to their team for any planning or detail questions or meet ups, can attend a delicious quarterly catering tasting, and then on the big day, show up for the celebration!

Q2: Where can we learn the basics? (Availability, Pricing, etc)

Since some of these details are tailored depending on your event size and availability, it’s best to check in with the Surly team directly. When you reach out, they recommend sharing your potential event date and size so the team can start the conversation with info specifically for you and your event. You can also find basic information around policies, procedures, and packages on their website!

Q3: What does a Surly Brewing wedding package include?

Great question! Surly’s goal is to make the planning process as easy and fun as possible. This translates into their event packaging as well.  Getting married at Surly will of course include access to their awesome event staff, catering, and beverage service that comes with booking. Then the package also includes:
Linens
Decorations
Décor setup
Room setup (including flipping the room between Ceremony and Reception)
Audio-visual equipment
Access to an awesome array of beautiful lighting options, including uplighting with 65 different color choices, café lighting, and lighting up the kettles within the brewery in your wedding colors.

One big bonus with the wedding package? All you have to do is show up for the party!

Q4: What kind of booking window does Surly offer?

Surly’s event center is open to you as early as 7:00 am if you book the whole day! You can also book for smaller windows during the day and hold your event during flexible times – for example, in the morning for a brunch wedding!

The booking window closes with the brewery – this means your event would need to end by midnight on Friday/Saturday or 11:00 pm Sunday thru Thursday. Last call is a half-hour before close, and you’ll have another half-hour after close to clear up. Surly will also work with your vendors to ensure a timely and smooth load out so you don’t have to worry about that!

For more information about how to get the most out of your venue hours, check out our blog on how to build a timeline that will work for you.

Q5: What are our catering options?

Getting married at Surly means you’re also booking with their award-winning full service in-house catering team – one of the perks of working with the only brewery in the Midwest to boast a full service event center.

This means you’ll be working with Surly’s own event chef and team, and all the awards and experience that come with them. It’s also helpful to know that capacity for formal seated dinners is 136, and for a more casual set up (think apps and drinks) – 175.

Surly also holds quarterly tastings where you can get an eye and a belly full of their awesome event dishes.

Q6: How about dessert?

We’re glad you asked! Surly’s catering team also has a full pastry kitchen and does wedding cakes and desserts. The event staff shared some of their favorites: mini canapes, passionfruit tarts, smores – and any of the desserts infused with Surly beer.
The pastry team can also do custom orders. Plus couples can bring their own wedding cake or dessert for an additional fee!

Q7: What if we need to make changes?

If you are looking at big changes – like a whole new date – Surly would need to know as soon as possible, as they are often booked far out in advance.
For small changes around catering or guest totals, a week out is just fine, and for tweaking little details around décor, the event team is happy to accommodate day of requests. (Speaking of day of requests – have you considered a day of coordinator?)

Q8: Talk to me about music!

Bring the noise! The venue can accommodate a live band or DJ (they need to bring their own equipment and staging), or you are also welcome to plug in your own playlists using Surly’s sound system! Access to their full A/V equipment including mics and projectors is part of their wedding package, and feel free to discuss any ‘as-needed’ requests with the event staff.

Q9: Can we include our dog?

While Surly loves dogs, they are not able to allow furry friends inside the event center or beer hall. Pups are more than welcome outside in the beer garden during the summertime though!

Q10: How about parking and transportation?

Responsible celebrating is a must! While responsible imbibing is primarily the responsibility of the bride, groom, and guests, Surly is happy to assist guests with calling Ubers or taxis. They are also located conveniently close to the light rail, and local hotels such as the Graduate, Double Tree, or Hampton Inn sometimes offer shuttle services if a certain number of rooms are booked for your specific event! Feel free to contact those locations directly for details.

Parking is free and guests are welcome to leave their cars overnight. Surly can also offer valet services for your event!

Q11: Can we have our Ceremony at the venue?

Absolutely! If you’d like to have your Ceremony inside the event center, there is no additional charge. If you’re interested in holding the Ceremony in Surly’s outdoor beer garden – feel free to reach out and discuss availability and fees with their awesome event staff.

Q12: Talk to us about the bar situation.

Easy! You’re getting married at Surly! While you are not able to bring in outside alcohol, you’ll have access to the full range of Surly’s tasty beers – including specialty beers like a Champagne-inspired brew for toasting and beer-based cocktail concoctions!
Some favorites for the event staff (hard question, we know!) – Surly’s Misanthrope, Xtra Citra, and of course the Coffee Bender.

Q13: Is there a preferred vendor list, and are we required to stick to it?

Surly is well-networked with local vendors and has a comprehensive preferred vendor list for your reference. That being said, you are welcome to use any vendor you’d like and aren’t required to work off their list!

Q14: Are there any décor restrictions?

Just a few – no live flames, glitter, feathers, confetti, or silly string. Otherwise, have a ball!

Q15: What makes getting married at Surly unique?

A gorgeous second-level deck with fire pits.
Access to their excellent outdoor beer garden (for private access, talk with the event staff!)
Option to light up the kettle lights in the brewery to match your wedding colors!
A deliciously beer-infused reception.
Access to the surrounding grounds.
Option for a grand sparkler exit!
Great industrial views for stylized photography – check out the rail cars and ever-changing graffiti wall near the brewery!
Partnering with their awesome event staff and award-winning in-house catering team.

Lastly, we want to give a shout out to Sara and Joel for having such a fun wedding here!