Who performs the ceremony?
You are welcome to bring your own clergy or official to perform your ceremony.
Our Captain can perform your wedding ceremony aboard the Pearl if you desire.
Choose a traditional ceremony, special maritime ceremony, or write your own vows.
Its your wedding,  its up to you!
The cost for our Captain is $200.00.

How much does the boat charter cost?
The hourly rate for the Boat (excluding food, etc) is $350.00 + Tax and there is a 2 hour minimum
A PDF of our Charter Agreement will be sent upon request.
Catering costs $12.00- $25.00/person depending on food selections.
Catering will include a service charge and sales tax.
Liquor and Beverages are available at additional cost.

What about Catering?
All catering must go through us. Our catering menu is available upon request.
The cost is anywhere from $12-$25/per person depending on your food choices.
We will provide whatever food you desire from appetizers to full dinners.
If you must have your own caterer additional fees may apply depending on what we need to supply.
We don't recommend using another caterer, but can accommodate your wishes for an additional cost.
Because we are a boat with limited space and power sources, most caterers are unaware of our requirements.
We have provided excellent quality food and can supply whatever you wish* (with in our power to provide)
to have on the Pearl for your Wedding.
 

You are welcome to bring your own wedding cake. We will provide a table set up for the cake.
Most brides prefer to have their own cake knife as a keepsake, if you would prefer, 
we can provide one for your use, let us know. There is no extra charge.
Cake plates, utensils and napkins can be provided by the wedding party, or provided by Pearl's Catering for a charge.

Liquor Service
We have most popular mixed drinks, wines and domestic beers. If you have a special preference 
please let us know so we can try to have it available for your cruise.
We have several options for your event, an open bar where you pay the tab at the end, 
or you can set the bar at a certain amount, example you pay the first $500.00 and then your guests pay for their own.
You can have a cash bar where guests pay for their own drinks, or do any combination such as pay for only beer, soda pop, or bottled water.
You can also purchase drink tickets, most people who utilize drink tickets purchase 2 per guest, the guest can then purchase additional beverages as desired. Individuals drinking alcohol must be 21 years of age.

How many people can view the actual ceremony?
The Pearl can accommodate 100-120 people depending on catering or entertainment space requirements.
The upper level,  where the paddlewheels are,  and where most people want to get married,  holds a maximum of 52 people.
We have a 42 inch camera monitor for the people on the lower level to view the wedding.

The lower level will seat 60-70 depending on space requirements for food and entertainment.

How far do we go on the cruise?
We will go where you want to, but keep in mind the Pearl is a Paddlewheel Boat and as a genuine replica is propelled by
Paddlewheels alone and travels at a top speed of 6 mph. 
 

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my wedding?
In most cases the weather is beautiful and everything is perfect however,  some times things happen beyond our control.
We will go out unless the wind is very strong preventing us from leaving the dock,
or storm or wind warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service.
Frequent lightening will also prevent us from going out.
In most cases we can remain at the dock. There is no refund of charter fee if we remain at the dock.
We do not have an alternate site for your group. We suggest you line up an alternate site in the event of bad weather.

Many people get married on the boat and have a wedding dance at a local hall. 
For an extra cost, around $200 you are assured you will have a place to have your food and guests, or entire wedding should the weather turn bad.
You are responsible for making the arrangements for an alternate site.
A list of possible alternative sites is available.
 

Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy is described in our Charter Agreement.
 

What about Decorations/Tables/ Linen?

Decorations if desired, are usually provided by the wedding party.
Most people like to put their own special decorations on each table. Decorations are best placed downstairs on the tables.
Decorations for tables can be shipped to the us for placement, or the wedding party can access the boat 1/2 hour prior to departure.
We provide table white linen if desired at an extra charge.

All decorations need to be pre-approved by the Boat Company.
No rice or confetti or anything of that nature is allowed to be thrown and nothing can be thrown into the River.
All decorations must be placed in such a way that they will not blow off or around the boat.

Is there a place for the bride to prepare and change clothes?
There is nowhere for the bride to change so please come in your wedding attire.
Some brides choose to rent a condo at the Willows.  During the summer peak season there is a 2 night minimum for condo rentals.
Occasionally we can offer you a partial day, or single night depending on the date and availability.

How do I secure a specific date and time
You need to select a date and exact time. A deposit for 1/2 of the charter total is required to hold your time.
You do not have a charter reserved until we receive your deposit.
Some dates end up being more popular than others and we cant hold dates and times open.
Some dates are already taken and we have public excursions each weekend during July and August at 1 pm.

Your entire charter and all catering fees must be paid in full 5 days prior to your charter. 
We need at least 5 business days to get your catering ordered.
During late July and August, we may not have a charter available from 1 pm- 3 pm on Saturdays as we will be having public excursions.

You may pay with cash/check in person or via regular mail,  we will accept Visa/MC/Discover over the phone.
You may fax your charter agreement signature page to 1-651-345-6492, please don't fax the entire agreement,
the signature page is all we need.

Our mailing address:

Pearl of the Lake
100 Central Point Road
Lake City, MN    55041

1-651-345-5188 Phone
1-651-345-6492 fax