The Emerald Cottage on Hidden Lane
Trusted Partners

Our preferred vendors

The people we know and love, ready to make your day effortless — from hair and makeup to the bar and the table. Every one of them knows the cottage and takes wonderful care of our couples.

Bar Service

Our exclusive bartender

Shane, the exclusive bartender of the Roaming Sapphire Lounge

Roaming Sapphire Lounge

Exclusive

Exclusive bar service · Shane

We partner exclusively with Shane and the Roaming Sapphire Lounge for every celebration — no outside bar service. A full bar service lets you relax and enjoy your day while everything behind the bar is handled thoughtfully and professionally.

A full bar service generally includes

  • A licensed, insured bar service with professional bartenders
  • A beautifully styled wood mobile bar setup
  • High-quality hard plastic drinkware and supplies
  • A curated selection of spirits — vodka, gin, whiskey, rum & tequila
  • Beer and wine options
  • Mixers, garnishes, ice & non-alcoholic beverages
  • Custom drink menus — signature cocktails & mocktails
  • Responsible alcohol service & cleanup of the bar area
  • Hosted bar; cash, Venmo or PayPal accepted

A liquor license is required to serve alcohol on the grounds. Shane offers a variety of packages — reach out for current pricing and options.

Hair & Makeup

Look and feel your most radiant

Captivating Beauty

In-house team

Hair & makeup · Our in-house team

Captivating Beauty is our own hair and makeup team — and we could not be prouder of them. Our talented artists have done most of the weddings here at the cottage, so they know the light, the space, and exactly how to make you feel radiant. From your first trial to final touch-ups on the morning of, they create flawless, long-lasting looks designed to glow in every photo.

What our team offers

  • On-location bridal hair & makeup
  • Styling for your full wedding party
  • Airbrush & traditional makeup options
  • Trial and preview appointments
  • A calm, joyful getting-ready experience
  • Flawless, long-lasting, photo-ready looks
Visit Captivating Beauty
A bride with soft glam makeup and elegant styled hair by Captivating Beauty
Catering

Caterers we love

Trusted caterers who know our space and consistently take wonderful care of our couples.

A plated spread of herb-roasted chicken, seasonal vegetables, salad, and artisan bread from Lakes Area CateringOur first pick

Lakes Area Catering

Chef Mike

Chef Mike and his team have catered here many times, and we love working with them. They create personalized, from-scratch menus tailored to exactly what you imagine — and every time, they deliver excellent food and warm, attentive service that puts our couples completely at ease.

Contact Chef Mike
An elegantly plated beef tenderloin dinner with mashed potatoes and asparagus from 3 Cheers Catering

3 Cheers Catering

3 Cheers Hospitality

The team at 3 Cheers has catered here many times, and they are simply phenomenal every time. With over 19 years of experience and more than 1,000 weddings, a dedicated food and beverage coordinator works with you one-on-one to craft a menu that fits your taste, style, and budget — sourced locally and served by a devoted team of chefs, leads, and servers. Trusted, professional, and a joy to work with.

View Their Menu
Photography

Photographers we love

Talented storytellers who know the cottage and capture the day exactly as it felt.

A couple walking hand in hand on the sunlit birch-lined path at the Emerald Cottage, photographed by Madisen Watson

Madisen Watson Photography

Wedding & elopement photography

Madisen has a gift for capturing the quiet, in-between moments — the ones you feel more than pose for. Her soft, romantic, timeless style beautifully suits the cottage, and her calm, warm presence puts couples at ease so the day unfolds naturally.

View Her Work
A bride on the wooded path at the Emerald Cottage holding her gown and vows, photographed by Rau Photo

Rau Photo

Amanda Rau · Brainerd Lakes Area

Amanda has a true passion for capturing human connection in its most honest form. A local Brainerd Lakes photographer, she offers elevated, storytelling coverage that is perfect for intimate weddings and micro-weddings here at the cottage — heartfelt, genuine, and beautifully documented.

View Her Work
Videography

Relive every moment

Cinematic storytellers who capture the feeling of your day so you can relive it again and again.

A couple sharing a kiss beneath a tree in a wild meadow, a film still by Wander and Wild Films

Wander and Wild Films

Sophia · Cinematic wedding films

Sophia creates cinematic wedding films rooted in presence, place, and emotion — films that hold onto what your day felt like, not just what it looked like. Her quiet, unhurried style is a beautiful match for the cottage, capturing the natural landscape and the real, unposed moments couples treasure for a lifetime.

Watch Her Films
An elegant black-and-white portrait of a couple on a grand staircase, a film still by Precious Film Co

Precious Film Co

Taylor · Photo & film

Taylor is a Minnesota photographer and videographer whose approach is collaborative from start to finish — helping with location ideas, styling, and gentle direction so you feel supported but never over-staged. Her timeless, true-to-you films bring back the laughter, tears, and nostalgia of your best day, memories you will want to relive again and again.

Watch Her Films
Florals

Florists we love

Two wonderfully talented florists who have designed here many times — we adore them both.

A couple beside towering pastel wildflower installations inside the Emerald Cottage barn by Celebrations Floral Design

Celebrations Floral Design

Melissa Boelter · Lake Shore, MN

Melissa has been here countless times and is absolutely fabulous — we adore working with her. With over 25 years of experience, she composes naturally beautiful, one-of-a-kind arrangements tailored to your style and the season. Serving the Brainerd Lakes area since 2006, she offers a complimentary design consultation to help make your day perfect.

View Their Work
A close-up of a bridal bouquet with cream roses, white ranunculus, coral tulips, and mauve hellebores by Petal + Posy at the Emerald Cottage

Petal + Posy

Flower farm & design · Pine River, MN

A local flower farm and design studio whose team has created here so many times — and we love them for it. Weddings are their absolute favorite, and it shows: lush, garden-gathered bouquets in soft, natural palettes that feel right at home among the pines at the cottage.

View Their Work
Plan Your Stay

Where to stay nearby

A handful of comfortable places to rest, all a short drive from the cottage in the Brainerd–Baxter area.

Same road as the cottage

Airbnb Just Down the Road

Our very favorite spot to recommend — a lovely Airbnb right down our own road, so you can stay just minutes from the cottage. Perfect for the couple or close family.

Visit Website

Formerly Arrowwood · Baxter

The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes

A local favorite with the on-site Paul Bunyan Water Park — great for families and guests staying the weekend.

Visit Website

Brainerd–Baxter

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Comfortable, easy stay with the Three Bear Water Park on-site and a free hot breakfast each morning.

Visit Website

Baxter

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

A cozy, reliable option close to shopping and dining, just a short drive from the cottage.

Visit Website

Prefer something more private? The Brainerd Lakes area is full of wonderful cabins and lake homes on Airbnb and VRBO — a lovely option for families or wedding parties who want to stay together.

Questions about your vendors?

We're happy to walk you through everything and help you plan a day that feels completely yours.

Plan a Visit