Have you ever walked into a space and felt the weight of its history—and the joy of its transformation—all at once? That’s exactly how I feel every time I step into The Garden Wedding and Event Center in Duluth.
Check out the tour of The Garden here: https://youtu.be/dHJ3ZztXgR0
In this episode, I sat down with one of my favorite industry partners, Elissa Husby, the Catering and Event Director for both The Garden and Catering by Bellisio’s. We recorded right inside the venue—surrounded by brick walls, soaring ceilings, and so much Duluth history.
If you’ve lived here a while, you probably remember this space as Grandma’s Sports Garden—a nightlife landmark for decades. But since 2021, it has been reimagined into one of the most stunning wedding venues in our city. Elissa and her team have transformed it from top to bottom, honoring the building’s original steamship-era roots while creating a versatile, light-filled, elegant space for couples to celebrate.
As a planner, I’ve had the joy of walking alongside this venue from its earliest days—and I can say with certainty: it’s one of Duluth’s gems.
What You’ll Take Away From This Conversation
The history + transformation: from shipyard to sports bar to elegant event center
Why couples love it: nostalgia, prime Canal Park location, and endless photo opportunities
The magic of flexibility: multiple rooms, patios, and lounges that can be customized
Thoughtful touches: on-site tastings, custom menus, signature drinks, and even vendor snack stations
A heart-led team: Elissa and her staff bring five-star service with a spirit of fun and care
Favorite Quotes
“We wanted to retain the true nature of our history while also creating a beautiful venue that honored it.” – Elissa
“Some couples have taped a heart on the dance floor where they met, right in front of their head table.” – Elissa
“As a photographer and filmmaker, it’s so easy to document here because of the natural light and the brick—the space tells its own story.” – Asher
“You’re literally in the heart of Canal Park. You can walk out the front doors and capture the iconic Duluth lift bridge shot.” – Mariah
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Recording live at The Garden
05:43 – From steamship company to Grandma’s Sports Garden
13:01 – Nostalgia, memories, and modern weddings
15:20 – Why Canal Park is the perfect wedding location
22:00 – Touring the many spaces inside The Garden
27:30 – Lighting, lounges, and creative floor plans
36:00 – Taking care of vendors + behind-the-scenes details
41:00 – The story of the Garden Arch
46:59 – Wrapping up and the upcoming venue tour
Your Turn ✨
Think about a space that holds meaning for you—maybe where you first met your partner, or a place you’ve celebrated milestones. How could that history inspire your wedding day?
Connect with The Garden: https://thegardenduluth.com/
Connect with Catering by Bellisio's: https://www.bellisios.com/catering/
Connect with Asher James Co.: https://asherjames.co/
💛 Stay Connected with Mariah & True North Weddings
Website: truenorthweddingsduluth.com
Follow Mariah on Instagram: @mariahmckechnie
Follow True North Weddings: @truenorthweddingsduluth
If today’s episode made you feel seen or supported, we’d love it if you left a quick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on Apple or Spotify. It helps more couples find their True North. 💍
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