Venue Rentals

Say “I Do” at Superior’s Most Unique Venues

Celebrate your love story at Fairlawn Mansion or aboard the historic SS Meteor, two unforgettable venues that offer a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop for your wedding day. Whether you envision a romantic ceremony surrounded by Victorian elegance or a maritime celebration unlike any other, your special day will be as unique as your love.

We can comfortably accommodate 40 people at Fairlawn and 60 people at the SS Meteor for wedding ceremonies.

At Superior Historic Properties, we take pride in working closely with every couple to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. We believe every couple deserves a celebration as unique as their love story. From your first tour to your final “I do,” our team is here to help every step of the way.

Wedding Rentals Include:

• A personalized in-person consultation with our rental expert

• A detailed site walkthrough to plan your ceremony and photo opportunities

• Ongoing support and communication to answer any questions along the way

• Three hours of rental time (with the option to purchase additional hours)

• Chairs and altar pulpit

• Sound system with microphone and headphone jack for music or speeches

• Private bridal dressing room for your preparations (available at Fairlawn Mansion)

• Free guest parking and fully accessible main floors of both venues for convenience and ease

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your venue

Pricing

Our wedding pricing policy has been carefully crafted by our event experts to ensure you have the best day ever.
Base Cost: $1,000
Additional Hour Add On: $300 per hour

Deposits and Cancellation Policy

To reserve your special day at Fairlawn Mansion or the SS Meteor, a 50% deposit of your total rental fee is required at the time of booking. This deposit secures your date and includes one in-person consultation with our rental expert.

Cancellations must be made at least one week prior to your event to be eligible for a refund.

For all wedding rentals, a $250 refundable damage deposit is also required. If no damages occur during your event, the deposit will be fully refunded to you following your celebration.

Celebrate life’s special moments in timeless style at Fairlawn Mansion! Whether you’re planning a birthday party, bridal or baby shower, corporate meeting, or another special occasion, Fairlawn offers a beautiful and historic setting perfect for gatherings both casual and elegant.

Rental Details

Each rental includes 3 hours of event time for up to 35 guests, along with:

• Chairs, folding tables and cocktail tables for your setup

• Use of the kitchen & butler’s pantry for serving food and beverages

• Assistance from our experienced staff, who handle all setup and takedown of tables & chairs so you can relax and enjoy your event

Complimentary Amenities

Your rental also includes a variety of no-cost amenities to make hosting easy and stress-free:

• Coffee and tea (must provide cream, sugar & cups, etc.)

• Serving ware (including punch bowls, pitchers & trays)

• Sound system with microphone and headphone jack

• Free and accessible parking for all guests

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Pricing

Our private rental rates are based on your party size, so you’ll always get the best deal for your event.

• Less than 8 guests: $250

• 9-20 guests: $400

• 21-35 guests: $700

With its Victorian charm, modern conveniences, and dedicated staff, Fairlawn Mansion provides everything you need for a memorable and worry-free event.

Discover Superior’s rich history with a guided group tour! Fairlawn Mansion, the SS Meteor, and the Old Firehouse & Police Museum offer a guided tour experience that is unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a school field trip, youth outing, bus tour, or any kind of group adventure, our tours offer an educational and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Group tours are a fun and affordable way for large groups to explore our sites together, led by our award-winning tour guides who bring Superior’s fascinating stories to life.

Step into history and explore the elegance of a Victorian mansion, climb aboard the world’s last remaining whaleback ship, and discover the heroics of early firefighters and police officers.

Group Tour Considerations

We’re excited to welcome your group to explore Fairlawn Mansion, the SS Meteor, or the Old Firehouse & Police Museum! To ensure the best possible experience for your visit, please review the following group tour guidelines:

• Group Size Confirmation: The total number of participants must be confirmed prior to your scheduled tour. Any changes to group size must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance.

• Availability: All group tour reservations are subject to the availability of the site and tour staff.

• Group Size Minimum: A minimum of 10 guests is required to qualify for discounted group tour rates.

• Deposit & Payment: A 50% desposit is required to reserve your tour date. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 48 hours prior to your tour.

• Cancellations: For late cancellations, a 20% non-refundable administrative fee will be applied.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. These policies help us provide every group with a smooth, enjoyable, and well-organized visit.

Our two-hour children’s tea party is a delight for young guests! The event includes:

• Dress-up time with feather boas, hats, jewelry, and white gloves

• Three Victorian parlour games to spark imagination and fun

• A calling card craft project to take home

• Charming lemonade and cookie ‘tea’ served in our collection of vintage teacups

It’s the perfect mix of play, history, and elegance and will definitely be a memory they will treasure!

Party Details:

• Suggested Ages: 5-11 years old

• Base Price: $200 for up to 8 children

• Additional Guests: $25 per additional child (up to 12 children)

• Guests are welcome to bring a birthday cake, additional treats, or alternative beverages. These items must be provided and handled by the renter.

Reservation and Payment

To reserve your special day, a 50% deposit is required at booking. The remaining balance must be paid at least 48 hours prior to your event. A non-refundable fee of 20% will be awarded to all cancellations. Cancellations must be made one week prior to the event to be eligible for a refund.  A refundable damage deposit of $250 is required for all events.

Make your celebration truly one-of-a-kind aboard the SS Meteor, the last remaining above-ground whaleback ship in the world. This extraordinary venue offers a distinctive setting for weddings, graduation parties, groom’s dinners, or any special event that deserves a memorable twist of history and charm.

The authentic bar room, one of Superior’s best-kept secrets, provides a perfect location for serving food and drinks in a setting unlike any other. It is located in a private section of the museum where you can relax and enjoy your special day. 

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lively event, hosting your party aboard the SS Meteor will be a truly unforgettable experience.

The SS Meteor bar room has a maximum capacity of 30 people, an additional room adjacent to the bar is available and recommended for larger groups up to 55 people. 

SS Meteor Rentals are only available May-October.

Amenities & Features

Your rental includes everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable event:

• Banquet tables, cocktail tables, and seating for up to 55 guests

• Speaker system with microphone and headphone jack

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Convenient, accessible parking for you and your guests

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lively celebration, the SS Meteor provides an unforgettable backdrop filled with Superior’s rich maritime history.

Pricing:

Bar Rental Only ………………. $100 per hour (one hour minimum)

Refundable Alcohol Deposit: $100

The bar has a maximum capacity of 30 people. For rentals of more than 30 people, an additional room adjacent to the bar is available and recommended for larger groups.

The ship’s upper deck can be used for small group photography upon request. 

Superior Historic Properties offers three diverse sites for every photography occasion. Our sites are equipped to be used for engagement and wedding photos, graduation photos, prom group photos, family portraits, and whatever else sparks your creativity. A staff member will be available to assist for indoor sessions at Fairlawn Mansion and for all sessions at the SS Meteor and Old Firehouse & Police Museum. Each site offers unique opportunities for landscape and nature shots, glamour shots, group photos, portraits, and more.

Rates:
Groups of 1-7 people: $50 for the first hour and $25/hour for any additional hour

Groups of 8-14 people: $60 for the first hour, and $25/hour for any additional hours

Groups of 15-20 people: $75 for the first hour, and $25/hour for any additional hour

Additional Policy Information

• Please schedule photo sessions at Superior Historic Properties at least one week in advance.

• Sessions are booked for at least one hour and up to three hours.

• For photography sessions, you must provide your own photographer. Superior Historic Properties does not have a professional photographer on staff.

• A separate booking is required for each historic property you wish to reserve.

• If on the day of your session, the number of people present exceeds that which was initially scheduled, your fee will be adjusted according to the aforementioned rates.

• Payment for photography sessions may be paid day of, but payment must be made prior to any photos being taken.

• No furniture or props at any of the three sites may be moved, used, or adjusted without the expressed permission of museum administrative staff.

• In order to maintain the safety and security of patrons, staff, structures, and collections, Superior Historic Properties reserves the right to cancel bookings if guests are belligerent, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or are unwilling to adhere to museum guidelines.

• Outdoor sessions at Fairlawn Mansion are free and don’t require a reservation, but please be aware that normal operations will continue around you. Staff support is not provided for outdoor-only photography.

• For additional site-specific details, visit the Superior Historic Properties website or call us!