Your destination for Celebrations and Events along Lake Superior

Duluth's Hub for Exceptional Events

Welcome to Northland Special Events, where we transform every occasion into a memorable experience. As Duluth's premier event planning destination, we are dedicated to supporting event planning, design and production through our family of event focused companies.

Conveniently located in the historic Bagley Building in Downtown Duluth, we offer a comprehensive event planning experience all under one roof. From weddings to corporate events, and everything in between, our vast expertise ensures a flawless client experience.

Discover Our Family of Companies

Duluth Event Experts

Our passion for Duluth shines through in our commitment to celebrating the local business and nonprofit community. At NSE, we offer an ecosystem of event planning and execution, ensuring every detail is handled with expertise and care for corporate, social, and non-profit events.

Where Love and Lake Superior Meet

Specializing in unforgettable weddings along the scenic shores of Lake Superior. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, True North Weddings crafts love stories into beautiful realities.

Florals for Lake Superior Celebrations

Specializing in Wedding & Event floral, Superior Blooms creates floral magic to enhance any celebration.

Unlock Your Event Style

Elevating your event with a curated selection of decor rentals and services. From timeless to trend-setting, our inventory offers extensive options to bring your event design to reality.

Crafting Unforgettable Celebrations in Duluth

J. Olson Photography

Values-Driven Event Planning

Our core values of trust, unwavering commitment, and expert guidance are the foundation of every event we plan. As seasoned locals, we offer more than just event planning services; we offer a partnership enriched with local expertise. This deep understanding of the area allows us to create events that are not only joy-filled but also deeply connected to the heart and spirit of Duluth. We embark on every event planning journey with these values, ensuring your celebration is as heartfelt as the landscapes that surround us.

Hannah Nicole Photography

Local Expertise, Global Standards

At Northland Special Events, we bring a wealth of local knowledge and global event planning standards to every celebration. Our years of experience in the Duluth/North Shore area have equipped us with invaluable insights and connections. We're your trusted guides for everything from scenic venues to reliable vendors, ensuring your event is as authentic as it is memorable. Our long-standing relationships with local professionals provide you with exclusive access and the best deals, unlocking the best-kept secrets of the North Shore for an event that resonates with authenticity and unforgettable charm.

Olivia Shaner Photography

A Symphony of Services and Cohesion

Choosing Northland Special Events means accessing an entire ecosystem of event excellence. We've spent years cultivating relationships with the area's top vendors and have built our own in-house floral and decor businesses. This integration results in unparalleled cohesion in style and execution. Our deep local connections and in-house resources ensure seamless resolution of any challenges, providing you with a flawless and stress-free event experience.

Comprehensive Event Services

Corporate Events

Elevating Your Brand

At NSE, we understand the importance of corporate events in fostering team spirit, celebrating milestones, and elevating your brand. Our corporate event services are tailored to create impactful experiences that align with your company's ethos and objectives. Each event reflects your brand's excellence, from elegant holiday parties and meaningful employee recognition events to dynamic product launches and grand openings.

Social Events

Celebrating Life’s Milestones

Life is full of moments worth celebrating, and at NSE, we make those moments unforgettable. Our social event planning services cover a wide spectrum, including milestone anniversaries, birthday parties, graduation parties, and celebrations of life. Each social event we plan is infused with creativity and attention to detail, ensuring your celebration is as unique and special as the occasion itself.

Nonprofit Events

Partnering for a Purpose

We are deeply committed to supporting nonprofit organizations in their fundraising efforts. We use innovative designs and creative solutions to create memorable events that inspire donors to give more. Our 15% discount for nonprofit organizations allows for an enhanced event experience, ensuring a greater portion of funds raised goes directly to your cause. Together, we create events that not only impress but also significantly impact our community.

AMSOIL decades party for the 50th anniversary celebration in Pioneer hall at the DECC in Duluth

Whether you're planning a corporate event, a social gathering, or a nonprofit fundraiser, NSE is here to bring your vision to life. Our team of professionals works closely with you to understand your needs and preferences, ensuring every aspect of your event is managed with precision and flair. From conceptualization to execution, we handle all the details, allowing you to focus on what matters most – experiencing and enjoying your event.

Discover the Heart of NSE

Mariah McKechnie

At the core of Northland Special Events is Mariah McKechnie, a visionary leader whose passion for event planning has transformed the landscape of celebrations in Duluth. Mariah's journey in the event industry is not just a career; it's a testament to her love for bringing people together and creating moments that last a lifetime.

A Passion for Events and Community

Mariah's expertise in event planning is deeply intertwined with her dedication to the Duluth community. Her journey began with a simple yet profound desire to create joyous and memorable experiences for others along the shores of Lake Superior. Over the years, Mariah has honed her skills, becoming an expert in orchestrating events that are not only beautiful and seamless but also deeply meaningful. Under Mariah’s direction, Northland Special Events pioneered a nonprofit event partnership program that has donated over $500,000 of event services to nonprofit events since 2010.

Revitalizing Downtown Duluth

Mariah's impact extends beyond event planning; she is a driving force in the revitalization of downtown Duluth. Her commitment to the community is evident in her efforts to promote local businesses, support community events, and contribute to the vibrant culture of Duluth. Mariah believes that every event, whether a grand wedding or a community gathering, is an opportunity to celebrate and uplift the spirit of Duluth. Northland Special Events recent restoration of the historic Bagley Building on West Superior Street is the latest chapter in the effort. NSE’s new headquarters celebrate the history and future of Downtown Duluth.

A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation

Under Mariah's leadership, Northland Special Events has grown into a beacon of excellence in the event planning industry. Her innovative approach and attention to detail have set new standards, ensuring that each event is a unique and unforgettable experience. Mariah's passion for her work is contagious, inspiring her team to push the boundaries of creativity and excellence.

Here’s to many more years of celebrations and successes in the Northland!

Mariah sitting on a rock in a white blazer

Plan Your Event with NSE

Ready to begin your event planning journey with NSE and our family of companies? Contact us today to discuss your vision, and let's create an experience that exceeds your expectations.