Business Spotlight Archive

Ahavah Cottage

Ahavah Cottage is a wedding and event venue in Elysian, MN, owned by Jacob and Leslie Lee. The couple created the space to give families and couples a beautiful, welcoming place to gather and celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Since opening, the venue has brought thousands of visitors — many who had never heard of Elysian before — into the community to celebrate weddings and milestone events.

Jacob and Leslie share a passion for hospitality, connection, and creating memorable experiences. Jacob oversees venue operations and facility logistics, while Leslie focuses on communication, planning, and recognizing people’s strengths to bring the team together. They enjoy being at the venue side by side and watching their vision come to life as families celebrate.

Ahavah Cottage is powered by a dedicated team. Tamara and Bela handle much of the back-end communication and coordination, making sure couples feel supported throughout the planning process. Day-of venue coordinators are present during events to keep everything running smoothly, and the venue partners with a vetted list of trusted vendors to ensure seamless celebrations from start to finish.

Jacob and Leslie feel immensely grateful to host their work in Elysian — a community they describe as welcoming, supportive, and truly one-of-a-kind. With every event, guests from across Minnesota and beyond get to experience the charm of Elysian for the first time. Ahavah Cottage is proud to help bring new visibility and economic support to the area as the community continues to grow.

One of the most meaningful parts of owning the venue has been the ability to create opportunities for others within the community. Ahavah Cottage regularly works with local bartenders, consultants, and event professionals, giving them the chance to be part of these wedding days while also providing an additional source of income for their families. Jacob and Leslie love that the venue not only serves couples, but also supports the wider community of people who help make each celebration successful.

Jacob and Leslie hope to continue expanding the Ahavah Cottage grounds over the next few years. Recently, they added two lodging properties called Black Steel Suites, featuring two 5-bedroom / 5-bathroom hotel-style Airbnb rentals, each sleeping up to 20 guests.

These suites are open to the public year-round, not just for wedding weekends. Families and groups visiting Elysian have already begun using them for reunions, vacations, and gatherings. The Lees wanted to offer lodging that makes it easy for people to stay locally and enjoy time together — whether they are attending a wedding or simply visiting the area. They hope the community finds the suites valuable for friends, relatives, and visitors.

Jacob and Leslie feel immensely grateful to be able to host their work in Elysian. The community is welcoming, supportive, and one-of-a-kind. With every event, guests from all over the state — and beyond — get to experience the charm of the town for the first time. Ahavah Cottage is proud to help connect more people to Elysian and contribute to local growth.

Watching the community grow into a place where families can create memories has been one of the greatest joys of owning the venue. Jacob and Leslie believe Elysian is a truly special small town, and they are honored to share it with others as part of life’s biggest celebrations.