Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might wonder about the weekend, gathered in one place. If we have missed anything, please don't hesitate to reach out.
May I bring a guest?
Our celebration is limited to those named on the invitation and listed in the RSVP form. If a name appears there, we have saved a seat for them — and we hope very much to see them.
Are children invited?
Every guest we are able to host is named individually on the invitation and in the RSVP form, children included. If your little ones are listed, they are warmly welcome.
Who is invited to the Welcome Party?
Everyone. We would love to have all of our guests with us on Saturday evening at the Hotel Julien — it is the beginning of the weekend, and we would not want to start without you.
What should I wear to the Welcome Party?
Dressy casual. The Sunday celebration is black tie preferred; Saturday evening is a touch more relaxed, so wear something you can be comfortable in.
Why did you choose black tie preferred?
The Hotel Julien has stood on Main Street for over a century, and it is a building that asks for a little grandeur. We wanted to create an evening like none other — the kind of night we may never have the chance to experience again, and one we hope you remember as well. Mostly, we love the idea of a room full of the people we care about, all looking their absolute best, in a place this beautiful.
Will there be alcohol?
No — ours is a dry celebration. There will be plenty of good things to drink, and we would ask that guests not bring their own.
Is the ceremony indoors?
Yes. Both the ceremony and the reception take place inside the Hotel Julien, so October weather will not touch the evening. You may still wish to bring a coat for the walk in.
What will the weather be like?
October in Dubuque is beautifully crisp. Expect afternoons around 60 degrees and evenings dropping into the low 40s, with the river bluffs at their most colorful. Bring a coat for walking between the hotel and dinner, and something warm for the evenings.
Where do I park?
Guest parking is available in the lot directly behind the Hotel Julien, just off Main Street.
Will the ceremony be unplugged?
Yes. We kindly ask that phones and cameras be put away for the ceremony. Our photographer will capture every moment, and we would so love to see your faces rather than your screens. Photographs afterward are very welcome.
When does the evening end?
Toasts begin at 7:05 in the evening, and the celebration carries on from there. Stay as long as the night holds you.
How long is the room block held?
Our block at the Hotel Julien is held until one month before the wedding, at which point the remaining rooms are released to the public. Please call (563) 556-4200 and book under the Skogen / Bullis room block well before then — early September is a good target to keep in mind for your room as well.
What does the Hotel Julien offer during our stay?
Rather a lot, and we hope you take advantage of it. The hotel has an indoor pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour fitness center, and the Potosa Spa on the lower level for massages and treatments — worth booking ahead if you would like to be thoroughly relaxed before Sunday. Caroline’s Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from 7 AM. Parking and wifi are complimentary. Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out at noon.
A note on its history: a hotel has stood on this corner since 1839, and both Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain passed through. Ask at the front desk — they love telling the stories.
I have a dietary restriction. Where do I share it?
The RSVP form has a place for this. Please tell us there, and we will make sure you are looked after.
Can I request a song?
Please do — just find our DJ during the reception. Nothing makes a dance floor like hearing your own song come on. Do be aware that Tara maintains a Do Not Play List, and that Gabe’s appeals have so far been unsuccessful.
This is a Sunday wedding — should I plan to stay the night?
We would encourage it. The celebration runs into Sunday evening, and travelling guests may find Monday morning comes quickly. Staying over means you can enjoy the whole night with us.
Where should we eat while we are in town?
Dubuque punches well above its size. A few we love:
Brazen Open Kitchen
Millwork District, a ten-minute walk. The most interesting food in town. Reservations strongly recommended.
The Vault Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
Main Street, two blocks up. Steaks and seafood in a beautiful old bank building.
Copper Kettle
A short drive north on Jackson. Gastropub cooking, open every day.
Foodies Downtown
Central Avenue. The best burger in Dubuque, and a lovely breakfast.
Barrel House
Right on Main Street, casual and open late.
Caroline’s Restaurant
In the hotel itself, and the easiest possible option.
One note: several downtown kitchens close Sunday and Monday. If you are staying through Monday morning, Caroline’s, Copper Kettle, and Barrel House are your safest bets.
What is there to do in Dubuque?
Quite a lot, and October is one of the best times to see it.
Fenelon Place Elevator
The world’s shortest, steepest railway, three blocks from the hotel. Two dollars each way, cash only, and at the top you can see Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin all at once.
Eagle Point Park
Bluff-top views over the Mississippi and the lock and dam. The fall color in October is the reason to go.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Down in the Port of Dubuque, five minutes on foot. Otters, stingrays, and a full afternoon of exhibits. Wonderful with children.
Old Main and the Millwork District
The blocks around the Julien are full of restaurants, shops, and old brick buildings worth wandering through.
Galena, Illinois
A beautifully preserved 19th-century main street about forty minutes away, and a lovely drive.
Crystal Lake Cave
Twenty minutes south, an underground lake and an hour-long guided walk.