Edward and Hope Reichenbach ended one year and began the next in unforgettable fashion.
The Sioux Falls couple became the first to get married at the new Canopy by Hilton hotel at The Steel District in downtown Sioux Falls.
“At the time we reached out about it, we were very excited by everything taking place in Sioux Falls, especially because we love going downtown and everything it has to offer, so we were really hopeful it would be ready in time for our wedding,” Hope Reichenbach said.
“We reached out on a whim after getting engaged in October, and everything worked out really well.”
Their Dec. 31, 2024, ceremony and reception became the first chance for the downtown hotel to show what it can deliver for couples.
“It came together fantastic,” Edward Reichenbach said. “Every single person said whatever we needed them to take care of they would, and they did.”
The Reichenbachs are far from the only people saying “I do” to the new Canopy by Hilton
Before the hotel opened, it already had set a Hilton corporate record for the number of weddings booked.
The hotel, at 216 rooms, had more overall events booked than a 976-room Hilton hotel in a major city.
“Even opening day, the number of same-day reservations that came in was astonishing,” said Jennifer Seifert-Brenna, vice president of Lloyd Hospitality.
“And we’ve continued to see same-day reservations trending strong through the holidays, and now into the new year we’re seeing corporate business booking.”
There also have been quite a few people booking staycations already, she said.
“They can choose from multiple restaurants and walk around, and we’ve had amazing feedback from our more local guests,” she said. “There’s something to do all day and a lot of nightlife, with some of the restaurants adding DJs and karaoke at times.”
The hotel opened in December with a few corporate events, including holiday parties, leading up to the first wedding at the end of the year.
“It took some debating if we felt comfortable booking it, but the couple was very flexible and willing to wait until we were confident we could confirm it,” Seifert-Brenna said. “It was a good early test, and it went really well. Our team did an exceptional job.”
The Reichenbachs’ ceremony was held in a pre-function area overlooking Falls Park, with a reception for about 80 people in the Parlour Room adjacent to the main lobby.
“I had actually lived downtown a few years ago and could see my old apartment out the window during the reception,” Hope said.
“And during the ceremony, our guests had a view of the Falls and all the Christmas lights, and I can imagine how gorgeous it will be in the summer with a space outside for weddings. I wasn’t looking for a large ballroom, even though they have it, but the best way to describe it is that the space is so easily modified depending on the needs of your event.”
A buffet-style dinner included prime rib, panko-crusted chicken and their favorite desserts – cheesecake and tiramisu.
The pet-friendly Canopy even accommodated their labradoodle, Wiley.
“He walked down the aisle and everything,” Edward said.
Their guests also came from many out-of-town destinations and raved about the Canopy, they said.
“It was just set up perfectly for a wedding, with two or three restaurants and bars for anyone there early, plus they could check in whenever they got there and the accommodations were so nice,” Edward said. “It checked all the boxes for convenience and made everyone so happy.”
They’re still hearing from guests, they added.
“They were so impressed with Sioux Falls and how friendly everyone was, and with the food and the rooms,” Hope said.
“Our room was a suite and was fantastic, but we heard great things about all the rooms and the hotel itself is breathtaking and the staff was willing to help all day. I didn’t have a wedding planner and they were more than easy to work with about how to use spaces and just so flexible and accommodating.”
The Canopy by Hilton has some availability for upcoming events but is filling up fast.
There’s more than 16,000 square feet of total event space, with the large ballroom offering up to 9,000 square feet and a dozen options for meeting rooms.
“Our number of bookings is skyrocketing now that people can experience the space, but we are a large facility and we do have options for weddings, parties and corporate events,” Seifert-Brenna said.
As for the Reichenbachs, they plan to become repeat guests at the start of each new year.
“We plan on going back for our anniversary and staying at the hotel and enjoying it at our anniversary every year to come,” Hope said.Would you like to host your personal or professional event at the Canopy by Hilton? Reach out to The Canopy sales team at FSDLA-SALESADM@hilton.com or click here.
*All wedding photos are credited to Kelsey Steineke at Kelsey Carleen Photography
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