We've Scouted the Best Small Wedding Venues in Wisconsin for You

From Madison to Milwaukee and more, experience the warmth and hospitality of these intimate venues.
Rachel Kashdan - The Knot Contributor.
by
Rachel Kashdan
Rachel Kashdan - The Knot Contributor.
Rachel Kashdan
The Knot Contributor
  • Rachel is a freelance writer and contributor to The Knot.
  • Prior to working as a freelance writer, Rachel was a staff writer at Boston magazine covering home design and weddings.
  • Rachel has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University.
Updated Apr 22, 2024

When it comes to small wedding venues in Wisconsin, it's time to think big. That's because the state is full of so many small wedding venues that are made for your intimate celebration, whether you're thinking of getting married in a hotel with 20 guests or at a vineyard with 50. While you'll find small wedding venues in all four corners of the state, many of the best spots are located in the state's two largest cities, Milwaukee and Madison. And even though most Wisconsin couples choose to take advantage of summer's warmth and natural light to get married outdoors, the state has so many amazing small indoor venues for magical winter microweddings too. So read on to find the perfect place to tie the knot with your closest loved ones.

Copperleaf Boutique Hotel in Appleton, Wisconsin

Copperleaf offers everything you could need to make the most out of your special day. In addition to on-site accommodations and a spa, this small wedding venue in Appleton has a private event space for up to 65 as well as an on-site restaurant called Rye that will host your day-of festivities. The entire restaurant can hold up to 80. As for the food at Rye? Expect New-England-inspired fare with fresh seafood and sustainably sourced ingredients. The hotel also has a swanky lobby bar that can fit up to 60 guests for cocktail hour.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 80 guests

The Castle Vineyard in Cleveland, Wisconsin

While the working vineyard and wedding venue is located on 20 gorgeous acres, the castle itself couldn't be cozier. The outside of the structure is reminiscent of a European castle and the inside is full of rustic charm and several venues that can host every part of your wedding weekend, from rehearsal dinner to farewell brunch. The Castle Vineyard, which is an hour north of Milwaukee, also has lodging for up to 12 friends and family members.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 99 guests

The Apis Hotel & Restaurant in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Downtown Kenosha's Apis Hotel & Restaurant brings a cool-factor to your small big day. The hotel, which offers well-appointed accommodations for up to 16 guests, can fit anywhere from eight to 100 for weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and more. The venue has three distinct event spaces: a moody lounge that hosts up to 80, a mezzanine overlooking the dining room with tall windows and a full bar, and a rooftop with views of the city and out to Lake Michigan.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners, Wisconsin

Southwest of downtown Milwaukee is a sprawling garden oasis that has indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces (as well as getting ready suites) for parties of a variety of sizes. However, it's Boerner Botanical Gardens' smaller spaces that truly take the cake. Invite up to 30 guests for your ceremony in the Annual Garden, where you'll find a gorgeous gazebo and colorful blooms, or in the Rose Garden Overlook with up to 80 surrounded by fragrant roses, fountains and a koi pond. Then celebrate in the sunny Garden Room with up to 60, or in Nell's Garden Café, an octagonal structure overlooking the grounds, with up to 52.

Find your kind of venue

From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you.
  • Guest Capacity: Up to 300 guests

Denizen MKE in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This stylish small wedding venue located across from Washington Park is the perfect spot to have a chic celebration. Denizen MKE can host up to 150 guests, but offers special micro wedding and elopement packages for under 60, too. Host your ceremony and cocktail hour in the al fresco lounge, then head inside the ballroom, which features a built in bar, a black and white mural, and wooden beaded chandeliers, to dine and dance the night away.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 150 guests

The Charmant Hotel in La Crosse, Wisconsin

The Charmant Hotel, located in downtown La Crosse just steps from the Mississippi River, is the ideal spot for your small western Wisconsin wedding. Rent out the hotel's private dining room for up to 14 guests or the entire restaurant and dine on tasty French-inspired fare. You can also utilize the hotel rooftop for your ceremony, cocktail hour or reception and enjoy views of the city and river beside a gas-burning fireplace or near the wood-fired pizza oven.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 100 guests

The Madison Club in Madison, Wisconsin

The Madison Club is an all-inclusive venue overlooking Lake Monona with an intimate wedding package for up to 70 guests. In addition to several getting ready spaces, event rooms include the Terrace Room, with high ceilings and views out to the lake, as well as the Louise Marston Conklin Room with large crystal chandeliers and a built-in dance floor, and the Roosevelt Room, a sophisticated venue with a large fireplace.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 250

The Greenhouse at Bittersweet in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Looking for a garden venue, a rustic venue or both? Look no further than The Greenhouse at Bittersweet, a small wedding venue located at Bittersweet Flower Market, which features both a greenhouse and a barn. The sunny, air-conditioned greenhouse is open May through November and can hold up to 150. The snug, 180-year-old barn, meanwhile, hosts events of up to 50 guests year round. Plus the property also boasts a farmhouse with a gorgeous kitchen and large deck that can accommodate up to 15 overnight guests.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 150

Maxwell Mansion in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Take a time machine back to the Gilded Age at the Maxwell Mansion. The estate was the first mansion built in Lake Geneva in 1856, and now it's a stunning event venue and hotel. Out on the grounds you'll find a croquet lawn and glittering fountain. Inside, hold your reception inside the ballroom, which features ornate woodwork and a breathtaking chandelier and seats up to 40. Guests can also grab cocktails at the 1880s Apothecary Bar, an old-fashioned lounge area that connects to a wraparound deck, gardens and outdoor cabanas.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Hotel Metro in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

An urban hotel wedding doesn't have to mean renting out a massive ballroom. At Hotel Metro, in fact, the modern and elegant ballroom seats just up to 75 for weddings. The downtown Milwaukee venue also offers two even smaller event spaces, plus an indoor-outdoor rooftop tiki bar. Other perks include on-site catering and a lavish getting-ready suite for the happy couple.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 75 guests

The Mitch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Looking for a modern Wisconsin small wedding venue that you can really make your own? The Mitch in Walker's Point is the perfect blank canvas for whatever wedding day vibe you're dreaming up. The space has white walls and high ceilings, plus event lighting and a modern sound system. The Mitch also has getting ready areas for the wedding party as well as an on-site coordinator available. And for an added unique touch, the venue has a "selfie lounge" on its lower level,where guests can take photos in front of a variety of colorful backdrops designed by local artists.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 150 guests

Ellsworth Block in Madison, Wisconsin

Ellsworth Block is a versatile event space located in a refurbished 19th century building in Capitol Square, Madison. The modern-meets-vintage interior lends visual interest to the venue, which also features plenty of natural lighting thanks to large windows with views out to the state capitol. The venue maintains several spaces that you can use for the big day, including a sky deck and a getting-ready suite.

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