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Updated Oct 14, 202412 Wisconsin Wedding Venues You Won't Want to Sleep On
Say "I do" at one of these wonderful wedding venues in Wisconsin.
While you may equate Wisconsin with cheese, The Badger State offers so much more than delicious dairy. In fact, it's teeming with striking natural landscapes—from striking rock formations to expansive lakes and more—that make the perfect backdrop for weddings of all sizes. All this is to say that to-be-weds will have their pick of stunning Wisconsin wedding venues throughout the state's 65,000-plus square miles.
Ahead, we've rounded up a few of our favorite indoor and outdoor wedding venues throughout The Badger State, including waterfront reception venues, lush gardens and beautiful barns. However, there is one thing to note: Winters in Wisconsin can be (very) cold and snowy, which is great for couples craving a winter wonderland wedding, so as long as the celebrations take place indoors. On the contrary, the warm, sunny summer months are ideal for al fresco soirees and ceremonies. While spring and fall offer pleasant temps, they can vary dramatically depending on the day. With that in mind, couples getting married in Wisconsin during these seasons who are looking to say "I do" outdoors should strongly consider booking a venue with indoor space or, at the very least, a covered area to ensure their bases are covered in the event of rain, wind or even snow.
Now that you've gotten the lowdown on what to know about wedding reception venues in Wisconsin, keep reading to discover our top picks—and be sure to also browse through The Knot Vendor Marketplace for even more wedding venue inspiration!
Find More Wisconsin Wedding Venues: Small | Barn | Winter
Greenhouse No. 7 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A greenhouse wedding in the middle of the city may sound impossible, but not at Greenhouse No. 7. As one of the most unique Milwaukee wedding venues, this eclectic glass building spans over 15,000 square feet and is flooded with natural light from pretty much every angle. The panoramic park views are just the icing on the cake, as are the dazzling lighting fixtures that adorn the towering ceiling. Finally, it's worth noting that the venue can accommodate weddings as large as 400 guests.
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The Terrace at Marina Circle in Green Bay, Wisconsin
The Terrace at Marina Circle is among our favorite Green Bay wedding venues thanks to its elegant ambiance, contemporary decor and dreamy waterfront views. Spanning a total of 2,000 square feet, the Terrace offers both indoor and outdoor space to accommodate ceremonies of up to 225 guests, or around 200 for more formal seated celebrations. While the space is ideal for ceremonies and receptions, keep in mind that the plush patio seating and roaring fireplaces serve as the ideal setting for cocktail hour, as well. With all this in mind, it's no wonder why the Terrace is considered one of the best Northern Wisconsin wedding venues.
Trolley Square Waterfront Banquets in Appleton, Wisconsin
As one of the best waterfront wedding venues in Appleton, WI, the aptly named Trolley Square Waterfront Banquets offers an idyllic setting for your nuptials. The riverside dock is prime for photo opps, while the covered patio can accommodate up to 90 seated guests, making it well-suited for small, intimate celebrations. Alternatively, consider the garden patio, which boasts a tranquil rock waterfall and romantic bridge (max: 90 guests). On the contrary, larger celebrations of up to 220 seated guests can be held in the banquet space, which offers its own patio for plenty of privacy.
The Swan Barn Door in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Couples craving a dreamy barn wedding need not look further than The Swan Barn Door, which just so happens to be one of our favorite Wisconsin Dells wedding venues. While ceremonies can take place al fresco, receptions are held in the 12,000-square-foot event space, which offers romantic lighting and rustic-chic touches like wooden architecture and glittering chandeliers. Also, since the venue can accommodate celebrations of up to 400, it's especially ideal for larger receptions.
The Apis Hotel and Restaurant in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Accommodating a minimum of eight and a maximum of 100 guests, The Apis Hotel and Restaurant is, hands down, among our favorite small wedding venues in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The property offers a total of three distinct event spaces to choose from. The swanky lower-level lounge (80 guests maximum) has a moody retro vibe and a private bar area, while the mezzanine, which overlooks the main-level bar and dining room, offers its own full bar, expansive windows and space for up to 100 guests. Last but not least is the rooftop, which offers stunning views of downtown Kenosha and Lake Michigan.
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Historic Courthouse 1893 in Waukesha, Wisconsin
As you can guess by its name, Historic Courthouse 1893 in Waukesha is, well, one of the most historic southern Wisconsin wedding venues. The ballroom and banquet hall offers over 11,000 square feet of event space spanning across two levels, accommodating up to 300 guests. The Romanesque architecture, 25-foot-tall ceilings and onsite selfie station are incredible added bonuses. Couples can choose from three ceremony sites, and there's even an option to rent the attached Waukesha Museum.
Camp Elsewhere in Waupaca, Wisconsin
Camp Elsewhere in Waupaca is surrounded by tranquil lakes, trees and private trails.. With that in mind, it's no wonder why it's considered one of the best central Wisconsin wedding venues for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, The on-site cedar chapel can hold wedding ceremonies of up to 120, while the main reception area, which has a cozy lodge-like look and feel, can accommodate up to 120. However, for even more space, couples can also add on a large white tent to hold an additional 130 people (250 total).
Veterans Terrace in Burlington, Wisconsin
With its 18-foot-tall ceilings, river and park views, and elegant setting, Veterans Terrace is by far one of the most beautiful Burlington, Wisconsin wedding venues. If the weather's nice, couples can exchange vows on the Memorial Terrace, which is surrounded by blooming flora and manicured lawns. There's also an additional three event spaces to choose from: The 6,000-square-foot Liberty Hall Ballroom, the 1,400-square-foot Stars & Stripes room and the 2,000-square-foot Patriot Lounge.
Barnwood Events in Madison, Wisconsin
Spanning a total of eight acres, Barnwood Events—which just so happens to be one of the most scenic wedding venues in Madison, Wisconsin—is flanked by trees and gardens. Couples can choose from a slew of indoor and outdoor event spaces; ceremonies can take place in front of the on-site pond or under the weeping willow or centuries-old oak tree. The timber-framed barn is ideal for receptions of up to 300 and offers striking design elements like 30-foot-tall ceilings, double wagon chandeliers, accordion glass doors that let in plenty of natural light and a private, sprawling porch area.
Capella Weddings and Events in La Crosse, Wisconsin
The family-owned Capella Weddings and Events in La Crosse stands out among the best western Wisconsin wedding venues, and it's easy to see why. Each of the four ballrooms is elegantly decorated, and the 400-person Capella Ballroom—which is outfitted with cathedral ceilings, a large organ and an open-plan ceiling—is among our favorite ceremony and reception locales. As of August 2024, the venue will unveil the brand-new Stella Ballroom (max: 400 guests), which offers original stained glass windows and 35-foot ceilings. The art deco-inspired Uptown Loft, equipped with glimmering chandeliers, sleek hardwood flooring and patterned walls, is also noteworthy.
Destination Kohler in Kohler, Wisconsin
About an hour north of Milwaukee lies the extravagant Destination Kohler in the quaint town of—you guessed it—Kohler. The expansive resort offers an array of ceremony and reception spaces, making it one of the most versatile wedding venues in Wisconsin. While it's hard to pick favorites, the contemporary-chic, natural light-filled Straits Chapel (max: 150 people), which overlooks Lake Michigan, is among the most stunning. Couples can also exchange vows in one of two lush courtyards before heading to one of the many reception spaces, including the 120-person rustic-chic Whistling Straits, the Grand Hall of the Great Lakes (which can accommodate up to 800 people and be divided into five separate event spaces) and the 220-person Great Bay Ballroom, which is outfitted with crystal chandeliers and 10-foot ceilings.
Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Paine Art Center and Gardens—a European-style mansion featuring ornate architecture plus over three acres of manicured gardens—is one of the most gorgeous wedding venues in Wisconsin. Outdoor ceremonies can take place in one of three gardens or the expansive lawn, while indoor ceremonies are often held inside the 80-person mansion or the 180-person natural light-filled conservatory. The Tudor-style carriage house, which opens into a charming courtyard area, is also ideal for receptions.
