Q: What if I'm just coming for the ceremony and reception?

A: We're going to have a buffet-style meal during the reception, as well as late-night snacks!

Q: What if I'm staying the whole weekend?

A: If you're staying on the island all weekend, you'll still need something to eat at other times besides our scheduled events!

There's a restaurant on the island that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Note that reservations are required for dinner.

You're also welcome to bring your own food to the island, as long as you eat in your room (not in any common areas). Most rooms have a microwave and a small refrigerator, and a few even have their own kitchenette!

Note that Stout's Island does not allow outside alcohol to brought to the island.

There's also a continental breakfast every morning included with each room stay, though we've found it to be a bit minimalistic.

Q: Can I bring a plus one? What about my kids? What about my cat?!

A: While we’d love to celebrate with everyone, unfortunately the smaller island setting means we have limited seating for the ceremony and reception. Invitations will include details about who’s invited. If this creates a real problem for your attendance, please reach out to us, and we'll see if we can work something out!

Note that our party size is only limited for wedding events, so technically, if you’re staying on the island, you could attend the wedding and have extra family members stay with you in your room to still enjoy the wonderful scenery and nature at Stout’s!

Stout’s Island does not allow pets, though service animals are allowed with proper documentation.

Q: Wait, so this is an island? Like, an island-island?

A: Yes! Stout's Island Lodge is located in the middle of Red Cedar Lake, near Birchwood, WI.

The only way to access the island is via boat. The Lodge operates a ferry that can take up to 10 people and luggage (but not vehicles) at a time, and it runs regularly throughout the day, once an hour (with loading happening 10 minutes before the top of each hour).

If you're only coming for the ceremony, we definitely recommend trying to get to the island early on Saturday -- if you get here late, you might miss the boat!

Q: What should I wear?

A: Short answer: casual cocktail?

Slacks or dark jeans, button-down shirts or blouses, autumnal-appropriate dresses or skirts would be great. Ties and sport coats are welcome but not required! The terrain of the island isn't ideal for high heels, so we recommend flats or a wide/low heel.

We're planning on having the ceremony outside on the main lawn, and Wisconsin weather in October can be a bit unpredictable, so it would be good to bring layers in case it's cool.

Keep in mind that not all of the paths on the island are paved (especially to cabins further away from the main lodge), so you might want to bring extra footwear that can withstand a little dust or mud!