The Top 14 Best Wedding Venues in Wisconsin

PLUS: A Newly Discovered Venue At The Bottom That Was Awarded By The Knot As A Top Venue in Wisconsin in 2024!!!

Finding the perfect venue for your special day will likely be one of the first and most difficult decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. Depending on your budget, guest list, and general taste, there will be many venues that are right for you and many that are not. To help guide you, we’ve selected fourteen of the best wedding venues in Wisconsin that will absolutely take your breath away! Your perfect venue may not be one of these fourteen, but at the very least, you’ll have a better understanding of what you’re looking for in a venue and what kind of potential is out there.

How We Chose These Venues:

We took a deep dive to understand what brides and grooms typically search for in a quality wedding venue. Using that research, we believe a great wedding venue is a combination of exclusivity, beauty, accessibility, size, accommodations, uniqueness and of course cost. Since each venue scores radically different in each category, it’s been extremely difficult to narrow this list down to only 14. Our first draft had 30+ venues… So this was a painstaking process to find the best value with all our categories involved. Enjoy the list and let us know if you agree!

best wedding venues southern wisconsin
Outdoor Country Wedding

14. The Grain Exchange – Bartolotta

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Capacity: 500

Established in 1993

Rating Online: 4.7 stars with 107 Reviews

Location

The Grain Exchange is located in downtown Milwaukee on East Michigan street in the Mackie Building. Its centralized location and nearby highway access guarantee a confusion-free trip for all of your guests and exciting activities nearby for those that have some spare time.

History

The first Bartolotta restaurant was opened in 1993, and there are now 17 unique locations across the Greater Milwaukee region. The founding brothers are also responsible for Care-a-lotta, an organization supporting multiple non-profit organizations in the area.

Seating Capacity

This incredible location can seat up to 350 guests, or 325 with a dance floor. This makes it perfect for those super-sized weddings; you won’t have to say no to a single friend or relative that you’d like to invite to celebrate with you. If you want to host a cocktail reception before the main event, this venue can accommodate up to 500 guests comfortably.

Best Features

The Grain Exchange is an historic banquet hall characterized by three-story ceilings and incredible stonework. If you’re looking for a traditionally Italian location for your wedding, there isn’t a better choice in Wisconsin.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of The Grain Exchange – Bartolotta at the website: www.bartolottas.com/catering/venues/grain-exchange

13. Lake Geneva Cruise Line

Location: Lake Geneva, WI

Capacity: 225

Rating Online: 4.6 stars with 1,114 Reviews

Location

Lake Geneva Cruise Line office can be found at one of two locations depending on the time of year. In the summer, they are located on Lake Geneva at the Riviera Docks. In the wintertime, they can be found at Pier 290/Gage Marina in Williams Bay.

History

The oldest boat in the fleet is called the Polaris and it was built in 1898. The youngest boat, the Duchess, was built in 1983. All of the boats have been restored and upgraded since their first voyage, but they all remain true to their bones.

Seating Capacity

Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers 8 different boats that you can choose from. The maximum passenger load ranges from 14 guests to 225, so there is a boat available for almost every wedding size. Five of these boats offer table seating as well. If you need additional space, the pier itself can accommodate 300 guests.

Best Features

The best thing about choosing Lake Geneva Cruise Line is the flexibility in planning. Whether you want to use this venue for your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, photos, or all of the above, they can accommodate you and almost any size of guest list.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of Lake Geneva Cruise Line website: www.cruiselakegeneva.com

12. Pritzlaff Events

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Capacity: 250-270

Built in 1875

Rating Online: 4.5 Stars with 85 Reviews

Location

This wedding venue is located on North Plankinton Avenue in Milwaukee. It is an incredibly open and versatile space with indoor and outdoor seating available.

History

The Pritzlaff was originally constructed back in 1875. It has had a major renovation since then, but you will still be able to appreciate its history with the Victorian windows and industrial-age beamed ceilings.

Seating Capacity

Pritzlaff Events can host events of up to 1200 guests, and they can do so in a number of different arrangements. They have two locations, one with a capacity for 315 people and another for 600. When combined into one venue, you can easily accommodate even the most inclusive guest list. Essentially, every person you’ve ever met.

Best Features

Contradictions in design are embraced by the staff at this location, so whether you want a formal or funky wedding, they can make your dream day a reality.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of Pritzlaff Events website: www.pritzlaffevents.com

11. The Hidden Meadow & Barn

Location: Pepin, WI

Rating Online: 4.8 Stars with 113 Reviews

Location

The Hidden Meadow & Barn is located in the valleys of Pepin. Trees and rolling hills will greet you as soon as you pull into the driveway, and you will be surrounded by beauty and serenity for the duration of your stay. It is the perfect back-to-nature location.

History

The farmhouse on the property has been standing since 1918. It is wonderfully classic but has been upgraded with all the comforts you could want. It houses up to 12 people at one time and is the perfect place to relax and reflect during your wedding weekend.

Seating Capacity

This large property can accommodate essentially any number of guests, but if you’d like them all to have a place to sit down, 250 should be your cut-off.

Best Features

If you choose this venue for your special day, you will receive an all-inclusive experience. Lawn games for a social hour, impeccable guest flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, wedding cottages to get ready the day of, and a landscape you’ll never forget.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of The Hidden Meadow & Barn at their website: www.hiddenmeadowandbarn.com

10. 1841 Farm & Vineyard

Location: Burlington, WI

Capacity: 200

Rating Online: 4.7 Stars with 119 Reviews

Location

1841 Farms & Vineyard is located in Burlington. This property is surrounded by 50 acres of beautiful countryside, and there are two locations for you to choose between. The Landing is located on Bieneman Rd and The Rustic Barn is found one mile away on Spring Prairie Rd. The best part is you are still only a few minutes from the amenities in the downtown area.

History

The site where The Landing stands has been a gathering place since the early 1800’s, and the area has also been a shelter to runaway slaves (back in 1887) and home to a peace activist/artist almost 100 years later who stored more than 9000 paintings on the property, later uncovered by the current owners.

Seating Capacity

Both The Landing and The Rustic Barn locations have a capacity of 200 guests with exceptional indoor-outdoor flow. Both spaces can easily be comfortable for a smaller group without feeling empty, too.

Best Features

The most incredible thing about this wedding venue is the painstaking restoration of the two barns. Whether you want an elegant and upscale barn or a simpler rustic setting, 1841 Farms & Vineyard is the place to find it.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of 1841 Farm & Vineyard at their website: www.destination1841.com

9. The 513

Location: Appleton, WI

Capacity: 400

Created in 1922

Rating Online: 4.8 Stars with 65 Reviews

Location

The 513 is located in downtown Appleton. The central location helps out-of-towners feel immersed in the culture and history of the area. It is highly accessible and impossible to miss.

History

The 513 began as Wichmann Furniture, originally built in 1922. The original woodwork and floors are still a part of the building today, with the addition of all the modern amenities that every great event relies on.

Seating Capacity

With a seating capacity of 300 guests, even the largest weddings will feel welcomed and appreciated. The open floor plan and large wrap around mezzanine guarantee that all of your guests will feel connected and taken care of at all times.

Best Features

One of the most popular features of this wedding venue is the grand staircase. Not only does it provide more space for guests to socialize, but it is a great way to make a grand entrance and a startlingly beautiful location for photos.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of The 513 at their website: www.the513appleton.com

8. Rustic Manor 1848

Location: Hartland, WI

Capacity: 160

Rating Online: 4.3 Stars with 229 Reviews

Location

This venue is located in Delafield on Highway 83. The Bark River is right next to the property, and you’ll be treated to a beautiful landscape and property for your wedding.

History

The farmhouse that serves as the B&B was originally built in 1848. Both the barn and farmhouse have been restored and updated, but they both hold true to their original charm.

Seating Capacity

The Rustic Manor 1848 is a versatile wedding venue that can house your guests indoors or outdoors. They provide up to 550 chairs for your guests, but their indoor capacity for seating is only 160 guests, so plan your guest list accordingly in order to anticipate a rained-out outdoor ceremony. If you won’t need to seat all of your invited guests, the barn can accommodate 275 people comfortably.

Best Features

One of the greatest things about the Rustic Manor 1848 is their bed and breakfast. You’ll get to stay in the bed and breakfast for one night as part of your wedding rental, which can help you feel more relaxed and give you a great place to wind down after all of the celebratory activities without the need to travel.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of Rustic Manor 1848 at their website: www.rusticmanor1848.com

7. The Ivy House

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Capacity: 250-340

Rating Online: 4.8 Stars with 197 Reviews

Location

The Ivy House is located on South Barclay Street in Milwaukee. Its street number is printed in bold lettering on one exterior wall and will be highly visible even at night; your guests will never drive past the building accidentally. The outdoor aesthetic is absolutely perfect for photos, too.

History

The Ivy House began as a warehouse, had a brief life as a nightclub, and is now host to weddings and other events year round. The bar itself is made out of bleacher boards (seat numbers still visible) from Grafton Middle School. The original brickwork of the building is still in use as a statement wall behind the stage.

Seating Capacity

The venue as a whole (indoor and outdoor spaces) can accommodate 400 guests. Cocktail capacity is roughly 300 guests and sit-down capacity is 250. This should be adequate for most weddings.

Best Features

This venue is all about natural light and greenery; they installed skylights and have a functional glass garage door to ensure the plants (ivy mainly, hence the name Ivy House) stay healthy. The natural light is fabulous for photos, too.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of The Ivy House website: www.ivyhousemke.com

6. The Edgewater Hotel

Location: Madison, WI

Capacity: 470

Started in 1948

Rating Online: 4.5 Stars with 2,087 Reviews

Location

The Edgewater Hotel has 6 different venues on site that can suit every wedding size. It is located in Madison on the shores of Lake Mendota, so your view will be breathtaking no matter what room you’ve booked.

History

The Edgewater Hotel has been operating since 1948. It has hosted many celebrities over the years and has been a prominent location for fine dining, relaxation, and meetings since it first opened its doors.

Seating Capacity

Both the indoor and outdoor wedding venues have a seating capacity of 500 guests, but there are smaller spaces on offer as well that can suit a more intimate wedding; it’s all up to you and how you envision your day.

Best Features

The Grand Ballroom is the most popular wedding venue, and you’ll have access to the ballroom, the Nolen Gallery as a cocktail space, and a terrace for some fresh hair and extra room for guests. The hotel even allows you to host a room block to house everyone that needs to stay on site.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of The Edgewater Hotel website: www.theedgewater.com

5. Monona Terrace

Location: Madison, WI

Capacity: 40

Started in 1997

Rating Online: 4.6 Stars with 1,653 Reviews

Location

Monona Terrace is located in Madison right on Lake Monona. This location is the only rooftop lakeside venue in Madison, and its reputation is one of grandeur and spectacular views.

History

Monona Terrace was established in 1997 and has been a staple in the city since it first opened to the public. Whether a group needed a small meeting space, a presentation room, a small concert space, or a venue for special events like weddings, Monona Terrace has been an incredible choice.

Seating Capacity

The seating capacity at this location is essentially limitless. However many people you would like to invite to your special day, you will be able to book a venue/room large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Best Features

Monona Terrace features five levels and a variety of room types that can turn any wedding day into a beautiful event you’ll never forget. There are multiple ballrooms and outdoor rooftop locations to hold a ceremony or reception. You can book space form 350 sq. ft. all the way up to 30,000.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of Monona Terrace website: www.mononaterrace.com

4. The Riviera Ballroom

Location: Lake Geneva, WI

Capacity: 400

Opened in 1932

Rating Online: 4.7 Stars with 119 Reviews

Location

The Riviera Ballroom is located on Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva. This is a pretty centralized location with lots of hotels, churches, and other venues available if you would like to host your ceremony in a different location than the reception or you need a local place to get ready for the event.

History

The Riviera was built in 1932, and much of its character and original architecture is still standing today.

Seating Capacity

The seating capacity for the ballroom varies based on the floor plan. A reception style arrangement will seat the most guests with a capacity of 380. Without a dance floor or buffet, you can seat 320 people maximum. With the standard 8 people/table seating and a dance floor (no buffet) the seating capacity is 250, and with the addition of a buffet, the capacity is cut down to 220.

Best Features

If you choose to book with The Riviera, you will be able to design your own floor plan with the assistance of the staff. You will have as much freedom as possible to choose locations for the buffet, tables, dance floor, entertainment, and more.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of The Riviera Ballroom website: www.lakegenevariviera.com

3. Fete

Location: Wales, WI

Capacity: 300

Rating Online: 4.6 Stars with 41 Reviews

Location

Fete is a 13 acre property located at the corner of Highway 18 and Oak Crest Drive in Wales. You’ll be treated to lush prairie grasses, beautiful oak trees, and a pond. Photoshoot, anyone?

History

Fete is a fairly new wedding venue that was inspired by the struggles of two firefighter best friends and their fiancées to find a wedding venue that worked with their budgets, guest lists, and décor tastes. They bought an undeveloped property and turned into one of the best wedding venues in Wisconsin. Now, the two families work together to solve those problems for other soon-to-be-married couples.

Seating Capacity

Fete is capable of seating up to 300 guests, so whether you are planning an intimate wedding or you want to invite everyone who has ever meant anything to you, this location will be able to accommodate.

Best Features

Aside from the picturesque backdrop you’ll be treated to, you’ll also appreciate the proximity to the heart of Delafield that can offer hotel accommodations for travelling guests. You’ll get all the benefits and amenities of a city with the stunning experience of the countryside.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of Fete website: www.feteofwales.com

2. Blue Harbor Resort

Location: Sheboygan, WI

Capacity: 500

Started in 2004

Rating Online: 4.4 Stars with 2,690Reviews

Location

Blue Harbor Resort is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan. It’s listed address is on Blue Harbor Drive; at least neither you nor your guests will be able to forget where you are going!

History

The Blue Harbor Resort has been open since 2004. It is a highly versatile venue with its restaurants, guest lodging, event hosting, spa, and waterpark. Although it is a newer location, it is staffed by well-trained individuals that will make your wedding a day to remember.

Seating Capacity

Blue Harbor Resort can accommodate guest lists ranging in length from 50 guests to 500 guests. Whether you are putting together a large party or enjoying a smaller celebration, this is the location to do it in style.

Best Features

With access to a beach and ballroom, you’ll be able to plan the indoor or outdoor wedding of your dreams. There are on-site guest rooms for before and after the festivities, and you’ll even be able to take advantage of a spa day for your entire wedding party.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of Blue Harbor Resort website: www.blueharborresort.com

1. AND THE BONUS VENUE: RATED BEST VENUE BY THE KNOT© IN 2022

The Gardens Wedding Center

Location: Allenton, WI

Capacity: 150

Founded: 1844

Rating Online: 4.8 stars with 118 Reviews

Location

The Gardens Wedding Center can be found on Highway 175 in Allenton. Its nearest neighbor is West Bend (15 mins), but it is easily accessible from Milwaukee (35 mins), Fond du Lac (25 mins), and Beaver Dam (25 mins).

History

The Gardens Wedding Center resides in a 3 acre plot of land that is home to a four-building complex

originally established in 1844. Of course, there have been some upgrades since then, but it retains all of its history. The church even has its original stained glass windows.

Seating Capacity

The maximum guest count that is allowed at this venue is 150. This is smaller than most other locations, so keep this limitation in mind as you prepare your invites and narrow the list down.

Best Features

The architecture and access to nature are the two biggest draws for this location. Grand, elegant buildings can host your ceremony and reception, but there are outdoor alternatives as well. This is truly the all-season venue of choice; no matter what season you book your wedding for, the landscape will produce absolutely stunning pictures to help you remember you day and stay relaxed while it is actually happening.

Scroll to see several photos courtesy of The Gardens Wedding Center throughout our gallery page here.

AVAILABILITY (Now booking through 2027)

INQUIRES

WRITTEN DIRECTIONS:

We are nestled in the country just 4 miles off I-41.

From the south: Take 41/45 North. When 41 and 45 split, take 41 North. You will pass Slinger/Jackson Exit. Within 10 minutes you will come to an exit for Washington Street, otherwise known as Hwy 33, Allenton Exit. Turn West (left) onto Hwy 33 to Hwy 175. Turn North (right) and we are a mile and a half on the left.

From the north: Take 41 South to Hwy 33, Allenton Exit. Turn West (right) onto Hwy 33 to Hwy 175. Turn North (right) and we are a mile and a half on the left.

THE GARDENS

  • 35 Minutes from Milwaukee

  • 25 Minutes from Fond du Lac

  • 15 Minutes from West Bend

  • 25 Minutes from Beaver Dam

  • 7003 Hwy 175 Allenton, WI 53002

  • 262-629-4411