When Spring is in full effect, it’s officially the start of the wedding season. And you know what that means: an influx of outdoor weddings after the cold winter months. Every wedding is special, of course, but outdoor weddings offer couples a unique brand of romantic ambiance that can’t be replicated.
If you’re from Wisconsin (or have it in mind for a destination wedding) you’ll be pleased to know that the options for outdoor venues are not only captivating but also plentiful. Whether you’re contemplating a rustic farm, a historical museum, or even want to consider a more offbeat venue, the state offers all that and more.
And it won’t bankrupt you, either. The average Wisconsin couple spent just $21,464 on their wedding in 2021, according to Wedding Report. Still interested? Great! Here are ten gorgeous outdoor wedding venues in Wisconsin!
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, making it a popular destination for lakefront weddings. However, it’s one thing to have a wedding alongside a lake, but it’s another to have a wedding while floating on top of the lake. The latter is what Lake Geneva Cruise Line makes possible.
The cruise line offers a fleet of eight boats, which hold between 14 and 156 passengers. Couples can reserve any of the available boats to serve as their perfect wedding venue. And if you don’t want to host the actual ceremony on the boat, you can dock along Pier 290 and hold it there. It holds up to 300 guests.
Price: $3858 and up.
Capacity: 14-126 guests per boat. 300 guests for the pier.
You can find Lake Geneva Cruise Company on Facebook and Instagram.
The Enchanted Barn – Hillsdale, Wisconsin
The Enchanted Barn is the perfect spot for couples who value a rustic, charming atmosphere. The property sits on 160 acres of farmland and offers several amenities, including a bridal suite, fieldstone patio, and a stone entrance decorated with wildflowers.
The central attraction is, of course, a multi-story, 200-year-old wooden barn. Perched on the top of a hill, it offers guests a picturesque view of the property. After the ceremony, many couples use the barn’s exterior as a location for wedding photos.
On top of that, The Enchanted Barn also offers in-house chefs and award-winning bands that couples can hire. If that’s not enough to convince you, maybe the fact that it’s a repeated winner of Wisconsin Bride’s best wedding venue award will.
Price Range: $4,000 – $15,000
Capacity: Up to 250 Guests
You can check out Enchanted Barn on Facebook and Instagram.
Old Rittenhouse Inn – Bayfield, Wisconsin
The Old Rittenhouse Inn has become one of Wisconsin’s most popular spots to host weddings and vow renewals. And with good reason! The property, consisting of two historic Victorian houses, is home to a stunning courtyard where many couples choose to tie the knot. In addition to its enchanting architecture, the Inn offers couples a scenic view of Lake Superior.
However, the true beauty of the Old Rittenhouse Inn lies in the fact that it can accommodate small wedding parties (perfect for elopements) or larger groups.
Price Range: $3,400 & up
Capacity: 10-200 guests
You can check out the Old Rittenhouse Inn on Facebook and Instagram.
The Hidden Meadow & Barn – Pepin, Wisconsin
If sprawling meadows, twinkling fairy lights, and fresh-country air are must-haves for your wedding, then look no further than The Hidden Meadow and Barn. This magical venue is located smack dab in the middle of a splendid patch of meadows and hills, giving guests a one-of-a-kind view.
Couples have the option to wed inside or outside the property’s extravagant open-sided barn, which is made from rustic, unfinished wood and decorated with crystal chandeliers. The ceremony meadow, which overlooks the Back Valley, is another option for the vow exchange. During the reception, guests can socialize by playing games provided by the venue or enjoying the enchanting glow of a bonfire.
As far as the wedding party, the Wedding Cottages provide plenty of space for all of the pre-wedding grooming and pampering to make your wedding memorable.
Price: Contact venue.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
You can find The Hidden Meadow & Barn on Facebook and Instagram.
The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you’ve always wanted to wed on the grounds of an Italian-style villa without crossing the Atlantic ocean, then you should consider The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. Originally owned by the family of Lloyd Smith, Villa Terrace is now a public art museum that doubles as a popular wedding destination.
Located near Lake Michigan, this romantic wedding destination offers wedding parties multiple areas for their ceremony and reception and also spaces for photos. Some couples opt to wed near the fountain in front of the family’s home, but the main attraction is definitely the Renaissance garden.
It is located at the base of the hill the home sits on and is surrounded by waterfalls, authentic Italian greenery, and views that will surely take your breath away.
Price: $3,000 for the ceremony/$7000 for the ceremony + reception.
Capacity: 120 guests
You can find The Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum on Facebook and Instagram.
Bay Shore Inn – Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
The Bay Shore Inn is the perfect venue for couples who may want a small, intimate wedding ceremony but don’t want to compromise spectacular scenery. The multi-story resort sits just off of the water, providing wedding parties with a romantic view of Waterton Lake.
Most couples opt to wed along the shoreline in the evening. Then, under cover of nightfall, they can then fire up the bonfire and bask in the warmth of burgeoning love.
Plus, it can also serve as lodging for out-of-town guests.
Price: $2500 and up.
Capacity: up to 220 guests.
You can find The Bay Shore Inn on Facebook and Instagram.
The Edgewater – Madison, Wisconsin
Waterfront weddings will always be a part of Wisconsin wedding culture, but The Edgewater Hotel provides a more grandiose experience. Located just off of Mendota Lake, the hotel’s unique location makes it prime real estate for stunning water-side sunsets.
Most couples wed on the property’s Veranda, which sits so close to the water you can almost reach out and touch it. You can also exchange vows on top of the hotel at the Sky Bar, which overlooks the entire property. On top of that, the hotel offers in-house wedding concierge and spa services to ensure no need goes unfulfilled on your big day.
The Edgewater is located in the middle of a bustling college town, so there’s plenty for guests to do while they’re in the area.
Price: $15,000 – $18,000
Capacity: up to 400 guests.
You can find The Edgewater on Facebook and Instagram.
National Railroad Museum – Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin
Outdoor weddings don’t always have to center around garden venues and waterfront properties. If you’re the type of couple who crave adventure and like to think outside of the box, then the National Railroad Museum might be for you.
The Museum provides ample space for couples to wed and take photos in front of their majestic trains on display. They even allow you to marry on the trains. You can also utilize the River Outdoor Fox Space, which offers a gorgeous view of the Fox River and gorgeous greenery and foliage.
Plus, in the days before the wedding, you and your guests can take private tours of the exhibitions and learn about the history of our country’s vast and expansive railway system.
Price: $1,200 and up.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
You can find the National Railroad Museum on Facebook and Instagram.
Bridle Barn & Gardens
Bridle Barn & Gardens is the perfect venue for couples who want a traditional barn wedding but lean more towards luxury than rusticity. The central barn, which was built in the 1870s, is still standing, but it’s been fitted with modern upgrades. There are also acres of meticulously planted gardens filled with gorgeous roses, hydrangeas, and tulips.
Couples have their pick of several spots to wed, including a barn, several gardens, and a stone pergola that sits near a private onsite lake. Thanks to lanterns, the already gorgeous property transforms into a dreamy landscape at night. Plus, the wedding party can get ready for the big day in the renovated farmhouse.
Price: $80 per head.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
You can find Bridle Barn & Gardens on Facebook and Instagram.
The Gardens Wedding Center
As a church front property, The Gardens Wedding Center is perfect for couples with religious inclinations. But it’s also much more than just holy ground. It’s also a great spot to experience a fairy tale here on earth.
The venue is situated on three acres and offers couples four distinct buildings to host their nuptials. Just outside of the chapel lies a courtyard fitted with white, log tables – a perfect spot for exchanging vows and taking photos. Lush flowers and vegetation decorate the grounds, and carved dirt paths help give the place a storybook vibe. Plus, there’s also a beautiful stone path that leads to an onsite pond.
Price: $3500 – $5000
Capacity: 75 to 150 people.
You can find the Garden’s Wedding Center on Facebook and Instagram.
