Are you looking for the best lakeside wedding venues in Madison, Wisconsin? Look no further! Madison has no shortage of wedding venues with lake views. I have compiled a list of my favorite venue options, all of which have stunning lake views for your special day. I hope this blog will be your ultimate guide to finding inspiration for waterfront wedding venues in Madison.
Venues in this blog:
Wisconsin Memorial Union
photos by Brianna Kraft Photography
What's more ideal than celebrating the best day ever at the terrace?! Located on University of Wisconsin-Madison's campus, the Memorial Union has direct access to Lake Mendota with the beer garden under the old trees, amazing sunset views over the lake, and of course those fun and colorful iconic terrace chairs. Watch sailboats go by and enjoy a cold beer overlooking the beer garden with your new spouse and all your family and friends at this venue. Tripp Commons, the Great Hall, and the Tripp Deck (rooftop) are the best spaces for receptions and ceremonies. There are also "club suites" (hotel rooms) on site.
Guest Capacity: Tripp Commons - 140 (round tables) & 220 (rectangular tables) Great Hall - 220 (round tables) & 300 (rectangular tables)
Learn more on their website: https://union.wisc.edu/host-your-event/weddings/
See their Wedding Planning Guide & Pricing
Location: 800 Langdon Street, Madison, WI
Edgewater Hotel
photos by Brianna Kraft Photography
Are you looking for a sophisticated hotel wedding venue? The Edgewater might be just for you! This new hotel overlooks Lake Mendota and has a rooftop terrace for the perfect ceremony spot and a variety of rooms from large ballrooms to the intimate wine room for your celebration. The venue also has views of the capitol, several on-site dining options, and a spa and wellness center. Head down to the docks for gorgeous views of the lake and watch sailboats go by.
Guest Capacity: up to 350
Learn more on their website: https://www.theedgewater.com/plan-your-wedding/
Location: 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI
Monona Terrace
photos by Brianna Kraft Photography
The Monona Terrace is one of the most iconic wedding venues in Madison. The extensive rooftop terrace has 180 degree views of Lake Monona and views of the Capitol building. You can't go wrong with a ceremony on the rooftop with a backdrop of either the lake or the capitol. The venue has a long list of varying rooms to choose from, but the best ones for a wedding are the Grand Terrace, the Rooftop Gardens, or the Community Terrace.
Guest Capacity: varies, can accommodate very large groups
Learn more on their website: https://www.mononaterrace.com/weddings/
See their Wedding Guide & General Info
Location: 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI
Bishops Bay Country Club
Photos by Bishops Bay Country Club
Do you love Gilmore Girls as much as I do? The Bishops Bay Country Club feels like getting married at Chilton or the Gilmore mansion. It is timeless, elegant, classic and oh so luxurious. You could easily have a European-inspired or cottage core garden-style wedding at this venue. The space is opulent, enchanting, and full of character. The Country Club is located along the shore of Lake Mendota in Middleton. You can have an outdoor ceremony overlooking the lake and a reception in a tent outside on the grounds. It's absolutely stunning! Don't hesitate to go on a tour. Check their "culture > special events" tab for more information about booking weddings.
Location: Middleton, WI
Guest Capacity: 30-300
Learn more on their website: https://www.bishopsbay.com/
The Madison Club
photos courtesy of The Madison Club
Located in the heart of downtown Madison, the Madison Club is a timeless and elegant wedding venue with views of Lake Monona. Each of their unique rooms to choose from are classy and unique. The staff at the Madison Club provide excellent service for all of your wedding ceremony and reception needs.
Guest Capacity: 225
Learn more on their website: https://www.madisonclub.org/weddings
See their Wedding Guide & Pricing
Location: 5 E. Wilson Street, Madison, WI
Olin Park
Photos by Brianna Kraft Photography
This lakeside park has a cute reservable park shelter pavilion that is one of the most unique and underrated wedding venues in Madison. If you are looking for a budget friendly but still gorgeous wedding venue, Olin Park might be the right fit for you. The park shelter is incredibly beautiful with it's white painted wood interior and sits on the amazing grounds of Olin-Turville park and nature reserve. The barn-like park shelter can be fully enclosed or open air, perfect for either an indoor or outdoor wedding reception. This park is perfect for those who love the outdoors.
Olin Park has stunning views of the Madison skyline across Lake Monona, direct lake access and boat launch, and even a beach! The old oak trees create the perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. There are easy hiking trails that go through an old growth forest to a prairie. The park offers a wide variety of areas for photos, including by the lake and in the old growth forest.
Park Amenities:
Restrooms available in an adjacent building
Parking
Lakeside views on Lake Monona
Forest hiking trails
Boat launch and docks
Beach access
Guest Capacity: 150
Learn more on their website: Olin Park Pavilion Rental Info
Location: 1156 Olin-Turville Court, Madison, WI
Gates of Heaven
Photos by Brianna Kraft Photography
Gates of Heaven is a reservable park shelter in James Madison Park on Lake Mendota and is a popular location commonly used for intimate wedding ceremonies in Madison, Wisconsin. The historic stone building is currently non-denominational and anyone can rent it for their small wedding ceremony, but the building is a former synagogue. It was built in 1863 and moved to its current location in 1971.
The space has a small lofted balcony that provides unique views during a wedding ceremony of the main floor. There is also a basement area that can be used for getting ready. The main hall has a beautiful wood floor, an ornate wood "altar" piece, and decorative arched windows that let in lots of natural light. The building is open and available to rent year round and has a heated interior in the winter. Unfortunately, food and beverages (including alcohol) are prohibited in the park shelter. You are able to bring in your own free-standing decorations, such as florals.
Overall, Gates of Heaven is a beautiful small wedding ceremony venue. If you want to host your wedding reception at a nearby restaurant, here are some great options:
Some excellent options downtown near the capitol for post-wedding celebratory dinner/drinks include:
Lucille (they have a private vault room that makes for an excellent event space),
Cooper's Tavern (they have a second floor event space AND a cozy private dining cubby that make for memorable dinners),
The Great Dane,
The Statehouse at the Edgewater Hotel,
Merchant,
and so many more!
Park Amenities:
Restrooms available in the lower level of the building
Parking (limited to 24 spaces)
Lakeside views
Lake access to Lake Mendota
Beach
Adjacent to James Madison Park
Guest Capacity: 98 folding chairs provided
Learn more on their website: Gates of Heaven Shelter Rental Info
Location: 302 E Gorham St, Madison, WI 53706
The East Side Club
photos by Brianna Kraft Photography
The East Side Club has a beautiful lawn overlooking Lake Monona with Capitol views, a dock, and space for an outdoor ceremony under the trees. The indoor space has two levels to choose from.
Guest Capacity: 180-250
Learn more on their website: https://escmadison.com/event-rentals
Location: 3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53714
Comments