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Weddings

About

The Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters Building is a wedding venue in Madison, Wisconsin. It is located in the center of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. From here, couples and their loved ones can look out at the idyllic grounds of the academic institution. This historic location is nestled among the hum of the university’s life, providing a memorable backdrop for a couple’s “I dos.”

Facilities and Capacity

The Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters Building was constructed in the early 1900s and is now more than 120 years old. It features a neoclassical design that includes architectural elements such as a marble-lined lobby and an elegant staircase. These details help give the venue an elevated and timeless ambience that is sure to enhance a couple’s wedding celebrations. Nearly-weds have the choice of multiple spaces throughout the building for their event. Ceremonies can take place in the Library, with room for 200 people. Moving to the Auditorium, up to 299 attendees are able to take part in the festivities. Inside the Lobby, the space can be transformed for events with 200 seated guests or 275 individuals for a standing reception. The venue also offers an outdoor area on the East Terrace, which is large enough for 200 seated loved ones and is available seasonally.

Services Offered

The staff at the Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters Building enjoy welcoming couples here to host their nuptial event. In the rental packages, soon-to-be-weds are given access to dressing rooms. The team also provides setup and cleanup for the convenience of the couple. Additional services that can be provided include cocktail tables, chairs, and a PA system.

Location

This venue is situated on the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus. With its manicured grounds and stunning buildings, it creates a picture-worthy setting for events. Beyond the campus, Madison is a city that offers plenty to see and do. From museums, restaurants, shopping, and a plethora of parks, the capital of Wisconsin is sure to keep loved ones entertained. The city also offers plenty of hotel options for out-of-town guests.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

3,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

3,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

1,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

1,000

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Clean Up
Event Planning
Set Up
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Government Building
Historic Building
Museum

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Clean Up
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What event items are available?

Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Tables

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
November
December

Reviews of Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters Building

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.9 out of 5 rating
4.9 out of 5 rating
7 reviews
98% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

The Wisconsin Historical Society is a highly recommended wedding venue that offers unique and beautiful spaces. The staff, including event program manager Craig, are praised for their exceptional service and helpfulness throughout the planning process and on the wedding day. Reviewers appreciate the autonomy to choose their own vendors and the flexibility of the venue. The architecture and location of the venue are also highlighted as key factors in making the wedding day special. Overall, reviewers had a wonderful experience at this historical venue.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The Wisconsin Historical Society is a highly recommended wedding venue that offers unique and beautiful spaces. The staff, including event program manager Craig, are praised for their exceptional service and helpfulness throughout the planning process and on the wedding day. Reviewers appreciate the autonomy to choose their own vendors and the flexibility of the venue. The architecture and location of the venue are also highlighted as key factors in making the wedding day special. Overall, reviewers had a wonderful experience at this historical venue.

G
Geoffrey Sent on 08/10/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful venue in downtown Madison!

The Wisconsin Historical Society was an absolutely wonderful place to have our wedding! The event manager, Craig Jacobsen, was relentlessly positive, helpful, and flexible as we planned, and re-planned, and re-re-planned our wedding in 2020. We ended up having a much smaller gathering than we originally anticipated, but it worked perfectly with space that we used at the venue. We had our ceremony and reception on the terrace facing Library Mall - it was a perfect day in early fall and we were glad to be outdoors. The building looks incredible in all of the photos and videos. The venue itself is a short walk / drive from any of the hotels downtown, making it very convenient for our family members that were still able to attend. If you are looking for a venue that really shows off some of the best parts of downtown Madison, look no further than the Historical Society!
CJ
Cj Sent on 03/09/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful venue

The Wisconsin Historical Society was the perfect venue for our wonderful day. Craig and his team took all of the stress out of the planning and execution of our wedding and reception. It was a beautiful experience and I highly recommend it!
Danielle
Danielle Sent on 08/03/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful and Exceptionally well run Venue!

We LOVED our experience at the Wisconsin Historical Society! We had to re-plan our wedding because of COVID and were so thankful that we landed on the WHS. Craig was incredible to work with. I had a million questions - he was kind, patient, and helped us focus on the most important elements of the wedding during planning. He touched base with our other vendors before hand to walk through details and logistics so the day would run smoothly. On the day of, Craig and his staff expertly orchestrated the day from start to finish, helped our guests feel welcome, and took care of little details that made the day so special. The Venue itself is gorgeous and timeless with the marble and the columns, its also so close to the union and the iconic state street pictures spaces. My pictures and video are so beautiful. We are so happy we chose the Wisconsin Historical Society!

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