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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.

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?

$2,000

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

Yes

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
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4.9 out of 5 rating
7 Reviews
  • 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
98% Recommended by couples

20 User photos

7 Reviews See all
CJ
Cj Getting married on 10/14/2023
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!
N
Nicole R. Married on 10/08/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Dreamy October Wedding at WHS

Many people do not know that you can rent out Wisconsin Historical Society’s terrace, marble clad lobby, or grandiose library for weddings or other events, much less that they have an event program. I was lucky to have stumbled upon some Madison wedding Reddit threads that mentioned this was an option and we decided to check it out. From our initial visit a year in advance through our actual wedding day, we were absolutely blown away by the staff we worked with and the historical beauty of the venue. Craig, the event program manager, was just amazing to work with, all over the details, helped us work through many logistical questions over the months and days leading up, and came in clutch on the days before and on the day of our wedding. He also has a wonderful sense of humor, which you sometimes need when planning a wedding! 😆 We had a somewhat complicated and non-traditional catering setup and he and his staff made it all work. WHS is NOT a traditional full-service wedding venue with catering, bartender, DJ, etc., but that is one of the things we liked about it. It gave us autonomy to choose vendors we really wanted for our day. We will forever be remembering our wedding day with starry eyes and a lot of love in our hearts.
Danielle
Danielle B. Married on 06/05/2021
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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Awards

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WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner

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