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About
Say ‘I Do’… with a Green Wedding
Host your wedding in a beautiful natural setting and do good by supporting children’s environmental education in Southern Wisconsin.
2027 Wedding Pricing (150 Person Max Capacity):
Wedding Weekend Packages
Peak Season (May - October): $6,100
Off Season (November - April): $5,100
What’s included in the weekend package?
- Tables and chairs including staff set-up and take down
- Event capacity for 150 people seated for indoor reception
- Floor to ceiling windows
- Outdoor ceremony site including arch
- Covered outdoor deck
- String lighting for ambiance
- Outdoor Firepit
- Indoor Science on a Sphere theater room
- Staff on-site for the duration of your event
- Access Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of your wedding weekend
- Friday 6pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 10am-12pm
- Private ready room
- Audio and visual equipment
- Reusable dishware package: Appetizer and dinner plates, silverware, and glass goblets
- Ample free on-site parking with electric vehicle charging station
- Complementary Wifi
- Designated kitchen space for vendors
What makes weddings at ALNC unique?
- By hosting your wedding at ALNC, you are supporting our mission to nurture children, their well-being, and environmental sustainability through connecting and learning in nature.
- Set in a diverse landscape, there are over 700 species that call the Nature Center grounds home. No matter which month you choose, your wedding will be set against a gorgeous natural backdrop.
- A large part of our mission is being rooted in community. We are committed to developing relationships with local businesses and, working with the Monona Tourism Commission, have partnered with nearby hotels to make your booking process as smooth as possible. We also provide a list of Preferred Vendors who provide consistently quality service.
Other FAQs
Can I choose my own vendors?
Yes, you are welcome to pick any you would like (besides alcohol service). Our Preferred Vendor List offers ideas for you to choose from; these are businesses we have worked with over the years and who provide consistently exemplary service.
What are your requirements for alcohol service?
Alcohol must be served by our liquor license holder. This is currently Salvatore’s Tomato Pies.
How do I schedule a venue tour?
Please complete our inquiry form here to schedule a tour!
Can I increase my access time?
Yes. You can increase access time Saturday morning or Sunday afternoons for an hourly rate.
How much parking is there?
We have multiple parking lots as well as roadside parking. Guests are welcome to leave their cars here overnight.
What hotels are in the area?
Country Inn & Suites, AVID Hotel, and AmericInn are all located within 1.5 miles from ALNC.
We will work with you to make your wedding as sustainable as possible. We are happy to introduce you to sustainable vendors we work with and answer any questions you might have.
Please contact us for a venue tour and available dates!
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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?
$6,100
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?
$5,100
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
No
Yes
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
$5,675
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
$4,175
Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?
Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Parking
Set Up
Tables
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
5
Describe your venue:
Campsite/Cabin
Garden
Park
What kind of settings are available?
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
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 Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi
What event items are available?
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Furniture
Lighting
Tables
What transportation and access is available?
Parking
Wheelchair Access
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
May
November
December
Reviews of Aldo Leopold Nature Center
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.
Review summary
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The Aldo Leopold Nature Center is praised by reviewers for its beautiful grounds, attentive and professional events team, and competitive pricing. The venue's uniqueness, flexibility, and access to amenities like trails and a NOAA space sphere are highlighted. Reviewers appreciate the responsive communication, thorough event planning, and dedicated staff, particularly mentioning event coordinators Ben and Isabella for their exceptional service in making wedding planning seamless and successful. Overall, the venue is highly recommended for couples seeking a stunning and memorable wedding location with a supportive and accommodating team.
Kristen Sent on 02/04/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Aldo Leopold Nature Center - a local gem!
We had a fantastic experience working with the team at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center for our wedding reception in October 2023. From the initial planning and discussions that started a year prior to the responsiveness to emails over the year as questions came up, our event planner was always prompt and thorough with responses. As we approached the day, they met with us to review all the final details and make sure that everything was going to be perfect for our big day, which it was. The space is so beautiful and unique, and you cannot beat it during the peak of the fall colors! They topped off the experience by having everything broken down and ready for us to pick up the next day. We cannot recommend ALNC enough if you are looking to support a wonderful local business on your wedding day!
Katie Sent on 01/29/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Quality people to work with
Absolutely amazing to work with, even in with a transfer of wedding coordinators there was no lack of communication or plans. The venue was beautiful and they are totally prepared for anything. If you want a guarantee for a great venue for your wedding, bet on Aldo Leopold Nature Center. 10/10 if I had to do it over again, I would make the same choice.
Emma Sent on 09/19/2023
5 out of 5 rating
Beautiful, Unforgettable Venue Fundamental to our Successful Day
Aldo Leopold Nature Center was hands down the best venue choice for us. The venue itself was beautiful and came with unique amenities like access to their trails and use of their NOAA space sphere, along with use of their immersion theater to project personal photos during the reception. The lights in the main atrium and the outdoor deck off the atrium was beautiful and for ceremonies, there were multiple outdoor options to choose from - a choice you didn't have to make until the week of so you can weigh indoor vs outdoor ceremony based on weather and based on how the area looks at the time. An underrated perk is that you get access to the venue for the entire wedding weekend. It was so lovely to do the majority of our set up on Friday afternoon, touch ups and host the event on Saturday, and being able to come back to pack up on Sunday.
Ben, their event coordinator, was seriously fundamental to the success of our event from day one. When I expressed hesitance about having a WI wedding in April and asked about what nature would look like at the time, Ben dug into their archives to forward any pictures he had of outside the nature center at that time of year. When I pinged him almost weekly with different questions, Ben was timely and thorough in his responses. He was intentional in making sure we were set up for success on our day - doing and redoing and redoing venue layouts to align with what we envisioned, making sure that we had the equipment and support we needed for the day, etc. Him and Sarah did so much work during the event itself to make sure it ran smoothly, pulling out clear umbrellas for our guests when an unexpected rain shower came right before our ceremony began.
Aldo Leopold and their events team are an asset to your day - if you are looking for a venue that can do the ceremony + reception in one place, has beautiful outdoors, has unique features beyond your traditional venue, and gives you flexibility to have access the entire weekend, you simply have to choose Aldo. PLUS your partnership provides money for their mission of educating and preserving nature.
Ben, their event coordinator, was seriously fundamental to the success of our event from day one. When I expressed hesitance about having a WI wedding in April and asked about what nature would look like at the time, Ben dug into their archives to forward any pictures he had of outside the nature center at that time of year. When I pinged him almost weekly with different questions, Ben was timely and thorough in his responses. He was intentional in making sure we were set up for success on our day - doing and redoing and redoing venue layouts to align with what we envisioned, making sure that we had the equipment and support we needed for the day, etc. Him and Sarah did so much work during the event itself to make sure it ran smoothly, pulling out clear umbrellas for our guests when an unexpected rain shower came right before our ceremony began.
Aldo Leopold and their events team are an asset to your day - if you are looking for a venue that can do the ceremony + reception in one place, has beautiful outdoors, has unique features beyond your traditional venue, and gives you flexibility to have access the entire weekend, you simply have to choose Aldo. PLUS your partnership provides money for their mission of educating and preserving nature.
Shelley Sent on 07/27/2023
5 out of 5 rating
We couldn't have asked for more!
ALNC was the absolute best choice for our wedding venue. We loved the venue so much that it is the reason we were married in Madison rather than our home of Chicago.
Ben and Isabella are amazing and made the entire process very easy. They could not have been more accommodating, sweet and friendly. In the crazy world of wedding planning they really kept track of us while providing valuable knowledge and insight. The rest of our vendors were coordinated with by Ben and Isabella, making that one less thing to have on our plate. Guests are still gushing about the location. The grounds are lush and guests are able to walk the paths. We had a few turkeys make an appearance right before the ceremony. There are so many unique features around the entire property and the center that no doubt make it a memorable setting. Also love to support a non-profit. Truly a uniquely beautiful location with the best staff to make your day perfect. We cannot thank ALNC enough!
Ben and Isabella are amazing and made the entire process very easy. They could not have been more accommodating, sweet and friendly. In the crazy world of wedding planning they really kept track of us while providing valuable knowledge and insight. The rest of our vendors were coordinated with by Ben and Isabella, making that one less thing to have on our plate. Guests are still gushing about the location. The grounds are lush and guests are able to walk the paths. We had a few turkeys make an appearance right before the ceremony. There are so many unique features around the entire property and the center that no doubt make it a memorable setting. Also love to support a non-profit. Truly a uniquely beautiful location with the best staff to make your day perfect. We cannot thank ALNC enough!
Emma Sent on 12/19/2022
5 out of 5 rating
The Perfect Outdoor Venue
We had our wedding at Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and it was more than we ever could have imagined. We love nature and love supporting youth in the outdoors - the prairie and building were absolutely beautiful and the perfect setting for our outdoor wedding.
We’re so honored to have been married here and so thankful to those who helped make it happen. We want to give special thanks to Ben & Duncan. We had no idea how to plan a wedding, nor any comprehension of how stressful it would end up being. No matter how chaotic and overwhelmed we felt, they were both there with us through every step of the process. Over hundreds of emails, phone calls and in-person visits, your patience and kindness eased every question and doubt we had throughout the planning and event. Without you both, our wedding day would never have been possible.
Thank you for making our wedding day one of the most cherished days of our lives. Aldo Leopold will forever have a special place in our hearts.
We’re so honored to have been married here and so thankful to those who helped make it happen. We want to give special thanks to Ben & Duncan. We had no idea how to plan a wedding, nor any comprehension of how stressful it would end up being. No matter how chaotic and overwhelmed we felt, they were both there with us through every step of the process. Over hundreds of emails, phone calls and in-person visits, your patience and kindness eased every question and doubt we had throughout the planning and event. Without you both, our wedding day would never have been possible.
Thank you for making our wedding day one of the most cherished days of our lives. Aldo Leopold will forever have a special place in our hearts.
Eliza Sent on 11/15/2022
5 out of 5 rating
The Perfect Venue
ALNC was the perfect reception venue. Ben, the events manager, and his team were experienced and helpful. They went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly. We received multiple compliments from our guests on the venue space, and one how perfect the weekend went, often hearing how it was "the smoothest wedding we've ever been to."
There were many reasons we went with ALNC. The flexibility to chose our own caterers, the access to the rental Friday evening- Sunday afternoon, the indoor/outdoor spaces, the affordability, and the fact that our money would support their environmental education programs. It really was the perfect facility for us.
Because I'm from out of state with many guest traveling, it was important to me that every guest also be invited to the rehearsal dinner. That put our dinner size at 100 people. We decided to host it at ALNC. This made it so we had two major events there in two days. But they didn't flinch. Ben and his staff setup all the tables and chairs for us before we arrived Friday evening, and helped clean everything up at the end of the meal. We then decorated everything for the next day that same night, with Ben there helping to keep things organized.
In the weeks leading up to our wedding, Ben contacted all of our different vendors to give them any information they needed. Even giving them facility walkthroughs if they wanted them. He took a lot of the stress out of facilitating.
Day of, Ben organized all the vendors (bartenders, food, DJ) and gave them all of the tools they needed to get to work. We arrived from our ceremony into a space filled with music, flowers, and food.
On Sunday, my husband and I went back to ALNC to help clean up, only to find that everything had been done for us. They even collected all of our decor and extra alcohol and put it in a cart by the door so it was easier to load into our car.
On top of the stellar organization, ALNC is also gorgeous. We had guest walking the trails during cocktail hour, enjoying the flowers. There were kids at the wedding who loved looking for frogs in the pond. We had yard games that kept people entertained until dinner. And when it rained later in the night, the covered porch kept everyone dry and allowed for a space away from the music for people to connect. You won't regret booking ALNC.
There were many reasons we went with ALNC. The flexibility to chose our own caterers, the access to the rental Friday evening- Sunday afternoon, the indoor/outdoor spaces, the affordability, and the fact that our money would support their environmental education programs. It really was the perfect facility for us.
Because I'm from out of state with many guest traveling, it was important to me that every guest also be invited to the rehearsal dinner. That put our dinner size at 100 people. We decided to host it at ALNC. This made it so we had two major events there in two days. But they didn't flinch. Ben and his staff setup all the tables and chairs for us before we arrived Friday evening, and helped clean everything up at the end of the meal. We then decorated everything for the next day that same night, with Ben there helping to keep things organized.
In the weeks leading up to our wedding, Ben contacted all of our different vendors to give them any information they needed. Even giving them facility walkthroughs if they wanted them. He took a lot of the stress out of facilitating.
Day of, Ben organized all the vendors (bartenders, food, DJ) and gave them all of the tools they needed to get to work. We arrived from our ceremony into a space filled with music, flowers, and food.
On Sunday, my husband and I went back to ALNC to help clean up, only to find that everything had been done for us. They even collected all of our decor and extra alcohol and put it in a cart by the door so it was easier to load into our car.
On top of the stellar organization, ALNC is also gorgeous. We had guest walking the trails during cocktail hour, enjoying the flowers. There were kids at the wedding who loved looking for frogs in the pond. We had yard games that kept people entertained until dinner. And when it rained later in the night, the covered porch kept everyone dry and allowed for a space away from the music for people to connect. You won't regret booking ALNC.
Sam P. Sent on 10/26/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Amazing venue with helpful people
We had a phenomenal wedding at Aldo Leopold Nature Center!! The space and grounds were beautiful, perfect for our fall wedding. Getting the entire weekend for setup on Friday, event on Saturday, cleanup on Sunday meant we had plenty of time to work with and felt very little rush and stress during the big weekend. The staff were also amazing, from the initial planning stages to walking us through what the weekend will look like, what we have access too, and when. We had an awesome time!
Andrea Sent on 08/17/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Great Venue
We loved having our wedding at ALNC! There were lovely indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing us to have a great covid conscious wedding and reception. All the staff were super friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. We loved: having a kid friendly space, the rental for the full weekend (no clean up on Saturday night!!!!! and we did brunch there Sunday), indoor and outdoor seating options for our dinner, dance floor started outdoors and moved indoors, and just generally the beautiful setting.
Annette Sent on 11/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating
Superb all around
The venue is gorgeous. Such natural beauty inside and outside. Duncan was so patient and helpful through the process!
The staff on our weekend were incredibly helpful and make it as simple as possible for us. I couldn’t say enough good things about this venue.
The staff on our weekend were incredibly helpful and make it as simple as possible for us. I couldn’t say enough good things about this venue.
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Aldo Leopold Nature Center frequently asked questions
Aldo Leopold Nature Center includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
- Bridal Suite
- Chairs
- China
- Event Planning
- Flatware
- Glassware
- Lighting/Sound
- Parking
- Set Up
- Tables
The space offered by Aldo Leopold Nature Center for wedding events is known for:
- Campsite/Cabin
- Garden
- Park
Aldo Leopold Nature Center offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
- Indoor
- Covered Outdoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
Aldo Leopold Nature Center offers the following types of wedding events:
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Elopements
- Rehearsal Dinner
Aldo Leopold Nature Center offers the following services for wedding events:
- Clean Up
- Event Planner
- Event Rentals
- Get Ready Rooms
- Outside Vendors
- Wifi
Aldo Leopold Nature Center offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
- Altar/Arch
- Audio Equipment
- Chairs
- Dance Floor
- Furniture
- Lighting
- Tables
Aldo Leopold Nature Center is recommended by 98% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.9 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in quality of service, 4.9 in professionalism, 4.9 in value, 4.8 in average response time and 4.8 in flexibility.