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Top 6 Downtown Madison Wedding Venues

January 5, 2023

There are many beautiful wedding venues to choose from in the Madison, WI area. From country clubs, to barn weddings, to community centers – there are options out there for every couple. In this post, I wanted to highlight my top 6 favorite downtown Madison wedding venues, selected by a Madison wedding photographer. I personally find the downtown Madison wedding venues to be ideal because they are close to many popular portrait locations (the Capitol, State Street, large parks for greenery), there are many close hotel options for hotel blocks, and your guests will be able to easily visit popular bars, restaurants, and other entertainment options for an afterparty. In no particular order, here are the venues I selected.

 

1. The Overture Center

The Overture Center offers beautiful downtown views and amazing natural light thanks to its massive windows. There are nine different indoor event spaces to rent out. Some of the most popular spaces to rent are the Promenade Terrace and the Overture Hall Lobby. Since the Overture is a performing arts space, all rentals come with top-of-the-line technical capabilities to really bring your wedding to its fullest potential.

Venue Specs: 

  • Up to 350 guests in the largest space
  • Chairs, tables, dance floor and more available to rent
  • Lighting/sound and setup are included
  • Ample garage parking nearby
  • In house event coordinators

Visit the Overture Center’s website to learn more about their wedding venue options.

 

2. The Edgewater

If you are hoping for a gorgeous lake setting for your ceremony, look no further than The Edgewater. The Edgewater is located right alongside Lake Mendota and offers beautiful views of the UW-Madison campus, picnic point, and the North shore of the lake. Something also fun about this hotel/venue is it’s located on a hill. If you are a fan of “run in the middle of the street photos,” the Edgewater is positioned in an ideal location. Take a short stroll down Wisconsin Avenue with your wedding party and you can capture Capitol views in the background.

The Edgewater offers indoor and outdoor venue space options including The Grand Plaza, the Veranda, and two grand ballrooms. Since The Edgewater is a hotel, your guests don’t have to travel far. There is even a top floor bar with amazing Lake Mendota views.

Venue Specs: 

  • Offers a dedicated wedding concierge
  • Can accommodate a ton of guests
  • Offer spa services for the wedding party on-site
  • Getting ready space options

Click here to learn more about The Edgewater weddings.

 

3. The Madison Club

The Madison club offers timeless architecture, stunning lake views, and award-winning cuisine (I do agree with this statement… the food is really good). The Club has multiple floors of event spaces, each with their own distinct personality and character. Their newest space, The Atrium is one of my favorites due to its ample natural light. Wedding packages include a professional event planner, the event space, an onsite pastry chef, tables, chairs, and linens, as well as a hotel and parking ramp connected right to the Club. The Madison Club is located very close to The Wisconsin State Capitol and Monona Terrace (2 solid photo location options).

Venue Specs: 

  • Largest space can accommodate 200 seated guests
  • Getting ready rooms available
  • Affordable package options

Visit The Madison Club’s website to learn more about having your wedding in one of their spaces.

4. The Tinsmith

The Tinsmith is a really unique looking venue, located just 5 minutes from the Wisconsin State Capitol. Bursting with possibilities, The Tinsmith offers industrial details and modern amenities that extend through 9,000 sq. ft. of event space. The venue is designed to look amazing with very little, if any decor with their luxury design-focused details throughout and included tables/chairs/furniture.  The Tinsmith is a restored 1925 Trachte warehouse and was named the 2021 Adaptive Reuse project of the year by the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation. If you are looking for an open floor plan, incredibly high ceilings, and a 1,000 square foot 4-season solarium, The Tinsmith is the venue for you.

Venue Specs:

  • Max of 275 seated guests (but offers tables and chairs for 200)
  • Cocktail tables and lounge furniture included
  • Onsite Venue Staff & Bartenders
  • Private client suite for getting ready
  • Private Gated Patio Space
  • Pet friendly
  • Open Vendor policy for catering & more

Learn more about the Tinsmith here.

5. The Wisconsin Historical Society

Centrally located in the heart of downtown Madison on the University of Wisconsin campus, the Wisconsin Historical Society offers its unique and elegant spaces for wedding rentals. To me, the outdoor terrace space is what makes this venue special. The building creates a stunning backdrop, and there is ample space for an outdoor dinner and dancing. If you have less than ideal weather, the marble filled lobby isn’t too shabby of a backup option either. 🙂

Venue Specs: 

  • Up to 200 seated guests
  • Chairs and cocktail tables available to rent
  • Dedicated on-site event manager

Learn more The Wisconsin Historical Society weddings here.

6. Memorial Union

Memorial Union Wedding

Last, but not least, you don’t have to be a Badger alum to consider having your wedding at UW-Madison’s versatile Memorial Union (though you are required to be a Wisconsin Union member). Memorial Union is my favorite of the two Wisconsin Unions because it sits right along the Lake Mendota shoreline. Here, you can choose from beloved spaces, such as The Great Hall, to begin the next chapter of your love story. If you choose Memorial Union, there are a ton of portrait options nearby. Take sunset photos along the lakeshore, explore the balcony overlooking the terrace, or take a short walk to lakeshore path. The possibilities are endless.

Venue Specs: 

  • 220 seated guests max in the Great Hall
  • On-site catering/bar options
  • Can bring in own cake (includes free cake cutting by staff)
  • Lighting/AV options available

Learn more about Wisconsin Union weddings here.

 

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