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April 24, 2018

My Top 10 Venues in the Madison Area (& beyond) | FOR BRIDES


This list started at 3 venues, then went to 5.. & as I was going through my externals to find images the list kept growing. I’m putting a stop at 10 as I honestly could keep going for forever. There are some STUNNING venues within a hour and a half radius of Madison. So lucky to have so many unbelievably beautiful venues.

The venue for your wedding day is obviously one of the biggest pieces to the wedding day puzzle. You obviously need a location for those nuptials & the 2017/2018 trend seems to be the “all-in-one” venues (or at least outdoor ceremony/close-by reception). Most of these venues will not only host your I dos but also your celebration. I figured I would share some of my favorite venues that I’ve worked at thus far.. AND a couple that I’m hoping to work at for the 2018 (& beyond) season (which one of them I’m getting to cross off! Yay!).

01. The Edgewater | venue website | Happening in 2018! Woo

Right on the water, elegant, timeless, & gives a beautiful twist to the “banquet” room. Windows overlooking Lake Mendota gives the perfect view of the sunset. The room has muted/deeper tones so most color palettes work well within the space.

02. The Madison Club | venue website | blog post

Placed on the opposing lake gives equally beautiful views. Close to the capitol makes portraits effortlessly beautiful and classic. With it’s neutral color palette (similar to the Edgewater) makes “matching” easy. This venue also has an “old school” feel but not in a outdated way but a classic way.


03. Overture Center | venue website | blog post

If clean light that’s full of luminance is your goal, then the Main Lobby is going to be your jam. Right downtown, this iconic building is so unbelievably picturesque. I’ve worked in the Promenade Hall which is equally as beautiful & offers a totally different feel. 


04. DC Estate Winery | venue website | blog post

I’ve worked at DC Estate a handful of times & each time I fall more in love with the venue, grounds, & their day-of-coordinator extraordinaire, Tia. I didn’t get a chance to work here this season (tear) but hoping to get back soon!


04. Sugarland Barn | venue website | blog post

Sugarland can be can be “dressed down” for a more rustic look or it can glam-ed up for a more elegant feel. After working here a few times, it isn’t just the barn that’s beautiful but the ceremony space & the getting ready space. 


05. Over The Vines | venue website | blog post

OBSESSED with this venue. It’s seriously so unbelievably beautiful and gives the best back drop to your day. I mean, a stunning barn AND grapevines? The sunsets & light are stunning here. 


06. Cambridge Winery | venue website | blog post

Another gorgeous winery. Located in Cambridge, Wisconsin it’s close enough to Madison for traveling guests.. BUT it’s far enough out to give it that quiet & romantic feel. The venue itself has a more industrial feel but the wall of windows makes it quite spectacular.


07. The Wagner House | venue website | blog post

STOP. RIGHT NOW. If you’re looking for rustic/warehouse-ee feel but not too rustic or warehouse-ee (I know you’re getting what I’m saying) then look no further. The Wagner house had me oo-ing and ah-ing from the second I walked in. Even though it’s located in Freeport, Illinois it’s still only a little over an hour from Madison.


08. The Oaks Golf Course | venue website | blog post

White tents always prove to be some of the prettiest venues to work in. Not only are they bright and airy but also provide an easy “glow” to your reception/ceremony portraits. The Oaks Golf Course not only has this stunning tent but the grounds to boot. I ADORE working at golf courses simply because I feel like the light is always perfection 😉 


09. The Lagaret | venue website | Wish-Listed 

An old tobacco warehouse turned wedding venue in Stoughton, Wisconsin! Similar feel to The Wagner house. Exposed brick and beams, pretty light, and a warm romantic setting. You honestly can’t go wrong. 

10. The Fields Reserve | venue website | Wish-Listed

Brand new to Wisconsin this venue is quickly becoming a favorite. I haven’t personally been to this venue yet but from those that have.. She’s a real show stopper.