Location, location, location. You’ve heard it before, but since getting engaged, the phrase has taken on an entirely new—and perhaps stressful—meaning. The setting of your nuptials is vital in creating the dreamscape of your big day. Whether you’re planning a black-tie blowout or an intimate outdoor affair, Wisconsin’s distinctly decadent collection of luxe hotels provide a night you and your guests will never forget.
Gordon Lodge
If your idea of the perfect wedding includes rich colors and a cozy atmosphere that can only be found in the woods of Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula, Gordon Lodge in Baileys Harbor is the place for you. Brides flock to the intimate waterfront location, which boasts the newly renovated Gordon House Events Center. “Because the reception area is nothing but windows, it’s great for people who want to bring the outside in,” says general manager Jeff Brown.
With a large stone fireplace and wooden chandeliers, bride Charity Bachmeier says it’s the perfect combination of elegance and north woods charm. The lodge is located on a peninsula so guests can watch the sun rise and set over the water. Though there are only accommodations for 115 people on-site, each room has a water view.
For Minnesota couple Chelsea and Nick Mittermann, the view overlooking the water was enough to make them reconsider the lodge, which they had originally deemed too small for their August ceremony. “It was important for us to have a beautiful location that featured the gorgeous nature and waterfront that the county has to offer,” says Chelsea. “The resort is set deep in the woods of North Bay, which made us feel like we invited our guests to an incredible celebration in a private paradise.”
1420 Pine Dr., Baileys Harbor | 920.839.2331
Cost: $3,500-$5,000 rental fee plus a minimum food and beverage requirement; 20 rooms of the lodge must be reserved for two nights
Capacity: Can accommodate up to 250 guests
Catering: In-house catering only
The American Club
At the American Club at Destination Kohler, you can enjoy all of the perks of a beautiful destination wedding without the fuss of flights or long road trips. When guests arrive at the only Five Diamond resort in the Midwest, they’re embraced by the unique elegance, high-class service and all-encompassing atmosphere that defines the exclusive and celebrated resort.
“You’re definitely in a little village when you come to Kohler,” says director of meetings and events Missy Dortman. “People come here because they know it’s a wow-factor.” Guests are sure to be dazzled by the four championship golf courses, the luxury Waters Spa and the classically elegant accommodations available in the small Wisconsin town.
Brides are drawn to the rich décor and intimate feel throughout the chic club and pleasantly surprised by the different packages that can be customized to their every whim. “I was looking for simple elegance, and it was everything that I wanted,” says Chicago bride Kristen Marticke. “You pick all these different things à la carte, and they execute it beautifully.”
Rest assured you’ll be assigned an event manager who will help guide you throughout the decision-making process. “What makes the American Club stand out is they’re experts at what they do,” says bride Lauren Anderson. “I gave them my vision and they could tell me what works and what wouldn’t work. I think there’s a lot to be said for someone who takes your words and can come up with ideas to make it happen.”
419 Highland Dr., Kohler | 920.457.8000
Cost: Packages from $149 to $199 per person
Capacity: Can accommodate up to 450 guests
Catering: In-house catering only
The Pfister
While Milwaukee is no stranger to luxury hotels, the Pfister is in a class above the rest. Whether you’re struck by the turn-of-the-last-century grandeur of the main lobby’s crystal chandeliers, the hand-painted ceilings or the intricate marble accents, this downtown landmark is sure to set a stunning scene for your big day.
Choose between the Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 900 people or the Imperial Ballroom, which holds up to 300 guests, and plan to be wined and dined in the utmost of traditional elegance.
“This is a historically beautiful place,” says Sydney Johnson, senior catering and sales manager for Marcus Hotels. “The fact that so many historical figures have been here makes us unique. To know your wedding will be a part of that history is amazing.”
424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee | 877.627.2875
Cost: From $60 to $150 per person
Capacity: Can accommodate up to 900 guests
Catering: In-house catering only
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club
With stunning views of the capitol building, your guests will be amazed by the stately affair you put on at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. This elegant, independent hotel in the heart of Madison offers brides an opportunity to showcase the state’s capital while enjoying the conveniences of luxury accomodations. “We truly are Madison’s hotel,” says Anne Pond, marketing manager. “We offer our brides and our guests the complete Madison experience.”
Visitors can choose from a number of different activities around the capital while you and your bridesmaids enjoy a relaxing day at the nearby Cameo Spa Salon. Overnight guests can enjoy the benefits of the Governor’s Club executive level, which includes renovated guest suites on the top three floors and complimentary breakfast, snacks and drinks in a private lounge. “People really do feel at home here,” says Jodie Moore, director of catering. “Brides come to us and they trust us.”
The catering and event staff will assist with event coordination, and provide a list of preferred vendors for planners, music, photography, décor and transportation. “They know what they’re talking about,” says Madison bride Katherine Koepsell. “They did a wonderful job of suggesting different things and pointing us in the right direction. If you want something that’s uniquely Madison, you can’t do any better than the Concourse.”
1 W. Dayton St., Madison | 800.356.8293
Cost: Food minimum varies; e.g., $2,500 for a wedding of approximately 100
Capacity: Can accommodate up to 700 guests
Catering: In-house catering only
Hotel Sierra
Green Bay is typically synonymous with words like gold, green, Brett and beer. But don’t let the small-town football reputation fool you—Hotel Sierra in downtown Green Bay offers comfortable luxury at its finest. With newly renovated suites, expansive event space and an in-house floral and decorating service, you’re guaranteed a luxurious wedding with all the quality accoutrements.
Guests of the sleek hotel will be treated to complimentary breakfast and, as a bride, the plethora of options available in-house can make planning your dream wedding a reality. “I remember thinking ‘Wow, this is just like I’ve always pictured my wedding to be,’ ” says Kerry Berry, who recently tied the knot at the hotel’s KI Center.
Brides are also pleasantly surprised by the conveniences of working with a skilled event specialist. “We pay a lot of attention to the details,” says director of catering Mike Jubert. “We want our brides to feel comfortable and at ease on their big day. And we’ve been doing this for so long, it’s a pretty flawless system.”
333 Main St., Green Bay | 888.284.7213
Cost: Room rental fee ranging from $200-$600; menu items available à la carte
Capacity: Can accommodate up to 1,800 guests
Catering: In-house catering only
The Olympia Resort
Go all out with an outdoor ceremony and tented reception at the unique Olympia Gardens at the Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc, a scenic Milwaukee suburb. You and your groom can tie the knot in a picturesque gazebo, then walk just a few short steps to celebrate your newly married status in style. The tent can accommodate up to 300 guests and boasts 5,000 square feet of fully enclosed outdoor luxury.
The resort also offers three indoor rooms, so be sure to explore your options when you visit. “We have different feels for all of our different spaces, so brides can find what works best for them,” says Crystal Benson, social catering manager.
“We looked at about 10 different venues, but after we saw the Olympia, we knew this was the venue we wanted,” says bride Teresa Haas. “They were great about giving us flexibility and letting us make the day special.” Brides can also customize a catering package that specifically meets their needs. Champagne, moonlight, and the man of your dreams … what more do you need?
1350 Royale Mile Rd., Oconomowoc | 262.369.4999
Cost: $2,800 rental fee and $11,000 food and beverage minimum for Olympia Gardens; $5,000 to $11,00 Saturday food and beverage minimum, varying by room selection; no rental fees for indoor spaces
Capacity: Different rooms accommodating up to 600 guests
Catering: In-house catering only
InterContinental Milwaukee Hotel
If you consider yourself a ballroom bride, look no further than InterContinental Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. With a choice between two chic ballrooms, you can bring your fantasy wedding to life and put your own personal touch on the hotel’s elegant design and modern accents. “From the moment guests walk into the hotel they are surrounded by energy and style,” says Sydney Johnson, manages of the Pfister and InerContinental Hotels. “The ballrooms create the perfect backdrop for a dream wedding.”
The staff will work with you to create an overall theme that reflects your personal style. Choose from catering options ranging from the “Beginnings” package, which includes appetizers, champagne, an entrée and after-dinner snacks to the “Ultimate InterContinental Wedding” package, which offers appetizers, five hours of open bar service, wine and champagne, an entrée, dessert and two nights honeymoon in Grand Geneva. At this fairytale wedding, you’re destined to be the belle of the ball.
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee | 877.627.2875
Cost: From $40 to $200 per guest
Capacity: Can accommodate up to 400 guests
Catering: In-house catering only
