3 Historical Wisconsin Wedding Venues

Spotlight
Wisconsin has three noteworthy new spaces for modern weddings of any size, and each radiates history and luxurious touches.
Written by
Sherri Hildebrandt

Published:

Wisconsin Bride Fall/Winter 2021

ST. JAMES 1868, Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s elegant St. James 1868, a former Episcopal church and parish hall, boasts 50-foot ceilings, Tiffany stained-glass windows and 15th-century hand-carved architectural details; the ambience of European flair and rich local history makes any wedding day a classic, sophisticated affair. The Abbey can accommodate up to 300 wedding only guests, 250 for dining, and includes an English-style courtyard. The Hyde, the church’s old parish hall, can accommodate 150 guests and includes an outdoor terrace. Owned and operated by a team of female entrepreneurs, St. James 1868 partners with food and beverage vendors Gracious Events + Catering.


 

TINSMITH, Madison 
Once home to a wholesale heating equipment business, The Tinsmith is a repurposed industrial structure with a signature barrel-vault roof, built in the early 1920s by brothers George and Arthur Trachte and within walking distance of fine hotels, restaurants and nightlife in the heart of Madison. Wisconsin natives Jessica Wartenweiler and Eric Welch purchased the building in 2018 and transformed it; amenities include a plant-filled, four-season solarium, more than 9,000 square feet in an open floor plan, and dramatic 23-foot-high ceilings. With full bar, open vendor policy, and pets are welcome.

THE TREASURY, Delavan 
The transformation of the 1909 Wisconsin State Bank building in Delavan is the dream come true for makeup and wardrobe stylist Jillian Niemann, a Wisconsin native, and her contractor husband, Ryan. They created The Treasury, a light-filled modern space that can accommodate 185 guests, with soaring 17-foot ceilings and large arched windows. Exposed brick adds warmth to the surroundings, and former bank vaults can be used as extra event and rental space. The year-round venue was designed as a blank canvas for every style, from artsy and bold to bohemian and rustic. Couples are welcome to bring in their own vendors, but should consider the wealth of available services The Treasury offers that are included in the rental fee.