Weddings in Wisconsin State Parks
Many couples hold wedding ceremonies and/or receptions surrounded by the natural beauty of Wisconsin state parks.
Tall trees at Pattison State Park form a natural canopy for a wedding.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber
If you are planning a simple event for a small group, you may conduct the wedding in just about any public place in the park. If you require equipment or a shelter, have a large event or reception, or have any other special needs, before you commit to certain plans please consider the following guidelines and consult the staff of the park you're considering.
Shelters
See our shelters pages for fees and other information about shelters that can be reserved for weddings or other events. The fees vary with the shelters' size and amenities. Be aware that some park facilities and services (buildings, water, restrooms, concessions, camp areas) are closed during the off season.
Equipment
You may bring chairs, small portable archways, backdrops, a roll of carpet, or other small temporary equipment. Any large equipment (tent or shelter, stage, trailer-sized grill, catering van etc.) must have approval in advance from the park superintendent. No amplified music or sound is allowed unless approved by the park superintendent; acoustical music is allowed. Equipment or food may be delivered that day only.
Parking and Vehicles
All vehicles must be legally parked, and may not drive on the grass.
A valid vehicle admission sticker is required on any parked vehicle. With advance arrangements, you may purchase (20 or more) daily passes for $5 each.
No special parking priority will be given to wedding/event vehicles. On very busy summer days it is common for parking to fill up or be very scarce. Adequate parking is not guaranteed.
A Public Place
Keep in mind that state parks are public places. Any group is expected to follow the same rules on alcohol, noise, trash cleanup, pets, parking, and behavior as any other park visitor.
Unless you have reserved and rented a specific shelter, you are conducting your ceremony in public. The wedding party has no right to restrict someone’s use of any part of the public park. Keep in mind that holding your event in a heavily used area at a busy time of year may not turn out to be the setting you desire.
You must clean up and remove all trash generated by your event. Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Make certain you communicate clearly and completely with all people involved with your event. There have been times when there were two and even three weddings in a park on the same day. Tell all guests, helpers, photographers, caterers, delivery persons, and limousine drivers exactly where they should be and when to be there. If you are buying discounted daily passes for guests, tell the guests not to buy a sticker when entering the park. It is very helpful to let the park staff know where and when your event will be held if you haven’t rented a shelter.
Special Considerations
For more information, ask the park in which you're interested or Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.
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