Celebrate Your Summer Love at Monona Terrace
Imagine a gentle summer afternoon, just at sunset. A faint breeze caresses the white chiffon of your wedding dress. Music plays as you gracefully walk past close friends and family towards the love of your life on a rose petal strewn path. It’s the wedding you always imagined on a rooftop garden as the last light of day dances off the majestic waters of Lake Monona.
Or picture you and your new spouse with several hundred guests in an elegant ballroom enjoying a sumptuous dinner and the finest champagne, followed by dancing and… or, maybe it’s both? Whatever your dream wedding may be, the team at Monona Terrace is here to help you make it happen. Celebrate your magical day the way you envision.
Let’s take a closer look at why a Monona Terrace wedding is like no other and start on your journey toward the memorable day of your life.
Why Monona Terrace is Perfect for Summer Weddings
Monona Terrace is one of the most sought-after summer wedding venues and the ideal location for an outdoor wedding in Wisconsin. Let’s start with the location. Monona Terrace is the preeminent architectural jewel of the Madison skyline. As if rising out of Lake Monona, our stunning complex was designed for people to gather, and for nearly 28 years, we have hosted weddings of all sizes and styles with the stunning views of Lake Monona as our backdrop.
The versatility of Monona Terrace is another reason we are capable of handling such an incredible range of wedding parties. With indoor options from 350-37,000 sq ft and outdoor spaces that can accommodate up to 3,000 guests, we can handle just about any guest list from intimate and casual to massive and opulent. Combined with the often-temperate Wisconsin summer days and evenings, Monona Terrace is the perfect place for a Lake Monona wedding.
Outdoor Ceremonies and Receptions
If an outdoor ceremony is one of your must-haves, the William Evjue Rooftop Gardens are an unrivaled location. The idyllic setting and scenic views make this one of the most enchanting outdoor wedding locations available for your big day. The space can be customized for a smaller gathering or for a lavish extravaganza of hundreds.
We take pride in how Monona Terrace embraces the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright and his approach to “organic architecture,” as the design and grounds of the complex blend seamlessly with Wisconsin’s natural beauty. This is why we continue to be the premier location for outdoor weddings and receptions in Wisconsin.
Customizable Wedding Packages
No matter what you have in mind, we have tailored options to match your vision. We begin with a consultation with a Monona Terrace Event Specialist. Whether you have every detail already imagined or need a seasoned professional to help with wedding planning, our goal is to be accommodating to your needs and make your wedding everything you dreamed it would be. If you already have a wedding planner, that’s awesome! We often collaborate with outside planners.
A great place to start is by reviewing our various wedding packages and gathering more information about the options available at Monona Terrace for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions. You will also find more information about our additional offerings and facilities, such as dance floors and AV, decorations, parking, and nearby hotel accommodations.
Lastly, besides the vows and a big kiss, no wedding would be complete without culinary delights! The incredible catering service at Monona Terrace has an array of delicious options and can also accommodate special requests. We offer a range of hors d’oeuvres, dinners, desserts, and beverages. Check out our mouthwatering catering menu.
Booking Tips for Summer Weddings
There are lots of reasons couples prefer a summer wedding and even more reasons they choose Monona Terrace as their wedding venue. Securing your preferred date is paramount. Some of our more popular spaces book up to 18 months in advance. Here are some tips to consider:
Decide on a date asap: If you have a preferred date, book it now. Start planning around that date. Everything else about your wedding flows from the date, from flowers and your wedding dress to hotel accommodations, a wedding cake, a photographer and other related events.
Be flexible: You may not be able to get that second Sunday in June. If you have some flexibility, it will help in securing all the other details that go into a successful wedding.
Put together a timeline: There are several milestones that are typically associated with a wedding that are tied to the day of the wedding. For instance, you will have milestones 12-18 months before the wedding like save-the-date announcements. Eight to 10 months out, you’ll find your wedding dress and plan attire for the wedding party. Formal wedding invitations and wedding registries at six months out, and… the list goes on. Your timeline can help you keep track of all that you have to do.
Mind the weather: If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, we will also work with you for an indoor backup in case of rain. Of course, if you’re in one of our banquet halls, the weather won’t matter!
Book Your Dream Summer Wedding Today
A wedding can be overwhelming. At the early stages of planning, the Internet is your best friend. There are dozens of websites and apps available that can help you with every aspect of your wedding and keep you on track. We also recommend checking out our blog, which has lots of articles on planning an event at Monona Terrace, successful planning tips, what makes a good event planner, venue and reception ideas, and more.
Again, setting the day and booking the venue is the cornerstone of wedding planning. If Monona Terrace is high on your wish list for wedding venues, schedule a consultation with us today!
Events at Monona Terrace often reserve space 18-24 months in advance, especially for weddings or corporate conventions with multiple vendors and specialized requirements.
The first step is to start with our Contact Us form. This allows us to gather basic information about your event and get the ball rolling. If you would like to Request a Proposal from Monona Terrace to host your event, we are happy to oblige!
Of course, you are always free to contact us directly via email.