Weddings & Private Events

Weddings & Private Events

Home / Plan / Weddings & Private Events

Make your next event historic!

Old World Wisconsin’s picturesque 1897 octagonal Clausing Barn, Green and Garden Patio are perfect settings for a rustic Wisconsin wedding or a unique private event. The Brewhouse, Caldwell Hall, and Picnic Pavillion offer more opportunities for a historic event. Make your day historic and create a story that will be remembered for generations.

Wedding Rentals all include wedding party access to unique historical locations, a bridal dressing room, and one hour rehearsal a couple days before your event. All rentals allow outside catering. Pricing for all venues available by request.

Old World Wisconsin will be expanding the entry and private event experience in 2026. We are now accepting inquiries for events starting in June 2026.

An up close photo of white and green wedding decorations

A couple, wearing a wedding dress and suit, getting their picture taken with the man holding a pitch fork, in front of a building
A decorated, with pink, white, and green decorations, inside of a building
A couple, in a wedding dress and suit, standing by two dark colored horses pulling a carriage

Caldwell Hall

Caldwell Hall serves as a venue with the authentic historic charm of a 19th century hall for a unique dinner or event. The South Caldwell Yard serves as a convenient location for a smaller outdoor ceremony adjacent to the historic 1874 Caldwell Hall.

Capacity:

65 guests inside

Rental Includes: 

  • FREE wedding party access to our historic crossroads village for unique photography locations
  • Bridal dressing room
  • Weddings include FREE 1 hour rehearsal 1-2 days before your event
  • Catering staging area
  • Customizable set up of white padded chairs, tables, and bar
  • Located short distance from lit main parking lot
  • Reliable power & ample lighting
  • Accessible and modern restrooms
  • Modern Air conditioning

Picnic Pavilion

The Picnic Pavilion located in the Scandinavian Homesteads area of the museum is perfect for a sheltered daytime family reunion or company picnic.

Capacity:

300 guests

Rental Includes: 

  • Picnic tables & benches
  • A separate entrance gate and parking lot allows easy access for caterers, event organizers and VIPs
  • Reliable power & ample lighting
  • Located near the tram road for accessible guest access
  • Accessible and modern restrooms located a few yards away
A brewhouse during the sunset

The Brewhouse

Old World Wisconsin’s newest exhibit building, The Brewhouse is a fantastic location to host an exciting evening gathering, or to enjoy a relaxing mid-day lunch with your tour group. Sample 19th century styled beer, brewed on site and learn more about the history of beer in Wisconsin.

Capacity:

48 guests inside*

*more guests with outdoor large picnic tents

Rental Includes: 

  • Setup of tables, benches chairs and the bar
  • Located short distance from lit main parking lot
  • Reliable power and ample lighting
  • Fully wheelchair accessible
  • Two single, multipurpose, accessible restrooms
  • Wittenbel’s Tavern & Beer Garden available as add-ons
A photo of a wedding ceremony and a crowd of people seated

The Green

The Green at Old World Wisconsin is our most popular ceremony location. Nestled amongst unique historic buildings with a backdrop formed by the beautiful Kettle Moraine Forest, an outdoor ceremony on The Green will be long remembered by you and your guests.

Capacity:

175 guests seated 

Rental Includes: 

  • Weddings include FREE 1 hour rehearsal 1-2 days before your event
  • Bridal dressing room
  • FREE wedding party access to our historic crossroads village for unique photography locations
  • Just steps away from plentiful lighted parking
  • Customizable setup and tear down of up to 175 white, padded chairs, and 1 to 2 ceremony tables
  • Accessible restrooms available in adjacent building
  • Electrical connection
A red barn with the door open and greenery and flowers around it

The Clausing Barn

Our authentic 1890s octagonal barn is the perfect space for a rustic wedding reception, unique private event or memorable corporate meeting.

Capacity:

175 guests 

Rental Includes: 

  • Chandelier and draped string lights
  • FREE wedding party access to our historic crossroads village for unique photography locations
  • Bridal dressing room
  • FREE complimentary use of The Garden Patio for your cocktail reception
  • Customizable table, chair, and bar setups
  • Catering staging area
  • Just steps away from plentiful lighted parking
  • Reliable power and ample lighting
  • Accessible and modern restrooms
  • Heated and well ventilated, with numerous fans; not air-conditioned.
  • Sound system, projector & screen
A red barn looking building with a crowd gathered around outside

The Garden Patio

The colorful and secluded Garden Patio is a gorgeous space for a smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony.

As part of a wedding, with a ceremony on The Green & reception in The Clausing Barn, the patio is included as a location for a cocktail reception.

Capacity:

100 wedding guests

or

175 cocktail reception guests

Rental Includes: 

  • For Small Wedding Ceremonies: customizable table, chair, and bar setups
  • FREE wedding party access to our historic crossroads village for unique photography locations
  • Bridal dressing room
  • Weddings include FREE 1 hour rehearsal 1-2 days before your event
  • For Cocktail Hour (as part of larger wedding): set with patio chairs and tables and bar area
  • Catering staging area
  • Just steps away from plentiful lighted parking
  • Reliable power and ample lighting
  • Accessible and modern restrooms

The Creamery (Birthday Party)

Create memories by hosting your birthday party in the Crossroads Creamery! 

Bring your group and have a private place to gather, open gifts and hang out – as well as explore Old World Wisconsin for a historic day your guests will treasure! 

Capacity:

15 children and 2 adults

Rental Includes: 

  • Roped off space for the party in the Creamery for the entire day. 
  • 1 Token per Guest 
  • Ice Cream Sundae Bar for all guests 
  • 2 Scoops of Ice Cream with 4 Flavors to choose from 
  • Add On Options: 
    • Additional guest cost:  Children $15, Adults $20 
    • Additional Tokens – $5 each (discounted for party package) 
    • Take Home Old World Wisconsin Goodie Bag for each child – $10 each 

Wittnebel’s Tavern

Step into a piece of history at Wittnebel’s Tavern, originally opened by the Wittnebel family in the early 1900s. For over 80 years, this beloved gathering spot was a staple in the Old Ashippun community. Meticulously restored to transport you back to the lively post-Prohibition 1930s, the tavern is a true time capsule. Relive the past as you sip an exclusive Old World Wisconsin brew while bartenders decked out in Depression-era attire serve up nostalgia.

Capacity:

10 tavern guests

or

10-30 upper-level guests

Rental Includes: 

  • The tavern can be used as part of a larger event hosted in the Clausing Barn
A couple explores beer and brewing in the Brewhouse. OWW Summer Photoshoot 2022

Complimentary Family Membership

When you host an event with us

Become a Wisconsin Historical Society member and visit all 12 of our historic sites for free! Membership pays for itself in as little as two visits and includes other great benefits like discounts and reciprocal benefits to more than 1,200 organizations.

Make your next event historic!

For further information, please reach out to Guest Services at 262-951-1065 or email us at [email protected]

A bride and her three bridesmaids, dressed in dark red, with their flower bouquet's.

“We truly couldn’t have chose a more perfect Venue.
Thank you and your staff for making our day perfect!”

Renae Miller

2017 Wedding on the Green, with cocktails and reception at Clausing Barn