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. Book an event with us and receive a complimentary membership.

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: 

  • Choice of stage backdrops available
  • 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
  • Customizable set up of white padded chairs, tables, and bar
  • Catering staging area
  • 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

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

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: 

  • Outdoor decorations (i.e. historic lanterns or a white wedding arbor)
  • 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
  • Customizable setup and tear down of up to 175 white, padded chairs, and 1 to 2 ceremony tables
  • Just steps away from plentiful lighted parking
  • Accessible restrooms available in adjacent building
  • Electrical connection

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

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
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, call 262-594-6303 or email us at owwgroupsales@wisconsinhistory.org


“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