Midwest Features Syndicate is partnering with the Department of Journalism at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to help students gain work experience and build a writing portfolio. This week’s author is Jessica Johnson of Roberts, a senior majoring in journalism with an emphasis in writing and editing. She was editor-in-chief of the Advance-Titan, the college newspaper, when we connected.
Jessica chose to spotlight wedding venues because “family friends are the owners of
Coyland Creek, and after attending a wedding there this past summer, I knew I someday wanted to get married at an out-of-the-box wedding venue. Their venue inspired me to see what other unique wedding locations northern Wisconsin has to offer.”
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By JESSICA JOHNSON
When planning a wedding, the venue is oftentimes the most crucial aspect in creating lasting memories for you and your guests. Northern Wisconsin is home to quirky, rustic and singular wedding locations unlike anywhere else in the state. Explore a variety of diverse venues, a barn to an old schoolhouse, and find the location of your dreams.
Coyland Creek, Fredric. Tucked into the quiet northern country backwoods, this rustic outdoor setting is the perfect place to say “I do.” Walking down the aisle you will be embraced by a picturesque Northwoods garden and pond, along with your closest friends and family. In addition to being a wedding venue, this location will appeal to your adventurous side: Two sporting clay trap shooting courses are fun and challenging. Venue capacity: 150 guests. coyland.com, 715-653-4273
Lakewoods Resort on Lake Namakagon, Cable. At the shoreline of beautiful Lake Namakagon, this wedding venue will enthrall outdoor enthusiasts who want to be surrounded by Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest on their special day. The location is excellent for any season, and ceremony settings include a lodge, gazebo and outdoor cathedral. Newlyweds receive complimentary lodging in a honeymoon suite. Venue capacity: 600 guests outdoors, 450 guest indoors. lakewoodsresort.com, 715-794-2561
The Enchanted Barn, Rice Lake. As the website says, “Imagine your wedding with the awakening of all your senses. Imagine a place where rustic marries elegance.” This charming location was transformed into a wedding venue from an 1880s dairy farm barn. The rustic barn is made with ancient timber, and the south wall opens up to a valley. Say “I do” under a flicker of candles suspended from the ceiling. Venue capacity: 300 guests. theenchantedbarn.com
The Lodge at Crooked Lake Hotel, Siren. The Lodge offers a private and intimate outdoor wedding ceremony. The simple northern theme is perfect for any couple looking to pair Northwoods charm with affordability. Near the venue, in the heart of Siren, are family fun activities that include shopping, a miniature golf course and numerous lakes with access to parks, fishing and more. Capacity at Gandy Dancer Ballroom and Bear Den: 325 guests. mylodge.com, 715-349-2500
Stout’s Island Lodge, Birchwood. This property has a rich history full of rustic charm. It was built in 1903 by Frank Stout for a family summer getaway and was molded after Adirondack camps from the Gilded Age. A ferry shuttles guests (but not vehicles) to the 18-acre island, a 10-minute ride on Red Cedar Lake. Plan a wedding on the South Lawn or in an intimate indoor space, below barrel vaulted ceilings and near a wood-burning fireplace. Additional activities for overnight guests include hiking trails, kayaking and croquet. Venue capacity: 175 guests, outdoors. stoutsislandlodge.com, 715-354-3646
Lake Wissota Golf & Events, Chippewa Falls. For all you golf lovers out there, this wedding venue is the perfect place to tie the knot. Surround yourself with lush, green grounds indoors or outdoors; a swanky clubhouse offers an expansive ballroom and terrace. Use the golf course and lake as a backdrop for wedding photos. Staff include an onsite wedding planner. Venue capacity: 300 guests. lakewissotagolf.com, 888-382-4780
Roosevelt Hills, Barronett. A converted brick schoolhouse from the early 1900s offers a vintage and intimate experience for your special day. Picture ornamental ceiling tiles, delicate crown molding and ageless wood floors – all illuminated by the soft glow of sunlight peeking through windows. Outdoors is stadium-style seating amid rolling hills, tall pines and gardens. Venue capacity: 150 guests. roosevelthills.com, 715-371-1147
The Inn on Madeline Island, La Pointe. The stunning beachfront setting and majestic floating dock overlook Lake Superior, appealing to anyone who loves the Great Lakes. Couples rave about The Lightkeeper’s Lodge Great Room, whose amenities include a gas fireplace, French doors that open up to a terrace of lush lawns and lakefront views. Guests take a 25-minute ferry ride from Bayfield to get to the island. Venue capacity: 150 guests. madisland.com, 800-822-6315
Fairlawn Mansion, Superior. This upscale wedding destination is an 1890 authentically restored Victorian house and museum, built for a lumber and mining magnate. Walk down the grand staircase and into the intimate ceremony space, surrounded by the mansion’s rich history and those dearest to you. Venue capacity: 65 for the ceremony, 125 for the reception (or 65 for a formal dinner). superiorpublicmuseums.org, 715-394-5712
The Barn on Stoney Hill, Cornell. As the venue website says, “Here everything is perfectly imperfect, where the old mixes with the new.” Inside a restored vintage barn are gorgeous chandeliers, a spacious dance floor, rustic wooden ceiling beams, elegant French doors opening to picturesque balconies and many acres of beautiful farmland. Weddings are booked for spring to fall. Venue capacity: 300, or more. thebarnonstoneyhill.com, 715-579-5365