Romantic Lake Geneva Wedding Venues
April 22nd, 2025
As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, I feel like I have a few extra eyes in the wedding realm when it comes to knowing about wedding venues! Today we’re going to take a peek into a few venues & spaces located in and near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Lake Geneva is the perfect area for a summer wedding if you’re into the hustle and bustle of a small Wisconsin city and love outdoor activities. A good majority of my weddings lean on the smaller, more intimate side, so the venues I’ll be sharing will stick with that theme and are hopefully some you haven’t heard of yet!
1. Yerkes Observatory
We’re going to start off with a few of my favorite venues that have tons of unique historic charm and romantic atmospheres. First up we have Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, just about a 10 minute drive outside of Lake Geneva! Surrounded by lush gardens and the striking architecture of the 19th-century observatory, being on the grounds of the Observatory transports you to Europe. You could have your ceremony beneath the towering dome or on the lawn overlooking views of greenery, and end with your reception inside the Observatory. Truly such a hidden gem venue that’s a dream of mine to photograph!
Guest Capacity — 125
Rate — $17,000 for 9 hours, wedding planning services, and rehearsal dinner coverage
2. Maxwell Mansion
Up next is located right in the heart of Lake Geneva, Maxwell Mansion! An Italianate-inspired mansion filled with tons of vintage charm, lush gardens and intimate vibes. You can get married outside within their courtyard, the Carriage House, inside the mansion; the possibilities are endless whether you decide to have a more intimate wedding day or go all out!
Guest Capacity — up to 100
Rate — $4,500 for 25 to 34 guests
3. Horticultural Hall
One of my favorites on my list of Lake Geneva wedding venues is Horticultural Hall! A wedding day at Horticultural Hall in Lake Geneva is effortlessly romantic—full of charm, warmth, and timeless beauty. Another wedding venue right in the heart of downtown Lake Geneva, the Hall’s ivy-covered brick exterior and blooming courtyard garden is the perfect spot for any couple looking for a cozy, outdoor wedding. This is one of those venues that you have to see in person to get the full experience as well!
Guest Capacity — up to 160
Rate — $3,955 on a Saturday
Looking for a Lake Geneva wedding photographer? Take a peek at my work and reach out to learn more!
4. Lake Geneva Cruise Lines
I know you’ve probably seen Lake Geneva Cruise Lines on everyone’s Lake Geneva Wedding Venue lists, but hear me out! I had the opportunity to photograph a unique wedding on The Grand Belle boat through the Lake Geneva Cruise Lines. We started off the evening with dinner and speeches in The Upper Deck of Pier 290 and then made our way onto The Grand Belle with all of their guests for a romantic evening ceremony followed by a serene cocktail hour/reception. Truly such a special experience getting to switch things up for what would be a typical wedding day
Guest Capacity — 12 to 225 / differs depending on which boat you rent
Rate — differs depending on which boat you rent
5. Powers Lake Home Rental
The last two venues on my list are VRBO vacation rentals that allow weddings! First up is a vacation rental in Powers Lake, about 15 minutes south of Lake Geneva. If you’re looking to host an outdoor, intimate wedding with a lakeside view, this vacation rental is perfect! You’re able to swim, fish, and boat right in the backyard and can host up to 80 of your friends and family all in one spot.
Guest Capacity — sleeps 32 / 80 wedding guests allowed
Rate — starts at $2,000 per night
6. Mukwonago Lake Home Rental
Last up on my list is this stunning vacation home rental on VRBO in Mukwonago, about 20 minutes north of Lake Geneva! There’s something so welcoming and intimate about being able to hold a backyard wedding; the coziness of a lakeside property, having all of your people in one place— it couldn’t be more perfect! This rental has their own private tennis court, a private beach, a screened in boathouse, 1,000 acres to roam around, and just an all around perfect spot for anyone who’s hoping to have an outdoor/backyard wedding!
Guest Capacity — sleeps 36 / 99 wedding guests allowed
Rate — starts at $1,458 per night