Wedding in the Wisconsin State Capitol Building - Jodee & Aalock

wedding photo in downtown Madison couple pausing for a kiss in the street. Red Wedding Dress. Wisconsin State Capitol Wedding in Madison Wisconsin

Wedding Photography in the Wisconsin State Capitol

There might not be a better wedding venue in Wisconsin than the Capitol Building. It is perfect for smaller ceremonies. Keep in mind that the entire space will not be closed for your wedding though, so maybe plan on a ceremony in the morning when there is less foot traffic. I would definitely recommend avoiding a farmers market Saturday!

This wedding was on Christmas Eve and the only thing we were missing was some SNOW. That would have just put everything into another level. 

interior wedding photo of the Wisconsin state capital Wedding in the Wisconsin State Capitol - Jodee & Aalock  There might not be a better wedding venue in Wisconsin than the Capitol Building

One of the Best Wedding Venues in Madison

The surrounding area is also very pretty and has a ton of great locations for wedding photos, and more importantly reception spaces. Because the Capitol is certainly not a one stop shop like a more “conventional” wedding venue. You will need to get ready at another location, and the reception will need to be somewhere if you would like something to eat, and drink. 

Fortunately the Concourse Hotel, Monona Terrace, Overture Center, Eno Vino Downtown, and the Edgewater are very close. Just to name a few.

This couple got ready at the concourse where I met them and we made the short walk to the Capitol Building. 

concourse Madison hotelwedding photo

Downtown Madison is Just Really Pretty

The Wisconsin State Capitol is the perfect place for some stunning wedding photos. It is just a beautiful place. We can get so many different backdrops throughout the building and just step out onto the lawn and stairs to get some different backgrounds. 

Wisconsin State Capitol Steps Wedding photo. Red wedding dress

The Best Views in the City

From the rooftop overlooking the city, to the many different halls and areas of the building there are so many possibilities for photos. There are opportunities both close and intimate, and really wide and grand photo locations. The photos here feel really special and unique because of the scale of the building. The interior is actually very open and feels massive, because well, it is.

wedding photo in the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. Couple in the middle of many staircases

I have had the privilege of photographing several weddings inside the capital and many in the surrounding area, as well as countless engagements and graduation sessions. Everyone always wants photos at/or in the Capitol, and for good reason! It is just really easy to make photos taken here look awesome.

My personal favorite view is actually down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The buildings on the sides of the street frame the Capitol building well, and the evening light is great on that side.

wedding photo in downtown Madison. Wisconsin State capital in background. Red Wedding Dress.

Perfect Wedding Venue All Year

One thing that makes the Wisconsin State Capitol Building a perfect wedding venue or photo location is that the interior is beautiful year round. Of course being indoors makes the space a safe bet rain or shine. 

My favorite time of year is summer in downtown Madison, but fall and even winter are beautiful as well. I always caution against early spring before things turn green. That is really the only time of year I don’t recommend for a wedding in the midwest.

If for some crazy reason you have not been here please do yourself a favor and check it out!

The Capitol Building is open daily and you can give yourself a tour or look for a guided one for a bit more of a history lesson.

Previous
Previous

Engagement Session at Milwaukee Art Museum & Lakefront, Pedro & Perla

Next
Next

Turner Hall Ballroom Wedding - Ben & Bianca