It’s snowy here in WI today (insert whimpers…) While there wasn’t snow on Mae + Jim’s wedding day, there *was* rain and wind… and it was really cold! But, these two made the call to keep their ceremony outside — something that even Ray and I (even with the perspective of being photographers) weren’t sure we would have been brave enough to do! But OH MY was it worth it… what a beautiful environment. Horticultural Hall is on a corner in downtown Lake Geneva, but you’d never guess it by the secluded space that is in the middle of this square-shaped structure.

Enjoy just some of our favorites from Jim + Mae’s wedding day:

Questions about Horticultural Hall in Lake Geneva

These answers come from the venue’s public information and our day there. Confirm current rates and rules with Horticultural Hall before you book.

Where is Horticultural Hall?

330 Broad Street in downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Bungalow-style building went up in 1911 as a meeting place for the professional gardeners who worked the nearby estates, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the courtyard like?

It sits in the middle of the building. The venue describes a flower-filled courtyard, open to the sky and enclosed by ivy-covered screened arcades on three sides. From the street you’d never know it’s there, which was the first thing we noticed about it.

How many guests does it hold?

Up to 160 guests, listed for both the ceremony and the reception, indoors and outdoors.

Can you keep the ceremony outside in bad weather?

Mae and Jim did, on a cold, rainy, windy day, and the enclosed courtyard gave it a sheltered feel. The hall also has indoor space, so ask how a weather switch works for your date. Our advice on rain and cold wedding days covers the planning side.

What does the rental include, and what are the rules?

The listing we found describes a 12-hour rental that includes setup and cleanup, a full kitchen, approved outside caterers, and BYO alcohol served by a licensed bartender or caterer. Music ends at midnight, amplified music is indoors only, and rice, birdseed and confetti aren’t allowed.

How much does it cost?

Published numbers vary, so we won’t quote one. Ask the hall for current pricing for your date.

Do you photograph weddings in Lake Geneva?

Yes, we travel for the right wedding. The people we’d call for the rest of a southeastern Wisconsin day are in our Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin vendor list, and more of our favorite places are in our guide to Wisconsin wedding venues.

These photos are from 2014, made with cameras and editing software we’ve since replaced, so the look won’t match our newer galleries. How we spend a wedding day, close to it and out of the way, hasn’t changed.

Another southeastern Wisconsin wedding is Doug + Lucy’s at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan.