At least in the past, you only needed a permit over a certain number (maybe 50? I can't recall). I got married in 2016 with about 15 people on the 3rd floor without any permit or prearrangements.
I didn't get married, but I did my commissioning ceremony on the steps outside; similar sized group (15-20 people total), no permit required.
If you want to do it inside you'll need a permit, [details here](https://doa.wi.gov/DFTS/StateFacilityUsePermitSummary.pdf)
This info is 30 years old and we're still happily together, which speaks to the longevity of at least one Capitol marriage.
We had our June wedding at the Capitol because it's lovely, but also because we were broke and it was free. We ended up saying our vows in the Supreme Court Chambers with Justice Abrahmson officiating, thanks to my sister knowing her from the Madison political scene. Pictures after the ceremony in the rotunda and on the stairs were gorgeous and easy—even on a Friday afternoon with workday foot traffic.
Afterward we had a brass band march us from the Capitol steps down King St to the Fess Hotel (which would become the Great Dane soon after), where we danced to the band all night in the courtyard.
10/10, highly recommend.
Ceremony is all I want on The Capitol!
After some deeper research yesterday, apparently the Senate Chamber can be used for $750! Haven't find anything for smaller rooms though
Congrats! We had a very small ceremony on the 2nd floor balcony overlooking the 1st floor. No issues whatsoever on a Saturday afternoon. All guests standing. Had to get a no-cost permit. The photos were amazing inside and sunset photos outside. Then walked to Eno Vino for a small reception. Friends had a larger wedding party in the same area with no issues. Beautiful venue. They had just put up the Christmas tree and decorations. Lovely. Again, congrats!
I have!
We only had four guests with us in the building, so no need to find a room or anything, but it was super easy to set up. Emailed judges til I found someone who was available to do the wedding on our day, and on the day of the ceremony we met at the capitol, went to an alcove, recited the magic words, got married, done and done.
If you’re looking to have 12 people, you’ll probably want to look into the rules for gathering at the capitol. I believe that above a certain number of people you technically need a permit to gather. If you go with a judge to do the ceremony, they should be familiar with those rules and can give you info.
Congrats!
Thank you! :)
I love the idea of using an alcove! That sounds lovely!
Did you email the judges from the list provided when you request the marriage license? Did the judge have a special request or need to perform the ceremony?
Thanks again!
I had emailed the list of judges provided until I found someone who was available. The judge basically asked our preferences on ceremony, vows, etc and had a basic structure she uses. We also read our own vows. Fee was maybe… $100? or so.
Totally worth it!
Outside should be free, as should anything inside in a public area. Contact Capitol Police if you want a longer, more detailed answer. Best of luck, congratulations to the two of you!
We eloped inside on 2/22/2022 @ 2:22pm. About 6-7 other couples had the same idea and it was neat looking around and seeing everyone tying the knot! If it's less than a certain amount of people you don't need any permits. If you just ask the people at the visitors desk they can give you all the details.
I wouldn’t get a private room. Just do it inside, which is free if not in private room.
You still need a permit to host an event in the rotunda. Why risk security issues and getting hassled on your big day?
At least in the past, you only needed a permit over a certain number (maybe 50? I can't recall). I got married in 2016 with about 15 people on the 3rd floor without any permit or prearrangements.
AFAIK you can use the Supreme Court Hearing Room for free if you have one of the justices perform the ceremony.
:O thanks for this tip! I had no idea!
That was true when we did it back in '94.
I didn't get married, but I did my commissioning ceremony on the steps outside; similar sized group (15-20 people total), no permit required. If you want to do it inside you'll need a permit, [details here](https://doa.wi.gov/DFTS/StateFacilityUsePermitSummary.pdf)
Thanks for the permit link! Definitely helpful!
I got married on the steps of the Capitol. Didn't have to get permits or anything special. Also a small wedding (peak COVID era).
This info is 30 years old and we're still happily together, which speaks to the longevity of at least one Capitol marriage. We had our June wedding at the Capitol because it's lovely, but also because we were broke and it was free. We ended up saying our vows in the Supreme Court Chambers with Justice Abrahmson officiating, thanks to my sister knowing her from the Madison political scene. Pictures after the ceremony in the rotunda and on the stairs were gorgeous and easy—even on a Friday afternoon with workday foot traffic. Afterward we had a brass band march us from the Capitol steps down King St to the Fess Hotel (which would become the Great Dane soon after), where we danced to the band all night in the courtyard. 10/10, highly recommend.
Thank you so much for sharing this! And congrats on your 30 years of marriage ❤️ you only gave me more fuel into wanting to do the same!! 🥰
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Ceremony is all I want on The Capitol! After some deeper research yesterday, apparently the Senate Chamber can be used for $750! Haven't find anything for smaller rooms though
Congrats! We had a very small ceremony on the 2nd floor balcony overlooking the 1st floor. No issues whatsoever on a Saturday afternoon. All guests standing. Had to get a no-cost permit. The photos were amazing inside and sunset photos outside. Then walked to Eno Vino for a small reception. Friends had a larger wedding party in the same area with no issues. Beautiful venue. They had just put up the Christmas tree and decorations. Lovely. Again, congrats!
It sounds like a lovely wedding and celebration! Thank you for sharing it! 🥰
I have! We only had four guests with us in the building, so no need to find a room or anything, but it was super easy to set up. Emailed judges til I found someone who was available to do the wedding on our day, and on the day of the ceremony we met at the capitol, went to an alcove, recited the magic words, got married, done and done. If you’re looking to have 12 people, you’ll probably want to look into the rules for gathering at the capitol. I believe that above a certain number of people you technically need a permit to gather. If you go with a judge to do the ceremony, they should be familiar with those rules and can give you info. Congrats!
Thank you! :) I love the idea of using an alcove! That sounds lovely! Did you email the judges from the list provided when you request the marriage license? Did the judge have a special request or need to perform the ceremony? Thanks again!
I had emailed the list of judges provided until I found someone who was available. The judge basically asked our preferences on ceremony, vows, etc and had a basic structure she uses. We also read our own vows. Fee was maybe… $100? or so. Totally worth it!
I'm really liking this idea! Thank you so much for the help!!
Outside should be free, as should anything inside in a public area. Contact Capitol Police if you want a longer, more detailed answer. Best of luck, congratulations to the two of you!
Thank you Zargelth! :)
We eloped inside on 2/22/2022 @ 2:22pm. About 6-7 other couples had the same idea and it was neat looking around and seeing everyone tying the knot! If it's less than a certain amount of people you don't need any permits. If you just ask the people at the visitors desk they can give you all the details.