Your Wedding at Villa Terrace: What to Expect
Capacity & Timeline
The Villa can host up to 120 guests for an outdoor ceremony & dinner reception, and up to 70 guests for a complete or exclusively indoor event. Noise ordinance mandates that noise outside stops at 9 pm and noise inside stops at 10:30 pm.
Timeline:
9 am Getting Ready Suites Access
11 am Museum Opens
2 pm Vendor Access Time/ Contract Begins
4 pm Museum Closes
10:30 pm Event Ends
11 pm Contract Ends
Terrace Ceremony
Details
- Ceremonies held here - Altar with lake backdrop & curved rows for seating.
- White Garden Chairs included in rental price.
- The museum is open from 11 am - 4 pm. We cannot start your ceremony until after 4 pm when the museum is closed!
- We can have DJs or live music set-ups on the terrace during the ceremony.
- Vendor Access Time for set-up is 2 pm.
FAQ
What if it rains?
The weather back up location for the ceremony and dinner is inside the Great Hall.
What outside vendors can we bring in?
You may bring in vendors that are not food and beverage. That includes florists, photographers, videographers, entertainment, decor, transportation, wedding planning/day of coordinators, content creators, etc.
What is included in the rental price?
Access to the Garden, Courtyard, Great Hall, Terrace, and Partner Suites. Plus, tables and white garden chairs.
Courtyard Cocktail Hour
Details
- Cocktail Hour space with bar service and passed appetizers
- For weddings with less than 100 guests: stationed appetizers are available
- 3-4 high top tables and patio furniture for guests to use while socializing.
- Must have a 90 minute cocktail hour to ensure that the Noble Catering team has enough time to flip the Terrace from the ceremony to dinner service.
FAQ
Is parking provided?
The museum is located in a neighborhood with street parking.We have worked with Valet, Limousine, Shuttle Services, Uber, and Lyft.
Am I required to use Noble Catering?
Yes, the museum is a historic property and our approved caterer understands the rules and limitations. Noble Catering & Events is the exclusive caterer and beverage provider. Please contact the Events Team to learn more about Noble Catering & Events.
Terrace Dinner
Details
- Require long rectangular tables for guest counts above 100 for comfortability and flow for guests.
- Please assign a day of coordinator/wedding planner to set up decor for tables. Noble Catering is responsible for tables, chairs, linen, and serviceware.
- Benches and trees are only furniture/decor that must stay on the Terrace. Patio furniture and potted plants on wheels can be moved.
- ADA accessible ramp available for use onto Terrace from Library and Dining Room.
- Heaters are available for rental.
FAQ
Are we allowed to bring in our own Cake/Dessert?
Yes, as long as the cake/dessert comes from a licensed commercial baker. We have a list of preferred vendors to choose from! We can cut your cake for a $3 per person cake cutting fee, this includes plate and fork.
What Can the Villa Terrace Do?
Our events team and staff are happy to help with Design floor plans, event layouts, day-of timeline, recommend preferred vendors, and assist your designated vendors in creating your vision at Villa Terrace!
What Doesn’t the Villa Terrace Do?
Our events team and staff are unable to assist with florals and arches, tablescapes and decor, unloading, and transport of any items rented from an outside vendor.
Great Hall Reception
Details
- 2 restrooms on first floor (near elevator and front desk)
- Elevator for accessibility to 2nd floor for the wedding party using the getting ready suite. (Guests are not allowed on second floor)
- DJ and Live Music set up in front of fireplace - space for up to 5 piece live band
- Can bring in dance floors, photobooths, marquee letters, etc.
- Repurpose furniture into dessert and coffee stations, cards & gifts, welcome tables, memorial, etc.
- Can rent the piano for $250 but must stay in the room.
With Dining Room
- Can be used for bar, dessert station, games, or lounge area
- Otherwise it will be used as vendor storage and catering back of house if not in use!
FAQ
Does Noble Catering have a list of preferred vendors?
Yes! We work with great vendors in the Milwaukee area for photo, video, entertainment, event production, wedding planning, officiating, etc. We can provide a list of preferred vendors after booking. Have another vendor in mind, lets talk about it!
Who can I go to for help on my wedding day?
Noble Catering will have a venue manager on-site for your wedding day. Your Noble event producer will also be instrumental in the planning process starting 9 months prior to the date.
Additional Spaces
Partner Suite (First Floor)
- Access at 9 am
- Food and Beverage Suite Packages available through Noble Catering
- Great space for photos and signing marriage licenses!
- (In the Study)
Partner Suite (Second Floor)
- Access at 9 am
- Food and Beverage Suite Packages available through Noble Catering
- Full bathroom
- Can fit wedding parties up to 6 with hair and makeup artists
- Complimentary coffee and water station!
Museum Exhibits (Second Floor)
- The couple can use these spaces for photos during the afternoon!
- Guests are not allowed in these spaces after the museum closes.
- One restroom
Garden
- 1 Garden Ceremony per month. (2027 availability- July and October)
- Additional $1,000 rental
- Wooden staircase to walk down
- Two restrooms
- Side gate for accessibility for handicap guests
- Couples can use the entire property for photos!
- Seasonal flowers and water features cannot be guaranteed to be available at all times.
Blog: Allie & Karl’s Wedding at St. James 1868
Looking for inspiration for your menu? Check out our most recent blog, featuring a full day of catering for Allie & Karl's wedding at St. James 1868.