Weddings at Yerkes

We partner with Graceful Events to run our weddings. Couples must use Graceful Events for day-of wedding coordination. You have the ability to pick your wedding coordination package with Graceful. This price is not included with the cost to rent Yerkes as your wedding venue. Email gracefuleventswi@gmail.com for more information.

Indoor wedding ceremony + cocktail reception (not a full reception)
75 people maximum in a four-hour window
To take place in Drake Library + Hagenah Rotunda
Wedding suite available three hours before ceremony.
Observatory available for photos two hours before ceremony.
Caterer of your choice for hors d’oeuvres + drinks > price not included
Ceremony rehearsal with Graceful Events and Yerkes staff the day before.

$6,000 (+5.5% tax)

Outdoor wedding ceremony + cocktail reception (not a full reception)
Ceremony and cocktails / hors d’oeuvres on the South Lawn or Olmsted Ellipse
Three hour window with full reception elsewhere.
Wedding suite available three hours before ceremony.
Observatory available for photos two hours before ceremony.
Observatory will be open-house style inside with Dome tours and exhibit browsing.
Vendors of your choice > prices not included
Rehearsal with Graceful Events and Yerkes staff the day before.
Note: From June 1st to mid-September, our Programs Tent can be used for the rain plan but the client must rent tables and chairs if desired. This is only for weddings with a max of 175 guests (seated, no tables). For weddings larger than 175, couples must rent their own tent for rain plan. >

$10,000 (+5.5% tax)

Outdoor wedding ceremony+ full reception
Ceremony and cocktails / hors d’oeuvres on the South Lawn or Olmsted Ellipse.
Reception must be tented on the South Lawn. Clients must rent a tent if the wedding is over 175 guests or the wedding takes place from mid-September through late May. Summer clients can use our Programs Tent (max 150 seated guests with tables and dance floor) or rent their own tent.
Clients must rent tables and chairs. They must also rent a catering tent from Blue Peak.
Nine hour wedding-day window for getting dressed, pictures, wedding, and reception.
Rehearsal with Graceful Events and Yerkes staff the day before
Vendors of your choice > prices not included.

$17,000 (+5.5% tax)

*Our parking lot has only 48 spots, so couples must rent trolleys or buses for larger gatherings.

Dinners, Business Gatherings, and Celebrations

Yerkes Observatory is an ideal environment for company meetings, receptions, and celebrations of all kinds. We offer a variety of spaces, both inside and on the grounds, for gatherings up to 100 people indoors and 160 people outdoors. We have A / V: projectors, smart TVs. microphones, and speakers. Food and beverage service can be arranged with the caterers of your choice. For 2026, we have a 40′ by 60′ Century pole tent for outdoor events, as a rain plan or otherwise.

All private events include mini-tours by Yerkes staff if you want to impress your guests even more. With provided documentation, we’re certainly happy to provide a discount for not-for-profit groups. Email Walt at wchadick@yerkesobservatory.org for booking info. 

3 hour sit-down dinner and drinks inside with 30 people maximum in the Drake Library + Hagenah Rotunda.  Caterer of your choice > price not included. $1,800.

3 hour hors d’oeuvres and drinks with 100 people maximum in the Hagenah Rotunda  + Drake Library + South Lawn. Food stations, high top tables, and service areas for food and bar. Caterer of your choice > price not included. $2,800.

4 hour business meeting with 30 people maximum in Drake Library or Programs Room. $1,800.

8 hour business meeting with 30 people maximum in the Drake Library or Programs Room. Caterer of your choice > price not included. $2,800.

*All events will have an added 5.5% Wisconsin sales tax except weddings without receptions and nonprofit organizations.