A Monona Terrace Wedding is all about breathtaking views, fresh summer air, and unforgettable memories. Danielle and Russell’s day was exactly that—sunshine, laughter, and the lake sparkling as if it were part of their love story. From the first look on the rooftop to their vows overlooking Lake Monona, every moment was pure joy. Honestly, their photos tell it all—romantic, relaxed, and timeless.
The couple kept it simple: no set theme, just different shades of blue to complement the lake and the summer sky. It fit them perfectly. Their story began years ago with a first date at Memorial Union Terrace, a pitcher of beer, and a sunset. After that, adventures just kept rolling in—kayaking, hiking, National Parks, even snorkeling in Thailand. Their engagement in Sedona was another chapter of exploring together, and it made perfect sense that their wedding would be centered around the beauty of nature, too.
The ceremony on the rooftop was unforgettable. The soft florals from Petal Back Farms framed the view beautifully, and the details—from invitations by With Joy to Danielle’s stunning gown from Tiffanis Co.- all tied together effortlessly. The team at Monona Terrace handled both catering and desserts, making sure guests enjoyed the day as much as the couple did.
As the professional wedding photographer for this day, I can say it was such a joy to capture every laugh, hug, and tear. And our wedding videographer was right there with us—turning these fleeting moments into a film Danielle & Russell can relive forever. At Original Weddings, we enjoy combining photography and film to provide couples with the complete story of their wedding day.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding like this, explore our packages and reach out—we’d love to capture your story. And don’t forget to check out our blog for more inspiration, love stories, and stunning real weddings. Now, scroll through Danielle and Russell’s incredible photos—you’ll see why their Monona Terrace Wedding was so unforgettable.
Monona Terrace Wedding Photos
Monona Terrace Wedding Cost
If you’re planning a Monona Terrace Wedding, you’ll want to get a handle on costs upfront. For example, the Madison Ballroom rental is waived if your food and beverage minimum reaches roughly $ 18,100 or more, and it scales down from there depending on your total spend. It’s great because the closer you get to that spending goal, the more you save on room rental fees. Overall, this approach means you can balance your décor, guest count, and budget pretty smoothly while still enjoying that stunning lakeside setting for your special day.
Monona Terrace Events Schedule
Just loved sharing Danielle & Russell’s story? Monona Terrace isn’t just about weddings; their events schedule is full of things like Dane Dances every Friday night in August on the rooftop, with live DJs and dancing under the stars. There are also public tours, virtual meditation sessions, candlelight concerts, and yoga Core classes that run throughout the week. It’s a lively, community-centered calendar that brings the energy of downtown Madison into every corner of this beautiful venue.
Monona Terrace Convention Center Address
Need to share the location? The Monona Terrace Convention Center is located at 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703. It’s just two blocks from the State Capitol and right on the edge of Lake Monona, so you get those epic city and water views from its rooftop and meeting rooms. Easy to find, easy to love—especially when you’re planning an event that blends architectural charm with lakeside beauty, making it truly a wonderful venue.
Monona Terrace Fireworks
Worried about fireworks? While Monona Terrace occasionally hosts rooftop watch parties, they don’t run their own fireworks show. The big firework celebrations over Lake Monona, like on the Fourth of July from nearby Winnequah Park, light up the sky around the venue—you’ll get that glow reflecting off the water and the terrace atmosphere. It’s a magical bonus when your guests catch sunset and those fireworks from the rooftop.
