As an owner of a cherished venue space, I have created a haven where couples can freely celebrate their important day, choosing their vendors and bringing in their own drinks, all while not worrying about additional costs. With the recent passing of Act 73 in the WI Senate and signed by Governor Evers, this could change drastically for myself and my peers in this vibrant industry in WI. 

This legislation alters the way Wisconsin interprets over 200 wedding barns and alternative venues. It dictates that by January 1, 2026, these venues must obtain a Liquor License and operate effectively as a bar, a paradigm shift that contradicts the essence of our businesses. Especially when the events hosted are and have always been PRIVATE, INVITE ONLY events being hosted by Private individuals on Private property.

Or the alternative is to obtain a "No Sale"  Event Venue permit. In that a venue can operate as they always have. I.e. Couples can bring in their own alcohol (Malt Beverage and wine only though is the notable change there) and have an open bar. BUT...the law says that these venues can only host 6 liquor related events a year and only one a month.

No where in the Wisconsin government has a rule been put in place that is so specific and literally stifles the life blood of some of these family farms that have been forced to pivot to hosting different events on their farm due to deciding to quit farming, or to help supplement their farm income. Most venues do anywhere from 10-80 events a year and sometimes more depending on their building and permits. (this is revenue locally, other businesses couples are using, and the state!)

Previously, private events held on private property (Most venues are on 'private property' and not commercial property open to the public) could 'gift' guests their liquor. This simple gesture will become a burden as venue owners, like myself, who may need to pay up to $10,000 to procure a liquor license as of 1/1/26.

Essentially, it threatens to impose a tremendous economic impact on venue owners, especially those operating within dry townships where a license even though the state is opening up the quotas for a short time, cannot be obtained due to the dry township. So those venues will be forced to do the No Sale Event Permit and limit their business to just 6 alcohol events a year. And some are just unwilling to transform their businesses into essentially bars.

Not everyone wants their wedding in a ballroom, bar, winery, or banquet hall. That's why Wisconsin's unique wedding barns and alternative venues exist, to cater to the varied preferences of couples. This new legislation disregards this fact by lumping all venue types into one category, thereby stifling diversity and choice.

We call upon the Wisconsin State Senate to revisit Act 73 (Click to read bill language) as it relates to the language around these venues. Its impact on venue owners and the broader wedding industry is significant. We urge lawmakers to consider revisions/trailer bill to the Act that acknowledge the unique nature of wedding barns and alternative venues without imposing prohibitive costs on them. If you are a WI Resident, I urge you to reach out to your local assembly person or Senator. FIND YOUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL HERE

We believe in our right to maintain the character and essence of our businesses, and to continue contributing to the vibrancy of Wisconsin’s wedding industry. We are not asking to not have to have any rules. But we are asking that they are created fairly and that the result doesn't have a significant impact on these business owners who are providing revenue not only to their local areas, but the WI Government too in the form of sales tax and more.

If you held your event at a space like this, know someone who has, know someone outside the venue space that benefits from these events every year, been to a space like this, or believe in the ability to create a living on your own property for your family, then please, help us protect our beloved venues. Sign this petition today.