A man in a suit gently holds a woman in a white, buttoned dress from behind; the image is in black and white and focuses on their hands and upper bodies.

Horstmann Homestead Wedding Venue in Wisconsin

/ Wedding Stories / By

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels both rustic and elegant, Horstmann Homestead Events is a hidden gem tucked in the hills near West Salem, Wisconsin. With rolling fields, tall pines, and a beautifully restored barn, this venue offers a peaceful setting with plenty of charm, privacy, and flexibility.

As Wisconsin wedding photographers who have worked across the La Crosse area and beyond, we love venues like this — places that feel like home but still deliver something extraordinary.

What Makes Horstmann Homestead Special

This isn’t your average barn venue. The property is family-owned and designed with weddings in mind, meaning every detail has been thought through: from the landscaping and sunset views to the flow between ceremony and reception. The Horstmanns have created a space where you can bring your vision to life, whether that’s a laid-back picnic reception or a more classic formal affair.

There’s also an undeniable calm that sets in when you arrive. You’re not just booking a barn. You’re booking 12 acres of countryside, outdoor fire pits, wooded ceremony trails, and a space that feels disconnected from the rush of the world — in the best way.

Ceremony Options at Horstmann Homestead

There are several ceremony locations on the property, each with its own personality.

  • The Outdoor Arbor Space: This is the most popular option, tucked between pines and surrounded by hills. Wooden benches, a custom-built arbor, and open sky make it perfect for couples looking for a nature-forward backdrop.
  • Inside the Barn: If weather rolls in or you’re planning a winter wedding, the upper level of the barn works beautifully for indoor ceremonies. The wood beams and ambient string lighting add warmth and character, and you still get that rustic Wisconsin feel.
  • Sunset Ceremonies: The open fields around the barn offer golden hour views that make for jaw-dropping vow photos. It’s worth timing your ceremony just right if light and landscape are important to your vision.

The Barn Reception Space

The main barn at Horstmann Homestead is split into two levels — an upper level for the reception or indoor ceremony, and a lower level that can be used for cocktail hour, dancing, or overflow.

Inside the barn, you’ll find:

  • Exposed wood beams and hardwood floors
  • A large open space with flexible seating layouts
  • Built-in string lights and chandelier lighting
  • A prep kitchen for catering
  • Private restrooms
  • Accessibility accommodations

The barn feels rustic and romantic but doesn’t skimp on comfort. You can dress it up with florals and drapery or lean into the natural tones and wood finishes for a more minimalist vibe.

Photo Opportunities Across the Property

From a photographer’s perspective, this property is a dream. It’s easy to move between getting-ready spaces, first look spots, portraits, and reception without ever leaving the venue — which is huge for couples who want a stress-free day.

Some of our favorite photo moments at Horstmann Homestead include:

  • Golden hour portraits in the open meadow
  • Candid shots along the wooded trails
  • Couples walking hand-in-hand beneath the string lights
  • Group photos in front of the barn’s exterior
  • Detail shots of rustic décor, hand-lettered signage, and outdoor ceremony spaces

Whether you’re drawn to boho aesthetics or clean, classic styling, this venue gives you the flexibility to bring your personality to the day.

Amenities and What’s Included

One of the best parts about Horstmann Homestead is what’s included in your rental. You get more than just a space — you get support, prep space, and thoughtful details that make the day smoother.

Most packages include:

  • Full-day venue access
  • On-site bridal suite and groom’s room
  • Ceremony arbor and wooden benches
  • Reception tables and chairs
  • Indoor restrooms
  • Parking attendants
  • Yard games and fire pits
  • Staff available throughout the day
  • ADA accessibility

This setup is especially helpful for couples planning a DIY wedding or those working with a limited vendor team. You won’t need to rent tables, chairs, or lighting separately.

Getting Ready On-Site

The venue includes a private getting-ready suite for the wedding party — perfect for hair, makeup, and hanging out pre-ceremony. There’s also a separate room available for the other partner to get ready in. Both spaces are just a short walk from the ceremony and reception areas, which keeps the whole day flowing easily.

Who Horstmann Homestead Is Perfect For

This venue is a great fit if you’re looking for:

  • A rustic Wisconsin wedding with scenic outdoor ceremony options
  • A private, family-owned venue with heart and hospitality
  • A blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that flow naturally
  • A laid-back atmosphere with charming but elevated design
  • A full-day rental that supports both DIY and structured weddings

It’s ideal for couples who want to feel grounded in nature, embrace the seasons, and focus more on meaningful moments than a packed schedule.

Local Lodging and Travel Info

Horstmann Homestead is located just outside of West Salem, which is a short drive from La Crosse, Wisconsin. That means easy access for out-of-town guests, nearby hotels, and restaurants to keep your group comfortable before and after the event.

Some couples choose to book a local Airbnb or stay at one of the hotels in La Crosse for convenience. Either way, you get the peace and quiet of a countryside venue with the amenities of a small city nearby.

Final Thoughts: A Wedding Venue With Heart

We’ve worked at dozens of barn venues across Wisconsin, and Horstmann Homestead stands out for its warm, welcoming spirit and thoughtful details. The owners are kind, accommodating, and truly care about your experience.

If you’re looking for a wedding venue near La Crosse that blends nature, hospitality, and rustic beauty, Horstmann Homestead deserves a spot on your shortlist.

If you’re planning a Wisconsin wedding and want to explore more venue ideas and support, check out these helpful links:

A group of eleven people, including a couple dressed in wedding attire, pose for a photo outdoors on a grassy field with hills and trees in the background.
No Caption
An elderly woman wearing sunglasses and a patterned shirt laughs while standing outdoors with other people dressed formally.
No Caption
A wire basket holds assorted decorated cookies in white and green, including leaves, floral shapes, and a plaque reading "Taya & Cooper.
No Caption
A man in a suit and patterned tie stands outdoors on a patio, with one hand in his pocket, against a backdrop of grassy hills and trees.
No Caption
A bride in a white dress walks across a grassy field holding a bouquet, with a man in a dark suit standing in the distance.
No Caption
Two older men in patterned black shirts stand at an outdoor table, one smiling, while a person in the foreground holds a bottle of white wine.
No Caption
A group of women stand together at an outdoor event, one smiling at the camera while another holds a clear plastic cup.
No Caption
A young man in a black shirt smiles while holding a drink can at an outdoor gathering, with people socializing in the background.
No Caption
A man in a blue suit smiles and hugs an older woman with gray hair at an outdoor gathering, while other people stand nearby.
No Caption
Four older men stand and converse in front of a red wooden wall outside, with a small table and chairs nearby.
No Caption
A woman in a black and white dress stands in the foreground, covering her mouth with her hand, while others stand and chat in the blurred background.
No Caption
A small white cake with green floral decorations sits on a wooden stand, surrounded by cupcakes, lit candles, and a green draped cloth.
No Caption
A woman in a black one-shoulder dress sits outdoors at a table, surrounded by other people, with greenery in the background.
No Caption
Three women in sunglasses stand together outdoors at a social event, holding drinks and smiling, with other people mingling in the background.
No Caption
A bride wipes her tears with a napkin while sitting beside the groom at a wooden table during their wedding reception.
No Caption
A man gives a speech with a microphone at a rustic indoor wedding reception; a bride, groom, and guests listen from a decorated table.
No Caption
A person stands giving a speech in a rustic venue while two seated guests, including a woman in a white dress, listen attentively.
No Caption
Black and white photo of two people sitting at a wooden table, with one person resting their hand gently on the other's knee.
No Caption
A woman in a dress sits and looks up at a man in a suit who is speaking; the scene is indoors with photos and wooden decor visible in the background.
No Caption
A couple dressed in formal attire kisses outdoors near a brick building, with greenery and trees visible in the background.
No Caption
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a rural road, surrounded by green fields and trees, with their backs to the camera.
No Caption
A bride and groom stand on a rural road at sunset, embracing and facing each other, surrounded by greenery and distant hills.
No Caption
A couple dressed in formal attire stands closely together on a deserted road, with hills and trees in the background. The image is in black and white.
No Caption
A man in a suit gently holds a woman in a white, buttoned dress from behind; the image is in black and white and focuses on their hands and upper bodies.
No Caption
A close-up black-and-white photo of a couple embracing, with the woman's hand on the man's chest showing a ring, and the man’s arm around her back. She wears a buttoned dress.
No Caption
A bride embraces a groom on a rural road, her hand resting on his back, displaying a ring. The scene is in black and white.
No Caption
A couple dressed in formal wedding attire stands outside in a green, wooded area, smiling and embracing each other.
No Caption
A group of young adults sit closely together on wooden benches in the back of a truck, talking and holding drinks, with green fields and trees in the background.
No Caption
A couple dressed formally kisses in the middle of a grassy path, surrounded by green fields and hills under a cloudy sky.
No Caption
A couple in formal wedding attire embraces and smiles at each other in a grassy, rural outdoor setting.
No Caption
A bride and groom share their first dance under a pavilion while guests seated nearby watch and take photos; a barn and green landscape are visible in the background.
No Caption
A bride and groom share their first dance under a pavilion with a rustic barn and wedding guests in the background. Warm lights blur the foreground.
No Caption
A rustic wooden table set for two with greenery, candles, and flowers, positioned in front of a wooden wall decorated with black and white wedding photos.
No Caption
A rustic table centerpiece with a potted succulent, candles, and greenery on a wooden slab, set on a wooden table with white napkins and silverware.
No Caption
Five people pose and smile together outdoors at a social event, with greenery in the background and other guests visible nearby.
No Caption
A woman in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet stands on a grassy field, looking back, with a man in a suit walking ahead in the background.
No Caption
A woman sits and uses tweezers to groom her eyebrows. She has long hair and is wearing a sleeveless top with a pattern. The image is in black and white.
No Caption
Where is Horstmann Homestead located?

Horstmann Homestead is located in rural Wisconsin, just outside West Salem. It offers scenic countryside views, a private rustic barn, and expansive outdoor space for weddings and events.

What makes Horstmann Homestead a unique wedding venue?

The venue offers a charming red barn, lush fields, string-lit patios, and a peaceful setting that feels both romantic and secluded. It’s an ideal space for couples looking for rustic elegance in a natural environment.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?

Horstmann Homestead can host up to approximately 200 guests comfortably, with room for both indoor and outdoor setups.

Is there a backup option for rain or bad weather?

Yes, the indoor barn space provides a great all-weather alternative for ceremonies or receptions, and the venue works closely with couples to create seamless rain plans.

Does the venue allow on-site getting ready?

Yes. Horstmann Homestead includes bridal and groom suites so you can get ready on-site, making your wedding day timeline more relaxed and stress-free.

Can you bring your own vendors?

The venue is vendor-flexible, meaning you can bring your own catering, florist, and other vendors, or work with their recommended list. This gives you more creative control over your wedding experience.

Is Horstmann Homestead available year-round?

Primarily, the venue is available during the warmer months — spring through fall — to take full advantage of the outdoor views and barn setup. Be sure to inquire early for peak-season availability.

Are there nearby accommodations for guests?

Yes, there are hotels and lodging options in West Salem and La Crosse, WI — both just a short drive from the venue.

Scroll to Top