The Hatchery at Riverside Park is one of La Crosse’s most distinctive wedding venues — a historic building with a modern, airy feel, perfectly located in the heart of downtown. With sweeping views of the Mississippi River and direct access to the surrounding park, it’s an ideal blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and prime location.
Venue Style and Atmosphere
Originally a fish hatchery and now fully restored, The Hatchery strikes a balance between industrial character and elegant simplicity. Inside, the space is filled with clean white walls, exposed beams, large windows, and natural wood details. The result is a bright, versatile venue that can be dressed up or left minimal for a more modern aesthetic.
The venue’s proximity to the water and its tree-lined surroundings make it especially scenic year-round, with golden light streaming through the windows at sunset and lush greenery in the warmer months.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces
The Hatchery features one main open-concept room that can host both ceremony and reception. With a flexible layout and minimalist interior, couples can easily transform the space to fit their theme or style.
Ceremonies can also take place just outside in Riverside Park, steps away from the building, offering riverfront views and shade from mature trees. It’s a particularly good choice for couples planning an intimate, all-in-one wedding experience without needing to change locations throughout the day.
Guest Capacity and Amenities
The venue can comfortably accommodate around 150 guests. Amenities include:
- Indoor and outdoor ceremony options
- Tables and chairs included with rental
- Access to a catering kitchen
- Indoor restrooms and ADA accessibility
- On-site parking and nearby street parking
While The Hatchery does not provide in-house catering, it allows couples to bring in their own preferred vendors — making it an excellent choice for those who want creative flexibility.
Photography and Videography Highlights
The Hatchery is a dream for natural light lovers. The large windows provide soft, even illumination throughout the day, which translates beautifully to both photo and video. The surrounding park and waterfront area create endless opportunities for portraits, first looks, and sunset footage — all without needing to drive to a second location.
Inside, the white walls and wood floors provide a clean, neutral backdrop for capturing elegant details, movement, and emotion. It’s also a quiet space, making it ideal for capturing clean audio during vows and toasts.
Why We Love Filming Weddings at The Hatchery
As a local wedding videographer and photographer, I love working at The Hatchery because it offers everything you need without overcomplicating the day. It’s accessible, visually beautiful, and grounded in La Crosse’s riverside charm. Whether you’re planning a modern celebration, a vintage-inspired gathering, or a minimalist micro wedding, The Hatchery provides a canvas that’s easy to personalize and hard to forget.
Planning Your Wedding at The Hatchery
If you’re considering this venue, we recommend reaching out early, especially for fall weekends when the park is at its peak. And if you are looking for a wedding team that knows how to film and photograph this space with care and creativity, we’d love to connect.
Contact us to learn more or check availability.
The Hatchery at Riverside Park | La Crosse Wedding Venue
Natural light. Downtown views. Riverside atmosphere.
The venue comfortably hosts around 150 guests for seated ceremonies and receptions.
Yes. The venue has a flexible indoor layout perfect for both parts of your celebration. Outdoor ceremonies in Riverside Park are also an option.
No, The Hatchery allows you to bring in your own catering team, giving you full flexibility with food and drink options.
Yes. There is on-site parking and ample street parking nearby.
Its large windows, white walls, and riverside location create beautiful natural lighting and scenery all day long.