Your Perfect Wedding at The Pump House in La Crosse, WI: A Comprehensive Guide
Located in the vibrant arts district of downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Pump House Regional Arts Center offers a unique and artistic setting for your wedding day. This historic venue, a local landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, dazzles with timeless elegance and exceptional service. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant art galleries, The Pump House is an ideal venue for couples seeking a distinctive and memorable wedding. This guide will help you plan your perfect wedding at The Pump House.
Why Choose The Pump House?
Historic Charm and Elegant Design
The Pump House is a beautifully restored historic building that exudes charm and character. Its brick exterior, twin vaulted ceilings, hand-finished wood floors, and intricate woodwork salvaged from the former Post Office/federal building provide a timeless backdrop for your wedding. This unique character, combined with the building’s storied past, makes The Pump House a truly special venue.
Artistic Ambiance
As an active arts center, The Pump House showcases three art galleries, a fully functioning arts studio, and a small theater. The vibrant and ever-changing artwork provides a visually stunning setting, perfect for art-loving couples. The Kader Gallery, with its state-of-the-art lighting and current community art exhibits, offers dramatic and moody photographs, adding a creative flair to your wedding.
Versatile Event Spaces
The Pump House offers a variety of event spaces to accommodate weddings of different sizes and styles:
The Kader Gallery: Featuring 1,500 square feet of hardwood floors and state-of-the-art lighting, this gallery is the largest exhibition space in the building. It can be decorated and set for formal events, casual cocktail hours, or receptions, making it a versatile choice for any wedding.
The Dayton Theater: With seating for 140 people, this theater is perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies. It includes amenities such as a gorgeous Steinway grand piano, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a 14-foot screen.
The Front Gallery and Balcony Gallery: The Front Gallery is ideal for hosting cocktail hours or providing bar and buffet services. The Balcony Gallery, overlooking the Front Gallery, features a stunning interior balcony with exhibition lighting and the original vaulted wood ceiling, adding historic sophistication to your event.
The Courtyard: A beautifully landscaped outdoor space perfect for family social hours, performances, or ceremonies, offering a scenic and serene setting.
Exceptional Service
The experienced staff at The Pump House is dedicated to making your wedding day flawless. From personalized planning services to attentive day-of coordination, their team ensures that every detail is meticulously handled, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day.
Planning Your Wedding at The Pump House
1. Venue Tour and Consultation
Begin by scheduling a tour of The Pump House to explore the venue’s facilities and meet with their wedding coordinators. This initial visit will help you visualize your wedding day and discuss your preferences and ideas.
2. Booking Your Date
Once you’ve decided that The Pump House is the perfect venue for your wedding, secure your desired date as soon as possible. Popular dates, especially during the peak wedding season, can fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended.
3. Designing Your Wedding
Work closely with The Pump House’s wedding coordinators to design your wedding. They will assist you in selecting the perfect decor, layout, and menu options to suit your style and preferences.
4. Beverage and Catering Services
The Pump House provides a variety of beverage service options, including cash bars, hosted bars, or a combination of the two. They offer countless libations and have an open catering policy, allowing you to work with the caterer of your choice, which is a significant perk not always available at such exquisite venues.
5. Finalizing Details
As your wedding day approaches, work with your wedding coordinator to finalize all the details. Confirm the timeline, seating arrangements, and any special requests to ensure a smooth and seamless event.
6. Rehearsal and Preparation
Plan a rehearsal at The Pump House to familiarize yourself and your wedding party with the venue. Use this time to go over the ceremony details and ensure everyone knows their roles.
7. Your Wedding Day
On your wedding day, relax and enjoy the moment. The team at The Pump House will handle all the logistics, allowing you to focus on celebrating with your loved ones.
Tips for a Perfect Wedding at The Pump House
- Incorporate the art: Use the rotating art exhibits as part of your wedding decor to enhance the artistic ambiance.
- Leverage the historic charm: Incorporate vintage or classic elements into your decor to complement the building’s historic architecture.
- Plan for all weather: Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather, utilizing the indoor spaces to ensure a smooth celebration.
- Personalize your decor: Work with the coordinators to add personal touches that reflect your style and personality.
Conclusion
The Pump House offers a unique and artistic setting for your wedding day, with exceptional service and historic charm to make your celebration truly memorable. By following this guide and collaborating with their experienced team, you can create a wedding day that you and your guests will cherish forever. Plus, when you book your special event at The Pump House, you help support the La Crosse art community!
For more information and to start planning your wedding at The Pump House, visit their website. Interested in reading a real-life love story from a wedding we photographed at The Pump House? Click here. If you’re looking to celebrate your big day at The Pump House, please reach out; we’d love to be a part of the event!