Riverside Park Wedding | Outdoor Ceremony Spot on the River in La Crosse, WI

Set along the banks of the Mississippi River, Riverside Park is one of La Crosse’s most iconic public spaces — and a favorite for couples who want an outdoor ceremony that feels open, scenic, and close to the heart of downtown. With willow trees, river views, and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s ideal for elopements, micro-weddings, or ceremonies that pair with nearby venues.

As a La Crosse-based photographer, I’ve shot dozens of portraits and ceremonies here — and every time, the light, breeze, and backdrop make it feel like something special.

A Real-Feeling Wedding Story

Kelly and Sam didn’t want a church or a traditional venue. “We just wanted to get married by the water,” Kelly told me.

They held their ceremony under one of the willow trees, with 40 guests seated in a semicircle and acoustic guitar echoing across the river. After they said “I do,” we walked the riverwalk for portraits — hands linked, laughter echoing through the park.

Dinner followed at The Waterfront. The simplicity of the day, paired with the elegance of the setting, made it unforgettable.

Why Couples Choose Riverside Park

  • Scenic riverfront backdrop with trees, pathways, and wide-open light
  • Flexible layout — ideal for elopements, micro-weddings, or informal ceremonies
  • Walkable from downtown hotels and venues
  • Budget-friendly — low or no cost with a simple permit
  • Photographer favorite — golden hour over the water, clean lines, and beautiful light

It’s a perfect choice for couples who want something simple, heartfelt, and visually stunning.

What I Bring as a Photographer

  • Familiarity with sun angles, park layout, and crowd flow
  • Creative portrait ideas using bridges, trees, and pathways
  • Elopement photo and video coverage available — short or full-day
  • Calm presence to help you focus on what matters

Best Times of Year for a Riverside Park Wedding

Spring: Blossoming trees and early green
Summer: Evening ceremonies and open skies
Fall: Golden color and crisp air
Winter: Beautiful in snow — best for brave elopers and quick ceremonies

Great Pairings with Riverside Park

Let’s Photograph It with Ease and Intention

Whether you’re planning an elopement, a ceremony before dinner, or just want portraits in the park, I’d love to help document it — with focus, care, and story-first coverage.

Contact me here to get started.

Explore more:
La Crosse Wedding Venues
 Elopement-Friendly Spots

Where is it located?

On the riverfront in downtown La Crosse, across from the Radisson and The Charmant.

Is a permit required?

Yes — city approval and a special event permit are typically required.

Is it private?

No — it’s a public park, but you can reserve specific areas for short-term use.

What’s the best time of day?

Evening or morning — midday can be bright and busy with foot traffic.

Riverside Park Wedding

Link: Riverside Park Wedding Information

Check out their site here.

Click here for more La Crosse Wedding Venues

Bride in a white dress rests her head on the groom’s shoulder during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with seated guests visible in the background.
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A couple in wedding attire stands close together by a riverside at sunset, with a bridge and bare trees in the background.
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A man and a woman in formal attire float on their backs in a shallow rocky stream surrounded by large boulders and greenery.
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A woman in a white hooded cloak and a man in a suit stand on a snowy overlook with railings, with a wintry landscape in the background.
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A bride and groom face each other across a stair landing, with a bright window between them in a black-and-white setting.
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Two men in dress shirts and suspenders stand indoors; one is smiling with hands over his mouth, while the other looks down and holds a bag.
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A bride in a white wedding dress sits indoors reading a note, while a small dog sits on the wooden floor in front of her.
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A bride feeds a groom cheese curds in front of a food truck at night; both are dressed in wedding attire and smiling.
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A bride in a white dress stands on a wooden bridge, looking back, while a man in a blue suit stands in the foreground out of focus. Lush trees surround the bridge.
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A man in a vest and tie and a woman in a lace dress lie side by side in shallow water, holding hands and looking up.
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A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a military uniform sit closely together on a rustic rope swing in an outdoor grassy area.
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A couple in wedding attire stands outdoors holding large coconuts in front of their faces, with palm trees in the background.
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A bride in a lace dress and an older man in a suit wipe their eyes while standing outside near a staircase.
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A woman and an upside-down man reach toward each other outdoors, framed by trees, with water and mountains in the background.
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A bride and groom stand outdoors, holding hands and smiling, with rocky mountains and trees in the background.
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A person styles another person's hair in a dimly lit bedroom with a large bed and framed pictures on the wall.
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A bride and groom share their first dance in a wooden barn while wedding guests watch in the background.
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Two men in tuxedos dance closely together at an outdoor event under a tent, with seated guests and string lights in the background.
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A couple embraces on a grassy hill at sunset, with dramatic orange clouds filling the sky behind them.
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A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a wet alley at night, surrounded by guests holding sparklers, with brick buildings and shadows visible on both sides.
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A bride and groom kiss while dancing closely at their wedding reception, surrounded by seated guests in a large, decorated banquet hall.
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A bride and groom stand side by side outdoors on patchy snow and grass, with the bride holding a colorful bouquet. Their faces are not visible.
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Two people walk on a wooden path through a field with pine trees and misty mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
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A bride and groom stand hand in hand facing a calm lake under a cloudy, overcast sky, surrounded by mountains.
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A couple stands on rocky terrain atop a mountain, with the man leaning in to kiss the woman in a flowing red dress as wind blows her hair. Mountains and sky are in the background.
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A bride and groom stand in the center of a path at night, surrounded by guests holding lit sparklers as smoke drifts through the air.
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A couple in formal attire kisses under a wooden pergola at night, surrounded by falling snow illuminated by warm lights.
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A bride and groom stand together inside a bar decorated with vintage beer signs and brick walls, with a counter and barstools in the background.
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