The Waterfront Wedding | Elegant Riverfront Venue in La Crosse, Wisconsin

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that offers refined dining, riverside views, and a peaceful downtown setting, The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern in La Crosse delivers timeless charm. With multiple event spaces, award-winning cuisine, and sunset portraits just steps from the river, it’s ideal for couples who want an elevated yet grounded celebration.

As a local photographer, I’ve worked weddings at The Waterfront that feel like upscale dinner parties — personal, beautiful, and full of meaning.


A Real-Feeling Wedding Story

Lauren and Mark wanted a wedding that felt intimate, but still carried weight. “Good food, good people, and a view,” Mark said. “That’s all we really wanted.”

They held their ceremony outside, overlooking the water with chairs set in a soft semicircle. The breeze was light, the sun gentle. They wrote their own vows and laughed through most of them.

Dinner took place inside The Cargill Room — long tables, soft lighting, and an easy flow between courses. Their first dance happened just after dessert, with the patio doors open and the river reflecting the last of the daylight.


Why Couples Love The Waterfront

  • Elegant riverfront setting with direct access to views and sunset portraits
  • Multiple spaces available — The Cargill Room, Tavern Patio, and more
  • Award-winning in-house catering with flexible menus
  • Private, central location — easy for guests to walk, stay, and celebrate
  • Works for both large and small weddings — from 30 to 200 guests

The venue feels both refined and relaxed — perfect for couples who want things done well, but without fuss.


What I Bring as a Photographer

  • Experience with lighting and portrait flow along the river
  • Guidance for sunset timing and patio portraits
  • Familiarity with The Cargill Room and reception pacing
  • Combined photo and video coverage for a consistent style and story

Best Times of Year for a Waterfront Wedding

Spring: Crisp skies and bright air
Summer: Long light, warm evenings, perfect river portraits
Fall: Golden trees and cool air along the water
Winter: Cozy indoor events with holiday elegance and candlelight



Let’s Photograph It With Warmth and Ease

If you’re planning a wedding at The Waterfront, I’d love to help capture it with clarity and calm — the way it really felt.

Contact me here to connect.

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Where is The Waterfront located?

Right on the Mississippi River in downtown La Crosse.

How many guests can it hold?

The Cargill Room and Tavern spaces can accommodate small to large weddings — up to 200 guests.

Is catering included?

Yes — The Waterfront offers excellent in-house catering and bar service.

Can we take portraits by the river?

Absolutely. It’s one of the best features of the venue, especially at sunset.

The Waterfront Wedding

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A couple embraces on a grassy hill at sunset, with dramatic orange and pink clouds filling the sky behind them. Trees are silhouetted in the background, perfectly capturing a moment that any La Crosse WI Wedding Photographer would love to frame.

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