QUESTIONS

Have questions? We have answers!

parking
catering
hotels
faq

Parking Information

We are fortunate to have multiple parking options available for our guests.

  • Street parking is available on 8th Street, 9th Street and Michigan Ave, only a few steps away from St. James 1868. Street parking is free on weekdays after 6pm and free all day on Saturdays and Sundays. 

  • Adjacent to St James 1868 are two paid public surface lots, the Library Lot and the Wells Fargo Lot, where you can pay to park. If you fail to purchase a ticket, you will be charged $55, more information here.

  • St. James 1868 has an adjacent lot that is available for a full lot buyout that includes 45 parking spaces.

    The lot is reserved through St. James 1868 and is available upon request.

    Please note for candlelight concerts that the rental lot is unavailable. 

  • From Madison:
    Drive East via I-94 E into downtown Milwaukee. Take exit 310A (13th St) from I-94 E and turn left onto N 13th St. At the stoplight, turn right onto W Tory Hill St and continue straight onto Michigan St. Turn left onto N 10th St and then turn right at the 1st cross street onto W Wisconsin Ave. St James will be on your right hand side.

    From Green Bay:
    Drive South via I-43S into downtown Milwaukee. Merge onto WI-172 E. Take the exit onto I-43 S towards Milwaukee/WI-29E. Take exit 72E for Highland Ave/11th St. Continue on N 11th St. Turn left onto W Wisconsin Ave. St. James will be on your right hand side. 

    From Chicago:
    Drive North via I-94 W into downtown Milwaukee. Keep left at the fork to stay on I-94W. Continue onto I-43 N. Take exit 310C for I-794 E towards Lakefront. Keep right at the fork to continue on Exit 1D, follow signs for Plankinton Ave and merge onto Plankinton Ave. Turn left onto W Michigan St. Continue on W Michigan St. Turn right onto N 10th St and then turn right  at the 1st cross street onto W Wisconsin Ave. St. James will be on your right hand side. 

    Google Maps Link

  • Our entire property is handicap accessible. There is a ramp located on the west side of the building off Wisconsin Avenue. The handicap accessible door is located through the courtyard and our elevator is accessible to all floors to each venue.

  • Valet parking is available for an addtional charge via a third party vendor. Please inquire with our Events Team for further details.

Catering

St. James 1868 has partnered EXCLUSIVELY with local caterers for the ultimate royal dining experience. All beverage services are provided by St. James 1868. Late night options may be provided through any catering service.

  • From Scratch

    Website: www.fromscratchcatering.com
    Phone: (262) 618-4661

    For nearly 20 years, From Scratch Catering has had the joy and privilege of serving thousands. Family owned with three generations of homemade, homegrown recipes; using fresh, whole ingredients, sustainably sourced and picked directly from their garden. 

  • Tall Guy and a Grill

    Website: www.tallguyandagrill.com
    Phone: (414) 777-0770

    Inspired to create an award-winning, high-quality experience that reflects you and your passions, Tall Guy and a Grill crafts unforgettable wedding menus built around Wisconsin’s best seasonal ingredients. As Wisconsin’s only Certified Green Caterer™, we blend sustainability with exceptional flavor, offering farm-to-fork dishes that are made from scratch, beautifully presented, and tailored to your celebration.

  • Noble Catering Co

    Website: www.noblecateringco.com
    Email: events@noblecateringco.com
    Phone: (414) 988-1554

    Noble Catering & Events, located in downtown Milwaukee, specializes in tailor-made, craft catering for elevated events and gatherings in South-Eastern Wisconsin. To us, each menu and event design deserves undivided attention and thought. Our event and culinary teams will collaborate with our clients to create a truly unique experience!

  • Saz's

    Website: www.sazs.com/catering
    Phone: (414) 256-8765

    Saz’s Catering is committed to offering you ‘The Finest’ dining experience on your big day. Saz’s believe that the better the food, the better the experience! Offering customizable menus, Saz’s Caterings top priority is you!

  • Tall Guy and a Grill

    Website: www.tallguyandagrill.com
    Phone: (414) 777-0770

    Inspired to create an award-winning, high-quality experience that reflects you and your passions, Tall Guy and a Grill crafts unforgettable wedding menus built around Wisconsin’s best seasonal ingredients. As Wisconsin’s only Certified Green Caterer™, we blend sustainability with exceptional flavor, offering farm-to-fork dishes that are made from scratch, beautifully presented, and tailored to your celebration.

  • Zilli Hospitality Group

    Website: www.zillihospitalitygroup.com
    Phone: (262) 547-9447

    For over 50 years Zilli’s has provided Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin with unforgettable catering experiences. From Buffets, Small Plates, Interactive Stations, Family Style, Plated Small Bites, and Little Indulgences, Zilli’s offers a customizable menu that will truly make your day memorable! Locally inspired and thoughtfully prepared by their talented executive chefs and cooking professionals, Zilli Hospitality Group incorporates the best ingredients, specifically tailored to your preference and occasion.

  • All Occasions

    Website: www.bubbs.com/menu/
    Email: info@bubbs.com
    Phone: (262) 662-4201

    If you’re looking for a reliable wedding caterer that provides your guests with an amazing dining experience. All Occasions Catering has it covered! From Appetizers, Plated Entrees, and Formal Buffets to Late Night Snacks, Custom Menus, and Barbecue - All Occasions is there for your big day from beginning to end with a menu you and your guests will love.

Hotels

Looking for accomodations for your wedding weekend in Milwaukee? Here is a list of some of our favorite hotels close to St. James 1868.

  • The Hilton Milwaukee City Center

    Website: www.hilton.com
    Address: 509 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
    Distance: Walking distance, 3 blocks east

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

    Website: www.hilton.com
    Address: 611 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
    Distance: Milwaukee Downtown. Walking distance, 2 blocks east

  • Dubbel Dutch

    Website: www.thedubbeldutch.com
    Address: 817 N Marshall St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
    Distance: 1.5 miles from St James 1868.
    About: The Dubbel Dutch is a historic boutique hotel and gives lots of options on a full buyout, 1/2 house or just individual rooms

  • Brew House

    Website: www.brewhousesuites.com
    Address: 1215 N 10th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
    Distance: 0.7 miles North of St James 1868, easy uber ride

  • The Journeyman

    Website: www.journeymanhotel.com
    Address: 310 E Chicago St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 
    Distance: 1.5 miles from St James
    About: Located in the 3rd ward, lots of shopping and restaurants

  • The Plaza Hotel

    Website: www.plazahotelmilwaukee.com
    Address: 007 N Cass St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
    Distance: 1.4 miles, located on the East Side of Milwaukee close to Lake Michigan.
    About: Don't forget to ask about their beautiful outdoor patio that can be rented for brunch or rehearsal dinners! Mention you are getting married at St James 1868 for promotions.

  • Iron Horse

    Website: www.theironhorsehotel.com
    Address: 500 W Florida St, Milwaukee, WI 53204 
    Distance: 1.4 miles from St James 

  • The Trade, Autograph Collection

    Website: www.thetradehotel.com
    Address: 420 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
    Distance: 0.8 miles NorthEast of St James 1868, NEW Marriott  Hotel across from the Fiserv Forum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wedding Day Experience & Support

  • Our wedding venue staff is dedicated to creating a seamless experience for you and your guests from the moment you arrive. Our team goes above and beyond to create a memorable experience by personally greeting each guest as they arrive and directing them throughout the property. In addition to assisting guests, the St. James 1868 staff monitor and maintain all building spaces, including the bar and restrooms, plus assisting with placing all tables and chairs for on-site ceremonies and receptions. 

    Our venue staff handles the property and guest experience, while our wedding coordination services can provide additional support with your timeline, vendors, personal decor, and other wedding-day details.

  • Yes! St. James 1868 offers an optional Wedding Coordinator service, and it is one of the additions our couples recommend most after their wedding day.

    While your Venue Manager oversees the property, St. James staff, and venue operations, your Wedding Coordinator is focused on you, your wedding party, your vendors, and the details that bring your day together.

    Your coordinator assists with timeline creation, vendor communication, ceremony logistics and processional, wedding-party coordination, and serves as a central point of contact for your vendors and bridal party throughout the day. Because our coordinators know the St. James property, team, and wedding-day flow inside and out, they can anticipate details, answer questions quickly, and help everything move seamlessly behind the scenes.

    Our goal is for you and your closest family and friends to be fully present rather than managing timelines, vendors, or last-minute questions. We highly recommend adding our St. James Wedding Coordinator service or hiring a professional planner or coordinator of your choosing.

    Contact our team for current pricing and availability.

  • Our wedding venue rental includes private getting-ready suites, tables and chairs, dedicated outdoor spaces, outdoor string lights, and use of your reception venue. Our exclusive St. James Signature Rental Collection offers a variety of specialty tables, dance floors, decor and more giving you flexibility to enchance your unique wedding vision and design. 

    Each space offers its own unique amenities and features. Explore The Abbey, The Hyde, and Full Property for more details on each space.

  • Yes! Tables and chairs are included in your St. James 1868 venue rental. Each venue features its own exclusive chair design, along with a variety of banquet tables to create a custom floor plan. Banquet tables require linens, which are provided through our exclusive caterers. Additional pieces from our Signature Rental Collection are available for an added feeincluding décor, tabletop pieces, and elevated display options - view here.

  • Our team closely monitors the forecast and works with you and your vendor team to determine the best approach based on your guest count, floor plan, and timeline.

    If weather requires cocktail hour to move indoors, our team will make the necessary adjustments to keep your day flowing seamlessly. If a room flip is needed, guests can continue enjoying cocktail hour indoors while tables and chairs are transitioned for the reception.

    Our spaces and experienced team give us the flexibility to adapt to the weather while keeping your celebration beautiful, comfortable, and on schedule.

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

  • Our most popular option is hosting both your wedding ceremony and reception at St. James 1868. We also offer ceremony-only rentals on select Saturdays. Couples are welcome to host religious or non-religious ceremonies with the officiant of their choosing. Reach out to learn more about available options and dates.

  • Yes! St. James 1868 is a non-denominational deconsecrated wedding venue that can host Catholic wedding ceremonies as well as other religious, cultural, and non-religious ceremonies. We are happy to provide a list of Catholic priests who are willing and authorized to officiate at our venue. 

  • Wedding receptions at St. James 1868 end at 11:30 p.m., with your chosen entertainment playing their last song at that time. To help ensure guest safety, bar service ends 30 minutes earlier at 11:00 p.m. Once the last song ends, house lights return to full brightness and our staff work together with the catering team to break down the reception space. From 11:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m., couples and their vendor team are responsible for removing all personal décor, belongings, and any​ personal items brought into the venue.  

  • Absolutely! We welcome live music throughout your wedding day. From a string quartet during your ceremony and a jazz trio during cocktail hour to a full band for your reception, St. James 1868 can accommodate musical acts of all sizes and provides the necessary electrical capabilities for their equipment.

Vendors & Bar

  • St. James 1868 works exclusively with a select group of local caterers, offering couples a variety of menus and price points. Couples are welcome to discuss cultural cuisine, desserts, and other menu preferences with their selected caterer. Late-night food may be provided by any catering service of your choosing. All beverage services are provided exclusively by St. James 1868.

  • Yes! Couples are welcome to choose their own wedding vendors. Our preferred vendor list is provided as a helpful resource, but you are welcome to work with vendors of your choice. Catering is the only exception, as couples are required to select from our exclusive catering partners, who offer a variety of cuisines and price points. 

  • St. James 1868 offers three open bar packages, each with five hours of service and a variety of beverage selections. All packages include two bartenders, bar glassware, a water station, bar napkins, and straws. Our team determines the final number of additional bartenders needed based on your final bar selections and guest count. Additional bartenders are available for an additional fee.

  • No. Due to Wisconsin liquor laws, outside alcohol and carry-ins are not permitted. All alcohol must be purchased through St. James 1868. If you are interested in a specific speciality item, our team is happy to explore options based on availability and pricing, subject to availability. 

The St. James 1868 Venues

  • St. James 1868 offers three wedding rental options: The Abbey, The Hyde, and Full Property.

    The Abbey is the original sanctuary and the historic heart of St. James. It is our larger venue, accommodating up to 275 guests and recommended for weddings with more than 150 guests. It has its own dedicated entrance, outdoor courtyard, getting-ready suites, and restrooms.

    The Hyde is our more intimate venue, accommodating up to 150 guests. Similar to The Abbey, The Hyde has its own dedicated entrance, outdoor garden-inspired terrace, getting-ready suites, and restrooms. While the two buildings are connected, thoughtful design and separate guest areas allow us to host weddings independently while maintaining privacy for each celebration.

    Full Property combines both The Abbey and The Hyde for couples who want exclusive use of the entire St. James 1868 property. This option offers the most flexibility and access to both venues and their dedicated spaces.

  • The Abbey and The Hyde are thoughtfully designed to operate as completely separate venues, each with its own private entrance, getting-ready suites, outdoor spaces, kitchen, and restrooms. Guest arrival times are intentionally staggered and our St. James staff members are positioned at each entrance to personally welcome and direct guests to the appropriate venue. With separate event spaces and carefully coordinated timelines, both privacy and sound are well managed throughout​ each celebration. In fact, guests are often completely unaware that another wedding is taking plac​e at the same time.

  • Yes! St. James 1868 has fully operational HVAC, including heating and air conditioning throughout the property. The bridal suites also have individual thermostats, allowing you to adjust the temperature for your comfort. 

  • Yes! St. James 1868 is an ADA-accessible wedding venue. A wheelchair-accessible entrance and ramp are located on the west side of the property off Wisconsin Avenue, and an elevator provides access to all floors of both The Abbey and The Hyde. This allows guests with mobility needs, including guests who use wheelchairs or have other accessibility needs, to comfortably access the property. 

Wedding Details & Guest Experience

  • Absolutely! Milwaukee has many beautiful locations for wedding photos near St. James 1868. View our team’s favorite nearby photo locations here. 

  • St. James 1868 offers several convenient parking options for wedding guests. In addition to a 48-space rental lot available for purchase through St James, there are two privately owned parking lots adjacent to the property that offer paid parking. Free street parking is also available on Saturdays and Sundays, while street parking is metered on Fridays until 6:00 p.m.

  • Yes! We love when couples include their furry family members. Dogs are welcome to be part of your ceremony and wedding photos with a dedicated handler. For their safety and the comfort of all guests, dogs are not permitted in the bridal suites and must leave the venue before food is served. 

  • Yes, real candles are welcome at St. James 1868. All open flames must be enclosed, with the flame remaining below the top of its container. Floor candles for ceremonies are also permitted but must be placed outside of guest walkways for safety and remain enclosed with no water (i.e floating candles). 

  • Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas, including The Hyde terrace and The Abbey courtyard, using designated ash receptacles. Smoking is not permitted inside the venue. If you are considering a cigar bar for your wedding, please contact our team to discuss options and requirements.