The ABBEY at ST JAMES 1868 is the larger of the two venues, capable of hosting up to 250 guests for an oniste cermeony and wedding reception. This timeless space, steeped in history, features original Tiffany stained-glass windows, 15th-century hand-carved monastery panels, hardwood floors, and antique light fixtures—all carefully updated for a modern, sophisticated aesthetic. The venue also offers designated Getting Ready Suites, a dedicated outdoor courtyard, and includes French Louis chairs and assorted tables with the venue rental to create a customized floor plan.
Venue Highlights
250
Seated Reception guests
250
Ceremony guests
02
Dressing Suites
01
Outdoor Courtyard
St. James 1868 offers the option to add an onsite ceremony to your ABBEY venue reception rental creating a stress free experience for you and your guests to enjoy your wedding day in one location. The transition from a daytime ceremony to an evening reception is truly magical. Daylight brings vibrant colors of the stained glass to life during your 72 foot walk down the aisle. In the evening, the stained glass goes dark and the Abbey transitions into an elegant, candlelit cathedral setting for you and your guests to enjoy dinner and dancing.
The Venue
Duchess Suite
The Duchess suite provides a spacious area to capture moments before walking down the aisle. The private luxury bridal suite includes 4 dedicated stylist stations and ensuite bathroom so you and your bridal party can get ready in one place. The room has been designed with a European elegance that includes 2 custom designed velvet sofas, a Restoration Hardware chandelier to enhance all photo ops, and French wall molding creating a lace backdrop. Ladies there is no detail left forgotten and the natural light from the south is every brides best friend!
Duke Suite
Welcome to the ultimate man cave in Milwaukee. Our private groomsmen suite has been designed for the guys! Our suite features an English sitting area, ping pong table, flat screen TV to watch the game and a bar made out of the original Altar. Hang out, relax, laugh and play some ping pong before walking down the aisle. This is your game day!
Our 2,200 sq ft English- styled outdoor courtyard is the perfect compliment to create a custom experience for you and your guests. Offering the option for an outdoor cocktail hour surrounded among some of the most historic buildings in Milwaukee. The courtyard has endless photography opportunities, numerous outlets for outdoor music, plenty of space to transform into on outdoor living room or just a simplified set up with cocktail tables. Best of all, string lights are INCLUDED in the venue rental fee!
The Courtyard
Venue Rental Includes:
Seats up to 250 guests for Wedding Reception Dining.
Private Duke & Duchess Suites so the entire party can get ready in one place.
English-Styled Outdoor Cocktail Hour with string lights.
French Louis chairs and Assorted Tables (linens not included).
Onsite Venue Manager and Staff to Greet and Direct guests upon arrival.
Indoor Sound System with two Wireless Microphones.
Luxury Bathrooms with multiple Photo Opportunities.
Additional Features
Room setup and tear down (excluding personal decor), dedicated vendor setup spaces, along with heating and air conditioning.
Reception Rental begins at 3:00pm to 11:30pm with option to add an Onsite Ceremony May through October for an additional fee - Earlier access is available please inquire for details.
The ABBEY Royal Couples
Explore The Abbey wedding gallery to see stunning moments from past brides and grooms, capturing the beauty and elegance of their special day.