Weddings Aldo Leopold Nature Center For information about weddings at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center or to set up a tour, please contact: Event & Rental Coordinator rentals@naturenet.com
Congratulations on your engagement and thank you for considering the Aldo Leopold Nature Center to host your special day! With two locations to choose from near Madison, Wisconsin, in Black Earth and Monona, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center offers convenient, unique and scenic indoor and outdoor options for your wedding. Our professional staff will customize a rental package for an unforgettable wedding to meet your needs and wow your guests! Best of all, your rental helps to support critical environmental education initiatives at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center! Cover Photo Credit: Althea Dotzour Photography
Monona Facilities Unique and special amenities and services available include: Iconic photo ops in front of the Children s Shack, our replica of the original Leopold Shack where Aldo Leopold wrote A Sand County Almanac. Scenic views of prairie, wetlands, oak savanna and woodlands. From vibrant fall colors and serene blankets of fresh snow to beautiful spring and summer blooms, each season offers an unforgettable view! High-definition projector and theater to screen videos, digital collages and more! Interactive exhibits and immersion theaters for guests to enjoy during your reception. Convenient parking for up to 80 cars in the ALNC main parking lot and bus parking lot. Consultation and walk-through with experienced Nature Center rental staff to ensure a successful and unforgettable day! Credit: Errin Hiltbrand Photography
Monona Facilities THE SUGAR MAPLE PACKAGE Capacity: 150 This is the perfect option for DIY brides! This rental package includes: WEDDING PACKAGES Exclusive use of the entire building and grounds including the Lobby, Conference Room, Orientation Theater, Grand Lawn, and Classroom. 1 half-hour planning consultation with ALNC professional staff. Use of ALNC grounds and facilities for engagement photos. SATURDAY OR SUNDAY Half Day (5 hours including set up and clean up) $1,365 Full Day (10 hours including set up and clean up) $1,950 THE WHITE PINE PACKAGE Capacity: 150 For large or small weddings, this package offers low-stress convenience in our beautiful Monona space! This all-inclusive rental package includes: Exclusive use of the entire building and grounds including the Lobby, Conference Room, Orientation Theater, Grand Lawn, Classrooms and Exhibits. Use of ALNC grounds and facilities for engagement photos. Onsite staff assistance with set up, coordination and clean up (setting up and moving tables, moving chairs, etc.). 1 half-hour planning consultation with ALNC professional staff. Use of the fireplace in lobby and firepit. Use of the Science Exhibit Hall, including shows on the Science on a Sphere, and interactive exhibits to inform and entertain. Use of twenty-two 6ft tables and two 8 ft tables. Use of microphone and portable speaker. Use of two standing cocktail tables. Pre-rental rehearsal. Personalized slide show set-up on Lobby Screen SATURDAY OR SUNDAY Half Day (5 hours including set up and clean up) $1,865 Full Day (10 hours including set up and clean up) $2,950
Monona Facilities THE SPACES CLASSROOM The Classroom provides a fully customizable space which can accommodate large groups or can be partitioned into thirds to provide a more intimate gathering space. The Classroom looks out onto the prairie and is ideal for small or large wedding ceremonies or receptions, dances, sit-down dinners and buffet lines. LOBBY The Lobby, framed by beautifully repurposed timber from local barns, provides a grand multipurpose space for cocktail hours, dancing and mingling. The Lobby features a majestic stone fireplace, an elegant antler chandelier and two doors which open onto the back deck overlooking the scenic Nature Center grounds. THE GRAND LAWN The Grand Lawn of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center provides a one of a kind experience for your guests as they enjoy native flora and fauna and the beauty of the lush prairie, woodlands and wetlands. The Grand Lawn is the perfect spot for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions of all sizes. ORIENTATION THEATER The Orientation Theater provides a versatile space for the bridal party to get ready or for slideshows or musical entertainment. The room features carpeted graduated seating, large picture windows looking out into the prairie, retractible high-definition projection system and in-house audio equipment.
Monona Facilities The Wedding Packages at ALNC include various equipment and amenities to make your day exactly what you envisioned! Please see the lists below to see what is included with each rental package (indicated with a ). Items not included in your package can be added a la carte (pricing as indicated). COMPLIMENTARY EQUIPMENT & AMENITIES SUGAR MAPLE WHITE PINE Wireless Internet Wooden 8ft Tables (2) Wooden Benches for Seating (up to 20 benches) Use of Lobby Display (For Digital Photobook) One 30-min planning consultation with ALNC Staff Use of ALNC Grounds for Engagement Photos ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT & AMENITIES (INCLUDED OR A LA CARTE) Microphone and Speaker Portable Speaker On-site Staff Assistance During Rental $50/hour Use of Firepit $50 6ft Folding Tables (22 Available) Standing Cocktail Tables (2 Available) Pre-rental rehearsal in ALNC Space $100/hour Personalized Sound/Film in Orientation Theater $50 Use of Climate Science Center $100/hour Fee if post-rental clean up is needed $50/hour $50/hour Early set-up (based on availability) $100/hour $100/hour On-site storage of supplies/materials $100/day $100/day MONONA RENTAL GUIDELINES In addition to the guidelines and recommendations listed on the last page of this guide, here are a few notes about our Monona space to help ensure you and your guests have the best event possible. Reservations are required for all rentals and are available until Midnight. Wedding set up may begin at 2pm. Earlier set up may be available depending on public programming (please check with ALNC staff). Our approved caterers are: Blue Plate Catering* Fresh Madison Market Catering Food Fight Catering* Bunky s Catering Roman Candle Catering Hyvee Catering Working Class Catering* Alcoholic beverage service must be arranged through one of the caterers indicated with an * above. Please note: Our licensing does not allow for a cash bar. A 12% facility fee payable to the caterer will be included with all catering fees.
Monona Facilities Credit: Errin Hiltbrand Photography
Black Earth Facilities 10648 Sutcliffe Road Black Earth, WI 53515 Unique and special amenities and services available include: Breathtaking photo ops by scenic rocky outcroppings on the trails. Rustic overnight accomodations for up to 30 out of town guests or the bridal party in the Leopold Lodge. Convenient parking for guests in the on-site lot. 38 acres of trails, along beautiful driftless region hills and woodlands, for guests to hike. AMENITIES & EQUIPMENT - LEOPOLD LODGE USE OF KITCHEN FURNISHINGS (BEDS, BUNK BEDS, SOFAS, FIREPLACE, TELEVISION TABLE, ETC.) TRIPOD EASELS USE OF FIRE RING AMENITIES & EQUIPMENT - ALEXANDER STUDIO USE OF KITCHEN STAGE LIGHTING WOODEN BENCHES (10) USE OF FIRE RING
Black Earth Facilities 10648 Sutcliffe Road Black Earth, WI 53515 BLACK EARTH CAMPUS RENTAL Capacity: 150 NOTE: Indoor space only accomodates 50 Are you looking for a romantic natural setting for your wedding away from the hustle and bustle of the city? If so, this is the ideal option for you! This inclusive rental package includes exclusive use of the entire Black Earth Campus, including the Leopold Lodge, Alexander Studio and scenic grounds including the prairie, fire ring and orchard. DAYTIME (SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, 9AM TO 5PM) Half Day (4 hours) $750 Full Day (8 hours) $1,200 EVENINGS (STARTING AT 5PM) Monday - Thursday (5 to 11pm) $750 Friday, Saturday or Sunday (5 to 11pm) $1,000 OVERNIGHT & WEEKEND PACKAGES Monday - Thursday Overnight (5pm to 12pm) $1,050 Friday, Saturday or Sunday Overnight (5pm to 12pm) $1,400 Entire Weekend (5pm Friday to 12pm Sunday) $2,000 THE SPACES LEOPOLD LODGE Capacity: 50 The Leopold Lodge is a three-story log cabin with a wraparound porch, sauna, large living room, full kitchen and sleeping quarters. Featuring a two-story stone fireplace and rustic furnishings, it is the ideal spot for small receptions. The cabin has three full bathrooms and sleeps 24+ people. ALEXANDER STUDIO Capacity: 50 The Alexander Studio features a raised circular stage, two restrooms, cathedral ceilings, built-in stage lighting system, a kitchenette and outdoor deck looking out onto the lodge and grounds.
Black Earth Facilities 10648 Sutcliffe Road Black Earth, WI 53515
Rental Guidelines For Monona and Black Earth Campuses We are so pleased that you are considering the Aldo Leopold Nature Center to host your special day! Here are a few guidelines and notes to ensure that we can help you to have the best event possible. ALNC is available for rental during times that do not interfere with the Nature Center s regular programming. Events are not confirmed until we receive a signed copy of the event contract and a deposit of 50% of the total amount due. An ALNC staff member will be on-site (for Monona rentals) or on-call (for Black Earth Rentals) during the event in case of emergencies. One half-hour onsite visit and tour of facilities with an ALNC staff person is included with the cost of each rental. The storage of any equipment or other accessory items belonging to the users prior to the event day and specified rental time is not permitted. A fee of $50 a day will be charged for any items left at the facility outside of the specified rental time. ALNC is not responsible for any equipment or other accessory items left at ALNC. In keeping with Aldo Leopold Nature Center s environmental regulations, we maintain a smoke-free campus policy. The use of nails, screws, tape, tacks or other adhesives to fasten decorations or other materials to walls, doors or from the ceiling is strictly prohibited. Glitter, rice, birdseed, confetti and the like cannot be used as tabletop decorations or for throwing. Credit: Errin Hiltbrand Photography