Did you know you can get married at the Library?
Hosting your wedding at the Madison Public Library is a unique experience AND you are helping sustain a beloved pillar of Madison's public services.
Booking your big day at the Library gives you exclusive use of our 3rd floor venue space, with floor to ceiling windows, private bathrooms, and a versatile eye catching architecture.
We can seat up to 170 people for ceremony only or 150 for seated receptions.
Non Wedding Reception Pricing is available on our Conferences & Meetings Page
Key Features
- In-house Vendor Coordination
- Banquet Furniture included
- Day-of Event Staff
- Complementary Rehearsal Time
Due to a high number of applications 2025 Weddings are fully booked at this time. You are welcome to reach out to the Events Team to find out how to join our 2025 waitlist.
We will begin booking 2026 weddings on April 1st, 2025 (contact us for a tour TODAY!)
Wedding Packages
Short Story (Ceremony Only)
Our Short Story package includes Ceremony only and can accommodate up to 170 people.
- Ceremonies include 3 hours of rental space during Library Hours, this includes any decorating time.
Novel (Reception & Dance)
Our Novel package includes Reception only and can accommodate up to 150 people.
- Receptions include 8 hours of rental space from 3pm-11pm.
Epic (Full Wedding Package)
Our Epic package includes Ceremony & Reception and can accommodate up to 150 people.
- This package includes 11 hours or rental space from 12pm-11pm.
Looking For Information on:
Questions? Ask a Specialist
Contact us anytime at events@madisonpubliclibrary.org for information about hosting your Wedding at Madison's Central Library.
You may email us directly, or fill out the form at the bottom of this page & we will contact you shortly.
Ready to Book?
We will begin accepting reservations for 2026 weddings at midnight on April 1st, 2025
Requests are accepted via email only and MUST complete a tour with Event Staff first. We give tours all year round, contact us to schedule yours today.
Frequently Asked Questions: Weddings
Is it competitive to get a date?
We only take a limited number of Weddings a year, and in recent years the Library had been a popular option. We recommend scheduling a tour asap and speaking with our Event Team about your best options if you are set on getting married at the Library.
Do I need a wedding planner?
It doesn't have to be a planner but we do require you have a day of point person that our staff can coordinate with & who will be in charge of clean up. We would recommend making it easy on yourself and getting a day or coordinator.
Can we book a caterer not on the Preferred Catering list?
Absolutely! It just requires a few additional steps.
What other fees are involved?
We have a 20% Venue fee for Bar and a 12% Venue fee for Catering. Novel and Epic packages are also subject to a 5.5% sales tax.
Do you host weddings on Fridays or Sundays?
We only host weddings on Saturdays of non-holiday weekends. We offer complimentary rehearsal time on Friday before your wedding and an add on rehearsal dinner package.
Do you have staff onsite?
Our Event Staff will be on premise to coordinate load in and out with your vendors and any additional venue support you may need. Your package also includes Security and Custodial Staff.
What are the decoration limits?
We do not allow open flames, glitter, glow sticks, helium balloons or any difficult to pick up items such as thrown rice, confetti or flower petals.
Can we come in early to decorate?
Many people will use their rehearsal time as decorating time but we also have an option to purchase an extra 3 hrs of decorating time for day of.
Is furniture included?
Library furniture is include in your package. If you would like to use furniture from a vendor there may be an additional fee.
Can we bring in our own alcohol?
No. We are very strict on outside alcohol in the Library. All alcohol must be served through our Liquor License Holder, Gib's Bar.
Can I have my rehearsal dinner here?
We offer an add on rehearsal dinner package to all couples booking a package with a ceremony. Due to capacity we cannot offer rehearsal dinners to couples not hosting a ceremony at the Library.
Are there noise restrictions?
We ask that you be mindful the Library will still be open during your Wedding Ceremony. We do allow for live music and DJ's. Once the Library closes during your reception you are welcome to turn up the volume.