How to Get Married at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin in 2026

Are you and your partner thinking of getting married at the Capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin, but aren’t sure where to start? This Ultimate Guide to Getting Married at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin is for you! I’ll go over everything to ensure your wedding day is a success.

As an expert in documenting capitol elopements in Madison, Wisconsin, this guide will help you every step of the way.

Step one: Choose a photographer for your Capitol Elopement (aka, ME!)

After photographing over 50 elopements in the Wisconsin State Capitol, I can safely say it’s the best choice for couples in Wisconsin and beyond looking to elope. The Capitol Building’s historical significance paired with beautiful light and simplicity makes it the perfect place for your intimate day.

As the expert in Capitol Elopements, I have the answers to all of your questions and can walk you through every step of the process. With my use of digital and film photography, I specialize in capturing couples in the gorgeous interior and exterior of the capitol building. I know all the secret spots and can guide you and your guests through the building with ease.

I offer packages in a variety of hours to best suit each couples’ needs.

Shortly after you inquire here, we’ll set up a short call to talk about your plans. If you’re not quite sure on a date yet, that’s perfectly okay. That’s the one of the positives about eloping at the Capitol — everything is flexible! I’ll fill you in on all the details you need to know and share next steps. Once booked, you will have exclusive access to my Capitol Elopement Guide — only for Anya Kubilus Photography clients!

When I capture Capitol Elopements, I keep your requests at the top of mind. I will make sure to get all of the group photos you want with your guests. I won’t miss a candid moment during your ceremony. And, of course, we will create some classic Capitol portraits.

Ready to make this official? Contact me today!

Step two: Find an officiant for your Capitol Elopement in Madison, Wisconsin

After booking your photographer, the next step is to find someone to legally marry you. I suggest finding someone quickly because they may have limited availability.

You can ask a friend to marry you and they can register to become ordained online at the Universal Life Church. The bonus of asking a friend to marry you is that they can tailor your ceremony to be more personal.

If you’re interested in hiring a civil official, you can find an ordained professional on the Madison County Clerk’s website here.

A few of my favorite Madison Capitol officiants are retired Judge Paul Higginbotham and Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg.

Note: You will need your officiant’s name, address, phone number, and email address when you are applying for your marriage license.

Step three: Secure your Capitol Elopement day & apply for a permit

Once you’ve chosen your photographer and officiant, the next step is to make any reservations or apply for permits. I’d recommend picking Monday through Thursday as the Capitol building will be less crowded.

The Capitol’s operating hours are 8am – 6pm Monday thru Friday and 8am – 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Keep in mind that Saturdays are typically busy due to the Farmer’s Market. I also recommend avoiding a Wisconsin Badgers Game Day, Graduation weekends, and big concert days (such as Coldplay), as that brings lots of visitors to the city and can crowd the Capitol. You can check the Upcoming Events page on Destination Madison to see if there may be a conflict for your chosen wedding day.

If you are planning on renting a private room, having chairs, or inviting more than 50 guests, you’ll need to apply for a permit to get married inside the Madison Capitol building during regular business hours.

For couples getting married in the Rotunda (the big open space) who require chairs, you must make your initial inquiry through the State Capitol Police by calling 608-266-7840. There is a small fee to reserve chairs. Once your date is confirmed and available, you must apply 72 hours before your event at their website here. Please note applications may take a minimum of 10 days to process.

When applying to reserve the Senate or Assembly areas, please note that each have a different structure and fee allocated to them. These are outlined below. Each room booked is available for a three hour period either in the morning or afternoon. You will be able to choose upon securing your reservation. NOTE: If booking a weekday, the Senate and Assembly can override use of the space and bump anyone on short notice. You will have advanced notice of the bump, but it’s still something to consider.

To apply for a permit for the Senate Chamber or Parlor, contact the Senate Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms at 608-266-1801 or email SenateHearingRooms@legis.wi.gov. You will need to submit a refundable deposit that will be returned to you upon the completion of your event. There is reservation fee of $50/hour of usage for your event ($150 for three hours). You will also need to get State Senator approval and to get that, you must contact a state senator. The staff will present a list of those you can contact for approval — I promise it’s easy! If you are a government employee, the Senate Parlor is free to reserve and use, but you will have to pay the refundable deposit.

To apply for a permit for the Assembly Chamber or Parlor, contact Pat McKee, the Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms: 608-237-9624. There are two permit fees that are associated with reserving the Assembly Chamber and Parlor rooms for weddings at the Capitol building. The first is a refundable $750 deposit. The second is a non-refundable deposit equal to $375 or $750. The $375 permit is for ceremonies that are occurring inside of business hours that require room rental, chairs or more than 50 guests. If you are hoping to have your ceremony after the building is closed (like on weekends after 4pm or weekdays after 6pm), you’ll need to pay $750.

If you are planning to get married with a small amount of guests, are not using a private room, and do not need chairs, you do not need a permit. All you need to do is show up and get married! I highly recommend checking the Official Capitol Calendar to make sure you are not planning your elopement during any planned public event.

Step four: Apply for your Capitol Elopement marriage license

When you are 60 days away from your Capitol Elopement in Madison, Wisconsin, you must schedule an appointment to apply for a marriage license on the Dane County’s website here.

Marriage license appointments are held via Zoom and are online only. You must have your photo ID, Social Security number, a document with your current physical address, and a certified copy of your birth certificate. There are a few other stipulations that are outlined on the Dane County Clerk’s website here. The total fee for your license will be $120 and is due at the time of your application.

After applying, there is a three day waiting period before your marriage license is issued. You can apply for a waiver for a $25 fee.

Note: These rules can change anytime so be sure to double check before applying to make sure that you have the proper documents and requirements.

Step five: Invite guests

Legally, a Capitol Elopement in Madison, Wisconsin, consists of five (5) people: you and your partner, your officiant, and two witnesses. This means your photographer can sign as a witness and so is any passing person who “witnessed” your ceremony taking place.

I’d recommend inviting at least two people who can celebrate with you once your ceremony is over.

Step six: Secure a florist, attire and the rings

Just because your wedding is at the Capitol doesn’t mean you can’t have all the bells and whistles of a typical wedding day.

Flowers are a beautiful addition to elopement days. Some florists will work with last minute clients if you just need a bouquet and boutonniere, but be sure to call ahead and tell them your date and vision. Being less picky about the flowers you desire will be helpful and allow your florist to create beautiful designs.

My favorite florists for Madison Capitol elopements are Hy-Vee, Daffodil Parker, and Sunborn Gardens.

Make sure you find a fit that is comfortable for you. The Capitol building is huge and can involve a lot of walking (especially outside!). If you’re getting married in the winter, I recommend having a nice coat or jacket for some outdoor photos.

A few of my favorite sites for dresses are Asos, BHLDN, Baltic Born, Lulu’s and David’s Bridal.

For suits, be sure to lean on the side of being comfortable and finding a suit that fits well. Men’s Wearhouse is a good local option as well as Indochino, Bonobos, Sene, Suit Shop, The Black Tux. Please make sure you have enough time to order and tailor your suit before your wedding day.

You can also thrift, borrow, or mix and match with what is already in your closet. This applies to each of you! You don’t need to spend thousands on attire that you’ll only wear once. If you want to wear something non-traditional, it’s your day – remember you can do anything you want.

When it comes to rings, it’s important to make sure that you have rings that fit. If you want to wear silicone rings, that’s totally okay! Just make sure to get them before your ceremony!

Step seven: Plan a celebratory dinner or drinks for after your ceremony

One of my favorite ways couples celebrate on their Capitol Elopement in Madison, Wisconsin, is when they reserve a table at a nearby restaurant for dinner after their ceremony. There are so many amazing five-star restaurants close to the Capitol that are perfect for celebrating your marriage.

My clients love the following options: Eno Vino Downtown, Lucille, Cooper’s Tavern, Cento, RED Sushi, Tornado Room Steak House, Sardine, and Harvey House – just to name a few!

Be sure to inquire early and make reservations!

I hope this was helpful as you plan your Capitol Elopement in Madison, Wisconsin! Check out more of my favorite tips for any couples planning to get married in Wisconsin:

Best Venues for Your Intimate Elopement in Madison, Wisconsin
How to Elope in Wisconsin
Top Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Are you looking for a wedding photographer for your Wisconsin State Capitol Elopement in Madison? Get in touch!