to our Wedding Guid

Weddings
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
For information about weddings at the Aldo Leopold
Nature Center or to set up a tour, please contact:
Anna White, Manager of Rentals & Events
330 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
[email protected]
Monona Facilities
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.
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI
Unique and special amenities and services available include:
Our professional staff will customize a rental package for an
unforgettable wedding to meet your needs and wow your guests!
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.
Best of all, your rental helps to support critical environmental education
initiatives at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center!
Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
Scenic views of prairie, wetlands,
an oak savanna and woodlands.
From vibrant fall colors, to 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!
Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
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
Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
Credit: Arbor Photographic
Cover photo credit: Althea Dotzour Photography
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Monona Facilities
330 Femrite Drive
Monona Facilities
The Spaces
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
Wedding Packages:
THE SUGAR MAPLE PACKAGE
Capacity: 150
This is the perfect option for DIY brides!
Monona, WI 53716
CLASSROOM
This rental package includes:
• 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)
Full day (10 hours including set up and clean up)
Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
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, sitdown dinners and buffet lines.
LOBBY
$1050
$1,650
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 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.
THE GRAND LAWN
• 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
Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
interactive exhibits to inform and entertain.
ORIENTATION THEATER
• Use of twenty-two 6ft tables and two 8 ft tables.
• Use of microphone and portable speaker.
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.
• 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)
Full day (10 hours including set up and clean up)
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
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.
$1,450
$2,250
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Monona Facilities
330 Femrite Drive
Monona Facilities
Monona, WI 53716
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
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).
COMPLEMENTARY EQUIPMENT & AMENITIES
Wireless Internet
Wooden 8 ft Tables (2)
Wooden Benches for Seating (up to 20 benches)
Lobby Screen for Custom Photo Display
One 30-minute planning consultation with ALNC Staff
Use of ALNC Grounds for Engagement Photos
Sugar Maple
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White Pine
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ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT & AMENITIES - INCLUDED or A LA CARTE
Microphone and Speaker

Portable Speaker
On-site staff assistance during rental (clearing tables, chairs, etc)
Use of firepit
6 ft tables (22 available)
Standing cocktail tables (2 available)
Pre-rental rehearsal in ALNC space
Personalized Sound/Film Set Up in the Orientation Theater
Use if Climate Science Center
Fee if post-rental clean up is needed
Early set-up (based on availability)
On-site storage of supplies/materials (at staff’s discretion)
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$50/hour
$50
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$100/hour
$50
$100/hr
$50/hour
$100/hour
$100/day
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Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
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Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
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$50/hour
$100/hour
$100/day
MONONA RENTAL GUIDELINES
In addition to the guidlines 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.
Credit: Errin Hiltbrand Photography
• 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:
1. Blue Plate Catering* 2. Bluephies Catering * 3. Roman Candle Catering
4. Hyvee Catering 5. Fresh Madison Market 6. Bunky’s Catering
Alcoholic beverage service must be arranged through one of the caterers
indicated with a * 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.
Credit: Urban Anchor Photography
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Black Earth Facilities
10648 Sutcliffe Road
Black Earth Facilities
Black Earth, WI 53515
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.
Credit: Arbor Photographics
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.
Daytime Saturday or Sunday (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Half Day (4 hours)
Full day (8 hours)
Evenings (Evening Rates Start at at 5 pm)
$550
$875
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (5 - 10 p.m.)
$550
Friday, Saturday or Sunday (5 - 11 p.m.)
Overnight & Weekend Packages
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday Overnight (5 p.m. - 12 p.m.)
Friday, Saturday or Sunday Overnight (5 p.m. - 12 p.m.)
Entire Weekend (5 p.m. Friday - noon Sunday)
$700
The Spaces
• Convenient parking for guests in the
on-site lot.
Credit: Arbor Photographics
• 38 acres of trails, along beautiful
driftless region hills and woodlands,
for guests to hike.
AMENITIES AND EQUIPMENT - LEOPOLD LODGE
Use of Kitchen
Furnishings (beds, bunk beds, sofas, fireplace, television, table, etc.)
Tripod Easels
Use of Fire Ring
AMENITIES AND EQUIPMENT - ALEXANDER STUDIO
Use of Kitchen
Stage Lighting
Wooden Benches
Use of Fire Ring
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
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.
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ALEXANDER STUDIO
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aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
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.
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608.221.9095/fax
$750
$1000
$1,450
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Black Earth Facilities
10648 Sutcliffe Road
Rental Guidelines
Black Earth, WI 53515
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.
Credit: Arbor Photographics
• 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.
Credit: Arbor Photographics
• In keeping with the 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.
Credit: Arbor Photographics
Credit: Arbor Photographics
• Glitter, rice, birdseed, confetti and the like cannot be used as tabletop decorations
or for throwing.
Credit: Errin Hiltbrand Photography
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
608.221.0404/telephone
608.221.9095/fax
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org