WISCONSIN

PHOTOS: Left: UWSP’s Daniel O. Trainer Natural Resources Building

Above: Birds Eye View of Chain O’ Lakes photo courtesy of Noah Lencki

The front lawn of UWSP’s Old Main Building

Below: UWSP’s Schmeekle Reserve Pankowski Friends Amphitheater

For tickets and more info: ElegantOccasions.net/SignsOfLove

Central Wisconsin

Welcome to the heart of Wisconsin! The central region of our wonderful state is home to vibrant communities from Stevens Point to Marshfield, Wausau to Waupaca. When it comes to nearby destination weddings and picturesque honeymoons, Central Wisconsin has much to offer.

Marshfield

Situated less than three hours from anywhere in the state, Marshfield is a lovely central meeting point. It’s particularly perfect if you’re planning a wedding that will host out-of-towners from all corners of Wisconsin. Marshfield is full of one-of-a-kind experiences to delight travelers, whether they’re in town as wedding guests, or you’re looking for a nearby mini-moon. Founded in 1937, the Wildwood Park & Zoo features miles of hiking trails, plus twin Kodiak bears, wolves, and more. For the art lovers, visit Jurustic Park, an outdoor sculpture garden full of fantastic beasts. Or travel back in time at the Upham Mansion, complete with the Heritage Rose Garden and its 32 varieties of roses!

Stevens Point

September 24, 2023

11am - 2pm at

Central WI Convention & Expo Center

The Wausau area's longest running bridal show, celebrating love for over 20 years!

All day bridal fashion show by:

This vibrant little city is the largest in Portage County. Stevens Point tourism calls the area a “recreational playground,” full of fun things to do whether you’re on water or land. For the nature lovers, there is top-notch fishing from the trout streams to the backwaters of the Wisconsin River. Nearby, there are more than 40 lakes, rivers, and streams, ideal if you’re “angling” for a postwedding getaway. You might even hire a guide to really make the most of your fishing excursion.

For the couple who prefers to adventure by land, consider exploring the New Hope Pines State Natural Area. New Hope Pines is, naturally,

Central Wisconsin

full of pine trees and is particularly good for cross-country skiing. If mountain biking is your thing, look no further than Standing Rocks County Park with its 13+ miles of trails for beginners and expert cyclists, as well as hiking and skiing. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Stevens Point Sculpture Park with its art installations along a scenic trail, connected to the larger Green Circle Trail.

In and around Stevens Point, there’s no shortage of galleries and shops to browse. There are also ample murals, thanks to the Paint the County Initiative. From historic murals to new installations, you’ll find unique, larger-than-life art pieces tucked in every corner of Portage County.

If culinary art is more to your liking, Stevens Point is full of delicious options, most with a dedication to serving locally-sourced and sustainable fare. Some restaurants not only promote locally-grown food, they also host cooking classes and other special events. Explore the Stevens Point Farmers’ Market every Monday–Saturday from May–October. Or in winter, explore the Winter Farmers’ Market. There’s also Ski’s Meat Market for even more local flavor.

Beer, wine, and spirits lovers need look no further than the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective. The Collective is a partnership between craft beverage makers in the Stevens Point area. Some of the makers include: Central Waters, O’so Brewing, Great Northern Distilling, Sunset Point Winery, District 1 Brewing, Backcountry Brewing, and more!

If romance is what you seek on your Central Wisconsin honeymoon or wedding weekend, you must start at The Wellness Spa for a luxury spa experience. Look particularly at their Spa Time

Central Wisconsin

Together package to be pampered side by side. For accommodations, have a lovely escape at a local bed and breakfast or quiet cabin retreat. Stevens Point has a lot of beautiful options, both for mini-moons and weddings themselves. Rest assured, if you host a wedding in Stevens Point, there will be no shortage of activities for your guests to make a weekend of it.

Wausau

Wausau is synonymous with Central Wisconsin. Again, we love it for its easy access as a wedding or honeymoon destination, and for all the fantastic things there are to do there. Wausau truly offers all the cosmopolitan amenities alongside small-town hospitality and charm. As with all of Central Wisconsin, you’ll find activities both relaxing and exhilarating to get you out in nature in all four seasons. Enjoy boating or kayaking through the Wisconsin River Valley or gaze at the fall colors with one of Wausau’s scenic lookouts. There’s also skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, golf, and many other gorgeous parks, gardens, wildlife refuges to discover.

While Wausau is certainly a hub for outdoor fun, it’s also chock full of indoor excitement. Did you know Wausau is known as Arts Town USA for its commitment to the arts? The Grand Theater welcomes Broadway performances, and the Woodson Art Museum and Center for Visual Arts are marvelous to wander through. The Andrew Warren Historic District also boasts stunning architecture. Sports lovers should check out Zingers & Flingers, an indoor gun and archery range. And if offbeat sports are to your liking, visit the Wausau Curling Club.

Central Wisconsin Waupaca

With 22 connected spring-fed lakes, just imagine not only the endless activities, but the opportunity for gorgeous wedding backdrops. Waupaca’s Chain of Lakes is glacier-formed with irregular, picturesque hills and valleys. The lakes are a gorgeous natural setting for weddings or honeymoons in all seasons! You’ll also find nice shopping, a variety of dining options, and unique entertainment events like the Chain Skier Waterski Show or a narrated scenic tour on the Chief Waupaca Sternwheeler.

Wisconsin Rapids

Welcome to cranberry country! Located on the beautiful Wisconsin River, autumn is the time to experience Wisconsin Rapids’ fall colors over a sea of red berries. Wondering where to stay? There’s the historic Le Chateau bed and breakfast, located in a Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1889. It overlooks the Wisconsin River and is within walking distance to downtown. There are also many cottages, cabins, and campgrounds.

In the end, Central Wisconsin brings everything from wooded wanderings to lakeside loveliness, small-town charm to cosmopolitan flair, and exhilarating activities to romantic memories in the making. For those in search of a centrally-located spot for a Wisconsin wedding, well, “central” is in the name. And for a nearby honey- or mini-moon, the delights of Central Wisconsin are tough to top. 