A truly timeless space that spans the ebbs and flows of historical style. The former church maintains original Tiffany stained-glass windows, 15th Century hand-carved monastery panels, original hardwood floors, and antique light fixtures, updated for a contemporary take on English-designed interiors.
The ABBEY is the larger venue at ST JAMES 1868 and can host up to 300 guests for a wedding reception and up to 250 guests for a wedding reception with an onsite ceremony.
The ABBEY has designated Getting Ready Suites, a dedicated outdoor courtyard, tables and chairs that are all included in the venue rental.
Duchess Suite
The Duchess suite provides a spacious area to capture moments before walking down the aisle. The private luxury bridal suite includes 4 dedicated stylist stations and ensuite bathroom so you and your bridal party can get ready in one place. The room has been designed with a European elegance that includes 2 custom designed velvet sofas, a Restoration Hardware chandelier to enhance all photo ops, and French wall molding creating a lace backdrop. Ladies there is no detail left forgotten and the natural light from the south is every brides best friend!
Duke Suite
Welcome to the ultimate man cave in Milwaukee. Our private groomsmen suite has been designed for the guys! Our suite features an English sitting area, ping pong table, flat screen TV to watch the game and a bar made out of the original Altar. Hang out, relax, laugh and play some ping pong before walking down the aisle. This is your game day!
English Outdoor Courtyard
Our 2,200 sq st English- styled outdoor courtyard is the perfect compliment to create a custom experience for you and your guests. Offering the option for an outdoor cocktail hour and/or tented event surrounded among some of the most historic buildings in Milwaukee. The courtyard has endless photography opportunities, numerous outlets for outdoor music, plenty of space to transform into on outdoor living room or just a simplified set up with cocktail tables. Best of all …. string lights are INCLUDED in the venue rental fee!
Wedding Ceremony
St. James 1868 offers the option to add an onsite ceremony to your ABBEY venue reception rental creating a stress free experience for you and your guests to enjoy your wedding day in one location. The transition from a daytime ceremony to an evening reception is truly magical. Daylight brings vibrant colors of the stained glass to life during your 72 foot walk down the aisle. In the evening, the stained glass goes dark and the Abbey transitions into an elegant, candlelit cathedral setting for you and your guests to enjoy dinner and dancing.
NEW! If you are interested in renting the ABBEY for your wedding ceremony only we now offer a package that includes the Duke and Duchess suites for getting ready, French Louis Chairs and ABBEY venue rental from 9am-2pm.
THE ABBEY GALLERY
CATHERINE + GP
EMILY + RAY
MARY + SAM
JORDAN +MATT
OLIVIA + MARK
LINDSAY + TYLER
MADY + JON
NICOLE + JOSEPH
JESSICA + KYLE
TISH + VINCENT
CAROLINE + RYAN
ANNA + RICKUS
“ALL INCLUDED” VENUE RENTAL PACKAGE
Seats up to 300 guests for Wedding Reception Dining
Two Luxury Getting Ready Suites
Private Luxury Duchess with stylist stations and en-suite bathroom so the entire party can get ready in one place
Private Duke Suite includes a Comfortable Lounging Area, Ping Pong Table, Bar, Flat screen TV and more
English-Styled Outdoor Cocktail Hour with string lights
Onsite Venue Manager and Staff to Personally Greet and Direct guests upon arrival
Luxury Bathrooms with multiple Selfie Opportunities
French Louis chairs, Round Tables, Banquet Tables (linens not included)
Indoor Speakers and 2 Wireless Microphones
Dance Floor
Additional Features
Room Set Up and Tear Down - Excludes Personal Decor
Dedicated Spaces for Vendor set up
Heating and Air Conditioning
Reception Rental begins at 3:00pm to 11:30pm with option to add an Onsite Ceremony May through October for an additional fee - Earlier access is available please inquire for details
