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Hey, I'm Anni!

A midwest gal who lives for finding the beauty in the small, simple moments. I'm bringing that dancing-in-the-kitchen energy to your wedding day. The calm presence you need and your #1 hype gal!

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How to Plan a Country Club Wedding for the Modern Bride

Ashley and Ty’s country club wedding at Butte des Morts Country Club in Appleton, Wisconsin, was the kind of effortlessly elegant day that makes you want to pop champagne and happy cry at the same time. Their celebration hit that sweet spot of laidback and elevated, thanks to a top-tier vendor team and a vision that felt 100% them. If you’ve ever considered a country club wedding, get comfy, because I’m about to spill the tea on all the dreamy details (plus how to make them totally your own!).

Joyful bride and groom walking hand-in-hand down a gravel path surrounded by tall grass and trees during their country club wedding portraits.

Romantic silhouette of a bride and groom kissing under her veil during golden hour, with soft skies behind them at their country club wedding.

Bride and groom share a kiss inside a golf cart on the course at their country club wedding, framed by manicured greens and soft sunset light.

Why a Country Club Wedding is an Underrated Power Move

Wide shot of a red-brick country club venue with classic architecture, tall trees, and a covered drive, captured on a sunny wedding day.

Elegant country club wedding reception setup with black and gold accents, white floral centerpieces, taper candles, and disco balls suspended above the tables.

Bride’s wedding dress with a long lace train hanging from a tree branch outside the country club venue, ready for a summer wedding day.

Let’s clear something up: country clubs like Butte des Morts aren’t just for your dad’s Sunday golf game. These venues come stacked with gorgeous, well-kept grounds, elegant indoor spaces, and a built-in team that knows how to run events like clockwork. Translation? Less stress for you, more time for the good stuff!

One of the biggest perks? Flexibility. Whether you’re leaning into soft neutrals or throwing a color party, a country club gives you that classic foundation to build your vibe. Ashley and Ty went for crisp greenery, white florals, and a sprinkle of disco balls (YES, disco balls!!) for a look that was polished, playful, and totally on brand.

Ceiling decor at a country club wedding reception featuring hanging greenery, metallic light fixtures, and mirrored disco balls for a fun, modern vibe.

Modern wedding welcome sign reading “Let’s do this!” displayed outside a brick country club wedding venue, with a tall floral planter and vintage lantern nearby.

And don’t sleep on the guest experience. Ceremony and reception all in one place? Check. Golf cart rides to photo ops? Check. Cocktail hour with a view? Double check.

The Details That Made Ashley + Ty’s Day So Magical

Their reception setup was literally straight out of a design dream. Picture a king’s table laid out on the checkered dance floor, greenery cascading from above, and disco balls catching the golden light. It was luxe without trying too hard, cool, intentional, and full of heart.

Flat lay featuring wedding day details including invitations, rings, shoes, perfume, ribbon, and a black-and-white engagement photo for a timeless country club wedding look.

Creamy white pointed-toe heels and a delicate lace clutch bag laid out on neutral-toned carpet for a classic country club wedding flat lay.

Close-up of wedding rings resting on a bottle of “Falling in Love” perfume—captured as part of elegant country club wedding details.

Black and white candid of bridesmaids laughing and filming each other during a joyful country club wedding morning prep.

Two bridesmaids laughing and chatting during a relaxed morning getting ready for a country club wedding.

Groom adjusting his cufflinks with help from his best man in a sophisticated library room at their country club wedding venue.

But the real standout? The vibe. Ashley and Ty were so present and relaxed the entire day, which made everyone around them feel it too. That kind of energy only happens when you trust your people, set a tone early, and leave space to actually enjoy your day.

Groom laughing with his groomsmen in a wood-paneled library lounge at a country club wedding, all dressed in classic black suits.

Bride getting her veil secured by a bridesmaid on the grand staircase of a country club wedding venue, with wood paneling and vibrant florals in the background.

Black and white candid of the groom smiling as his mother pins his boutonnière, sharing a sweet pre-ceremony moment at their country club wedding.

Sunset Photos? Golf Cart Goals, Activated.

Bride and groom captured from behind as they ride away in a Yamaha golf cart after their country club wedding ceremony, surrounded by trees and golden light.

Bride and groom embracing on the green at sunset with the country club venue in the background, surrounded by soft rolling hills.

One of my favorite parts of a country club wedding? Easy access to those jaw-dropping golden hour spots. We hopped in a golf cart and cruised around the course, chasing light, soaking up the quiet, and capturing the kind of sun-soaked, glowy moments you frame forever. It was relaxed, intimate, and honestly, a highlight of the day.

Bride walking toward her groom during a private first look moment in a cozy, wood-paneled room at their country club wedding venue.

Bride and groom smiling at each other during their first look at a country club wedding, with her long veil trailing behind her.

Groom seeing the bride for the first time during an emotional first look at their country club wedding, both standing in a library-style room with wood-paneled walls.

Black and white photo of bride smiling emotionally during a joyful first look moment with the groom at their country club wedding.

Tips for Planning Your Own Country Club Wedding

Put your stamp on it. Country clubs are blank slates; add your flair. Go bold with color, bring in live music, or set up a cozy lounge area your guests will love.

Rows of white-covered chairs arranged on a country club patio for a summer outdoor wedding ceremony, with a golf course view in the background.

White floral arrangements displayed on modern pedestals overlooking the golf course at a country club wedding ceremony setup.

Know the fine print. Some clubs have dress codes, member rules, or food & beverage minimums. Do a little recon before signing on the dotted line.
Trust your vendor squad. Having pros who get your vibe makes all the difference. They’ll handle the details so you can actually be in the moment.
Think guest comfort. Shady seating, warm wraps, bug spray baskets, it’s the little touches that make a big impression.
Budget smart. Reuse ceremony florals at the reception. Lean into the venue’s natural charm. Luxe doesn’t have to mean over-the-top.

Close-up of a guest holding the printed wedding ceremony program while seated among rows of white chair covers at a country club wedding.

Ask about alcohol. Some clubs require you to purchase booze through them, a key detail that affects your budget and your bar lineup.

Bridesmaids smiling and holding white rose bouquets during the ceremony at a summer country club wedding, with the golf course in the background.

Groom walking arm-in-arm with his mom down the aisle before the ceremony begins, surrounded by seated guests at a country club wedding.

Bride walking down the aisle with her parents at an outdoor country club wedding ceremony as guests stand and watch.

Quick Country Club Wedding Checklist:

Lock in your date + venue
Finalize guest list + logistics
Confirm vendor lineup (and minimum spends!)
Map out guest transit + nearby accommodations
Plan for indoor/outdoor flow (especially if Wisconsin throws a weather curveball)
Add your personal touch with decor + details
Then? Let it go. Soak it in.

Bride and groom exchanging vows while the bridesmaids stand nearby, framed by the red brick walls of the country club ceremony patio.

Bride and groom holding hands and bowing their heads during a heartfelt moment in their country club wedding ceremony, with white floral arrangements on either side.

Bride and groom celebrating down the aisle after saying “I do” at their outdoor country club wedding ceremony, with the bride raising her bouquet in joy.

Seasonal Country Club Wedding Vibes

Bride standing with her bridesmaids, all in black dresses holding white bouquets, in front of the brick exterior at a country club wedding.

Bride and groom with their full wedding party lined up outside a brick country club wedding venue, dressed in black formalwear with white bouquets.

Groom surrounded by his groomsmen, all laughing and joking outdoors before the ceremony at a country club wedding.

Each season brings its own flavor, and knowing the perks (and quirks) can help you plan like a pro:

Spring (April–June): Everything feels fresh and full of possibility. Think budding florals, soft light, and that just-woke-up energy. But hey, keep a rain plan handy. Spring in Wisconsin is a bit of a wild card.
Summer (July–August): Peak golden hour and all the daylight you could ask for. Ideal for those dreamy, late-evening ceremonies. Pro tip: shade and signature drinks go a long way for guest comfort.
Fall (September–October): Moody skies, rich colors, and just enough chill to break out the candles and cider bar. Fall weddings are the moment; just book early, because everyone else thinks so too.
Winter (November–March): Cozy, elegant, and criminally underrated. Fewer crowds, lower costs, and all the indoor charm. Bring on the velvet, candles, and hot toddies.

Bride and groom share a kiss as the wedding party cheers around them on the lawn of a brick country club wedding venue.

Country Clubs Worth Checking Out in Wisconsin

Bride and groom smiling at each other while walking up the wood-paneled staircase of their country club wedding venue.

Bride and groom kissing on a wooden bridge over a pond, surrounded by trees on the lush golf course at their country club wedding.

If you’re vibing with this aesthetic, here are a few other country club wedding venues in Wisconsin worth a peek:

The Madison Club – SO elegant, right in downtown Madison with Lake Monona views.
Bishop’s Bay Country Club – Hello, epic sunsets over the lake.
The Carriage House at Lac La Belle (Oconomowoc) – Farmhouse charm with a refined twist

Overhead shot of the bride holding her dress while walking up the stairs with the groom during a country club wedding day.

Book Me As Your Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

Wedding reception welcome table with an audio guestbook phone, candles, and printed photos at a country club wedding venue.

Guest book table at a country club wedding featuring a signed sports jersey and engagement photos of the couple.

Whether you’re dreaming of disco balls and greenery or wildflowers and champagne towers, a country club wedding gives you a stunning, seamless space to celebrate what matters most. And if you’re looking for a photographer who’ll hype you up, calm you down, and capture every meaningful, joy-filled second?

Bride and groom share a kiss at the head table during their country club wedding reception, surrounded by the wedding party and candlelit florals.

As a Wisconsin wedding photographer who’s all about real moments and effortless joy, I’d love to help you capture every radiant second. Reach out today!