The Howard

Average Base Cost: $16,000

Average base cost for a wedding at The Howard is calculated by figuring a 125–person guest list on a Saturday night in off-season using the Ballroom and Great Hall Wedding Ceremony option, with a food/beverage cost of $70/pp. Transportation to venue, entertainment, decorations, additional rentals, valet, DJ, and photography are not included. Average price includes gratuity and state sales tax. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand.

*Prices subject to change

How it breaks down:

Facility Rental Fee: 

Ballroom

• Peak Season (May – October & December)
  • Saturday: $4,500 rental fee
  • Friday/Sunday: $4,000 rental fee
  • Monday-Thursday: $4,000 food & beverage minimum
• Off Season (January – April & November)
  • Saturday: $3,500 rental fee
  • Friday/Sunday: $3,000 rental fee
  • Monday – Thursday: $2,500 food & beverage minimum

*Rental is 5 hours, and up to 2 additional hours may be booked at $500 an hour

Great Hall Wedding Ceremony (as an add-on to wedding reception)

• Peak Season (May – October & December)
  • Saturday: $1,000 rental fee
  • Weekday/Sunday: $750 rental fee
• Off Season (January – April & November)
  • Saturday: $750 rental fee
  • Weekday/Sunday: $500 rental fee

*Rental is 2 hours for a wedding ceremony

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Note: The rate for Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is the Saturday rate, plus $500 (no rentals on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). Saturday rentals of the Great Hall are available on a limited basis, no more than 90 days in.

What’s Included:

• On site event manager for planning and detailing; present on night of reception
• Banquet tables (10 top rounds on Ballroom Floor, 8 top rounds and 4 top squares on Ballroom Balcony, 4 top square tables in Great Hall)
• Banquet chairs
• House linens, white table cloths and black or white napkins
• China/glassware/silverware
• Standing or bistro cocktail tables with black house linens
• Table numbers with stands
• Complimentary standing microphone at head table
• Place card table covered in house linen
• Gift table covered in house linen
• Hors d’oeuvres table for appetizers & late night food service covered in house linen
• Cake table covered in house linen
• No bartender fees
• Dressing rooms available for bridal party during event
• Complimentary use of Great Hall for ceremony rehearsal if ceremony is on-site (based on availability)

Extras: 

• AV equipment (sound equipment, projector, screen)
• Uplighting
• Votive holders
• Centerpieces
• Upgraded linens
• Custom napkin folding
• Coat check attendant

Food/Beverage: Outside vendors are allowed for cakes, but outside caterers or bar services are not allowed as The Howard has an in-house catering team and full liquor license.

Catering starts at $35 and the bar has options for cash or hosted with wine, beer and cocktails at a per drink price starting at $6.*

*Assume guests will have 2 drinks in the first hour of the open bar, and 1 additional drink each following hour. Get more info on how to calculate your wedding bar here. 

More Stats:

Space Type: Inside. Ceremonies are held in the Great Hall, followed by a reception in the Ballroom. All spaces are indoors.

Size: 

Grand Ballroom

• Seated dinner: 250 on the first floor + 96 on the balcony
• First floor chairs only: 350
• Maximum capacity: 450

Great Hall

• Wedding ceremony: 150
• Plated dinner: 80

Bridal Suite: No

Parking: Approximately 140 free spots available

Food Service Type: Seated dinner

How Will Grandma Get There? Oshkosh is less than an hour away from Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, and about an hour-and-a-half from Dane County Regional Truax Field in Madison. The Howard is located near the waterfront and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. There are a number of 2-3 star hotels within a 10-minute drive of The Howard (under $100-$150 a night). The Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center is the closest 4-star hotel, and is only a half mile from the venue.

Party On! Events must end at 11 p.m.

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The Report:

The Howard was founded in 1927 in Oshkosh, WI as a men-only Eagles club. Today, thanks to sisters and proprietors Carey Sharpe and Jenna Golem, the space is now a concert hall, cafe, bar and bowling alley, and event venue. The Old English/Tudor Revival-style building totals 33,000 square feet and three floors, while also boasting 25-foot-high vaulted ceilings and original stained glass accents and hand-carved crown moldings.

Woman Getting Married Says:

This charming venue is the perfect location for Wisconsin brides looking for a chic yet historic downtown location (that’s NOT a hotel ballroom). I love the layout of both the Ballroom for your reception and Grand Hall for your ceremony, and that they each have their own vibe. I think the owners renovated this venue perfectly, and can’t wait to see more pics of gorgeous weddings here!

Click here to learn more about my wedding venue review process