Photo: K Point Brewing
Suggested Engagement Party & Bridal Shower Venues
3rd & Vine
3rd & Vine's inviting ambiance and thoughtfully crafted beer and cheese menu make it an ideal spot to host a small celebratory gathering. If you envision your party to have unique charcuterie boards, this is your place to go. 3rd & Vine creates a range of different boards, including one that pairs beer and cheese together! If the happy couple loves beer and cheese, this might very well be the perfect place!
Lazy Monk Brewing
Another brewery in Eau Claire with a dedicated private room for events is Lazy Monk Brewing. This space gives off a certain European charm and makes you feel like you're somewhere in the middle of Germany. And best of all, you can rest assured that your party will be supplied with delicious beer!
Forage
Forage is a building made for hosting public and private events in the heart of downtown Eau Claire. Their space is light, airy, and perfect for celebrating an engagement or bridal shower. Their team will work with you to make sure the party you are planning is a dream come true.
The Fish House
The Fish House is a recreation and event space over in Altoona, WI! This versatile building contains various rooms that range in size and can accommodate a variety of events. The rental of the space includes tables and chairs and you are welcome to bring in your own drinks and food. Get a little preview of the space here.
Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery
There is a mezzanine that guests can rent out for gatherings like these at Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery in Eau Claire! This winery's elegance and selection of handcrafted wines and spirits provide a sophisticated backdrop for celebrating love!
Photo: Northwoods Brew Pub
Rehearsal Dinner Venues
Brewing Projekt
The Brewing Projekt in downtown Eau Claire, an industrial and super unique brewery, has two private rooms that you can rent out for your rehearsal dinner. You'll have to find a catering service, but don't fret, this place has plenty of cool beers for you to wow your guests with.
Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub
Houligans Steak and Seafood Pub, located in downtown Eau Claire, has a back room that is available for private events. Houligans is one of the top supper clubs in Eau Claire and is known locally for giving guests one of the best dining experiences in the Chippewa Valley.
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
Speaking of fabulous dining experiences, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse in Eau Claire sets the bar high for fine dining. Their menu features classic Italian fare and premium steaks that ensure your culinary experience complements your joyous occasion. It's also a part of the Holiday Inn South, so if you have a room block here, it'll be a super convenient destination for you and your guests. Other hotels nearby include Candlewood Suites.
Hangar 54
Do you have guests flying in from out of town? Hangar 54 is located at the Chippewa Valley Airport and offers a private room for events and gatherings. How convenient for those who are traveling by plane! Not to mention, Hangar 54's food is consistently raved about by both out-of-town visitors and locals.
44 North
Keep your rehearsal dinner casual and fun by hosting it at 44 North in River Prairie! They have a private room available in the upstairs portion of their restaurant. The coolest part? There's an arcade on the first floor! After dinner is done, relax and enjoy some time with friends and family before you need to rest for the big day.
The Livery
The Livery in Eau Claire can provide a rustic-chic vibe for your rehearsal dinner. The upstairs of this restaurant is private and cozy making this the perfect place for an intimate gathering. Not to mention, their commitment to locally sourced, farm-to-table food adds the perfect touch for your memorable celebration.
Loopy's
Summer very so happens to be a popular time to have a wedding! That means rehearsal dinners are too! Loopy's in the town of Wheaton has a nice riverside outdoor dining area that often hosts small gatherings like rehearsal dinners.
Northwoods Brew Pub
Just 20 minutes south of Eau Claire is Osseo, WI - a small town that is home to Northwoods Brew Pub. This brewery is spacious and the people behind the bar are some of the nicest folks you'll meet. Host your rehearsal dinner for a worry-free experience! Did you know that this brewery is also connected to The Condensery - a restored historic facility that now can host weddings for 500+ people?!
Photo: The Fire House
Where to Host a Welcome Party
Helix
Looking to welcome your wedding guests to Eau Claire in style? Consider hosting a welcome party at a local bar! Helix in River Prairie is the perfect place for this. They offer small plates along with wine, beer, and craft cocktails. Spring, summer, fall or winter, this establishment is gorgeous and will set the tone for your wedding extravaganza!
Dive
This rooftop bar in downtown Eau Claire is guaranteed to blow your guests away. Everyone, including the bride who needs it the most, will be able to properly unwind and enjoy one of the most unique settings and views in Eau Claire. The Dive is located at the Lismore Hotel, so if you have a room block here, this would be an even more fabulous option for a welcome party venue.
The Fire House
If you want a welcome party where there are lots of different beers available, plan a night at The Firehouse. Located in downtown Eau Claire and within walking distance of The Oxbow Hotel and The Lismore, this bar has over 38 taps available. Come for the beer but stay for the popcorn, sweet atmosphere and good times with good company!
Happy Hollow
Make your welcome party a fun one! Happy Hollow is a pub/tavern located in Altoona, WI. It has a great menu along with darts, pool, and a large bar that can accommodate lots of thirsty and hungry wedding guests.
Cowboy Jack's
Also in River Prairie Park is Cowboy Jack's! This country-themed bar is widely known for its killer happy hour deals and outdoor seating options. Just that makes it sound like an ideal place to go for a welcome party! Not to mention, it is just a few steps away from Staybridge Suites, a hotel located in River Prairie Park as well.
Photo: The Nucleus
Day After Brunch Spots
The French Press
There is something wholesome about meeting with the crew the day after the wedding and reminiscing on all the memories made over brunch. Head over to the French Press for a quaint atmosphere and some of the most delicious made-from-scratch plates. Plus, you'll need a nice warm cup of coffee after all the wedding fun!
The Nucleus
Voted as one of the best places for brunch in the Chippewa Valley by the locals, you can expect nothing but greatness from this breakfast joint. The Nucleus is located on Water St., just a short drive from downtown Eau Claire. Their menu has a diverse array of options including tasty eats for vegans and vegetarians.
Nostalgic Bean
Nostalgic Bean in Altoona is a smaller space, but boy is it charming. This place arguably bakes some of the best sweets and pastries in the Chippewa Valley. Chocolate croissants, tarts, cookies, macarons, oh my! This cafe is on the small side in terms of space, but don't let that deter you. They do cater as well!
29 Pines
For weddings taking place in northern Eau Claire or in Chippewa Falls, Sleep Inn in the town of Wheaton may be a great hotel to book your room block at. 29 Pines is located at this hotel making it a wonderful and convenient place to go for a day after the wedding brunch!
City Eats
Another breakfast spot located inside a hotel is City Eats! This restaurant can be found at Metropolis Resort, so you know it's as family-friendly as it gets! Find delicious breakfast eats on their menu along with one-of-a-kind offerings like mimosa flights!
Photo Credit: The Lismore Hotel
Hotels for Wedding Events
Sleep Inn & Suites
For all the events leading up to your big day, Sleep Inn & Suites can host your pre-parties at their stunning event space! Located in Wheaton, WI, the Sleep Inn & Suites conference space is the perfect location to hold your wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, engagement party, and other bridal events. Plus, you're right at the hotel for easy rest and accommodations following your event!
The Lismore Hotel
If downtown Eau Claire matches your wedding vibe, plan some of your festivities at The Lismore Hotel. Their meeting spaces are located in the lobby and are perfect for hosting small events and gatherings for your wedding. With coffee right next door at ECDC, pizza at The Informalist, and drinks at Dive, you're set for a beautiful and delicious event at The Lismore!
Staybridge Suites
This family-friendly hotel will serve you perfectly for your families visiting for your wedding events! Plan welcome parties, showers, and more events on the patio at Staybridge Suites in Altoona, WI. Here, you'll be within walking distance to take stunning group photos in River Prairie Park, as well as multiple patio restaurants and bars to celebrate!