For the detail-oriented and the planners among you, we have some policies to keep the whole process running smoothly. These are the major ones, so check them out and let us know if you have any questions.

 

marriage licenses

The Brule River Barn is located in Douglas County, Wisconsin. You can obtain your marriage license through the Douglas County Clerk's office in Superior, WI by making an appointment Monday-Friday from 8am to 4pm. Certificates are $100 and have a 3-day waiting period (not including the day of application, $25 fee to waive). They are good for 60 days after the waiting period is up.

Even if you're a resident of another state, you need to get your license in Wisconsin to make the ceremony valid.

 

SCHEDULING

The Brule River Barn is open for weddings and other large events from Memorial Day weekend to the early October. Outside this time frame, it's too cold to use our unheated Barn and the flowers can't put out their best. Depending on the nature of the event (like senior photo shoots), we may be open to extending those dates.

Your event time will not be reserved until we have your signed contract and non-reundable save-the-date deposit. Reservations are first-come, first-served.

 

EVENT INSURANCE

The one additional item that we require that you get for your event is liability insurance. Crazy things happen and we don't want anyone to end up financially responsible for an accident. You might be able to simply add a rider to your existing policy for the event and Brule River Barn, or you could check out more comprehensive coverage from companies like WedSafe or WedSure.

What to include:

  • Comprehensive liability coverage

  • $1 million liability limit

  • Entire time on the property is covered

  • Jill and Kirk Clemmer and Brule River Barn as special insureds

  • If you’re serving alcohol

  • If anyone (including guests) is bringing animals (you must also sign our animal waiver)

 

VENDORS

We don't require any specific vendors for any events, because we want your event to be just the way you want it. We just ask that you follow state law and ensure that all food served is prepared in a licensed kitchen, whether it was made by a caterer, grocery store, or your auntie.

 

Alcohol

Due to the passage of Senate Bill 268, alcohol laws for wedding barns are changing starting in 2026. Starting in that year, we will be limited to 6 events per year, which will allow us to serve our clients in the same way we always have.

If you wish, you may provide beer, wine and champagne at no charge to your guests (including drink tickets or “suggested tips”). You may also provide liquor so long as you have a licensed bartender. Minor consumption of alcohol or tobacco is prohibited, except as allowed by Wisconsin Statute(s).

 

COORDINATION

We love to talk over the details of weddings during visits beforehand, but we don't have the staff to provide any sort of day-of coordination for weddings. However, we've seen a lot of weddings and we very strongly encourage that you have one. You don't have to hire someone; it could just be a super-organized friend.  But the last thing you want to do on your big day is answer a hundred little questions about boutonnieres or mixing lemonade.

 

Smoking & Flames

The fire alarm system in the Barn is extremely sensitive. This is a very good thing in the case of an actual fire, but it means that smoking or open flames (including tea candles) will set it off. If the alarm is set off, the building will be evacuated and the client will pay for the cost of the emergency response. Because of this and in accordance with Wisconsin law, we do not allow smoking or flames of any kind (like sparklers) in any building or in the 30 feet around the Barn.

There is a designated smoking area that is covered and has chairs.

 

PETS

Well-behaved animals are welcome on a case-by-case basis. We do ask that they remain leashed and not enter the House, Cottage, or Milkhouse. Pets may be subject to additional insurance requirements and/or cleaning fees.

 

Children

We love our children, but they can be naughty sometimes. Our ponds and other grounds features are especially attractive to children, but can potentially be dangerous. They are also delicate and could cost thousands of dollars to replace. Due to several incidents over the years, children under the age of 12 must have a designated caretaker to ensure no damage to the grounds and preventing safety incidents. If you do not want to assign a caretaker, you must sign a waiver and pay an additional refundable damage deposit.

 

MORE

We have more policies, of course, and you can find them listed in the event contract.