faqs for couples and event hosts

We want your event planning to be as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what truly matters on your big day.

Below, you’ll find answers to our frequently asked questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to email your event coordinator. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

How many guests can Mercantile Hall accommodate?

Mercantile Hall can hold up to 220 guests, seated.

Keep in mind that this largely depends on your needs for the main room – band/DJ, buffet tables, lounge areas, etc. could change how much space is available for seating. Your guest count may need to decrease if part of your vision includes floor space for something other than a guest table.

We highly recommend not inviting more guests than what the venue is able to hold. However, if you’re seeking a venue with a higher capacity, check out our sibling venue, 10 South, in Janesville, WI!

How soon should I book my wedding?

Typically, couples begin planning for their wedding about a year in advance. This gives you time to book the date you’d prefer, lock in your favorite vendors, and plan out all the details without needing to stress about needing more time. That being said, it’s becoming more common for couples to book more than a year (up to two years!) in advance. If you’re totally set on a specific date, it’s better to book sooner rather than later!

We’ve also worked with couples on much shorter timelines! Ask us about our short engagement pricing and Coordination Packages – we’d be happy to help you plan a beautiful wedding!

Can I book my non-wedding event at Mercantile Hall?

Absolutely! We’ve hosted corporate events, holiday parties, quinceañeras, reunions and more. Check out our Other Celebrations page and fill out a form!

Does Mercantile Hall have heating and air conditioning?

Yes! We’re able to adjust the temperature throughout the evening to accommodate your needs and keep you and your guests comfortable.

In the colder months, outdoor heaters are also available in The Urb Garden.

When can I and/or my vendors start setting up?

You can begin loading in at the start of your rental time on the day of your event. Additional time can be added for a fee.

Are tables and chairs included in my rental?

Yes! Your rental includes:

  • Up to six 8’ custom industrial tables
  • Up to twenty 60″ round tables (seats 8-10 guests)
  • Up to 230 fruitwood folding chairs with ivory chair cushions
  • Folding banquet tables (for buffets, desserts, gifts, etc.)
  • Booster seats and highchairs are also available upon request
Do you offer any décor rentals?

We do! Elevate your event with pendant lights above your head table, or give your guests something fun to do with a yard game package (bag toss, giant Jenga, connect four). We also offer three different wedding ceremony arches, neon signs, crystal chandeliers, a disco ball and more!

Will linens be set when I arrive?

Yes! All linens are rented through Mercantile Hall and will be set before your arrival.

Can I hang décor from the walls and/or ceiling?

While nothing can be affixed in any way to any surface in Mercantile Hall, we’d be happy to hang décor for you! For your safety, anything that needs to be hung must be approved by Mercantile Hall and hanging must be handled by our staff and/or third party rental companies.

A standard hanging fee of $100 will be applied to cover the cost of additional time and staffing needed by Mercantile Hall. 

Who from Mercantile Hall will be there during my event?

Your official Event Manager will be assigned to work with you a few months prior to your big day, and will be there on the day of your event to provide general oversight (and more, if you choose to upgrade to a Coordination Package!). If you have questions before then, our experienced team is available to provide any additional information you might need!

In addition, our friendly event staff will be on-site throughout the day to manage table/chair set up and room flips, assist with cleaning and maintaining the main spaces, and handle other venue-related needs.

What if I want more help?

If you’d like more hands-on help on the day of your event, ask about our Coordination Packages!

Choose from three different Coordination Packages that offer everything from basic day-of coordination to complete right-hand coordination with extra perks and next day décor pick-up so all you have to worry about is enjoying your big day.

How long to I have to clean up after my event?

You’ll have one hour to clean up after your guests exit the venue. If your vendors are here past the allowed time frame, a fee will be charged to the card on file.

Additional time may be arranged ahead of time…or ask us about our Coordination Packages!

Can I use a Caterer that isn't on your Preferred list?

To ensure food safety regulations are adhered to, we only allow food providers with proper credentials. All caterers on our exclusive catering list have these credentials, have worked with Mercantile Hall on multiple occasions, and always provide excellent service to couples and their guests. These caterers vary in style and price range, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs!

Do you offer bar services?

Yes! Our bar packages are all-inclusive from cocktail hour to last call and include bartenders.

Choose a basic beer and wine package, or wow your guests with our Top of the Line package, which includes premium beers, wines and liquor.

Interested in a non-alcoholic option? Ask us about our fun mocktail packages!

Due to Wisconsin state liquor laws, no outside alcohol is permitted on our premises. No exceptions. If you have a specialty request, please contact your Event Manager.

Does Mercantile Hall have an in-house sound system or DJ services?

We sure do! Our state-of-the-art sound system has been customized for our amazing and unique acoustics. Our in-house DJ service, Merc Sound, has full access to our sound system and microphones. They’ll work with you to customize your playlist, announce your grand march, and handle everything in between. 

Tell us the music you love, the songs you hate, special dances, and anything else you’ve got in mind. Or, leave it to us, and we’ll be sure to keep the party going until the lights come up!

To access our in-house sound system for any portion of your event, you must use Merc Sound, or pay a fee to use only the mics connected to the sound system.

Can we have our rehearsal here?

Yes! Get in touch with your Event Manager for details and logistics.

Keep in mind that during peak season (April-October), rehearsal days/times may be limited based on when the space is available.

Are sparklers, confetti, etc. allowed?

While we do not allow sparklers on the premises, you can absolutely do a sparkler send-off in spaces next to and in front of our building!

Please note that spark machines of any kind are not permitted. This includes cold spark machines.

We also do not allow any form of confetti, glitter, etc. in Mercantile Hall or The Urb Garden. However, natural flower petals are permitted during outdoor ceremonies, and faux flower petals are permitted during indoor ceremonies.

Is on-site parking available? What about rideshare or shuttle services?

Ample free parking is available around Mercantile Hall – street parking, city lots, and a parking structure with nearly 200 spaces.

We are located in a small town, which means that rideshare options may not be as bountiful as they are in larger cities. We highly recommend chatting with your hotel or booking a third party shuttle service if you’d like to provide rides for your guests.

How should I prepare for my tour at Mercantile Hall?

Set aside time before your tour to chat with key players (your fiancé, parents, co-hosts, etc.). Figure out what your basic needs are first. What are you looking for in a venue? Do you have a price point you’d like to stick to? How many guests are you planning to invite?

Worried you’ll miss something? No need to stress – an experienced event coordinator will guide you through your tour and make sure you have all the info you need to make a decision! We’d also recommend bringing a notebook and pen in case you’d like to jot down notes on anything that piques your interest.

Where is Mercantile Hall located?

The venue is located at 425 N. Pine Street, Burlington, WI 53105.

Where is the business office located? Should payments be dropped off there?

Our office location is 139 W. Chestnut Street, Burlington, WI 53105.

It’s just a short 2-minute walk from Mercantile Hall! If you’d like to drop off a payment or speak with someone in person, our business office is open Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm.

Need to drop off a payment after hours or on the weekend? A secure dropbox is available on the second floor of Mercantile Hall (425 N. Pine Street, Burlington, WI 53105), just across the hall from Bon Bon Belle! Payments may also be mailed to our business office.

faqs for guests of mercantile hall

Coming to a wedding or event at Mercantile Hall? Let us help you plan your visit! Below, you’ll find helpful resources on parking, nearby stays, and great spots for food and drinks before the celebration.

Where can I park on the day of the event?

Ample free parking is located within walking distance of the venue! In addition to street parking and city lots, a free parking garage is located just across the street from the venue. Check out the map below for details.

Burlington Parking Deck
224 E Washington St, Burlington, WI 53105
Free, Overnight

Burlington City Lots
Free, Overnight

Street Parking
Free, No Overnight Parking Between 2am-5am

Are the event spaces wheelchair accessible?

Yes! Both our indoor and outdoor event spaces are located on the first floor of the building and are completely accessible.

Where are the nearest overnight accommodations?

Overnight accommodations are available at hotels in and near Burlington. Looking for a more unique stay? There are also several AirBnbs in the area!

AmericInn
2709 Browns Lake Drive
Burlington, WI 53105

Baymont by Wyndham
750 Fox Lane
Waterford, WI 53185

Fairfield Inn & Suites
1111 North Edwards Boulevard
Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Hampton Inn
400 N. Dodge Street
Burlington, WI 53105

The Mart Apt
164 E Washington Street
Burlington, WI 53195

I'm staying in Burlington for the weekend. What is there to do nearby?

Plenty! Enjoy outdoor festivities and events throughout the year, open mic nights, a farmers market, golf and more. During warmer months, Browns Lake in Burlington offers public beach access along with unique events throughout the week, such as water ski shows and sailboat races.

Lake Geneva is less than a 30-minute drive south of Burlington and offers a TON of fun things to do – from great bars and restaurants, to candle-making and boutique shopping. During the summer, watersport rentals (boats, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) are available on the lake! Winters in Lake Geneva are just as exciting, with everything from skiing to outdoor winter festivities.

Where can I grab food and drinks?

Burlington has great food and drink options! Pop into Fred’s for a delicious burger, grab a sweet treat from Hansen’s Ice Cream Parlor or Adrian’s Frozen Custard, or check out one of two breweries in town.

Adrian’s Frozen Custard
572 Bridge Street
Burlington, WI 53105

Brew and Ole’s
597 N. Pine Street
Burlington, WI 53105

The Coffee House
492 N Pine Street
Burlington, WI 53105

Fred’s Burgers
596 N Pine Street
Burlington, WI 53105

Hansen’s Ice Cream Parlor
129 E Chestnut Street
Burlington, WI 53105

Liars’ Club Bar
492 N Pine Street, 2nd Floor
Burlington, WI 53105

Low Daily Brewery
700 N Pine Street
Burlington, WI 53105

Lucky Star
864 Milwaukee Avenue
Burlington, WI 53105

The Runaway Micropub & Nanobrewery
109 East Chestnut
Burlington, WI 53105

Rustic Roots
597 N Pine Street
Burlington, WI 53105

Zumpano’s
180 E Chestnut Street
Burlington, WI 53105

Is there an ATM on-site?

We do not have an ATM on-site. However, there are banks and gas stations near the venue that do have ATMs if you have a need for one.

We would recommend checking with the couple or event host in advance of the event. Most couples choose one our all-inclusive bar packages, which covers each guest for the entire night. That means you won’t have to worry about carrying cash!

Do you offer shuttle or valet services?

We do not offer in-house shuttle or valet services. Check in with the host of your event, as they may have hired a third party shuttle service.

How should I dress?

Mercantile Hall offers heating and air conditioning to keep our guests comfortable throughout the year. If part or all of the event you’re attending is being held outside in The Urb Garden, we typically recommend dressing for the weather, or bringing a coat or extra layer if you’re unsure. A coat closet near the main space is available to guests during events, so you don’t have worry about lugging any extra layers around with you!

In regards to level of formality, check in with the host of your event on appropriate attire.

Abbreviated logo image for Mercantile Hall wedding venue, depicting the large letters, "MH", in white, refined font.
Have you seen the new bar at Mercantile Hall?

We just gave it a full glow up — rich textures, warm lighting, and the dreamiest backdrop for cocktail hour and late night celebrations.