FAQS

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!

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!

Absolutely! We’ve hosted corporate events, holiday parties, quinceañeras, reunions and more. Just give us a call or request a tour online.

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.

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.

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

Looking for something more specific or interested in adding a little flair? Unique furnishings and décor are available to rent from third party vendors like Gertrude & Evelyn Vintage Rentals and A La Carte 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!

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

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

The dressing suite on the first floor of the venue is included in your rental and available to use throughout your entire rental period. You’ll be able to access this locked space at anytime with a keycode.

In addition to the dressing suite, we recommend using the front room as extra space for hair and makeup before your guests arrive. We also recommend using the suite to lock up gifts and personal items for your wedding party during the evening hours.

BRAND NEW in 2023 – Mercantile Hall now has a second, larger dressing suite available to rent – The Merc Loft! The suite is located on the second floor of the venue, offering more privacy and more space for you and your group to get ready for your celebration. This suite is available to rent for an additional charge, and must be added in advance of your wedding date.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Our offices have recently moved! Our new 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.