Sens. Mark Spreitzer and André Jacque, and Reps. Clinton Anderson and Jenna Jacobson introduced a bill to protect Wisconsin’s wedding barns and preserve affordable options for Wisconsin families planning celebrations.
LRB-2567 aims to roll back regulations introduced in the 2023 Act 73 that threaten to shut down many rural venues before the 2026 wedding season.
“Family-run farm venues allow couples to celebrate without breaking the bank while providing Wisconsin farmers with a critical source of income,” Anderson says. “This bill is a common-sense fix that keeps weddings affordable and helps farms stay afloat, while undoing the damage 2023 Act 73 did to this industry.”
Under the 2023 Act 73, many family-run venues are restricted to hosting six days of celebrations per year, and no more than one per month, where alcohol is consumed. Impacted farmers have indicated that their seasonal events have been cut by as much as 75 percent, threatening their livelihoods.
LRB-2567 allows these venues to host up to 36 events annually, ensuring they can remain viable while keeping costs low for couples. Under the bill, families can continue the tradition of providing their own refreshments in a safe, professionally-staffed environment.
“This bipartisan group of authors recognizes that the state should not be shutting down successful businesses that support family farms,” Spretizer says. “Instead, we’re introducing a common-sense middle ground that will protect property rights, support rural entrepreneurs, and ensure that a wedding in Wisconsin remains an attainable dream for every couple.”
