Senate Parlor & Hearing Rooms

The area within the State Capitol occupied by the Wisconsin State Senate is public space and the Senate will make every attempt to meet requests to use Senate rooms. Public and private groups are allowed to use the Senate rooms. Examples of past uses:

  • mock legislatures
  • debates
  • scouting troop activities
  • school group activities
  • meetings of various clubs and organizations
  • weddings & receptions

Please note that Legislative and governmental functions take priority over all other functions.

Hearing Rooms (6)

  • Five of the rooms seat 60 people with several large tables in the middle.
  • One hearing room seats 100 people with tables in the center of the room.
  • The Senate Parlor is occasionally available as well for certain events.
  • Available Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.*

Senate Parlor

  • Historical venue for events such as weddings and receptions.
  • The room can accommodate 50-75 people.
  • Available Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.*
    (Wedding events must end by 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, 3:30 p.m. on weekends, to allow for cleanup.)

*Excluding holidays.

To Reserve or Inquire About Senate Room Use

  • Call 608-266-1801 and ask for the Hearing Room Coordinator
  • Email: SenateHearingRooms@legis.wi.gov
  • Process:
    • If the room is available, you'll be sent a form that must be completed and returned providing information about the nature of the group and the proposed use.
    • Senate rules also require you to contact a State Senator to ensure that he or she is willing to sponsor your use of the room.
    • If approved, you will receive a confirmation notice sanctioning your use of the Senate room. Please note that if your request is for use of the Senate Parlor or Chamber, your request must be in writing and will also need to be approved by the Senate President.
    • For non-legislative events, rooms are reserved for a minimum of three hours.
  • Please note the Hearing Room and Parlor Policies below before reserving.

Fees

Senate Chamber, Parlor and meeting rooms are incur a fee of $50/hour. Non-legislative events are reserved for a minimum of three hours. Prepayment of the minimum fee is required, along with a damage deposit of $500. Any fee balance due at the conclusion of the event will be deducted from the damage deposit.

Policies & Rules for Hearing Room Use:

• The room is reserved only for the date and hours requested. 
• There can be no open flames.
• No red beverages are allowed as it can stain the marble.
• No signs may be hung without approval of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms office.
• Special tape or an easel is required for all signs. 
• Furniture cannot be moved unless done by the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms office. 
• Some furniture due to its size or age cannot be moved.
• No amplifiers are allowed. Instruments that are brought in must be able to be carried by hand and be acoustic.
• The requester is liable for any damage that occurs during the reserved time.
• Proof of insurance may be requested. 
• The building hours are set by Capitol Police and must be followed. If a group is in a Senate room after the building closes, they may stay until their function is over, but must immediately exit the building after the function ends.
• The Senate may cancel any reservation without prior notification for
  any reason. 
• The Senate is not responsible for any theft of or damage to any item brought in by an individual using a Senate room.