It all starts with the Venue…

Not every wedding venue stops you in your tracks — but the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay does exactly that. When we chose this iconic Green Bay landmark as the setting for our Gilded Rails bridal editorial, we knew we were working with something truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s everything you need to know about this extraordinary venue and why it might just be the most unique wedding backdrop in Northeast Wisconsin — starting with what we learned when we sat down with Liz Van Pay from the National Railroad Museum.

Wedding reception setup inside the National Railroad Museum, Green Bay, with tables set beside a vintage Pullman train car.

A LEGACY YEARS IN THE MAKING

Incorporated in 1956, the National Railroad Museum has been part of the Green Bay community for seven decades — and in 2026, they’re celebrating their 70th anniversary. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a focus on education, the museum earned its “National” designation through an act of Congress in the 1970s. Today, it’s home to an impressive collection of rolling stock, including a Union Pacific Big Boy that towers as one of the largest steam locomotives ever built.

What makes this venue truly one-of-a-kind isn’t just the trains — it’s the connection.

“Everyone has a connection to railroading whether they know it or not.” — Liz, National Railroad Museum

For history lovers, there’s space to be surrounded by these steel storytellers. For couples dreaming of something brighter, there’s a riverside setting with walls of windows overlooking the water. And for many Green Bay-area couples, the museum already holds a place in their story — whether through childhood field trips, first dates, or programming they attended together long before they were planning a wedding.

THE FOX RIVER EXPANSION

The museum’s newest addition, the Fox River Expansion, brought 19,000 square feet of climate-controlled space to the property — a transformation that opened the door to an entirely new way of celebrating here. The expansion includes an open floor space that comfortably seats up to 300, a mezzanine overlooking the river and rolling stock for gatherings up to 76, an outdoor terrace, and a mixed-use classroom space suited for corporate events and workshops for up to 56.

The Fox River Expansion was designed to complement the museum’s existing Lenfestey Center, which remains surrounded by trains and history. The new space, by contrast, acts as a blank canvas — bright, white, and adaptable to nearly any style or color palette a couple could envision.

“It works for a variety of styles and colors and brings a new dimension to our offerings as a wedding venue.” — Liz, National Railroad Museum

Vintage burgundy Pullman train car 'Lake Mitchell' on display inside the National Railroad Museum, Green Bay.
The exterior of the Fox River Expansion at the National Railroad Museum.
Long reception table with lush white and greenery centerpiece set beside the Pullman train car at the National Railroad Museum.
Aerial view of wedding reception tables, blue velvet sofas, and greenery arranged on the museum's polished concrete floor.
Aerial view of a bride walking past reception tables set up inside the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay.
Cozy lounge area with brown leather chairs and blue velvet ottomans overlooking the waterfront view at the National Railroad Museum.
Bride and groom sharing a laugh on a blue velvet sofa beside reception tables and the Pullman train car at the National Railroad Museum.
Elegant place setting with green floral centerpiece, gold flatware, and candlelight inside the National Railroad Museum.
Bride and groom posing beside a hanging floral installation and the Pullman 'Lake Mitchell' train car at the National Railroad Museum.

BRINGING GILDED RAILS TO LIFE

Capturing this space through a full fashion editorial was nothing short of fantastic. Dozens of hours of collaboration between vendors, stylists, and creatives came together in what felt like the flash of a single afternoon — quite literally.

The standout moment of the day? The cake photos shot in front of the museum’s Big Boy locomotive.

“I love the softness of the cake with the lines of the Big Boy in the background.” — Liz, National Railroad Museum

It’s a perfect distillation of what makes this venue so visually striking — the contrast between delicate, romantic details and the raw, industrial power of railroad history. More than anything, the shoot captured the full range this space has to offer: how beautiful a celebration can be, and just how versatile the setting truly is.

Bride and groom standing among reception tables, viewed through a train car window at the National Railroad Museum.
Table 1 place setting with wine glasses, gold flatware, and a wildflower centerpiece beside the Pullman train car.
Wide view of reception dining tables and lounge seating inside the National Railroad Museum's event space.
Reception table set with blue and white florals beneath a crystal chandelier at the National Railroad Museum.
Bride and groom standing among reception tables, viewed through a train car window at the National Railroad Museum.
Bride in a wide-brimmed hat and lace veil walking between vintage train cars at the National Railroad Museum.
Groomsmen in tuxedos relaxing on leather chairs in the lounge area of the National Railroad Museum.
Bride and groom holding hands inside the wood-paneled interior of a vintage train car.
Groom in a black tuxedo leaning against the wood-paneled corridor of a vintage train car.

PLANNING YOUR NATIONAL RAILROAD MUSEUM WEDDING

A National Railroad Museum wedding comes with no shortage of options for couples exploring this one-of-a-kind venue. Within the Fox River Expansion alone, couples can choose between the Main Floor Exhibit Space, the Signal Lantern Mezzanine, and the outdoor Terrace. For couples dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, the Fox River Ceremony Space offers an open-air setting, while the Lenfestey Center remains available for indoor ceremonies and receptions surrounded by history.

The floor space in the Fox River Expansion comfortably seats up to 300 guests, and with single-color uplighting available throughout, the space can be tailored to complement virtually any color scheme or design vision.

“The space can really become theirs.” — Liz, National Railroad Museum

Booking begins with either an open house event or a complimentary tour with the museum’s events team, where couples can walk the space, talk through details, and select a date. A signed contract and 50% down payment lock the date in. And as a nonprofit, wedding and event bookings directly support the museum’s educational mission — meaning couples can celebrate their day while helping preserve railroad history for generations to come.

Bride and bridesmaids in pink and white robes raising a champagne toast while getting ready.
Bride in a lace ball gown standing on the platform of the vintage 'Josephine' train car, with the groom visible inside.
Bride and bridesmaids in pink dresses posing together in the open doorway of a vintage train car.
Bride and groom standing together in the doorway of a cream and dark green vintage train car.
Groom in a black tuxedo standing beside the intricate valves and gauges of a vintage steam locomotive.
Bride in a fitted white gown standing beside a dark red Pullman car inside the National Railroad Museum.
Bride in a white going-away dress and groom in a tuxedo walking hand in hand beside a vintage red train car.

A FEW LAST QUESTIONS…

What’s your favorite feature of the new space?
I love the view from the mezzanine! Not only can you get a viewpoint of our rolling stock that many don’t get to have, but you can often see wildlife and birds on the river from the wall of windows. I have even seen eagles flying over the river from that vantage point!

What do you hope couples feel when they walk into the Fox River Expansion for the first time?
Excitement and possibility.

What makes this venue particularly special for couples?

The space can be personalized in so many ways! With single-color uplighting available, it can complement any color scheme and décor so that the space can really become theirs.

The Gilded Rails editorial was brought to life by a team of talented Wisconsin vendors and creatives who shared a vision for timeless elegance within a venue unlike any other. We’re grateful for their artistry and collaboration in bringing this story to life.

Host & Publisher
Premier Bride Northeast & Central Wisconsin
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Venue
National Railroad Museum— Green Bay, WI
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Planning & Design
Pearl Events & Design
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Photography
Allysha Noelle Photography
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By Xee Photography
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Wedding Film
C Lee Creations
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Rentals
Ruby Design Event Rentals
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Floral
Ebb & Flow Flowers
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Lighting
Dream Lighting Company
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Stationery & Signage
L.Designs Custom Wedding Invitations
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Cake
Taylor’s Treats LLC.
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Hair Stylist
Black Veil Beauty
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Makeup Artist
Savvy Belle Makeup
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Bridal Gowns
Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique
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Mens Formalwear
DuBois Formalwear
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Glassware Rentals

( Rocks Glasses)
Green Bay Bartender
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(Water Goblets + Champagne Flutes)
Waste Less Weddings
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Models
Jasmin Renken & Trevor Olson — The Rock Agency