Frequently asked questions

WEDDING DETAILS

  • The wedding will take place on Saturday, August 30th, 2025. The ceremony time is yet to be decided, but it will be updated on this page once finalized.

  • The wedding will be at Stout's Island Lodge in Birchwood, Wisconsin.

  • Yes! Our wedding is a weekend event at Stout's Island Lodge from Friday, August 29th, 2025, to Sunday, August 31st, 2025. Guests are welcome to join us starting Friday to enjoy the full weekend of activities, relaxation, and celebration. If you can't stay for the entire weekend, you're welcome to join us exclusively for the Saturday ceremony and reception on August 30th, 2025. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

  • No, you're not expected to stay the entire weekend. While we'd love for you to join us for all the weekend celebrations, you're welcome to attend just the Saturday ceremony and reception if that works better for you.

  • Yes! We'll provide food for our guests throughout the weekend, including breakfast, snacks, meals, and beverages. You'll be well-fed and ready to enjoy all the festivities from Friday to Sunday. Relax, celebrate, and savor the delicious offerings!

  • The dress code is 60s & 70s-inspired island chic, blending elegant and semi-formal attire with a relaxed, tropical vibe and a retro, free-spirited twist. Think flowy dresses, linen pants, wide-leg silhouettes, vintage-inspired prints, lightweight fabrics, and comfortable shoes suited for an outdoor island setting.

    We've added a personal touch with a color code. The invitations will specify the designated colors for each guest's attire. We encourage everyone to incorporate their assigned colors into their outfits!

  • Yes! Bring the kiddos—we like tiny dancers and snack enthusiasts. Just please don’t let them push each other into the lake (unless it’s funny and no one cries).

  • Not yet! We'll include RSVPs with the invitations and send them closer to the wedding date. Your invitation will detail how to RSVP and include the RSVP deadline.

  • The ceremony and reception will take place outdoors, weather permitting.

  • This is a weekend-long celebration! Join us for all the festivities by arriving on Friday and staying through the weekend, or come just for the Saturday ceremony and reception.

    We're still finalizing the timeline for the ceremony and reception, and we'll share the exact arrival time for Saturday guests as soon as it's ready. Stay tuned for updates!

  • Of course! The reception will include a full dinner and beverages, as well as a cocktail hour. Guests can also enjoy s'mores, desserts, and late-night snacks. Come hungry and ready to indulge!

  • Absolutely! Please include your dietary needs in your RSVP, and we'll accommodate them.

  • Yes, children are allowed at the ceremony and reception.

  • Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, exploring the island, and more. Lawn games and other activities will also be available.

GETTING TO STOUT’S ISLAND LODGE

  • To reach the parking lot, use the address 2799 27th Street, Birchwood, WI. From there, follow the gravel path to the Shore House waiting area and dock, where the ferry will pick you up. For convenience, we recommend entering "Stout's Island Lodge" into your GPS instead of the address.

  • Parking is free at Stout's Island Lodge's parking lot near the Shore House waiting area at County Highway V and Highway 48. After parking, bring your luggage to the dock for the ferry pickup. Drivers are available to assist with heavy luggage. Once you take the ferry to the island, the staff will deliver your luggage directly to your room.

  • Yes! The ferry will transport guests to and from the island. The Stout's Island ferry leaves the island for the shore 10 minutes to the hour, arrives at the Shore House Dock on the hour, and then returns to the island. Ferry hours are from 7:50 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, and each ferry can hold 10 passengers.

    NOTE: A special ferry schedule for the wedding day will be provided and listed on the wedding day.

  • The most convenient airport is Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport (MSP), a 2.5-hour drive from Stout's Island Lodge. This airport has car rental facilities available.

    The closest airport is Eau Claire Airport, which is just a one-hour drive away. However, it is a smaller airport, and flights tend to be more expensive.

    Shuttle service is also available through NWT Express Shuttle. You can contact them at 715.634.5307 for transportation options.

  • Hotels and vacation rentals are available in the Birchwood and Rice Lake, WI areas. We've shared our top recommendations under the "Hotels off the island" section on the "Travel & Lodging" page.

EXPLORING STOUT’S ISLAND LODGE

  • Yes! Some of their cabins feature kitchens and grills, and a few include small refrigerators, allowing guests to bring food and beverages into their private rooms.

    However, due to liquor licenses and food operating permits, outside food and drinks are prohibited in common areas, including the lawns, recreation areas, boathouse, and Great Room.

    Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited—so leave the booze at home! But don't worry; our wedding will have plenty of drinks!

  • This is a family-friendly wedding weekend, so children are welcome at all events!

    While there won’t be dedicated kids’ activities, little ones are more than welcome to join in every part of the celebration. The island offers plenty for them to enjoy—outdoor spaces to roam, nature to explore, and adventures around every corner.

    While there won’t be dedicated kids’ activities, little ones are more than welcome to join in every part of the celebration. The island offers plenty for them to enjoy—outdoor spaces to roam, nature to explore, and adventures around every corner.

  • No! Pets are not allowed on the island. Only service animals with proper documentation are allowed.

  • Yes, the swimming dock is on the island's south side and includes a popular swimming raft. Additionally, there is a small "beach" area below the bridge between the two islands. This shallow and more accessible spot is ideal for smaller children. Please note there are no lifeguards on the island, so swim carefully.

  • Yes! The fishing is fabulous! Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Panfish and Walleye, and other types of fish are in the lake. The lake is 53 feet deep in some locations. Fishing is good off the boathouse as well.

  • Stout's Island Lodge is on Red Cedar Lake in Birchwood, Wisconsin. The main island is 12 acres, and the east island is 5.7 acres.

YOUR STAY AT STOUT’S ISLAND LODGE

  • Start by exploring the various room options available at Stout's Island Lodge on their website: stoutsislandlodge.com/book.

    Once you've chosen your preferred room, call Stout's Island Lodge at 715.354.3646 to book your stay. Wedding guests receive a 15% discount—mention our wedding (Samantha Stark and Joshua Schmitz) when booking to apply the discount.

  • Yes! Wedding guests will receive a 15% discount on their stay. To receive the discount, please call 715.354.3646 and mention our wedding (Samantha Stark and Joshua Schmitz) when booking.

  • Yes, a deposit equal to 50% of your total stay is required when booking.

  • Yes, we strongly encourage you to reserve your room at Stout's Island Lodge as soon as possible to ensure availability and preference. There are only 42 rooms, each unique with amenities like in-room wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and stunning views of Red Cedar Lake. Visit www.stoutsislandlodge.com to browse room options.

    Wedding guests receive a 15% discount on their stay. To book your room and receive the discount, please call 715.354.3646 and mention our wedding (Samantha Stark and Joshua Schmitz).

  • Stout's Island Lodge is a cashless facility. Guests can use the credit card on file to consolidate room charges and settle the remaining lodging balance upon departure, or they may use a credit card for purchases throughout their stay.

  • Yes, if you choose to stay on the island, Stout's Island Lodge requires guests to book at least two nights (Friday and Saturday). It also guarantees guests can fully enjoy the weekend experience.

  • With the wedding discount, rates range from $179 to $425 per night, depending on the room type. Rates are based on recommended occupancy, typically two guests per King/Queen bed and one guest per Twin/Full bed.

  • Check-in is at 4:00 p.m., and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. Early check-ins or late check-outs may be available based on room availability. Don't hesitate to contact them on the day of your arrival or departure for the most up-to-date information.

  • A limited number of rooms can accommodate more than two adults, so we ask guests to consider larger families when selecting rooms. If you only need one bed, there are plenty of options available. Contact the reservation specialist at 715.354.3646 for assistance.

  • Yes, some cabins on Stout's Island Lodge are reserved for adults only. The Shore Lodge rooms are exclusively for adults unless your party rents the entire building. Please ensure that children in your group stay in areas solely rented by your party or common areas.

    If a child stays in an adults-only building, you'll be asked to move to a different accommodation. If no alternative room is available, a $100 per night per child fee will apply.

  • Stout’s Island Lodge offers WiFi access on the patio near the office and in the Great Room. However, guest rooms do not have WiFi. Cell phone reception is generally reliable across the island for major carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and Mosaic.

  • If you have any questions or concerns about the wedding, please contact Samantha Stark or Joshua Schmitz. For questions specific to Stout's Island Lodge, you can reach the lodge directly at 715.354.3646.