In my experience, most couples are still very traditional when it comes to where they get married and hold their receptions. Venue selection is usually dictated by family tradition, the number of invited guests, and most importantly, the budget. That’s why most wedding ceremonies are usually held at a house of worship, with the reception following at a banquet hall, country club, or hotel ballroom. The same is true here in Milwaukee.

Many couples today are looking for non-traditional wedding venue alternatives. If you’re one of those couples, here are some of my favorite venues around the Milwaukee area where we have done weddings and events in the past year.

• Boerner Botanical Gardens
  Truly a beautiful spot for both a wedding and reception, especially May-August.
• War Memorial Center
  Having done flowers for several outdoor ceremonies here, I think it’s beautiful setting for a wedding ceremony. Can be a bit windy and chilly however, especially if the wind is coming in off the lake.
• Milwaukee County Zoo
  Although there are several venues at the zoo available, my favorite is the Peck Welcome Center. Most recently, we did a jungle-themed event there.
• Villa Terrace
  Having done wedding flowers in both the Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Museums, my favorite is Villa Terrace. If the weather cooperates, ceremonies can be held on the outdoor balcony, with it’s fantastic view of the lakefront and the gardens below.
• The Mitchell Park Domes
  One of Milwaukee’s favorite year-round spots for wedding photos, it’s also a great venue for a seasonal wedding ceremony (in the show dome), as well as a reception. You won’t need much in the way of ceremony flowers here. The new lighting in the Domes is really amazing!
• Milwaukee Art Museum
  This jewel on Milwaukee’s lakefront is the city’s most visually-striking venue, both indoors and out. Beautiful views of the lakefront. An awe-inspiring place for a wedding or reception.
• O’Donnell Park’s Miller Brewing Company Pavilion
  Located just across Lincoln Memorial Drive from the Milwaukee Art Museum and the War Memorial, the Miller Pavilion also offers a great view of the lakefront. At one recent wedding we did, the rehearsal dinner was held here on Friday night, while the wedding and reception was held across the street at the War Memorial on Saturday.
• Schiltz Audubon Nature Center
  One of my favorite spots for an outdoor wedding. If you’re looking for a naturally beautiful outdoor setting for your wedding, check out the pavilion here, which overlooks the lake.
• Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
  This is a venue that’s not on a lot of people’s radar. Since it’s restoration several years ago, the Conservatory has become one of my favorites for a small, intimate wedding or reception.
• Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin
  One of Milwaukee’s newest venues, Pier Wisconsin is another one of our lakefront gems. Having done events in both the Pilot House and Promenade, I can tell you that the views of downtown and the lake are both fantastic.
• Grand Staircase at Lake Park
  Small, intimate weddings are something we have been doing more of lately. The couple we worked with on this wedding, held their ceremony at noon on the staircase, then walked up to an afternoon reception at Lake Park Bistro, located at the top of the staircase.

Milwaukee has a lot of great wedding and reception venues. I’ve only highlighted a few that we have worked at within the last year. If you would like to share your experience with any of the venues I’ve mentioned, or any others, feel free to do so.

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