The Milwaukee Public Market has been voted one of the top public markets in the country and is a Milwaukee treasure. Delighting visitors and locals alike, a super fun fact is there are A LOT of ways to incorporate the Milwaukee Public Market into an ultimate Milwaukee wedding.
From hosting your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, wedding shower, even your bachelor & bachelorette party at the Market to purchasing your wedding favors and wedding gifts from one of its many local vendors, the options are endless.
Special thanks to the Milwaukee Public Market for sponsoring this article and congrats to them on celebrating 20 years in 2025! We are so excited to feature this Milwaukee icon for couples getting married in Milwaukee.
1. Wedding Receptions
From local and diverse food options to dedicated and skilled event staff helping you curate your event, there are quite a few unique benefits of a wedding at the Milwaukee Public Market.
Benefit #1: So Many Diverse Food Options
The Milwaukee Public Market has a wide array of delicious options from local vendors located at the Market. Delicious options include:
- BBQ from David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse & Saloon
- Sushi & Thai Cuisine from Thai-namite
- World Class Seafood from St. Paul Fish Company
- Taqueria-style Mexican from Margarita Paradise
- Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Options from Aladdin
- Unique Salads & Greens from Forage Kitchen
- Sausages, Meats, Sandwiches and Pastas from Foltz Family Market
- Charcuterie from West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe
- Empanadas from La Masa
Leveraging the Market’s event chef, your food options can range from traditional plated meals to super unique food stations and passed appetizers.
Custom beverage menus are also an option as are tasty desserts from Market vendors like C.Adams Bakery and Freese’s Candy Shop.
Benefit #2: Dedicated Event Staff
No two weddings at The Milwaukee Public Market are the same and we think that’s a super cool thing.
Benefit #3: Central Location w/ Complimentary Parking & Public Transportation
The Historic Third Ward is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Located blocks from Downtown Milwaukee, a long list of great hotels are walking distance AND a Hop Stop (Milwaukee’s 2.1 mile streetcar loop) is just outside the Market’s doors.
A parking lot is connected to the Market and includes complimentary parking for your guests while attending your wedding. Make sure to discuss parking with your event coordinator as spots will still be open to the public and are first come, first served.
Benefit #4: High Energy with Private Event Space
Then, after the Market closes, your party continues and you and your guests get a VIP experience most never get to check out.
2. Rehearsal Dinner
We like to call rehearsals the “party before the party” and absolutely LOVE the idea of rehearsal dinners at The Milwaukee Public Market to showcase this Milwaukee gem to your guests.
This is a great option for couples who may have already chosen a more traditional wedding reception spot but want a super unique and oh-so-Milwaukee location for their rehearsal dinners and welcome parties.
3. Day After Brunch
4. Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
And if you score a spot at the super popular and seemingly always busy Palapa Bar just outside the Market at Saint Paul Fish Co., count yourself lucky!
Inside the Market you can easily sample wine at Thief Wine Bar, indulge in eclectic margaritas at Margarita Paradise or try an iconic Bloody Mary with fixings from West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe.
Other secret tips are to try smoked cocktails at David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse & Saloon and on weekends enjoy the The Draft Patio just outside the market.
5. Wedding Showers
From interactive cooking classes & demonstrations, to cocktail & floral bouquet making classes, be sure to ask the market staff any of your creative ideas to see what they can come up with.
6. Wedding Ceremonies
While intimate ceremonies can happen upstairs at the Market, we recommend an urban ceremony leveraging Riverwalk Park (grassy area) or Riverwalk Commons (shaded & umbrella lined) which are directly across the street from the Market and overlook the Milwaukee River.
7. Wedding Party Gifts & Favors
Looking for wedding party gifts or favors? So many fun & local options exist at The Milwaukee Public Market!
With 18+ local vendors at the market, we like ideas such as Wisconsin themed koozies and bottle openers from Brew City Brand Apparel, Milwaukee themed spices from The Spice House, mini-sized olive oils from Oro di Oliva, candy packages from Freese’s Candy Shop and Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. locally roasted coffee bags.
Also, not only does the West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe carry 400+ types of cheeses, they also have a section dedicated to Wisconsin made food items like maple syrup, popcorn, hot sauces and treats.
8. Wedding Flowers
9. Wedding Cake & Desserts
From beautiful mouth-watering cookies and cupcakes, to gorgeous and tasty wedding cakes, you can’t go wrong having their treats at your wedding, whether at the Market or elsewhere.
10. Engagement & Wedding Day Photos
We LOVE the Milwaukee Public Market and think it’s one of the most unique wedding & event spots in Milwaukee. The ultimate way to support local, reach out to the amazing staff at The Milwaukee Public Market to see what events you can hold there.
