2020 is a year for the history books for sure. And while the wedding industry was hit so hard, there have been bright spots too. From amazing couples postponing and not cancelling; to resilient wedding vendors pivoting and making it through; to this list of amazing wedding venues that opened or broke ground in 2020. The future is bright and we are looking forward to more wedding celebrations in our favorite City.
Check out our previous article – Milwaukee’s newest wedding venues in 2019!
1. Central Standard Craft Distillery
Located downtown Milwaukee, the new Central Standard Craft Distillery second floor venue will have space for 160 guests seated. The historic building was built in 1847 and features a rooftop patio, cream city brick and will also host Central Standard’s tasting room and a restaurant.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: Capacity: 160 sit down
- Catering: TBD
- Features: Historic cream city brick building; rooftop patio; craft cocktails
2. St. James 1868
St. James 1868, located downtown Milwaukee, is a 150 year-old former church renovated to keep historic details while adding modern interiors. Two signature venues offer dedicated outdoor spaces, private bridal suite and groom’s room. It is unlike any venue in Milwaukee. Read more about St. James 1868 weddings in this article.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: Capacity: 250 sit down
- Catering: Gracious Events + Catering is the exclusive caterer
- Features: Two historic, yet modern venues; amazing bridal suite and groom’s room; outdoor courtyard
3. The Factory on Barclay
The Factory on Barclay is housed in a 1909 cream city brick building, deemed a historical and architectural landmark, that originally housed A.P. Green Refractory and is now home to The Original Cheesehead Factory. This beautiful venue features 7800 sq. ft of space including 2nd story ceilings, exposed bay windows, oversized 2nd floor mezzanine and large wrap around bar. An additional 1200 sq ft of outdoor space adjoins the building.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 350 sit down dinner / 400 cocktail reception
- Catering: Preferred Catering List
- Features: Beautiful Cream City Brick, chandelier lighting, distinct ceremony space, mezzanine level
4. The Gage
The Gage is an amazing new venue that opened in October 2020 at the Allis Yards development in West Allis on the west side of Milwaukee County. The Gage is modern, industrial, and elegant with glass skylights and a double decker outdoor patio and has already been super popular among couples! Ample parking is available in the adjacent lot.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 300 sit down dinner
- Catering: Open Catering Options (List of Milwaukee Wedding Caterers)
- Features: Modern industrial aesthetic; 2nd floor mezzanine level balcony; skylights; ample parking
5. Bradley Symphony Center
Marrying the grandeur of the 1930’s Art Deco with today’s modern style and amenities, the Bradley Symphony Center is the new home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and is available to host weddings. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the Pavilion provide dramatic views of downtown Milwaukee with easy access to dozens of hotels in the area.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 350 Sit Down Dinner / 500 Reception
- Catering: Resonance is the exclusive caterer
- Features: Amazing downtown location, newly renovated space attached to historic Warner Theater, floor-to-ceiling windows
6. The George & Madcap Lounge
The George is sophisticated and classic, located in the heart of Walker’s Point bar and restaurant district in the historic National Block building. It has a neutral color palette and thoughtful details, such as an art collection featuring local artists, which also extends into the Madcap Lounge. Madcap will be more eclectic in décor, and is aptly positioned to be a natural transition post-dinner for the afterparty, complete with a billiards room, library and lounge bar.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: Capacity: 180 sit down / 225 cocktail
- Catering: Exclusive and delicious catering from Saz’s Catering
- Features: Amazing nightlife location; street level energy; two distinct and unique spaces; ample getting ready room
7. Nō Studios
Nō Studios actually opened late 2018 but recently opened up their beautiful rooftop space for weddings. Their mission is to “socialize with a purpose” making it not only a great spot for a wedding or rehearsal, but you can feel good about supporting their amazing mission of social justice and lifting up local artists.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 100 Sit Down Dinner / 150 Cocktail Reception
- Catering: Open Catering Options (List of Milwaukee Wedding Caterers)
- Features: Rooftop venue with floor to ceiling windows with ample views of Milwaukee, additional spaces for small rentals & photo opportunities, mission driven organization
8. Vista
Located in the hot Deer District just steps from the Bucks Fiserv Forum, Vista is located in a tri-level building with Deer Camp (Camp Bar) on the street level, a gorgeous Cream City Brick with an open floor plan on the second level, and a jaw-dropping skyline-view rooftop patio connecting to the open and bright third level of Vista. When renting Vista, you get the second and third levels making it perfect for ceremonies, convenient room flips, cocktail hours and elegant sit down dinners. Plus this venue is ran by the fine folks at Hackbarth Hospitality with over 20+ years of event experience.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: Capacity: 175 sit down dinner / 225 cocktail reception
- Catering: Preferred Catering List
- Features: Fantastic nightlife location; amazing views of downtown Milwaukee; outdoor / indoor space; easy ceremony / reception transition; multiple levels with unique aesthetic
9. The Loft On Broadway
The recently closed Cuvee space is being relaunched by the awesome people behind The Factory On Barclay as The Loft on Broadway. Located on Broadway in the Historic Third Ward and slated to launch late Spring 2021, we are so excited this popular venue will still be available for Milwaukee couples.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: Capacity: 200 sit down dinner / 250 cocktail reception
- Catering: Preferred Catering List
- Features: Fantastic nightlife location; ample Cream City brick; historic building; warm aesthetic
10. The Bucyrus Club
Slated to open June 2021 in the heart of South Milwaukee, the owners of Skyline Catering are bringing the 1920s Bucyrus Club back to life in a beautifully remodeled throwback to a time of great events, lively parties and community pride. Two venues with a lounge / restaurant connecting them, this venue is perfect for having all of your wedding events under one roof.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 1893 Ballroom: 150 sit down / 200+ cocktail ||
Big Muskie Hall: 250 sit down / 300 cocktail - Catering: Skyline Catering is the exclusive and delicious caterer
- Features: Multiple venues, free parking, community treasure
11. The Mitch
The Mitch is a customizable space located in the Historic Mitchell Street neighborhood just south of Walkers Point. Ran by the fine folks of The Sixth Floor & Cubanitas, this venue is super flexible with just about everything and provides a great option for the laid back couple.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 150 Sit Down / Ceremony
- Catering: Open Catering Options (List of Milwaukee Wedding Caterers)
- Features: Customizable venue; super flexible; getting ready spaces
12. The Carriage House
After moving the Spanish tapas menu and concept Movida to the Hotel Madrid space, the former Movida space is now The Carriage House — an intimate wedding venue with street level energy, Cream City brick and great Walker’s Point location.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: Capacity: 75 sit down
- Catering: Exclusive catering from Stand Eat Drink Hospitality
- Features: Amazing nightlife location; street level energy; Cream City Brick
13. Dresden Castle on Underwood
Dresden Castle is a deeply historic community treasure located in Cudahy, two blocks from Lake Michigan. Owners Alex & Jason opened this venue because they loved the architecture and the amazing history of community gathering behind this church. Working to preserve historical elements such as vaulted ceilings and 14’ tall original stain glass windows, this venue is slated to open mid-2021.
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: Capacity: 350 sit down
- Catering: Open Catering Options (List of Milwaukee Wedding Caterers)
- Features: Historic preserved venue; close to Lake Michigan
