Milwaukee is blessed with tons of great wedding venues – from unique, to historic, to modern we pretty much have it all. And one type we have a ton of is waterfront wedding venues and that’s what this article is all about.
Check out some of Milwaukee’s top lakefront and riverfront wedding venues below. Note that not all of these venues’ outdoor spaces have enough room for a 300 person wedding (but some do!), however, they will still fit an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour or even just a setting for some amazing photos.
Lakefront Wedding Venues
Most of these awesome wedding venues have views of beautiful Lake Michigan. Check out their ceremony options facing the lakefront and even consider your outdoor wedding reception with some amazing lake views!
War Memorial – Lake View
If you want to be outside and right on the lakefront, the Milwaukee County War Memorial is your spot! Their outdoor space has enough room for ceremonies and receptions – or have your ceremony outdoors and move inside where their ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Milwaukee.
Schlitz Audubon – Access to the Beach/Lake
If you haven’t been to Schlitz Audubon get there now! Weddings in this natural space are simply stunning. The property runs along Lake Michigan and has access to a beach, which can make for some great wedding photos. Also check out their green wedding commitment – we love this!!
Discovery World – Lake Views
Discovery World is one of Milwaukee’s top lakefront wedding venues and for good reason. Located right on the lakefront, its Pilot House boasts a 360 degree, panoramic view of Lake Michigan and attached patio. Also check out The Pavilion, their newest space featuring outdoor patios with lake views.
Villa Terrace – Lake View
There’s no other lakefront wedding venue with a view like Villa Terrace. Period. Inside you’ll find a museum and the garden area is the perfect place for a tented receptions.
Milwaukee Yacht Club – Lake Views
Located right on Lake Michigan, this private club offers some amazing views and several configuration options. We love their outdoor patio with bar and the lake views you get indoors.
South Shore Pavilion – Lake View
South Shore Pavilion is located in Bay View’s South Shore Park right on the lakefront. It even has a beer garden next to it!! However, the part most #MKECouples love is the gorgeous lake views!
Milwaukee Art Museum – Lake View
One of the top wedding venues in Milwaukee (if not the world), the Milwaukee Art Museum is a gem we should be proud of. And you’ll get stunning lakefront views when you tie the knot in the iconic Quadracci Pavilion.
Lake Park Bistro – Lake Views
Lake Park Bistro is located in Milwaukee’s Lake Park and can work great for smaller weddings or rehearsal dinners. The restaurant sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan with some gorgeous views! If you need a little more space, there’s options to buy out the restaurant and/or do a tented event.
Wedding Venues with River Views
These venues don’t have lake views, but they are all venues located on the beautiful Milwaukee River. Many of them offer outdoor spaces where you can tie the knot and party down with amazing river views.
The Rivulet – River View
The Rivulet is an amazing waterfront wedding venue located on the Milwaukee River. Inside you’ll find a stunning staircase, gorgeous arched doorways and the original cream city brick. Outside is the Riverwalk with stunning views the river, downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward buildings. This unique venue is now operated by our friends at Two Birds Event Group, so you know you’ll be taken care of!
Harley-Davidson Musuem – River View
If there’s one venue that has TONS of outdoor options it’s 1903 Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum. From simple ceremonies overlooking the river, to elaborate tented events your options are endless. Fun fact, the Museum is located on a 20 acre peninsula and surrounded by water on three sides!
The Society – River View
The Society is a beautiful historic venue located downtown Milwaukee that’s right next to Pere Marquette Park, offering picturesque views of the Milwaukee River. You can have your ceremony in the Pere Marquette Park Rotunda, which offers amazing views of downtown and the river. In addition, The Society’s patio overlooks the park and the river, so it makes a great spot for your cocktail hour! Since The Society is operated by our friends at Two Birds Event Group, you can expect amazing service.
The Cooperage – River and Hoan View
The Cooperage is one of our favorite new Milwaukee wedding venues, and for good reason. They are just so badass. Located right on the Milwaukee River, a wedding at the Cooperage offers amazing river views as well a views of the Hoan Bridge – it doesn’t get more Milwaukee than that!
Hubbard Park Lodge – River View
Hubbard Park Lodge is rustic, charming and provides some amazing outdoor spaces. Located in Shorewood, just along the Milwaukee River, the river views here are amazing and we love the ceremonies we’ve seen.
