How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding at Schlitz Audubon in Milwaukee
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day surrounded by lush green trees, gorgeous trails, and the peaceful sounds of birds and Lake Michigan in the background , you’re in the right place. You’ll read all about how to plan an outdoor wedding at Schlitz Audubon in Milwaukee, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful wedding locations.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is hands down one of my favorite outdoor wedding venues in Milwaukee, and for good reason. With its stunning lake views, nature preserve vibes, and open spaces for weddings, it’s the perfect spot for couples who want a laid back, authentic, and nature filled wedding day.
Whether you’re a local Milwaukee couple or traveling from out of town, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planning a Schlitz Audubon wedding. From picking the best photo spots, timeline tips, summer wedding advice for Wisconsin, and why adding on film photography can make your wedding day even more special.
How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding at Schlitz Audubon in Milwaukee
Emily and Ryan’s wedding at Schlitz Audubon was the perfect example of how to keep things laid back and meaningful while still creating an unforgettable wedding day. They chose to have their ceremony outdoors surrounded by all the trees, followed by an indoor reception inside the Nature Center. This is a great option if you are dreaming of being outside but want the comfort of an indoor space for dinner and dancing.
Their timeline flowed effortlessly! Emily and Ryan had their first look and portraits earlier in the day, which gave them plenty of time to relax before the ceremony. We did family photos before the ceremony too! We did this so after they could go straight to cocktail hour, where the Schlitz Audubon rehabilitated birds made an appearance, which was such a fun and unique experience that they were so excited about.
One of the things I loved most about their wedding day was how personalized it felt. From handmade cooking by Emily and her mom using her grandmother’s recipe, customized to converse sneakers, and hand made invitations, every little detail of their wedding day was so intentional. The vibe was completely stress free! Because, they were focused on enjoying each other and being with their favorite people, which always makes for the best photos.
If you’re planning a Schlitz Audubon Wedding, you’ll want to think about how to plan an outdoor wedding at Schlitz Audubon and what’s most important to you. Whether it’s extra time for golden hour photos, keeping it low key with a small guest list, or adding on film photography.
Getting Ready and Details | Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Wedding
Emily and Ryan got ready separately the morning of their wedding. Emily got ready off site at an airbnb, which was just a short drive to Schlitz Audubon. She kept her getting ready party small and intimate, which made the whole morning super relaxed. A few of my favorite details was her handmade invitations, the gorgeous florals, and her custom converse shoes.
First Look | Schlitz Audubon Wedding
For their first look, Emily and Ryan chose a quiet trail surrounded by tall grass at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. They wanted a peaceful, private moment without having to walk too far before the day got busy. The spot we picked out was one I’ve used before, and it was full of tall, lush green grass. It felt so natural and true to them.
After seeing each other, we spent some time exploring the trails for portraits and even hopped on a golf cart to see different spots around the nature center. It gave them time to really enjoy being together and soak it all in before their guests arrived.
Outdoor Ceremony at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
If you’re dreaming of getting married surrounded by fields, lush green trees, peaceful trails, and Lake Michigan beach, a Schlitz Audubon Center wedding might just be your perfect match. Emily and Ryan’s ceremony took place outdoors at the gorgeous open ceremony space, surrounded by lots of trees and fields.
One of the things I love most about Schlitz Audubon is how many beautiful options you have for photo spots. You can take the golf cart to different trails, open spaces, and the beach. But be careful as it is super down hill to get down to the beach.
A quick tip if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony at Schlitz Audubon, you’ll want to plan buffer time for flexibility, especially if you’re getting ready off site. Milwaukee traffic, hair and makeup, and weather can vary and be unpredictable. It’s smart to work with a planner or day of coordinator and the Schlitz Audubon Venue team. You’ll want to work with them both on coordination of the day and rain backup plans. Usually a quick move to the indoor auditorium or pavilion space works out. Either way, the natural beauty of the location will be breathtaking.
Right after the ceremony, your guests can enjoy cocktail hour on the pavilion. If you want to make it extra special, you can arrange for the rehabilitated birds to come meet your guests. This is such a fun experience that Emily and Ryan added on to their wedding at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. Their guests loved the whole experience of getting up close with the birds, and it made cocktail hour more fun.
If you’re planning a wedding at Schlitz Audubon, I recommend having your ceremony about 3 hours before sunset. That way the sun won’ be too harsh and you’ll get that more dreamy lighting.
Reception at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
One of the best things about having a Schlitz Audubon Wedding is the flexibility to plan your day how you want. Emily and Ryan had their reception inside the Schlitz Audubon main hall for a relaxed and fun party. Their reception was full of heartfelt speeches and dance floor fun. Schlitz Audubon has the perfect space, whether you are having a dj or band wedding for the biggest party vibes.
The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center’s reception space is filled with gorgeous wood beams, huge windows, and gorgeous light. Schlitz is perfect for couples who love nature but want the comfort of an indoor dinner and reception space.
Final Tips for Planning Your Schlitz Audubon Wedding
-Plan for a relaxed timeline. Give yourself buffer room throughout the day to really soak in everything, and get those dreamy nature photos without feeling rushed. Here is a sample wedding timeline guide you can start with.
-Consider adding on film photography. Film brings such a nostalgic, timeless feel to outdoor weddings, and Schlitz Audubon’s natural beauty is perfect for it. Check out a blog post that goes over a wedding with digital and film photos through this link.
Work closely with a planner or day of coordinator. Having someone manage the timeline and logistics of the day, weather backups, will let you stay stress free and enjoy your day. I love working with Redwood Weddings and Always Magnolia
-Pack comfy shoes. If you’re exploring the trails for photos or heading down to the beach, you’ll be glad you did! Otherwise, just go barefoot!
-Lean into the nature vibe. Wildflower inspired flowers, earthy color palettes, colorful bouquets and center pieces. A Joyful Bloom, Ritual Floral, and Reminton’s Flowers are a few local florists I love working with and create gorgeous floral arrangements!
Getting Ready Locations near Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
-Four Points Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore
-Fairfield Inn & Suites Milwaukee North
-Candlewood Suites Milwaukee Brown Deer
-Hampton Inn by Hilton Glendale Milwaukee
Where to get Breakfast / Coffee on your Wedding Day near Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
–Stone Creek Coffee– Whitefish Bay Cafe and Kitchen (my favorite Stone Creek location in the area, but there is one closer in Glendale as well)
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding that’s laid back and surrounded by some gorgeous nature in Milwaukee, I can’t recommend Schlitz Audubon enough. If you’re looking for someone that knows the best spots, trails, sunset spots, and hidden photo locations at Schlitz. I’d love to be considered! Let’s chat! Inquire through this link.
You can learn more about Schlitz Audubon Nature Center’s Wedding options here.
