The Mitchell Park Domes, known locally as “the Domes,” has been a Milwaukee landmark since opening to the public in 1966. It is a unique venue in the area as it offers an outdoor like setting without the worry of bad weather. Also unique, is the cool retro-mod architecture. The Domes underwent extensive renovation in 2008; repairing windows, updating facilities and adding new lighting throughout. There are 3 themed domes; one tropical, one desert and the 3rd a “show dome,” who’s theme is always changing.

Wedding Notes: The domes can handle weddings up to 250 people.  Ceremonies are held in the Show Dome with receptions in the large lobby which joins the 3 domes together. There is ample room for Buffet, Hors d’oeuvre stations and a DJ to set up. There is also plenty of free parking which is a great bonus for any downtown venue! The domes close to the public at 4pm Monday-Fridays and 5pm Saturday & Sunday.  They then reopen exclusively to the wedding party and their guests. You’ll have the whole place to yourself!

The Mitchell Park Domes are part of the Milwaukee county park system, however, Zillis Hospitality Group manages weddings and other venues for the City. Our bride said of Zillis, “Heather, my rep, was super friendly and always available. They will work with you regardless if you want to spend $200 or $20,000! I would recommend them to anyone and also use them again, given the opportunity.”

Bottom Line: You really cannot go wrong with The Domes! Especially if you’re looking for an outdoor type wedding but don’t want to deal with the problems they present (bad weather). In the winter it is the only venue in town to offer this kind of atmosphere. The staff is friendly and helpful and Zillis Hospitality group will bend over backwards to make your day perfect. Put it on your list of potential venues and check it out – we had a great time and so did the bride, the groom and all their guests.

Photographers Notes: The domes is an amazing venue to photograph any time of the year. In the summer the lighting is soft and wonderful in all 3 domes. The reception area’s ceilings aren’t too high and they are white! Perfect for bouncing light to your hearts content. This place is made for wedding photography!

When photographing the domes in the winter (after daylight savings time) you will not have natural light for your pictures.  Ceremonies are held in the show dome where lighting is pretty dim, just bring plenty of your own (speedlights, strobes ect). We always scout out new venues before the wedding day and recommend you do the same. It will go along way to ensuring you capture the best pictures. Arrive prepared and be sure to take full advantage of the dramatic ambient light this venue offers and your bride and groom will end up with amazing and unique pictures!

Vender Information: The following venders joined us at our most recent domes wedding and helped make it an outstanding experience for the Bride and Groom + their guests.

• Zillis Hospitality Group – An established and experienced hospitality and catering firm with over 40 years of experience. Manage several county properties including The Domes, The War Memorial and the Milwaukee Pubic Museum. Contact Heather Farr 262-524-5589,  heatherf@zillihospitalitygroup.com.
• Reverend Jennifer Miller – Heart warming ceremony.
• Dan Kender – Excellent DJ – had the place thumping till close! 414.405.6515
• MaryBeth Cakes – Great looking cake and tasted fantastic.

View additional pictures from Becky and Brett’s wedding at the domes.

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About Our Venue Reviews: Our task as wedding photographers is to capture our clients wedding in artistic and beautiful ways. Choosing the right venue is one of the biggest decisions a bride/groom will make when planning their wedding. Our hope is to shine a light on some of the unique and beautiful wedding venues in the Milwaukee area and hopefully help aid you in this choice.

As a side benefit, this review is written from a photographers perspective and should be helpful to other photographers . Be sure to check out our “photographers notes” at the end of the post for tips and hints for photographers.