Surround your wedding and reception with stunning, panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Lake Park and Milwaukee’s cityscape. Located directly on the lake adjacent to the art museum the Milwaukee War Memorial Center has been a lakefront landmark since it’s dedication in 1957. The buildings unique design is considered a classic in the development of modern architecture.
THE WEDDING: The images in this review were taken at a wedding we photographed in September. It was a beautiful day with billowing clouds with the sun peeking through occasionally. White wooden chairs were set up for the guests with an archway serving as the focal point for the vows. Decorations are simple taking nothing away from the amazing view all around.
The ceremony was beautiful. Just as Sarah and Michael shared their 1st kiss as husband and wife the clouds parted and warm sunshine filled the plaza! Really, it was like a dream…
Cocktail hour began right after the ceremony and was situated in the courtyard on the plaza. The DJ had set up, the atmosphere was festive, the guests mingled, everyone had a good time. We gathered the wedding party together for a walk to the art museum taking pictures along the way. Later the reception moved indoors into the Memorial Hall for dinner and dancing. The evening went without a hitch and we so enjoyed covering Sarah and Micheal’s wedding.
Before I continue here are a few pictures of the venue for you to enjoy. Scroll down past the images for the rest of the review.
THE VENUE: The War Memorial Center can host wedding ceremonies as well as receptions. Ceremonies are generally held outdoors on Fitch Plaza and can accommodate up to 1200 people. In the event of rain they venue has 2 backup locations! There is a large covered outdoor area available or you can move the ceremony indoors free of charge. Either way would be a great option, although if possible, I would suggest choosing the plaza’s covered area which allows your guest to enjoy views of the lakefront and the art museum next door. After the ceremony there is plenty of room on the plaza to host a cocktail hour before moving into the Memorial Hall for the reception.
The Memorial Hall is a fantastic venue for your reception. It features tall ceilings above, wood floors under foot and a stunning row of floor to ceiling windows with excellent views of Milwaukee’s urban center. It can accommodate up to 260 for dinner and dance.
The staff were fantastic and all were professional and courteous. Our bride reported the staff event planner was very helpful in planning and setting up of decorations, catering and entertainment.
BOTTOM LINE: For the couple looking for a scenic outdoor venue in the city the Milwaukee War Memorial Center should be on the short list. It’s modern mid-century architecture may not be for everyone. However, the breathtaking, expansive views of both the lake and downtown may just win you over. It is certainly worth a look and would serve as a dramatic backdrop for your perfect wedding day.
PHOTOGRAPHER’S NOTES: The war memorial is a wonderful venue to photograph with excellent possibilities all around. ceremonies on the plaza have a wonderful view of the lake as a backdrop and moving around the subject you can catch the Lake Park kites and the art museums “sail”. No real tricks to photographing a wedding at this venue. However, as with any outdoor wedding prepare for bad weather and as always be sure to scope out the venue ahead of time to plan your shots.
Vender Information: If you are interested in having your wedding at the Milwaukee War Memorial Center contact their event planning staff at 414-273-5533. They also post their rates and a list of approved vendors on their website.
If you are looking for a photographer contact us at 262.573.9055 or use our contact form. Realife Photography’s award winning photographers were voted Milwaukee’s best in 2011 and placed 2nd in 2012 on WISN’s The A-List. Be assured your wedding is covered by one of the regions best photographers.
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.
The Mitchel Park Domes – a unique Milwaukee wedding venue.
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.
The Mitchel Park Domes – outdoors with Bride and Groom
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.
