Planning your dream wedding starts with one big decision: finding the perfect venue. Are you looking for rustic or elegant? Simple or extravagant? Whatever your style, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center’s incredible versatility transforms your wedding vision into reality. The breathtaking landscape along Lake Michigan and our gorgeous environmentally conscious building create a backdrop you’ll never forget. Our dedicated events experts provide an exceptional experience for couples booking their one-of-a-kind wedding venue here!
Photo Credit: Jay Briggs
Planning Your Wedding
The first step on your wedding journey is to visit the Center and let us show you around! Schedule a tour with our events team by filling out the online form or emailing us at rental@schlitzaudubon.org. On your tour we will walk through all available spaces, go over your ‘day of’ timelines, look through inspiration photos, and answer all your questions. From the moment you inquire and each step along the way through your wedding day, our team is here to help!
Photo Credit: Sandra Ortiz
As you continue to research your perfect wedding venue, you can enjoy reading first-hand experiences from couples who have hosted their weddings and receptions at Schlitz Audubon. Check out reviews on The Knot and Wedding Wire!
Once you fall in love with Schlitz Audubon as your wedding venue, check the online availability calendar for an open date, planning 1 – 2 years in advance. Let our team know your preferred date, estimated guest count, and which bar package you would like, and we’ll draw up your contract. Once you sign off on it and pay your 50% down payment, the planning fun begins!
Photo Credit: Sam Hurd
Building Your Team of Trusted Vendors
Congratulations! Once you’re officially booked, you’ll receive an incredibly helpful Welcome Wedding Guide, with all you need to know about planning your wedding at Schlitz Audubon, including start times, ‘day of’ details, floor plan diagrams, FAQs, space measurements, and so much more!
Photo Credit: Santiago Murillo
Whether you’re a couple that prefers to DIY or could use outside creative direction and help, the options are endless. Schlitz Audubon is thrilled to partner with the best of Milwaukee DJs, musicians, bakeries, florists, and photographers. We will immediately share their contact information via our recommended vendors list to kick off your vendor research! The @SchlitzAudubonVenue Instagram account is another great place to find vendors. If you like the style of a wedding you’ve seen in a post, check out the caption for a list of the vendors—we always include them!
Photo Credit: Santiago Murillo
Additional Unique Options at Schlitz Audubon
We offer a variety of nature-inspired ‘extras’ that can be added to your wedding ceremony and reception. A Raptor Meet & Greet gives your guests a chance to mingle with a selection of birds of prey from our Raptor Program, including bald eagles, hawks, owls, and a falcon. You can invite the birds to join your cocktail hour! With help from the Center’s raptor handlers, you can learn each of their stories and pose with them for unforgettable photos. If interested, inquire about availability, as their schedule books up quickly!
Photo Credit: Santiago Murillo
The popular addition of a Unity Tree Ceremony allows you to incorporate a thriving tree, provided by the Center, into your wedding. This special commemoration of your day will support the local habitat for years to come. You will receive a map of your tax-deductible donated tree’s location on our property once it’s planted, so you can watch it grow and flourish into the future.
Photo Credit: Ryan Davis
Looking for natural decor options to enhance your ceremony and reception? Schlitz Audubon has a gorgeous Ceremony Arch made from felled ash trees used behind you during your ceremony without the hassle of transportation, set up, and tear down! Add the finishing touches of florals or fabric to make it your own. Repurposed wine barrels as cocktail tables and rustic tree slices for centerpieces are both rentable options as a special added touch!
Photo Credit: Santiago Murillo
Photo Credit: Allysha Noelle
Finishing Touches
Two to three months before your big day, you’ll meet with a member of the events team to check in and talk through timeline and details, review vendor and package selections, and make sure everyone is on the same page. While the team is available to you throughout the year for wedding questions, it’s important to revisit the beautiful vision you’re bringing to life as your date approaches.
Photo Credit: Santiago Murillo
To ensure all goes smoothly on your big day, wedding ceremony rehearsals are scheduled for the day prior to your event, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Your Event Manager will be on-site to run through your ceremony and answer any last-minute questions. This provides an opportunity to see all your wedding spaces one last time and truly finalize all ‘day of’ details.
The Schlitz Audubon events team, paired with your trusted group of vendors, is here to help make planning your wedding a seamless and fun process. Book your dream venue then enjoy creating the celebration of a lifetime!
Photo Credit: Front Room Photography
Featured image credit: Morgan Franklin
