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10+ Best Milwaukee Engagement Photo Locations

Updated December 27, 2021

Over the past few years, I’ve had increasing opportunities to document love stories in Milwaukee, and I frequently receive requests from clients for recommendations on the best engagement photo locations in the city and surrounding suburbs. Milwaukee offers incredible diversity when it comes to options for your engagement session: from old world aesthetics to modern architecture, beaches, wooded trails, and iconic venues, there’s something for everyone in this great city.

Sometimes it can be hard to narrow down just the right location for your session, but don’t worry — that’s where I come in. After capturing more than 100 love stories, I’ve had the chance to explore many of the best Milwaukee engagement photo locations. Read on to unpack 10+ of my absolute favorites!

Milwaukee Engagement Photo Locations

Atwater Park & Beach

4400 N Lake Dr, Shorewood, WI 53211

This 5-acre park includes plenty of open space filled with native plants and trees, as well as access to a sandy beach and the lake itself. Note: beach access requires a trip down some steep stairs, so keep this in mind if mobility is an issue for anyone in your party.

best milwaukee engagement photo locations

The Milwaukee Art Museum

700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Overlooking Lake Michigan, this is one of the most — if not THE MOST — iconic venues on this list of the best Milwaukee engagement photo locations. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the stunning white lines and angles of the Milwaukee Art Museum are a must-see for any modern, fine-art inspired engagement session. Interior photo sessions are priced at $500 for 30 minutes or $1,000 for a two hour session. See the MAM rentals page for more information.

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Discovery World

500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Discovery World blends waterfront access and modern architecture for your engagement session in Milwaukee. You can even find spaces for photo opportunities inside the museum, and inside the pilot house, you’ll have access to panoramic views of the Milwaukee skyline as well as Lake Michigan. An admission fee applies — see the museum website for the most up-to-date ticket prices.

Historic Third Ward

If you like exploring, then the Historic Third Ward is one of the top Milwaukee engagement photo locations for you! One of the city’s creative hubs, the Third Ward is home to art galleries, performing art venues, and scenic alleys galore.

Lakeshore State Park

500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202

This 500-acre park blends the best of three different themes: city skylines, waterfront (with accessible docks for photos), and wide open spaces with native grasses and plants.

top milwaukee engagement photo locations

Marquette University

1250 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

If you want your session to reflect an old world or fine art aesthetic, then Marquette University is one of the best Milwaukee engagement session locations for you. With plentiful historic architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds, be sure to secure a photo permit before heading out for your session.

Riverwalk

The Milwaukee Riverwalk is one of my favorite places for engagement photos in Milwaukee because of so much it has to offer. Running through much of downtown and the historic Third Ward, the character of the Riverwalk varies depending on where you go. One of my favorite stops along the Riverwalk is the riverfront along Blue Bat!

best milwaukee engagement photo locations

Retzer Nature Center

S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188

Located just outside Milwaukee proper, the Retzer Nature Center features ample nature trails, open prairie, and if you’re lucky — a chance to see some local wildlife along the way. If you want to capture engagement images surrounded by plenty of mature trees, look no further. Contact the Waukesha County parks service for a special use permit before taking photos at this location.

Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve

511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53204

While technically outside Milwaukee, this is absolute favorite outdoor engagement photo location on this list. The Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve boasts ample walking trails with dramatic lake views. If you want to create golden, romantic engagement images along the bluffs, be sure to plan a morning photo session time to take advantage of the eastern light!

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Boerner Garden

9400 Boerner Dr, Hales Corners, WI 53130

Beautiful landscaping abounds in this carefully-tended nature center. Photo opportunities include lush, green walking trails and striking seasonal floral installations. A photography permit applies.

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Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

2220 N Terrace Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Originally built in 1924 as a mansion in the Italian Renaissance style on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is the best place for your Milwaukee engagement session if you want to bring an old-world, fine art aesthetic to your photos. A two-hour photography permit secures private access to the grounds, available May-October.

Resources for Planning Your Engagement Session

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Are you engaged and considering a session at one of these top Milwaukee engagement photo locations? I’d love to serve you by telling a small part of your love story! Please reach out today for my very best availability.