Dreaming of an outdoor wedding? The Milwaukee area boasts tons of al fresco venues in a wide variety of settings! Consider these 12 fantastic choices, all in beautiful Southeastern Wisconsin.

For a wooded backdrop…

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (1111 E. Brown Deer Rd.) certainly offers woodlands, plus an outdoor pavilion that can help keep the two of you and your officiant dry if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The sprawling nature reserve—185 amazing acres in all!—provides plenty of spots for photo-ops from forest to prairie to water. Have your party right on the eco-friendly premises. (Photograph by Little Giant Photography)

Want to get married in Southern Wisconsin? Consider Veterans Terrace at Echo Park (589 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington). Memorial Terrace has beautiful views, including the wooded park, White River and Echo Lake, which you could take advantage of at any time during your wedding day—the ceremony, cocktail hour and even dinner. (Photo provided by Matt Mason Photography. Matt and his associates are Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers.)

It’s no surprise that the Milwaukee County Parks system has lots of sites to fit the bill, including Doctors Park (1870 E. Fox Ln.). You might know it for picturesque Tietjen Beach, but Doctors Park has some lovely leafy-green scenery (or red, orange and yellow in fall), as well. Perched on a bluff over Lake Michigan, this Fox Point park happens to adjoin the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. (Photograph by A & A Photography)

For a building backdrop…

Perhaps one of the most unique structures in the city, the sheared facade of the old public library stands guard over the Library Sculpture Gardens at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center (left; 608 New York Ave., Sheboygan). Other meticulously landscaped spaces are available, too, including the Festival Green, which features a funky, multicolored stage. Reception locations are available, too. (Photograph by Anna Page Photography)

Once home to Racine College, the DeKoven Center (600 21st St., Racine) offers an ornate and historic setting for any garden ceremony. And should Mother Nature have other plans, you’ll be able to move your group to one of the indoor venues, which include both sacred and secular spaces. DeKoven is now used as a retreat center, so out-of-town guests could spend the night if they choose. (Photograph by Lemon Tree Photographers)

Nestled among the buildings of the former Schlitz Brewery—now called simply The Brewery, Zilber Park (1217 N. 10th St.) has a decidedly industrial flair. Concrete benches give guests some built-in seating and the small trees, planters and some grass, including a berm where you can stand, help to soften the surroundings. Bronze statues of philanthropists Joseph and Vera Zilber will look on as you say “I do.” (Photograph by m three studio)

For a lake backdrop…

At Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum (2220 N. Terrace Ave.), the Mediterranean architecture and deep blue sea will give the impression that you’re having a destination wedding on the Italian coast. Have your ceremony on the Terrace de Luna overlooking the sweeping Renaissance Garden and the lake beyond. Then, head to the Great Room for cocktails or an intimate reception. (Photograph by Kat Schleicher / Ellagraph Studios)

Look to Lake Country, of course! The gently sloping lawn of Seven Seas restaurant (left; 1807 Nagawicka Rd., Hartland) is the perfect place for your nearest and dearest to watch you say your vows as you stand on the shore of Nagawicka Lake. The site faces west, so beautiful sunsets are in store. And since it’s a restaurant, Seven Seas will take care of the catering. (Photograph by A & A Photography)

Want to say your vows in front of a handful of people? Take the plunge on the beach at South Shore Park (2900 S. Shore Dr.). With Lake Michigan and the city skyline in the background, the views here could be had nowhere else on Earth. Rumor has it that Milwaukee may shift the beach a bit farther south, but wherever it is, the panorama will be stunning. (Photograph by Valo Photography)

For a rustic backdrop…

Designed to resemble the storied links along the Irish coast, Whistling Straits (N8501 Cty. Rd. LS, Haven) isn’t just a world-class golf course, it’s a breathtaking wedding venue. Have your nuptials outdoors, or if the elements could be an issue, in the Irish Barn, a three-walled fieldstone building that overlooks grassy rolling hills, lonely trees and Lake Michigan. The American Club Resort will cater your reception. (Photograph by Craig John Photography)

If you’re a little bit country, add The Quilted Bear (N111 W18611 Mequon Rd., Germantown) to your shortlist of venues. In a landscape that features tall grasses, woods, a pond and lots of wildlife, the quaint gazebo lends a touch of the olden days to any outdoor wedding. You and your guests won’t have to go far to find food; there’s a two-room banquet facility on the grounds. (Photograph by Lisa Mathewson Photography)

One of the Waukesha County Parks, Muskego Park (S83 W20370 Janesville Rd., Muskego) offers a blend of wetlands and forest. Rent a picnic area and decorate to suit your style. All five shelters come with amenities like electricity and restrooms so no one will feel like you’re roughing it. Brush up on the reservation rules; the first come, first served system begins bright and early on January 2. (Photograph by Gravidee Photography)