I absolutely love helping my couples pick a location for their engagement session. As a Milwaukee native I have tons of recommendations, but here are some of my favorites! What I love about Milwaukee is there is everything from cityscapes, skylines, and lakefront to getting lost in nature.
When you love Milwaukee but don’t want to feel like you’re in Milwaukee? Villa Terrace is for you! This iconic Milwaukee location is hands down one of my favorites as you feel transported to an European village with beautiful architecture and sculpture garden . You do need a permit to shoot at Villa Terrace and to reserve a time.
Permit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScL2uYaflN6aHiuwwwq0Zzhc_bcV48C5PqZRw19QXnYSxxY9g/viewform
2. Retzer Nature Center
One of my absolute favorite nature areas in Greater Milwaukee! Located in Waukesha it is hands down worth the drive. This spot is popular for a reason and always packed with couples, families, and seniors for portraits. Retzer has an amazing lookout, boardwalks, and beautiful tall trees. One of my favorite things about Retzer is that looks beautiful in all seasons! Enjoy gorgeous wildflowers in the spring, lush greenery in the summer, insane fall colors as the trees turn, and plowed pathways in the quiet winter.
3. Glacier Hills County Park
Ok ok ok. Glacier Hills is my best kept secret. Every time I am there I am blown away with the beauty and it’s always private. I don’t understand. I maybe see 1 person walking in the park, but that’s it. There is a sledding hill with the tallest pine trees and swampland that makes for the best picturesque place. You can also walk farther down where the cabins are and can go out on a dock to a lake. It is also close to Holy Hill and the Ice Age Trail that makes for more photo spots!
4. Lake Park
Yet another classic location in downtown Milwaukee on the lakefront. There are tons of options for photos in this one spot. Whether it’s the lighthouse, lion bridge, grand staircase, or the back wooded area you cannot go wrong.
5. Third Ward/Downtown Milwaukee
If you want the heart of Milwaukee this is the one for you. The Third Ward is such a vibrant place and feels like home. Walking the streets with your partner or venturing up on a rooftop to see all of what Milwaukee has to offer is one of my favorites.
6. Atwater Beach
100000% my FAVORITE beach location. There is a ramp or staircase that leads to the beach and has luscious greenery as you venture down. The beach itself is on Lake Michigan and has zero obstructions from the amazing sunsets and golden hour. This way you can actually see the colors in the sky and isn’t washed out like other spots.
7. Lakeshore Park
This is the locations I suggest when couples want city AND urban feel. One of my favorite parks that offers an insane view of the Milwaukee skyline, but can also get those nature shots with wildflowers and fields.