If you’re dreaming of a Milwaukee wedding that feels both romantic and refined, pairing a ceremony at Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum & Gardens with a reception at The Ivy House is truly the best of both worlds.
With Lake Michigan views, European-inspired gardens, and a modern industrial reception space just minutes away, this combination creates a wedding day that feels intentional, elegant, and uniquely Milwaukee.
As a Milwaukee wedding photographer, this is one of my favorite ceremony–reception pairings. Below, I’m sharing why these two venues work so beautifully together, what couples should know when planning, and how to make the most of your wedding photos across both locations.
Villa Terrace: A Dream Ceremony Location
Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens feels like stepping into a European villa tucked along the Milwaukee lakefront.
Couples love it for:
Lush, formal gardens and stone staircases
Lake Michigan views and coastal breezes
Intimate ceremony spaces with timeless character
A peaceful, romantic atmosphere that feels removed from the city
Ceremonies at Villa Terrace are elegant without feeling stuffy, making it a perfect choice for couples who love classic beauty with a relaxed, outdoor feel. Plus, it makes an excellent backdrop for family, wedding party, and newlywed portraits before or after your ceremony.
The Ivy House: A Perfect Place for a Reception
Just a short drive from Villa Terrace, The Ivy House offers a completely different — yet perfectly complementary — vibe.
The Ivy House is known for:
A bright, modern industrial aesthetic
Incredible natural light
Flexible indoor and outdoor spaces
A warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels elevated but not formal
After a romantic garden ceremony, The Ivy House is the ideal place to transition into celebration mode.
How These Two Venues Work Beautifully Together
This pairing gives couples a dynamic, visually rich wedding gallery. From a photography standpoint, it offers:
Soft, romantic ceremony images at Villa Terrace
Clean, modern portraits at The Ivy House
Variety without feeling disjointed
A seamless flow between elegance and celebration
The contrast between the two spaces tells a fuller story of the day — one that feels thoughtful and well-paced.
Timeline Tips for a Two-Venue Milwaukee Wedding
Planning a ceremony and reception at separate locations takes a bit of strategy — but it’s absolutely worth it. Helpful tips include:
Building in travel buffer time between venues (try to keep in mind when rush hour is!)
Scheduling newlywed portraits either at Villa Terrace or just before sunset at The Ivy House…or both if possible!
Keeping the ceremony timeline flexible to allow guests a relaxed transition
With the right planning, the day feels smooth and unhurried.
Photography Highlights at Both Locations
Each venue shines in its own way.
At Villa Terrace, photography focuses on:
Architectural lines and symmetry
Romantic garden paths and staircases
Emotional ceremony moments framed by greenery and stone
At The Ivy House, photography leans into:
Natural light and modern textures
Candid reception moments
Energetic dance floor images and warm evening light
Together, they create a timeless yet modern wedding gallery.
A Perfectly Balanced Milwaukee Wedding
A ceremony at Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens followed by a reception at The Ivy House offers couples a wedding day that feels elegant, intentional, and unmistakably Milwaukee. The quiet, romantic energy of the lakefront gardens sets the tone for meaningful vows, while The Ivy House provides the perfect space to celebrate - bright, modern, and filled with warmth as the night unfolds.
If you need a photographer who’s ready for a gorgeous, jam-packed day just like this, click here.
