Fairytale in the Woods
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Deals
Custom discountPermanent
Military Discount
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GiftPermanent
Free Nature Center Membership
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Bridget Carlson
EVENTS DIRECTOR
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (3X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, WI, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center offers a breathtaking setting for weddings in every season. Nestled within 185 acres of forests, wetlands, prairies, and scenic trails, the venue blends natural beauty with warm, inviting event spaces to suit both rustic and elegant celebrations.
Couples can choose from stunning indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception locations, including the Great Hall, Hearth Room, Ravine Deck, and Pavilion Courtyard. Unique amenities such as wood-burning fireplaces, panoramic nature views, accessible trails, and unforgettable photo opportunities—from Lake Michigan vistas to picturesque boardwalks and the iconic observation tower—create a truly memorable experience.
For those seeking a meaningful celebration, the Center also offers eco-friendly wedding guidance and distinctive enhancements such as raptor encounters and tree-planting ceremonies. With dressing suites, ample complimentary parking, and a selection of approved caterers, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center provides everything needed for an extraordinary wedding day surrounded by nature.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Barn
Farm & Ranch
Beach
Waterfront
Garden
Park
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Bar Rental
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Planning
Food & Catering
Planning
Destination Wedding Planning
Rentals & Equipment
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
3-Time 'Best of Weddings'
2026.2024.2023.
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 5
- Bridget CarlsonDirector of Corporate and Special EventsBridget brings years of event planning, communication and floral experience to couples at Schlitz Audubon planning their weddings. Her environmental passions pair with an attention to detail and easy problem solving skills to bring couples at ease and make the planning fun.
- MaryBeth KressinWedding & Event ManagerMaryBeth brings incredible event knowledge, peace of mind and comfort to couples planning their wedding day. She taps into a wealth of experience in the event industry while connecting to each person's vision to ensure this important celebration is a day to remember with fondness and joy!
- Abriana LutherEvent AssistantAbriana is one of our wonderful, energetic on-site Events Assistants who will be assisting both vendors and clients to make your experience a memorable and positive one!
- Beatrice MohlerEvent CoordinatorBeatrice is our event coordinator and an onsite leader at our special events. At weddings, she loves to help bring each couple's personal vision for their memorable day to life. Her attention to detail helps our couples feel at home and ensures each event at Schlitz Audubon sails smoothly.
- Deanie ValloneEvent AssistantDeanie is one of our amazing, knowledgeable event team members. With over a decade of experience volunteering with our incredible raptors and spending time at the Center, Deanie knows her stuff! You'll love her humor, attention to detail and ability to move quickly to a solution. Ask her about her professional play writing and theater experience!
Reviews
4.9
out of 5.075 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center offers a beautiful, nature-filled setting with flexible indoor/outdoor spaces and memorable raptor meet-and-greets. Staff are consistently praised as organized, responsive, and calming, making planning and the wedding day smooth. Note short setup windows and many a-la-carte fees, plus mandatory bar service.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Anna K
Highlighted review.
5.0
1/05/2025
Getting married at Schlitz was like getting married in a dream. Everything was smooth and easy to arrange with their staff (shoutout to Bridget!), all our questions were answered a...
nd everything about the actual wedding day was magical.
The space there can't be beat - natural beauty all around, a gorgeous indoor space for dining and dancing, and a lovely veranda for cocktail hour. Needless to say, our photos are stunning.
The Birds of Prey / Raptor happy hour is a must-do. Our guests are still talking about how they got to meet owls and a bald eagle up close and personal during our cocktail hour. Highly recommend paying extra for Valkyrie, the bald eagle!
If you're considering Schlitz Audubon for your venue - don't hesitate. It's a great organization, with a beautiful space and great people. You can't ask for more in a wedding venue. We look back fondly on our wedding often and know it was special because it was at Schlitz.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 05/21/2025
Anna and Billy - Your wedding was the best and your photos and beautiful smiles say it all...
. We loved every moment working with you both to bring your incredible vision to life. Thank you for surrounding our nature center with your love (and humor!). Come back and hike soon! -Bridget & team
Abigail S
5.0
7/08/2026
My husband and I got married May 16th at the Audubon Schlitz Nature Center. When I say that we had the most PERFECT day, I am not exaggerating. From start to finish they helped us ...
with EVERY step. The amount of love and care they show their nature center is the same they show to you on your wedding day and all the months/days leading up to it. We personally worked with MaryBeth and when I tell you she is THE person you want helping with your wedding, I’m not joking. She is kind, responsible, and SO organized. I was definitely a type B bride, I didn’t have a timeline until days before, I literally had no idea what I was doing. She was BEYOND helpful with everything. From helping me build a schedule to saving the day when I COMPLETELY forgot to make table numbers so that our guests would know where to sit. Day of, I literally stressed about NOTHING. She and the other wonderful, amazing workers had everything handled. (along with my beautiful, wonderful family and friends) So not only are the people amazing and attentive and will answer all your stupid questions with so much patience. (I was a mess, ok?) the venue itself is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! There are a lot of places to choose to get married, but the Audubon is the only place we thought felt like our love. Authentic, always growing and changing, and pretty! We got married outside, had our cocktail hour on the porch, and reception inside. The lights, the wood, the birds, the seating, the tables, Emerson (the turtle and permanent wedding guest), the bartenders, EVERYTHING was perfect. (I wish I could relive that day over and over again). If you’re wondering who to give your money to for a venue, choose Audubon. Their mission is one that we can all support and you will have the TIME of your life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also so many beautiful places to take pictures :)
Any questions?
Dan S
5.0
6/09/2026
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center was the perfect fit for my husband and I, as both environmental professionals and as lovers of nature. The venue offered multiple options for ceremony...
sites in case of weather, but we lucked out at got to use the pavilion for what our guests called "the most beautiful ceremony ever," which just enhanced the vows and ceremony we had prepared. The ability to support conservation and give our guests a chance to see Schlitz's raptors in the Raptor Meet and Greet was an incredible addition to our day, as well as having Emerson the snapping turtle on dessert guard duty. The Special Events Team at Schlitz were incredible, especially Bridget and MaryBeth, for helping make the planning process and execution on our wedding day transparent and smooth. This venue brought all of the joy, magic, and love of our marriage to life on this special day with our family and friends. As perfect a match this venue was for us, there were two things to note that couples should consider: 1) the window for decorating the ceremony and reception spaces were relatively short (30-45 minutes), so make sure you have a plan and plenty of hands to decorate, and 2) we had to go with Schlitz's bar service (Natural Events). They were great and our guests loved the open bar, but it is one component that prospective couples will have to weigh in their budget.
Charlie D
5.0
6/07/2026
We couldn't recommend the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center enough. The venue itself is absolutely stunning with great spots for an outdoor ceremony among the trees and equally-appeali...
ng covered outdoor or indoor options if weather doesn't behave. The reception area inside was spacious for the meal and dancing and very aesthetic, fitting the nature vibe.
Also, the staff at the Schlitz Audubon were super nice, extremely organized, and knew how to run the wedding like clockwork. They made things easy every step of the wedding planning process, and because of the rapport Schlitz has with the vendors they work with, it required little coordination with each individual vendor because they already knew how things work at the venue which was a major bonus. On the day of the wedding, the team at Schlitz Audubon went above and beyond to make it a super smooth process which far exceeded our expectations!
Lindsay L
5.0
5/28/2026
I wish I could rate them a 6/5 stars. The Schlitz Audubon staff went above and beyond to ensure our day went smoothly. They were incredibly helpful every step of the way, MaryBeth ...
and Maddie did an outstanding job helping with our event. I highly recommend this event if you want beautiful nature photography, and a stunning ceremony and reception space. You should also consider adding the raptor experience during cocktail hour to make your wedding one guests will never forget
Kimberly S
5.0
4/25/2026
MaryBeth and her amazing team were there every step of the way. From pre planning to after the ceremony it was personalized and organized. The nature center was beautiful, with ple...
nty of areas for photo ops and we also loved the raptors during cocktail hour! We're so thankful for all of the help and can't recommend enough!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 05/11/2026
Thank you so much for your sweet words and for including us in your love story! We were t...
hrilled to watch your beautiful wedding come to life! Come hike soon! With much gratitude, Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and our entire team!
Madison A
5.0
12/30/2025
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center was an exceptional wedding venue and set a clear standard for how well a space can support an event of this scale. The setting is visually striking, n...
atural, well-maintained, and cohesive across indoor and outdoor areas. From a logistical standpoint, the venue worked smoothly: spaces were flexible, transitions between ceremony and reception were straightforward, and the layout supported guest flow without congestion. Venue staff were professional, responsive, and familiar with wedding-day operations, which reduced friction during planning and execution. For couples looking for a venue that combines a distinctive setting with operational reliability, Schlitz Audubon is an excellent choice.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 05/11/2026
Thank you so much Madison! Your words mean so much to us! We loved your wedding and hope...
to see you back here soon! Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and your entire team!
Alex L
5.0
11/29/2025
We are so glad we picked Schlitz Audubon Nature Center as our wedding venue. The Special Events team is excellent! Thank you so much to MaryBeth, Bridget and Beatrice who guided us...
every step of the way, from the initial tour and wedding outlines, to all the countless emails throughout, to the final in person planning meeting, to the rehearsal, and finally all the way to the smallest details the day-of. And also a huge thank you to everyone else on staff who helped contribute to our day, the raptor handlers, and anyone else who helped coordinate! I was so impressed with everyone's expertise, knowledge, and high level of organization. Thanks to them our wedding was a success! The Special Events team truly think of everything and are excellent at logistics and communication with vendors as well as providing all the necessary information upfront, sending reminders and follow-ups. I was always so grateful for their quick and kind replies to any little question. You can trust them that everything will go smoothly the day of your wedding, because they are amazing at what they do and truly care that your day is special. Not to mention Schlitz Audubon is absolutely gorgeous and the perfect nature venue, and you have the opportunity to have raptors as part of your wedding (and even a tree ceremony)! But what was so important to me, with all the stress of wedding planning, was having a knowledgeable, experienced and highly responsive onsite team I could rely on. From the moment I met Bridget and later MaryBeth, I knew they would be amazing to work with. It was a gut decision and it was absolutely the right call! We had lots of vendors involved and the Schlitz team were the absolute easiest and my favorite to work with (as a couple without a wedding planner)! Thank you so much for all your help, support, hard work and kindness to make our wedding a success. Thank you, MaryBeth, for all the unexpected lovely details like for example bringing us drinks to calm our nerves right after the ceremony. :) We are so grateful and will remember the Schlitz team and our wedding day very fondly!! And we'll be sure to visit to hike, support the Nature Center, and visit our tree. :) (Alex & Adam, 10/3/25 wedding)
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 11/30/2025
Alex and Adam - Thank you so very much for your incredibly kind words - we LOVED working w...
ith you! Your beautiful vision came to life with a strong team of professionals and a whole lot of love between the two of you! We can't wait to see Santiago's photos and will never forget some of the personalized touches you added to your day. Come hike soon - you are a part of our family forever! Thank you again for your sweet messages and congratulations to you both!
Sincerely, Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice, Abriana, Deanie, Emmaline, Celie and all of our team
Jilhana G
5.0
11/29/2025
Having our wedding at the Schlitz was a dream! It rained on our wedding day, so we moved our ceremony from the pavilion to the veranda and still had a stunning ceremony and photos....
The staff, including Bridget and MaryBeth, were so responsive and organized. The coordination at our rehearsal and wedding day was seamless. The venue was stunning, and everyone commented on how unique and fun the owls at cocktail hour were. Schlitz stuck with us from the moment we toured it. We're so glad we booked it and had the wedding of our dreams: cozy, welcoming, nature-filled, and so fun!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 11/30/2025
Jilhana - These photos are making us all smile once again! So much fun! What an amazing ...
day it was - and your flexibility with the weather resulted in a stunning Veranda ceremony - and you were still able to get those awesome beach and boardwalk pics! The photos truly tell your story and we were honored to be a part of it! Thank you so much for sharing your day with us - we absolutely loved it and hope you come back to Schlitz Audubon soon! Sending you so much love! Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice, Deanie, Abriana, Celie, Emmaline and our entire team
Denise C
5.0
11/26/2025
Venue was fantastic. We will never regret having a great place for the best pictures and everything on site. They worked well with us doing our own flowers, not using a DJ on their...
list and using vendors that were BIPOC, LGBT and Disability welcoming. Staff are lovely. Questions answered fast. They worked really well with our henna artist #HandsofHennaAnita setting up her beautiful henna tent near the bar. They worked beautifully with #ShowtimeEventsDJ - with Tim Moon doing both ceremony and reception sound. Schlitz enjoyed #NoTagNeeded Photography Studio too. The OWL package was so memorable. We built it into our theme down to our logo, cake, table cards and graphics. Schlitz was amazing about changing their venue signage because none of it indicated that the all gender - accessible bathrooms were upstairs. That mattered to us and our guests. I would recommend LGBTQ, BIPOC couples use them. We also had a number of people with disabilities attend and we chose this location with that in mind.
The bartender they provided was great. The only thing we wished was that they had packages for folks who have a lot of non-drinkers. We know a lot of folks in recovery. Over 1/3 of our party did not drink. We also wanted hard alcohol for our signature beverage so our bar price with all the add ons was about $65/person. That felt outrageous for only about 45 people having 1-2 drinks. I can understand why younger people do well with their bar packages but for us in our 50's it was a lot. They did have a discount for the children which we also had many at our wedding.
The other thing to know about Schlitz is everything is al-a-carte. You will pay extra for every chair, every table and table cloth and napkin. It was a lot of decisions I would rather have not made. We did, however, do a few unique set ups that we and our guests loved. Long tables make conversation easier and really got guests to mingle. Our ceremony chairs were curved rows which were more intimate.
We also recommend using real ministers who specialize in ritual arts for your ceremony. Many guests were blown away by how personal, interactive and meaningful our ceremony was. That space amongst the trees off Lake Michigan really adds to your experience. Our tree ceremony was great. We like where Schlitz planted it too and plan to visit every year on our anniversary if not more often. Speaking of the tree - we wrote a custom ceremony for folks to water our tree - guests loved that - rainbow cups and the chance to get photos with guests after they added their well wishes into the water.
We loved our private owl greeting in the bridal room. Guests loved the owls during cocktail hour.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 11/30/2025
Yeah, Denise and Matt! Congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful we...
dding day with us. We loved your personal touches which brought to life the vision of exactly how you dreamed it would be - the photos are just wonderful and paint a perfect picture! It was an honor to be your wedding venue and partner throughout the planning - thank you for choosing Schlitz Audubon Nature Center! Wishing you a lifetime of love together! Sincerely, Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice, Deanie, Abriana, Celie, Emmaline and our entire team
Devinne F
5.0
10/24/2025
We could not have been more impressed with our experience with Schlitz-Audubon Nature Center. During the planning process, their team made it so easy to coordinate with vendors, an...
d we always knew that they had things under control. Communication was always fast and easy, and their team was delightful, putting us at ease before and during the big day. The venue itself is gorgeous, with so many beautiful spots for the ceremony, photographs, and first looks, and should be considered by anyone who wants stunning natural scenes as the backdrop to their wedding.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 10/27/2025
Devinne and Greg - We loved your beautiful Fall wedding! What an amazing weekend you sele...
cted! Thank you so so much for your kind words - you made our day reading this review! Thank you also for being a part of the Schlitz Audubon family and loving this special place as much as we do. Come back and hike soon! XO - Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and our entire team!
Kelsey H
5.0
10/21/2025
I wish I could relive our wedding over and over again at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center! The staff from the moment we visited were so genuine, kind, and informative. It never felt l...
ike a marketing pressure, rather it was interacting with so many wonderful people who truly enjoy and care about their place of work. Communication was always quick, specific, and positive. Their team met us with commitment, flexiblity, and overall kind experiences. This was our first venue we explored, and it blew us away so we had to have our wedding there! Staff helped make our wedding day run smoothly, helping with timelines, offering genuine and friendly smiles whenever nerves were high. They were great and we could tell they all truly enjoy what they do. We highly recommend having your wedding or any special celebration or event at Schlitz!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 10/24/2025
Kelsey, Thank you so so so much! You are right - we do truly enjoy what we do - and that...
is because of amazing clients like you! Thank you for trusting us with your wedding day - we had so much fun watching it come to life and seeing your smiles! Come back and hike soon! XO Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and our entire team
Danielle T
5.0
10/06/2025
Schlitz is a beautiful venue. It rained on our wedding day and we still got to have our ceremony outside, under the veranda. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout th...
e whole planning process. We added on the "raptor package" so we had stationed birds of prey with handlers during our cocktail hour! They provided an unforgettable experience.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 10/06/2025
Danielle, We loved your beautiful September wedding - wow did the Veranda look so lovely t...
hat day! Thanks to you and Mischa for selecting Schlitz Audubon - your excitement about the raptors reminds us yet again why we love our jobs! MaryBeth and Deanie adored seeing your beautiful wedding vision come to life and hearing the pop of the specialty champagne you selected for the evening - what fun! Please come back and visit again soon! -Bridget and our entire team
Martin S
5.0
9/21/2025
As soon as we decided to get married in Milwaukee, we knew the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center was where we wanted to say "I do." From our initial contact through the day of our wedd...
ing, the staff at the Schlitz was professional, responsive, and easy to work with. We held our ceremony at the beautiful outdoor Pavilion, and it was so nice to be surrounded by the trees, birds, and other woodland creatures. The Great Hall made for such a lovely reception venue, and the cafe lights looked great. The opportunity to have the Raptor Meet and Greet was very special, and many of our guests told us that we had "the coolest cocktail hour ever!" We also really appreciated the use of the golf carts to assist with moving our older guests around the grounds and liked that the Schlitz offered an easy parking option for our guests. We can't recommend the Schlitz enough as a venue for hosting your wedding and we're so glad that we chose it for ours.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 10/06/2025
Martin, Thank you so much for your kind words - you and Skyler are the best! Deanie loved...
meeting you at your tour and shared in your energy and excitement for the Center and then how lucky to be able to work on your wedding day over a year later! Your vendor team was so professional and we are honored to be a part in your amazing story. We can't wait to see you see your amazing photos and to see you hiking or at a program in the future! Congratulations! -Bridget & our entire team!
Valerie K
5.0
9/16/2025
The entire staff at the Schlitz made our experience phenomenal from day 1. Every time I would ask a question, I would get a thorough reply within 24 hours. They were easy and fun ...
to work with which made the planning process so much easier! The venue itself is STUNNING. We loved having the raptors as part of our cocktail hour; it was a huge hit with our guests that we know they will be talking about for a long time to come. We also loved the tree ceremony and can't wait to come visit it on our anniversaries. We cannot say enough great things about choosing The Schlitz as our wedding venue!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 09/17/2025
Valerie and Matt, It was so much fun to watch your incredible wedding vision come to life....
Thank you so much for trusting us with this important day and becoming a part of the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center family forever! We can't wait to see your pictures and to see you on your anniversaries and other visits to the Center. Congratulations and thank you for the kind words! Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and our entire team
Chris S
5.0
9/08/2025
The Schlitz was the absolute best place we could’ve ever gotten married!! They helped us with every step, all of the way. Marybeth even fluffed my dress as I went out to go down th...
e aisle. They made sure I had water or a cocktail during the night and then helped organize clean up at the end of the night!!! 10/10!!!!!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 09/17/2025
Lane and Chris, It was a pleasure to be a part of your wedding day, particularly after you...
and your family's love and dedication to our Raptors. Thank you for bringing your friends and families here to the Center for this amazing celebration - and for your sweet words! It is a joy to work with couples like you! Warmest congratulations! - Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and our entire Schlitz team
Cassidy A
5.0
8/06/2025
Our wedding at the Audubon was lovely. I highly recommend getting married here if you love a nature-vibe and want to also be by the lake. The staff is very quick at communicating a...
nd answers any questions you have. Every turn is picture perfect and our guests were blown away by the venue. We loved sneaking away for sunset photos with the golf cart. Keep in mind you can't get ready at the venue until 1PM and if you need items set up you need to hire someone / have family help you. Staff does act as a mini-coordinator for assisting with flow of the day and communicating with vendors. I'll dream about this day forever!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 08/19/2025
Cassidy - This is so kind of you to take the time to share your experience! We absolutely...
loved working with you and seeing your vision come to life! The wood flowers your mom made, the stunning estate table down the Center of the Great Hall, your adorable signing book and stunning cake - so many details came together to create such a beautiful night! On behalf of our entire team, congrats! Come visit soon! -Bridget
Margaret G
5.0
7/28/2025
Amazing venue! The staff here made the entire process easy and seamless from start to finish. We really enjoyed the space and all of the options that were offered when planning our...
wedding. I highly recommend this venue. It was perfect for our wedding of 100 people. The ravine deck is beautiful for ceremonies as well.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 08/05/2025
Your ravine deck wedding was spectacular! It was so much fun to work with you both to bri...
ng your beautiful vision to life - including your love for our raptors! Thank you for trusting Schlitz Audubon with this important day. We hope to see you back to visit your favorite birds soon! -Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and the entire team
Teresa D
5.0
7/21/2025
This venue is everything you could ever dream of. Not only is the nature center beautiful just by itself in the most gorgeous setting but the team to work with is a dream. They qui...
ckly answer any question you have and are there for you from the moment the rehearsal starts through to the time you are dancing with friends and family. So many of our guests said it was the most gorgeous venue they had been to. Want to take everyone’s breath away? Have the raptors come. You won’t regret it for a moment!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 07/30/2025
Thank you, Teresa for your kind words! We loved being a partner to you throughout your i...
ncredible wedding and sharing in your joy! You and Will were amazing to work with and we are so happy to have you a part of Schlitz Audubon family forever. Please come back and hike soon. -Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and our entire team!
Catriona E
5.0
7/02/2025
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!
I can't even put into words how impressed I am with Schlitz. Throughout the ENTIRE process, everyone felt so familiar and brought a calming presence to us....
When our ceremony ended, our day of coordinator popped by to get my husband and I some drinks and to check in.
Everything felt so personal and wonderful. I can't speak highly enough of Schlitz.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 07/02/2025
Oh Catriona! These pictures say it all! You and Ethan's love was a show stopper on that ...
beautiful summery Saturday! Thank you for bringing your light and your love and your sweet families and friends to Schlitz Audubon for your wedding! We are the lucky ones to be able to celebrate couples like you. We will cherish these photos and can't wait to see you back soon! Congratulations!! Sincerely, Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and the entire Schlitz Audubon family
George P
5.0
6/23/2025
The Schlitz Audubon Center was amazing from the earliest stages of planning to the execution of the big day. The events staff was great to work with leading up to the day and we ha...
d coordinators with Schlitz there the day of. A family member arrived with mobility issues we hadn't anticipated and the staff was key in assisting them quickly with kindness and patience. Not to mention the outdoor space made for a magical ceremony in nature. The hall was fantastic for the reception of our 140 guests. The staff proactively moved our outdoor cocktail hour inside to beat the heat on a 94 degree day. All the vendors recommended and pre-approved by the center made choosing additional vendors less overwhelming than starting from scratch and they were all great at their duties as well. All of our guests loved the birds of prey at cocktail hour and raved about the building and staff. I would recommend this as a wonderful venue for anyone's wedding, big or small, indoors or outdoors.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 07/02/2025
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words, George! We LOVED your summer wedding da...
y and your incredible friends and family were so fun and easy going! You selected an all-star team of vendors and we were proud to be the home base of your wedding memories! Thank you and congratulations!! Come back and hike soon - you are a part of our family now! Sincerely, Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and the entire Schlitz Audubon team!
Morgan D
5.0
6/23/2025
Amazing all around! The venue is gorgeous and the team is so nice and helpful! Our day went so smooth and we are so happy with everything! Thank you Schlitz Audubon!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 07/02/2025
Thank you so much, Morgan! We just loved your wedding and working with you and Ian to cre...
ate your perfect day! Thank you for supporting our non profit, and bringing all of your amazing friends and families here to celebrate your wedding! Come back and hike soon! -Bridget, MaryBeth, Beatrice and the entire Schlitz Audubon team!
Catherine F
5.0
5/21/2025
Truly, my wife and I could not have asked for a better experience working with the Schlitz for our wedding!! The venue staff, as well as the schlitz-recommended vendors were all be...
yond professional. Leading up to our wedding and during the day, they were on top of EVERYTHING and really helped take a lot of stress off of us on our wedding day. All we had to worry about day-of was being present once events got kicked off! Additionally, the Schlitz is a BEAUTIFUL venue. On our day, we had a moody thunderstorm roll in just in time for our festivities but even the inclement weather location on the patio was so cozy, intimate, and perfect for us. Can't recommend the Schlitz enough!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 06/04/2025
Blake and Catherine - We had so much fun planning with you both and watching the day you c...
reated come to life. It was a beautiful, wild weather day and absolutely gorgeous! Your smiles said it all and we hope you come back to celebrate with us on hikes for many years to come. Thank you for trusting us with this important day. You were an absolute joy! -Bridget and team
Julie C
5.0
5/03/2025
Wow, we could have never imagined a more perfect, magical and special day...and the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center was truly the best venue for the most unforgettable day of our liv...
es! The beautiful grounds and spaces brought our cozy, magical winter wonderland wedding vision to life.
Bridget, Beatrice and team were amazing to work with every step of the way. From the planning calls and all the guidance via email to running our rehearsal and making sure every aspect of our day ran smoothly to coordinating with all of our other wonderful vendors, we really appreciated having them in our corner. They provided such much reassurance and answered every question - big or small - in a timely and encouraging way. They truly are the best.
If you are looking for a natural, cozy, serene and magical winter wedding venue, we cannot recommend the Schlitz enough. The variety of spaces and grounds are the perfect canvas to bring any vision to life - and we will never forget getting married by a roaring fire in the hearthside room, toasting under the lights in the main room, or dancing the night away in such a beautiful setting. Not to mention, our outdoor photos are absolutely gorgeous with the forest and Lake Michigan in the background!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 05/05/2025
Oh Julie! You warmed up our winter with your kindness, love and amazing family and friend...
s! Plus, you have the best taste! You turned the Center into a really incredible winter wonderland! Thank you for your sweet words and we can't wait to see you back at the Center! Congratulations!! -Bridget & team
McKenna L
5.0
10/31/2024
Truly a dream venue. The Schlitz team was/is 10/10! Each staff member could throw a wedding in your sleep, everyone was very organized and kind. It’s not too often that a venue spa...
ce comes with an event coordinator to help with timelines, room layout and ANY questions or concerns you have for your big day.
I could not of walked down the aisle with a giant smile without Bridgets help keeping things so organized and fluffing my dress! We will never forget the beautiful venue space, people, and weather!!! So many compliments on the venue space. We feel very lucky to of secured a date.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 10/31/2024
Team Tait forever! McKenna, You two were so much fun to work, and your friends and family...
brought the love for your wedding day! The positive energy, laughter and excitement was everywhere - thanks for sharing all of it with us. We are honored to be your wedding venue and can't wait to see you both again on the trails! XO-Bridget P.S. This picture of your two is perfection! Shout out to Chelsea Bell Photography!
Neal Z
5.0
9/21/2024
Schlitz Audubon is every nature lovers dream venue. The forests, ponds, beachfront, nature center interior, and pavilion space are great for a delightful outdoor/indoor experience....
The privacy offered by the tall trees, shrubs, and grasses allow for some terrific photo locations. The cocktail hour with the raptors was amazing and everyone loved seeing the beautiful birds! The space for dinner and dancing is romantic and beautiful with all the wood structuring, and wide enough for a 9 piece band! All within a budget friendly price makes this place a wonderful choice for any special occasion.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 10/17/2024
Neal and Amy, We had the best day with you! Plus, planning was a lot of fun, too! You we...
re so organized and had an amazing team of vendors. Couples like you make our jobs so so so much fun. Thanks for taking the time to leave these kind words about the Center. Please come back and hike soon! Congratulations to you both! Sincerely, Bridget + team
Michelle T
5.0
8/06/2024
So beautiful, I absolutely LOVED having our wedding. Not only is the space gorgeous, but also Bridget and Beatrice we so helpful and made our big day so much easier. If you love na...
ture, but also a classy reception space, book here, because there is not a better place that has both!!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 08/06/2024
Michelle - You are the best! We had so much fun working with you to bring your wedding vi...
sion to life - you created an amazing celebration! Wow the decor was so much fun with the pops of color at the Pavilion Courtyard! You are so creative and fun - thank you for hosting your family and friends here. We hope you come back and visit Emerson and all of us again soon! Thank you so much! Bridget
Megan P
5.0
7/22/2024
We had such an amazing experience at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center for our wedding. Their event planning team is so professional, friendly, organized, and accommodating. They were ...
so helpful directing vendors and our wedding party to keep the night running smoothly. They made the night stress free. The venue is beautiful with the newly renovated outdoor pavilion area, outdoor covered veranda for cocktail hour, and a beautiful indoor reception hall. The beauty of the nature center made decorating and pictures simple. Our guests commented that the venue was beautiful but also how it was such a comfortable and welcoming space for a wedding. We would highly recommend having your wedding at Schlitz!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 08/06/2024
Megan - Thank you SO much for taking the time to write this! Your kind words mean so much...
to us. It was a true joy to work with you and Gabe - and your wedding night was so smooth and fun! It was fun to see all of the smiling and faces and how excited your parents are for your wedding. Thank you for bringing your bright light to the Center - we will never forget it! Sincerely, Bridget
Emily C
5.0
7/09/2024
The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center was the perfect place for our wedding reception! Everyone was so kind and attentive and they made the planning process really easy. We got so many...
compliments on the venue in particular and the knowledgeable staff during the Raptor Meet & Greet. I cannot recommend enough! Thank you SANC!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 07/10/2024
Emily! I love these photos so much! You and Mitch are the best. Thank you so much for br...
inging your amazing friends and family to the Center to see the birds of prey that you both adore so much and to celebrate your beautiful marriage. It was such a wonderful day! We can't wait to see you back soon - congratulations on your wedding and thank you for your sweet words!
Janelle R
5.0
7/05/2024
Schlitz Audobon Nature Center was the first place we toured, and we booked it almost immediately! It was everything we could’ve ever wanted! Working with Bridget was a dream. This ...
venue has weddings down to a science. They are truly excellent, thoughtful, and have a back-up plan to a back-up plan! The nature center was a gorgeous backdrop for our wedding day pictures. Our ceremony took place in the Pavilion which had some recent beautiful upgrades. We also had many compliments on our reception space. I’m so glad we went with Schlitz for our wedding venue. It was such a magical night!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 07/05/2024
Oh Janelle, You are the sweetest! We were just looking at your pictures again - they so p...
erfectly capture your beautiful wedding day! Thank you for trusting us with this important celebration. Your vision was so stunning and you brought it to life - we were honored to be here to watch! Come back to hike soon and be sure to visit the area that your tree will be planted! Sending you and Brett wishes for a lifetime of love! -Bridget
Kirsta H
5.0
9/20/2023
As a wedding venue they completely exceeded our expectations and truly deserve the many awards they display. Throughout a year of wedding planning, they guided us along every step...
of the way and made the process easy and fun. They are incredibly experienced event planners and were able to answer all of our questions and provide recommendations that were very useful. On the actual wedding day, they coordinated all of the vendors so we could focus on welcoming guests and getting pictures taken along their many picturesque trails. The wedding setup was perfect and the pictures were stunning. We definitely recommend the Audubon Center as a wedding venue or venue for any major occasion.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 09/21/2023
Jeff - What incredibly nice things to say - thank you so much! We loved working with you ...
and Kirsta on your wedding day! It was a beautiful, beautiful day and your families and friends were amazing. Be sure to send photos when they get back - we will see you soon! Sincerely, Bridget & team
Ashlyn T
5.0
9/18/2023
When my husband and I toured Schlitz 2 weeks after getting engaged, we knew from the moment we walked in this was the perfect place for us. Beautiful, serene, clean, and breathtaki...
ng- this venue had it all. Everything from the ceremony space, to being surrounded by trees, the beach, it was all perfect! Bridget is THE BEST coordinator, whatever she is being paid-she needs a raise. She was so professional, attentive, and quick to reply to all my questions. Rylie and Abriana were so helpful the day of, they helped coordinate my insanely large and crazy family for the rehearsal, and made sure everything was absolutely perfect without me asking anything! They make coordinating with other vendors so easy, and every guest that attended could not stop raving about how beautiful everything was. I would recommend this venue time and time again, our wedding was absolutely perfect with Schlitz, and we cannot be more grateful.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 09/18/2023
Ashlyn - You are the sweetest! We loved working with you and Brian and watching your visi...
on come to life. These pictures really show your amazing love for each other and your magical touches around our venue. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here - we are so so touched. We can't wait to see you again. XO Bridget and team
Issabel S
5.0
8/29/2023
My husband and I can’t say enough good things about this venue! We knew it was perfect after touring and were sold on the beautiful scenery and the option of having raptors at the ...
cocktail hour. Bridget was so attentive and great to work with through the whole process and our wedding day was perfect from start to end. Rylie and Abriana were amazing at helping the whole day run smoothly. The whole team really knows what they are doing and I can’t recommend them enough. Our guests loved not only the atmosphere, but also the convenience of parking and navigating the property from ceremony to reception. All around perfect, and we can’t wait to come back for hiking!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 09/02/2023
Issabel - These photos are just magical and definitely capture your amazing evening. We ar...
e so honored you selected us as your venue and look forward to seeing you back here for years to come. Thank you so much for your kind words. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together! -Bridget
Sarah B
5.0
7/18/2023
Our wedding at the Schlitz was truly perfect. When we first toured the venue, we knew it was a top contender - and when we heard you could have raptors at cocktail hour, we were so...
ld. Their event staff was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and patient with all of our questions (of which there were many). If you want a gorgeous venue and an event staff that is easy to work with, we would absolutely recommend Schlitz!
PS. Do not pass up the opportunity to have the birds of prey at your cocktail hour! It is a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 07/18/2023
Sarah and Spenser - This pictures speak your love story beautifully! We loved working wi...
th you! Your creative vision and easy-going vibe was full of love and fun! Thanks for sharing your light with us! We can't wait to see you soon! -Bridget & Team
Meena N
5.0
5/28/2023
We recently had our wedding here and couldn't recommend a better venue! Their staff were so helpful, friendly, and flexible and helped make our wedding day beautiful and memorable....
We had our ceremony inside by the fireplace and it was very intimate and special.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 07/18/2023
Oh Meena! We loved your fireplace ceremony so much! You two were so fun and flexible and...
you created an incredibly warm environment for your family and friends! Please come back soon and hike! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together! Bridget & team
Hanna D
5.0
5/15/2023
I can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience with Schlitz! The venue and grounds are obviously gorgeous but the experience with Bridget, Katie and the whole team was so...
smooth, positive and helpful from start to finish. All our guests loved the beautiful building and had nothing but positive things to say. We had an all indoor event and the fireplaces being on and tended to throughout the night was a wonderful touch. They also offered a lot of nice “extras” like a stand for guest chart, moving ceremony chairs and the day of help for set up/take down assistance. Don’t hesitate to tour and book at Schlitz.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 05/15/2023
Oh Hanna! We miss you and Karl already! Thanks for the sweet words. It was so fun to w...
ork with you and bring your vision to life. Your fireplace ceremony was so memorable and intimate. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the start of your lives together. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together. - Bridget & Team
Ellie W
5.0
4/21/2023
Schlitz was literally a dream both to work with and on the day of. I literally could not imagine my wedding anywhere else and I am so happy that everything looked exactly how I wan...
ted it to! Schlitz is also such a wonderful place to just visit. I (almost) had more fun showing the venue off to my party members in the year leading up to the wedding than actually the wedding itself!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 04/21/2023
Ellie and Steph, We had a blast planning your wedding with you. Your vision, sense of hum...
or and love for each other was evident from the start - midnight walks forever! We look forward to seeing you again soon, Bridget, Caitlyn and Rylie
Jamey B
5.0
11/08/2022
Schlitz is such a beautiful location! The event team and bartender were AMAZING!! They helped alleviate the stress of making sure our wedding went smoothly. Our guests cannot stop ...
talking about how beautiful Schlitz is. Not only do you get a beautiful location with great staff who know what they are doing, but you are able to support a great cause! We cannot recommend Schlitz enough!!!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 11/08/2022
Thank you for the sweet words, Jamey! Congratulations to you and Chris - you two are the b...
est! Hope to see you on the trails soon!
David K
5.0
9/25/2022
Our wedding at the Schlitz was absolutely wonderful. Their event planning staff was always ready to answer our questions, provided great recommendations for vendors to work with, a...
nd helped us navigate a potential downpour on our outdoor wedding (thankfully, only the rehearsal was wet!). My wife has been visiting the Schlitz since her childhood, so its naturally beautiful setting was immediately on our minds when looking for a venue. When we found out that we could have four guests of honor (rescued raptors with educators/handlers) at our cocktail hour, we were sold. Bridget was extremely organized and helpful throughout the process, but especially in directing our wedding party during the rehearsal and the on our wedding day. It was so easy to work with the team at the Audubon center and its unique beauty made our wedding feel so special; we would highly recommend the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 09/26/2022
We had so much fun working with you and your families! Thank you for your sweet words and...
for celebrating here. Congratulations and we'll see you the trails!
Anna J
5.0
8/26/2022
My husband and I fell in love with Schlitz Audubon Nature Center when we first toured here! The event staff was very communicative and helpful throughout the whole planning process...
. We had both our ceremony and reception here would highly recommend them!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 08/26/2022
Thank you for your kind words, Anna! We are so grateful that you selected our venue for y...
our celebration with your friends and family! Come back and hike soon!
Hanna M
5.0
8/03/2022
Beautiful Venue! We had our Reception at Schlitz and it was gorgeous! Jessica and Bridget helped us to plan every detail seamlessly. They made sure everything went smoothly the day...
of so I did not have to worry about a thing. A lot of people who came to our wedding were local, and they could not believe they had never been to this gem was tucked in the woods! I highly recommend this spot for your Wedding!
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 08/26/2022
You are so kind, Hanna! We loved your celebration and all of your personal touches! Than...
k you for selecting Schlitz Audubon. We can't wait to see you back on our trails soon - for years to come!
Casey O
5.0
7/10/2022
Schlitz was the perfect venue for us! The planning process was easy with Jessica, who was a pleasure to work with. The ceremony space outdoors is beautiful and secluded with partia...
l views of the lake. It didn't feel too hot during our June wedding. The veranda is perfect for the cocktail hour. The reception area felt warm, rustic yet elegant. Our guests kept telling us what a beautiful venue we picked! I also highly recommend having the birds of prey attend the reception! Definitely one of the coolest features of the venue.
Response from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on 08/26/2022
We are so happy that you created amazing memories with your June wedding here - plus, our ...
Raptor team loved being a part of your cocktail hour! Thank you so much for selecting Schlitz Audubon!
Victoria B
5.0
1/15/2022
We couldn't have asked to have our wedding at a more beautiful venue. All of our guests were raving about how gorgeous the outdoor setting and the event space was. Jessica and Brid...
get were wonderful to work with and made the whole process seamless. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing! We had our wedding in October, so the changing leaves and gorgeous outdoor photo spots made for beautiful wedding photos that I will cherish forever.
Drew M
4.0
3/18/2020
The Schlitz Audubon offered an incredible wedding venue for a couple who wants outdoor vibes in an indoor setting. The smaller auditorium is great for a more intimate ceremony and ...
the larger Great Hall is a gorgeous space for a reception. Not to mention the surrounding scenery is perfect for photos.
Before you book this venue, however, be aware that all alcohol must be purchased through them and you must select a caterer through an approved list; we were more than happy with Chef Jack's, who had worked with the Schlitz prior.
Overall, incredible venue for a couple looking for a beautiful space to celebrate in.
Tara G
5.0
6/17/2019
All of our guest commented on how beautiful this venue was! The event coordinator, Jessica, was very organized and easy to work with. She was very accommodating with meeting with...
us as we live out of town and had tough schedules to work around. The bar provided through the venue was fantastic and all the staff we worked with were so pleasant!
Grace E
5.0
6/03/2019
this place was absolutely stunning and the staff was very courteous and helpful. thank you so much Jessica and Jaimee, you guys were so awesome!!!!! Our day was absolutely perfect,...
everything about the venue was perfect. I felt one with the Audubon.
Janean L
5.0
11/01/2018
Perfect! is all I can say about this venue. We were married there Oct 2018 and it was stunning. It is truly amazing to see the center transform from a educational nature center to ...
a elegant and romantic space. The wood burning fireplaces were wonderful for Guest to warm up by as they entered the hall. The staff was amazing along with the wonderful and fun bartenders. I highly recommend this venue.
Debra S
5.0
10/15/2018
Wonderful venue and a beautiful fall day at Schlitz although a touch cold. We had my daughters wedding outside but it was too cold to have the cocktails there under the overhang. T...
hey suggested that we use the conference room with the eagle and owls that we rented from Schlitz, in the room and it worked out perfectly. How often do you get one foot from a Snowy Owl for selfies and learn about them at the same time? Dinner from Chef Jacks was fantastic. Jessica from Schlitz and Candy from Chef Jacks had everything under control and even had everything from the florist, Bank of Memories and Flowers and things we brought, packed up for us at the end of the night. No wedding planner needed!
Emily T
5.0
10/04/2018
I could not dream up a more perfect wedding venue than Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. We were looking for something with an outdoors element that wasn't too far from the city, and ...
Schlitz was exactly that. Not only is it beautifully picturesque, but Jessica, their events coordinator, is wonderful and easy to work with. Multiple locations to take photos along with access to a golf cart to get around quickly and easily. Access to a bridal suite and grooms room to get ready and hold your belongings. A stunning, picturesque location for the ceremony. An outdoor wrap-around porch for the cocktail hour (and also great place for guest who don't want to dance to relax and chat during the reception). Beautiful indoor space for the reception that requires minimal decoration because it's gorgeous in its own rite. I could go on and on. We were SO happy with our decision to choose Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.
Christine B
5.0
7/31/2018
Our wedding at Schlitz was a dream come true! Everything was so easy to plan and coordinated well between Schlitz and our caterer. They require you to use a specific caterer, but ...
supply suggestions and you are open to use your own vendors for other things. We only had our reception here and it worked out great. The venue was so gorgeous and we received so many compliments. We are so excited to visit in the years to come. I would highly recommend Schlitz to anyone who is planning a wedding.
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Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Bridget Carlson
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Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
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