When most people hear Illinois, they think of Chicago. The city is beautiful and has some incredible offerings, but there is so much more to the state than this one lakeside city.
Illinois is nicknamed “the Prarie State” and has incredible landscapes, including forests, farmlands, and rolling hills. With these stunning views, it’s no wonder Illinois is one of the most popular states to get married. It ranks seventh out of the fifty states and Washington D.C., with a total of 62,532 weddings taking place in 2021 and the average cost being $24,554.
From lush pastures and meadows to sleek city views, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of backdrops Illinois wedding venues can offer a couple. Your wedding photos are sure to look magical, and your guests will have their breath taken away.
These venues will give you gorgeous scenery, incredible packages, and incomparable extras that will make your wedding day special. Learn more about some of the best wedding venues in Illinois.
Chicago Gaelic Park
A stunning wedding venue in Oak Forest, Illinois, south of Chicago. Originally founded to preserve and promote Irish culture, Chicago Gaelic Park also provides a beautiful and elegant estate to host your wedding events.
You’ll have two ballrooms, two outdoor sites, and an Irish pub to choose from on your wedding day. The largest is the Emerald Room, which features two oak bars and hand-carved mirrors, plus a large dance floor and elevated stage. Outside, The Patio is surrounded by seasonal wildflowers, a pergola, and a water fountain.
Chicago Gaelic Park can provide experienced event planners to help you keep all the details straight. In-house catering chefs can make gourmet plated dinners or family-style meals, as well as late-night snacks and indulgent desserts. There’s also a suite for couples to get ready before the ceremony.
Venue cost: $1,500-$1,750
Venue capacity: 300 guests
Find Chicago Gaelic Park at Chicago Gaelic Park or check out Facebook or Instagram.
McHenry Country Club
An elegant ballroom with waterfront views in McHenry, Illinois. McHenry Country Club sits on the Fox River and has grounds that feature mature trees, lush gardens, and a tranquil river. Your breath is sure to be taken away from the moment you arrive.
Rest assured that your wedding photos will look like a dream no matter where you host your wedding events. Outside, you can get married on the lawn with the river in the background and shaded by a white pergola.
Inside, the ballroom features large windows that overlook the scenic grounds. And take a walk down to the docks or through the garden for magical wedding photos.
McHenry Country Club will provide event planners to make sure you have your dream wedding. The venue also provides event rentals, in-house bar, and catering services, set up and clean-up, and all-inclusive packages. McHenry Country Club also has a suite to prepare before the ceremony.
Venue cost: $3,000-$5,000
Wedding package: $70 per person
Venue capacity: 200 guests
Find McHenry Country Club at McHenry Country Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Loyola at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens
Historic and elegant, Loyola at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens will feel like your own enchanted reception. Originally built in 1916, the venue sits on 100 lush acres. Loyola at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens is in Vernon Hills, Illinois, only 45 minutes from Chicago.
The grounds feature blooming gardens, the mansion has ornate decor, and the venue has an overall vintage feel. You can eat dinner and dance the night away in the Pavilion Ballroom, which has glamorous decor, including dazzling chandeliers. You can also host a cocktail hour outside on the patio.
Loyola at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens has event planning available, so the process is enjoyable from the start. The venue has a suite to refresh yourself in before the reception. The staff will provide set up and clean up, as well as event rentals like chairs and tables.
Venue cost: $3,500-$6,000
Venue capacity: 300 guests
Find Loyola at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens at Loyola at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Chicago History Museum
Sleek and elegant, the Chicago History Museum is surrounded by the luscious lawns of Lincoln Park. You’ll have uninterrupted views of the city skyline in this historic venue that perfectly combines old and new.
Couples will have multiple event venues to choose from for their wedding day, with high ceilings and large windows to welcome the view. Outside, you can have a ceremony and reception in the Outdoor Plaza, or inside, wed and celebrate in the Chicago Room.
The Chicago History Museum has an on-site coordinator who will ensure that all details are flawlessly executed. There are suites available to get ready in or for the couple to take a moment to themselves during the day. The staff also provides set up and clean-up so you can enjoy your wedding day.
Venue cost: 54,000-$11,500
Venue capacity: 350 guests
Find Chicago History Museum at Chicago History Museum or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Eastwood
Located in Streator, Illinois, The Eastwood is a gorgeous setting surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees. This magical wedding venue can host large affairs and intimate gatherings with elegant decor and memorable moments.
This golf course venue has an elegant banquet and reception hall where your ceremony and reception can take place. And your wedding photos will look enchanting when taken on the beautiful verdant grounds.
The Eastwood offers on-site catering and bar services that can be customized to a couple’s taste. Table and chair rentals are also included when booking this venue.
Venue cost: $800
Venue capacity: 300 guests
Find The Eastwood at The Eastwood or check out Facebook.
Wild Onion Brewery
This rustic wedding venue is located in Lake Barrington, Illinois, and overlooks a stunning private 11-acre lake. The grounds have blooming wildflowers and a tranquil waterfall that creates the most magical setting.
Couples will have three event spaces to choose from, including indoor and outdoor spaces. Outside, you and your guests can enjoy the cantilever patio under a canopy of twinkling lights. You can also host events inside the Great Hall, which features vaulted cathedral ceilings and sparkling chandeliers.
Wild Onion Brewery has all-inclusive packages that make wedding planning easy for couples. There’s also a suite to get ready in before the ceremony or reception. Wild Onion Brewery will provide event planning, as well as set up and cleaning services.
Venue cost: $5,000-$13,000
Venue capacity: 200 guests
Find Wild Onion Brewery at Wild Onion Brewery or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Aurora Country Club
This picturesque wedding venue in Aurora, Illinois is the perfect setting for an elegant wedding. Aurora Country Club has stunning grounds that feature lush landscaping, a pond, and a bubbling fountain.
You can get married in the ballroom, which features large windows that overlook the verdant grounds. And, outside, you can have an open-air ceremony that features uninterrupted views of the entire estate.
Aurora Country Club will provide an event coordinator that can help you with everything from choosing an all-inclusive package to booking a vendor. There is also a bridal suite to get ready in before the ceremony. The on-site catering team will provide you with meal customization, including buffets and plated meals.
Venue cost: $10,000-$12,000
Venue capacity: 250 guests
Find Aurora Country Club at Aurora Country Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Northfork Farm & Estate
Since 1961, this farm in Oswego, Illinois has been cared for by one family. This rustic and charming event space has rolling pastures and lush greenery dotted by wildflowers. You’ll find an elegant and magical setting for your nuptials.
Couples will have use of all of Northfork Farm & Estate on their wedding day. You can get married outside with the Illinois countryside as the background. The barn is a great place for a cocktail hour and reception.
You can start your wedding day in the suite to get ready before the ceremony. Northfork Farm & Estate will provide an event planner to help you prepare for your big day. The staff will provide set up and clean-up services so you can enjoy your wedding. And the venue is pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends to celebrate.
Venue cost: $8,500-$10,200
Venue capacity: 300 guests
Find Northfork Farm & Estate at Northfork Farm & Estate or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Chicago’s First Lady
Host a wedding in the most unforgettable location in the city: on the water. Chicago’s First Lady will cruise you down the river or across the lake aboard your own private yacht, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
You’ll have views of Chicago’s skyline from a new perspective. You’ll get to dance the night away under twinkling lights as the lights from the city glide by. You can get married inside the yacht or on the rooftop and celebrate your reception the same way.
Chicago’s First Lady will have bartenders onboard who can make a signature drink that represents both sides of the couple. The catering service can also create a meal customized to the couple’s taste.
Venue cost: $1,000-$1,400 an hour
Venue capacity: 200 guests
Find Chicago’s First Lady at Chicago’s First Lady or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Mission Hills Club
Elegant and classic, Mission Hills Club in Northbrook, Illinois is a stunning place to exchange cows. This exclusive venue in Chicago, Illinois features an outdoor space with rolling green hills and glistening water views.
The romantic outdoor space has verdant grounds that will be perfect for taking enchanted wedding photos or hosting your wedding ceremony. You can also get married inside the ballroom that has large windows that overlook the trees, gazebo, and rustic bridge.
You’ll have exclusive use of the venue to host an unforgettable wedding. The couple will have use of two suites to get ready before the ceremony or take a moment during the wedding day. Mission Hills Club also provides an in-house bar and catering services that you can customize to your tastes.
Venue cost: $10,000-$16,000
Venue capacity: 275 guests
Find Mission Hills Club at Mission Hills Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Brauer Barn
Located in Winnebago, Illinois, Brauer Barn is a stunning rustic estate that’s the ideal backdrop for your wedding. The barn was originally built in the 1900s and retained much of its original charm. You’ll have views of rolling hills and manicured lawns.
Couples will love the rustic feel of the red-paneled barn, which features the original hardwood floors and wood siding. The space also features a modern chandelier and twinkling string lights to give the space a warm glow.
You’ll have use of the entire property when you have your wedding at Brauer Barn. The owners are hands-on in the wedding process and will help plan even the smallest details to make your day as stress-free as possible.
Venue cost: $5,000-$10,000
Venue capacity: 299 guests
Find Mission Hills Club at Mission Hills Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Joliet Area Historical Museum
A unique wedding venue in Joliet, Illinois, this museum is sure to turn heads and leave unforgettable memories. Joliet Area Historical Museum is a stunning venue that offers four distinct spaces to host all of your wedding events, whether it’s an intimate affair or a grand ceremony.
Marvel at the terrazzo floors in the Route 66 visitors center, which features a glass enclosure that’ll be perfect for smaller weddings. Or host your wedding outside on the rooftop terrace that has incredible views overlooking historic downtown Joliet. There’s also the auditorium and resource and discovery room that can host indoor events.
Joliet Area Historical Museum will provide couples with event planning services, so the wedding day runs as smoothly as possible. The staff will also provide set up and clean-up so you can enjoy the day. You’ll also have a bar service that will serve beer, wine, and cocktails.
Venue cost: $1,750-$3,000
Venue capacity: 2250 guests
Find Joliet Area Historical Museum at Joliet Area Historical Museum or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Forum @ 110
This new wedding venue in Chicago, Illinois boasts stunning panoramic views of the waterfront. Located on the iconic Wacker Drive, The Forum @ 110 will provide you with the backdrop for an unforgettable event.
The ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows to show off the incredible waterfront views of the Chicago River. The modern and elegant setting is perfect for couples looking for a sleek wedding. You’ll have a cocktail area with a stunning marble bar and lounge seating that your guests can use before the event or during cocktail hour.
You’ll be able to customize the space to fit your event type, from banquet seating to a full cocktail wedding. If you have a smaller event, you’ll be able to separate the space for a cozier feel.
There’s also a suite to get ready in before the ceremony, as well as table and chair rents. Couples can also enjoy all-inclusive packages, which make wedding planning easier.
Venue cost: $1,200-$4,300
Venue capacity: 220 guests
Find The Forum @ 110 at The Forum @ 110 or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Colvin House
Designed in the Rhythm-Motif Theory and originally built in 1909, the Colvin House is a beautiful historic mansion that will provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding day. The charming details plus scenic views of Lake Michigan will take your guests’ breaths away.
You’ll have use of the main floor and adjoining outdoor courtyard for an intimate wedding day. Overhead twinkling lights provide a cozy atmosphere. And inside, the ornate details and marble accents create an elegant and romantic space.
Colvin House has two dressing rooms that the couple can get ready in before the ceremony. The staff will set up before and clean up after the event so you can enjoy your wedding day. And the venue also provides rental chairs, tables, and glassware, as well as lighting and sound.
Venue cost: $4,500-$7,500
Venue capacity: 100 guests
Find Colvin House at Colvin House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Mesón Sabika
This Naperville, Illinois wedding venue is a stunning option for an elegant wedding day. Mesón Sabika has both indoor and outdoor sites to hold a ceremony and reception. With sparkling chandeliers overhead, you’ll be ready to dance the night away.
Couples will have a few spaces to choose from for their wedding day. The Pavilion provides 5,000 square feet of event space that’s ideal for wedding receptions.
The space features draped ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and windows with uninterrupted views of the gorgeous grounds. Or have your wedding in the historic Georgian Mansion, originally built in 1847, which has charming dining rooms and delicate lace curtains.
You can start your day at Mesón Sabika in the suite to get ready before the day. The venue will also provide in-house catering and bar services that can be customized to the couple’s tastes.
Venue cost: $3-$14 per person
Venue capacity: 330 guests
Find Colvin House at Colvin House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
