Best Places To Get Married In Illinois: Top Venues for a Magical Day
If you’re planning a wedding in Illinois, you’re in for a treat. The state offers a variety of beautiful venues, from charming farms to elegant lofts in downtown Chicago. No matter your style, Illinois has the perfect setting for your big day.
Whether you dream of a rustic barn wedding or a chic city celebration, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. From scenic vineyards to botanical gardens, the best places to get married in Illinois cater to every taste and budget.
1) The Haight
The Haight is a great place to tie the knot. It’s an ideal spot for couples looking for a unique wedding experience in Elgin, Illinois. This venue provides a beautiful setting for your special day, making it memorable for you and your guests.
The Haight also caters to other events. From live music to intimate gatherings, you can host various celebrations here. The venue’s charm transforms any event into a spectacular occasion.
For your wedding, The Haight offers a range of services. They help you plan every detail, making the process smoother and stress-free. The team works hard to ensure that your event goes off without a hitch.
Rating: 4.7 (299 reviews)
Location: 166 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
Contact: (224) 801-4166
Website: Visit Website
2) The Monte Bello Estate
The Monte Bello Estate is a beautiful wedding venue in Lemont, Illinois. It is known for its stunning estate style and picturesque landscapes. This venue boasts the largest private wildflower preserve in Illinois, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. It’s an ideal place if you want a charming outdoor wedding setting.
Bookings for 2025 are filling up fast, so if you’re interested, it’s important to reach out soon to secure your preferred date. Whether you’re looking to learn more about planning your wedding or simply want to explore the beauty of this venue, Monte Bello Estate offers ample resources and support to make your dream wedding come true.
You can contact them for more details and check availability. With positive reviews and breathtaking views, your wedding at The Monte Bello Estate could be an unforgettable experience.
Rating: 4.8 (165 reviews)
Location: 16501 W 135th St, Lemont, IL 60439
Contact: (815) 836-8617
Website: Visit Website
3) Greenhouse Loft
Greenhouse Loft offers a beautiful and customizable space for your wedding. With 3600 sq ft and 16-foot ceilings, it features floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of natural light. The outdoor Skygarden is another highlight, perfect for creating a scenic backdrop for your special day.
The venue can accommodate various wedding sizes. You can have up to 175 guests for a seated dinner with a DJ or a cocktail-style reception. If you prefer a band, the capacity is 150 guests. The outdoor garden is available year-round, weather permitting, and can also host 175 guests.
Included in the rental rate are amenities like custom farm tables, a photobooth, DJ services, and a private bridal suite. You’ll also get a dedicated liaison to help plan your event, and an open catering list for flexibility. Parking is available for 30 cars, and there’s a videowall with graphic design services for extra flair.
Rating: 4.8 (204 reviews)
Location: 2545 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: (312) 733-5762
Website: Visit Website
4) Venue 5126
Venue 5126 offers a blend of elegance and rustic charm, making it a perfect spot for your wedding and reception. The 7-acre property is covered with scenic farmland, providing gorgeous backdrops for photos and peaceful spaces to enjoy your special day.
The venue includes a renovated barn that adds a unique and charming touch to any event. The barn is ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and dancing. There are also two beautiful outdoor spaces for your ceremony, offering a variety of scenic options.
Additionally, Venue 5126 provides all-inclusive services to make your planning process seamless. You get an event coordinator, exclusive caterer, and access to an in-house florist, styling team, rentals boutique, and DJ. The friendly staff will ensure your wedding day is unforgettable.
Rating: 4.7 (247 reviews)
Location: 5126 Stephens Rd, Oswego, IL 60543
Contact: (630) 554-7100
Website: Visit Website
5) The Grove Redfield Estate
The Grove Redfield Estate is a charming wedding venue located within The Grove Nature Preserve. The estate includes a vintage craftsman style home with dressing rooms and a fireplace. This historic spot is surrounded by beautiful scenery, which makes it perfect for your special day.
The estate features a covered-stone pavilion with a fireplace, period lighting, and a rustic gazebo. There’s a large meadow, a pond, and seasonally filled urns and fountains that add to the beauty of the place. This venue can host both indoor and outdoor events, suitable for groups of 2 to 125.
Nature lovers will enjoy the serene environment with oaks, hickories, and wetlands. You might even see white-tailed deer, a fox, or a hawk during your event. The peaceful setting offers a memorable experience for weddings and other celebrations.
Rating: 4.6 (81 reviews)
Location: 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL 60025
Contact: (847) 298-0095
Website: Visit Website
6) The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy
The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy is a beautiful and historic wedding venue. Since 1982, it has been providing couples with a unique setting to celebrate their special day. The venue is known for its exceptional service, ensuring that every detail is attended to, from the inventive cuisine to the stunning food presentations.
Surrounded by the charming and timeless architecture, your wedding at The Armour House will truly be memorable. The venue boasts an elegant atmosphere that is perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. The picturesque setting includes beautiful gardens and stunning interiors, making it an ideal spot for wedding photos.
Moreover, the team at The Armour House is dedicated to making your day unforgettable. They focus on providing personalized service to meet your specific needs and desires. Every element of the venue is designed to create a magical experience for you and your guests.
Rating: 4.7 (111 reviews)
Location: 1500 Kennedy Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Contact: (847) 615-3219
Website: Visit Website
7) Chapel in the Pines Wedding & Banquet Center
Located in the Chicago-land area, Chapel in the Pines offers a charming, country chic setting for your wedding. This venue has been family-owned since 1994 and has hosted over 2,500 weddings. If you’re looking for a picturesque outdoor wedding, their garden gazebo is perfect and includes setup and ceremony music.
The Victorian-inspired white wedding chapel provides an intimate setting with a fairy tale church bell, authentic hardwood pews, and climate control. It can accommodate 100 guests plus the bridal party, ensuring everyone remains comfortable regardless of the season.
For your reception, the vintage-inspired banquet hall seats up to 150 guests. It features beautiful chandeliers, a bar, photo booth, fire pit, and adjustable lighting. All-inclusive packages help to simplify your wedding planning, leaving you free to enjoy your special day.
Rating: 4.8 (183 reviews)
Location: Chapel in the Pines Wedding & Banquet Center
Contact: (815) 895-4797
Website: Visit Website
8) Loft on Lake
Loft on Lake provides a unique city vibe with a true Chicago loft atmosphere. Located in the bustling West Loop, this venue is perfect for those wanting an urban setting. The space features exposed brick, oak timber beams, and industrial ductwork, creating a stylish and flexible backdrop for your special day.
One of Loft on Lake’s standout features is its 65-foot skylight that floods the space with natural light. This adds a warm and welcoming ambiance. The venue can host up to 150 guests for a seated dinner with a dance floor or 175 for a cocktail-style event, making it great for both intimate and larger gatherings.
For convenience, the venue offers a full-sized kitchen, allowing fresh food to be prepared and served on-site. There’s also a private suite for the wedding party and a separate cocktail lounge area, ensuring your big day runs smoothly. You can even include your pets in your celebration, as the venue is pet-friendly.
With its mix of industrial and natural elements, Loft on Lake offers a customizable canvas for any wedding theme. The experienced staff and flexible policies make planning and decorating a breeze.
Rating: 4.7 (144 reviews)
Location: 1366 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: (312) 738-2437
Website: Visit Website
9) Northfork Farm Weddings
Northfork Farm Weddings offers a beautiful and charming wedding venue in Oswego, Illinois. The place is known for its professional staff and great communication. Despite any challenging weather, they ensure your wedding day remains perfect. Sarah Kiwan praised the venue, and highlighted its flexibility with date changes and exciting future improvements.
Guests enjoy convenient golf cart rides around the property, which adds to the overall experience. Northfork Farm has a preferred vendor list to make planning easier. You can choose from DJ options and food services like Uncle Bubs and DJUj, ensuring a memorable night for everyone.
Rating: 4.7 (150 reviews)
Location: 1998 Johnson Rd, Oswego, IL 60543
Contact: (815) 768-5400
Website: Visit Website
10) Farmington Lake
Farmington Lake is a beautiful wedding venue located in Mokena, Illinois. It offers a mix of natural beauty and rustic charm for your special day. The estate spans fifty acres and includes a tranquil three-acre lake, woodlands, meadows, and gardens.
The wedding ceremony takes place in a secluded Lakeside Meadow. This area features antique doors, a petal-strewn aisle, and artisan pews. The picturesque ceremony site is surrounded by generational trees, creating a magical setting.
Guests will enjoy the Welcome Garden and open-air lounge. The vintage portrait setting provides perfect spots for family photos. You can also capture moments at the vintage chapel setting and through the abbey windows.
Rating: 4.9 (68 reviews)
Location: 12050 179th St, Mokena, IL 60448
Contact: (312) 758-2979
Website: Visit Website
Ideal Seasons for a Wedding
Choosing the right season for your wedding can make a big difference in the overall experience. Each season in Illinois has unique features, benefits, and challenges that you might want to consider.
Spring Weddings
Spring is a beautiful time to get married in Illinois. The weather starts to warm up, making outdoor weddings pleasant. Flowers bloom, providing natural, picturesque backgrounds for your photos.
Chicago Botanic Garden and places like it are ideal this season because you get diverse floral displays. Temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F, which is comfortable but can also be unpredictable. You might need to plan for rain with backup indoor options.
Summer Weddings
Summer is the most popular season for weddings. Illinois offers long, sunny days perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. City View Loft in Chicago is great for a summer night wedding with its modern indoor setting and the city views.
Temperatures can be quite hot, ranging from 70°F to 90°F, so consider your guests’ comfort. Provide shaded areas or indoor spaces with air conditioning. Also, think about having your ceremony in the late afternoon or evening to avoid the peak heat.
Fall Weddings
Fall is another favorite season for weddings in Illinois. The weather is cooler and the fall foliage provides a stunning backdrop. Venues like Davis Lake, surrounded by woodlands, are perfect for a rustic, scenic ceremony.
Temperatures in fall range from 40°F to 70°F, offering a comfortable climate and less humidity compared to summer. Fall also brings fewer bugs and more predictable weather, making it ideal for those who want a cozy, memorable event.
Winter Weddings
Winter weddings can be incredibly magical, especially with a fresh layer of snow. Places like Chicago Gaelic Park can offer a charming Irish-themed winter wedding. Indoor venues are best to keep everyone warm and cozy.
Temperatures can drop to 20°F to 40°F, so indoor ceremonies and receptions are a must. Consider holiday-inspired décor to add warmth and festive cheer. Winter weddings often have fewer scheduling conflicts, which may give you more choices for dates and venues.
Popular Wedding Themes
Wedding themes set the mood and style for your big day. From the charm of rustic weddings to the sleek elegance of modern weddings, and the nostalgic touch of vintage weddings, there’s something for everyone.
Rustic Weddings
Rustic weddings are perfect if you love nature and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Think barns, farms, and outdoor settings with lots of natural elements. Wooden tables, mason jars, and burlap are common decorations.
Lighting often includes string lights and candles to create a warm glow. Simple florals, like wildflowers or sunflowers, add a pop of color. Your guests can enjoy a laid-back vibe with lawn games and a more casual dress code.
For food, consider a BBQ or farm-to-table menu that fits the setting. Venues like The Mora Farm can provide the perfect rustic backdrop.
Modern Weddings
Modern weddings focus on clean lines, minimalistic design, and a sophisticated feel. Venues in urban areas like downtown Chicago are ideal. Look for spaces with contemporary architecture and sleek decor.
Use a neutral color palette with accents of metallics or bold colors. Geometric shapes and monochromatic florals can add to the chic atmosphere.
Consider live music or a DJ that fits the modern theme. Specialty cocktails and a curated menu can enhance the experience. Your invitations and signage can have a minimalist design to tie everything together.
Vintage Weddings
Vintage weddings are filled with nostalgia and charm. Vintage decor includes antique furniture, lace details, and old-world charm. Places like Warehouse: 109, with its 1958 Airstream lounge and vintage bar, can set the perfect scene.
Incorporate soft pastels and elegant fabrics into your decor. Antique cars, vintage tableware, and classic music can transport your guests back in time.
For attire, you might choose classic gowns and suits reminiscent of past decades. A vintage wedding often has a romantic atmosphere, making it memorable for you and your guests.
Choose a menu that reflects the vintage feel, such as classic cocktails and timeless dishes.