Wooded and Whimsical: 22 Illinois Forest Wedding Venues

Venue Superpowers: 

Chicago Landmark

Prairie-Style Design

Affordable

Fab Features: serene Chicago landmark boasting Spanish-influenced architecture, like arched entries, ornate terra cotta detailing, airy porticos, and oversized windows • the Prairie-style landscape design includes natural waterfalls, stonework ledges, and a nine-hole golf course • the Dining Hall's enormous floor-to-ceiling arched doorways lead onto a spacious Dining Terrace overlooking the lagoon

Venue Superpowers: 

Landscaped Grounds

Modern Ballroom

Private Club

Fab Features: elegant country club nestled on 168 acres of verdant fairways, mature oak trees and sparkling lakes and streams • ceremonies on a tree-lined green, followed by receptions on a flagstone patio that leads into the ballroom • gracious modern clubhouse with a unique barrel ceiling and expansive windows framing picturesque views of the landscape

Venue Superpowers:

Private Estate

All-Inclusive

Manicured Gardens

Fab Features: stunning 55-acre private estate dotted with ponds, waterfalls, and manicured gardens • ceremony locations include a classic iron pergola beside the oak-line pond, the charming "Narnia" clock, and a lush wildflower prairie • packages include exclusive use of the estate grounds, mansion, and custom tent, plus fabulous food & beverage packages 

Venue Superpowers:

Romantic Garden Party Vibe

Al Fresco Receptions

All-Inclusive

Fab Features: expansive estate set among glorious gardens, two historic museums, and a 27-hole championship golf course • romantic "I do"s beneath an ornate gazebo in the Rose Garden, on the terraced East Lawn, or the serene Rock Garden • dance al fresco among the glowing lights of Le Jardin, under the tented Woodside Pavilion, or celebrate in the Red Oak Room, with its panoramic views

Venue Superpowers: 

Historic Landmark

All-Inclusive

Award-Winning Cuisine

Fab Features: stylish landmark venue that was formerly the Highland Park Country Club, one of the city's original event centers • al fresco ceremonies on a pretty lawn, backed by lush native grasses, shrubbery, and mature trees • talented chefs create customized, creative menus, including options for kosher, Indian, and other ethnic cuisines

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Excellent Cuisine

Lush Forest & Wetland Views

Fab Features: welcoming, picturesque private club boasting topnotch food & beverage service • the surroundings are truly stunning, boasting manicured golf greens, prairie-wetlands conservancies, and nine ponds attracting native wildlife • elegant French doors in the Grand Ballroom lead onto a gracious veranda with sweeping views

Venue Superpowers: 

Full Service 

Picturesque 

Affordable Elegance 

Fab Features: lovely al fresco ceremonies on the green, with the sky and hills as a natural backdrop • inside the French Normandy-inspired clubhouse is a renovated Grand Ballroom overlooking the course and a Garden Room with a gracious, “enclosed porch” design • artfully manicured grounds dotted with pretty flowering plants, weeping willows, water features, and towering oak and pepper trees

Venue Superpowers:

Stunning Architecture

Picturesque Setting

Lush Grounds

Fab Features: an elegant country club featuring an inspiring blend of architecture and majestic natural landscapes • say ‘I do’ in the charming courtyard with the majestic ivy-covered clubhouse as a backdrop • celebrate in the Grand Ballroom surrounded by gorgeous vaulted ceilings and wrap-around windows

Venue Superpowers:

Family-Owned

Colorful Blooms

All-Inclusive

Fab Features: family-owned country club with meticulously maintained grounds that showcase the area’s natural beauty with lush greenery and colorful flowers • say "I do" next to a dreamy lake with a fountain or within an exquisite garden • then, move to an airy banquet room with views of the surrounding golf greens and gardens

Venue Superpowers:

Secluded Location

On-Site Accommodations

Farm-to-Fork Cuisine

Fab Features: secluded yet glamorous country getaway • the Pavilion is appointed with a towering masonry fireplace, chandeliers hanging from timber beams, and state-of-the-art audiovisual enhancements • farm-to-fork cuisines provided by their exclusive caterer, Henrici’s

Venue Superpowers:

Small Wedding Packages

Outdoor Reception Options

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Fab Features: family-run organic farm surrounded by lush gardens and quaint buildings • exchange vows beneath a vine-draped white trellis in an open meadow • farm-to-table menus crafted from their own harvests whenever possible

Venue Superpowers:

Lush Landscape

Picturesque Setting

Late Night Celebrations

Fab Features: beautifully maintained 155-acre campus of majestic trees and gardens • the Fountain Garden boasts lush plantings, a vine-covered trellis, a large pavilion, and cascading water for a soothing ambiance • al fresco celebration beneath a classic white tent, with seating for 500 plus an adjoining terrace

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Sweeping Lake Views

Destination Weddings

Fab Features: welcoming lakeside resort set on 6,800 sprawling acres • al fresco celebrations on the breezy patio or in one of two ballrooms, all of which boast spectacular views of beautiful Lake Galena • affordable, flexible packages keep the planning process simple

Venue Superpowers:

Lovely Landscaping

Historic Details

Micro-Weddings Welcome

Fab Features: a historic lodge surrounded by 52 beautiful acres of parkland • hold your romantic outdoor ceremony under the cover of towering pines • celebrate in the elegant second floor ballroom

Venue Superpowers:

Modern Farmhouse

Luxe Prep Spaces

Panoramic Views

Fab Features: custom-built barn with sweeping views of the Galena countryside •. the light-filled interior impresses with its modern design, white walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows • luxurious and private spaces available for day-of pampering and prep

Venue Superpowers:

Cool Former Brickyard

Glamping Lodging

River Views

Fab Features: remarkable 19th-century brickyard-turned-event venue offering a variety of unique indoor & outdoor spaces • an expansive deck connected to the event space boasts views of the Vermilion River • boutique camping options include lavish safari-style tents, inclusive meals, and on-site activities

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Secluded Setting

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: relaxing resort surrounded by nature • variety of event spaces from the Grand Ballroom to the outdoor pavilion to the canyon deck • endless amenities like an indoor waterpark, cave arcade, and mini golf!

Venue Superpowers:

Family-Owned

All-Inclusive

Private Estate

Fab Features: sweet, family-owned venue surrounded by lush meadows, a sparkling pond, and mature shade trees • the pretty whitewashed barn boasts features an attached covered patio that opens to a courtyard • choose from their wide collection of décor to make your unique vision come to life

Venue Superpowers:

Picturesque Setting

Private Estate

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: whimsical property set on 36 gorgeous acres • endless photo ops next to the 1-acre pond, a cascading waterfall, the flower swing, a boho tiny house, and the wonderland woods • forested ceremonies followed by fun receptions in the rustic barn or in the covered pavilion with is large stone fireplace

Venue Superpowers:

Lakefront Lawn

Breezy Wood Pavilion

Cozy Cottage Lodging
 

Fab Features: a lakeside wedding and event venue nestled in the heart of southern Illinois • hold your ceremony on the Lakeside Stage featuring a gorgeous water view • make your celebration last all weekend and stay in Eagle’s Hideaway, the four bedroom cottage on-site

Venue Superpowers:

Picturesque Panoramas

Rustic

Weekend Weddings

Fab Features: breathtaking panoramic views of the Shawnee National Forest • say “I do” on the manicured lawn or with a pre-Civil War barn backdrop • multiple event spaces can accommodate intimate to large-scale celebrations

Venue: The Shores of Turtle Creek