There are so many beautiful wedding venues in the Chicagoland area!! Today I’m sharing 5 of my favorite venues in the suburbs of Chicago. Next week I’ll be sharing 5 more!
Creek Bend Nature Center in St. Charles
This was actually my wedding venue last September! So it definitely has a special place in my heart. This farmhouse has been beautifully updated into a charming wedding venue with a classic feel. We chose it for many reasons. We liked the idea of the outdoors & Creek Bend Nature Center is part of LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve. There are beautiful oak trees & a creek on the property – soooo many locations for photos. This venue is very DIY in the sense that you have to find all the vendors yourself, though they certainly have a list of possibilities for you to consider. This means a little more work but it also means you can make your wedding exactly what you imagine! We absolutely loved having out wedding here. It worked with our budget & our aesthetic! Click here for more info.
The Haight in Elgin
I’ve shot at The Haight multiple times & I love it! The coordinators there are great to work with & super helpful. This is another venue that is very customizable. They have a ton of space! I’ve seen many couples use the downstairs or rooftop for cocktail hour & the upstairs has 2 rooms for ceremony & reception – they can accommodate a lot of guests! There are also 3 rooms upstairs that are often used for the bridal party getting-ready space & a small room downstairs for the guys. I would describe the venue as having an urban-loft vibe with touches of rustic & vintage decor. You could certainly push the theme in any of those directions based on your personal vision. There is a brick wall on one side of the building that can be great for portraits but another option is the nearby park if you want more of a nature-feel in your portraits. Click here for more info.
Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville
The Great Hall at Mistwood Golf Club is another venue that can accommodate a larger guest list – (250+) & there are a ton of unique spots for portraits on their property! Of course there is the golf course but there’s also a couple bridges, some tall grasses, and forest areas. The main reception hall is aptly named – it feels vast & yet also warm & inviting. It truly makes me think of a great hall in a castle where you’d expect to find a celebration complete with a feast & dancing in firelight. There is space right off the Great Hall that is often used for a cocktail hour & includes outdoor space as well if the weather is nice. Find more info here.
Riverside Receptions in Geneva
I think I may have photographed 30+ weddings here! But that doesn’t mean I’m tired of it! I know it so well that I always feel a sense of comfort going into a wedding day at this venue. The staff here is super accommodating & experienced. There are many places nearby for portraits – the river, multiple parks, the courtyard, downtown Geneva – the list goes on! Both upstairs & downstairs rooms have floor to ceiling windows that provide a view of the fox river. You have the option of renting just one level if your party is small, or the whole venue can be yours! I’ve often seen the ceremony take place downstairs along with cocktail hour, & the reception is held upstairs after. The courtyard can also be beautiful for a ceremony if the weather permits! Click here for more info.
The Haley Mansion in Joliet
This venue is classic, grand, elegance! The mansion dates back to 1891 when construction began. Now it serves as a supremely elegant venue for private events. The ballroom features gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows & can sit over 300 guests. In the backyard sits a large pergola & lawn – often used for the ceremony. There are many rooms in the mansion to be used for getting ready, cocktail hour, & more. The space feels bright, manicured, & elegant. Click here for more info.
I hope you found some inspiration here! Check back next week when I’ll be sharing 5 more of my favorite Chicago-suburb venues!
Bonus!
here is a favorite from our ceremony under the oak trees at creek bend nature center in st. charles
our wedding was beautifully photographed by my mentor & dear friend, Caitlin of hazelton photography
