Chicago is home to countless beautiful wedding locations, especially in the suburbs. There are quaint mansions, luscious gardens, and farms with rolling hills. The perfect venue looks gorgeous inside and out before any decorating even takes place. Some of the most picturesque wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs include:
- The Hyatt Lodge
- Brookfield Zoo
- Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
- Arrowhead Golf Club
- Hotel Baker
- Anderson Japanese Garden
- Cantigny Park
- The Monte Bello Estate
- Pinstripes
Keep reading this information-packed guide to learn more about these options, their locations, and their top amenities.
Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook
Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook is a perfect option if you want to say “I do” at a venue that’s beautiful inside and out, and it offers guests hotel rooms. Beautiful greenery surrounds this venue, creating a cozy atmosphere. Depending on the time of year, you can have your wedding outside on the patio. If outdoor weddings aren’t your style or the weather doesn’t call for it, don’t worry! The Hyatt Lodge has space inside framed by windows, so you can still get a perfect, natural backdrop.
Highlights of this venue include:
- It can hold 150–300 guests
- There’s a getting-ready space
- Ceremony and reception spaces
- Indoor and outdoor ceremony options
Plus, the Hyatt Lodge covers on-site accommodations, such as food and drinks. This makes planning easier for you and your partner since you can cross those vendors off your list. Additionally, this add-on makes up for the higher price point of booking your wedding at the Hyatt Lodge.
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Your wedding should reflect who you are, so Brookfield Zoo is the perfect spot if you and your partner love animals. There are various banquet rooms, plus indoor and outdoor spaces; they even have covered outdoor areas. You can get breathtaking photos near the animal exhibits. One of the resident peacocks could be your perfect photobomber!
Your wedding amenities at Brookfield Zoo include:
- The reception hall can hold up to 350 guests
- Handicap accessibility
- Separate space for cocktail hour
- Food and drink catering
The options for your main meal service vary on a buffet and plated dinner, depending on which package you select. Tie the knot in a unique venue surrounded by incredible animals from across the globe.
Bridal Tip
One tip for planning a zoo-themed wedding is to keep the theme of nature tied into all aspects of the wedding. Rather than use table numbers, use animal names to title and organize tables as you create your seating chart.
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, Lockport
Looking for a venue that has a rustic touch? Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm is your perfect option! The inside of this barn has all the character and charm many individuals love in natural wood. Plus, an incredible Swarovski chandelier lights up the space while adding some romantic flair. This Amish-built barn has the perfect areas for photo ops, such as an oversized porch swing, a corn maze, and more.
Some of the amenities at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm include:
- Capacity for up to 300 guests
- Indoor and outdoor wedding space
- Shuttle service
- Drink, main course, and dessert catering
Remember that this location does not have an area where you and your wedding party can get ready before the event, so you’ll need to make arrangements elsewhere. Make your rustic wedding dreams come true by getting married at this farm in the Chicago suburbs.
Bridal Tip
Some venues don’t have a bridal suite or dressing room, which may leave you wondering where to get ready for your wedding. If the location doesn’t allow this, consider other options, such as a nearby hotel or your home.
Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton
Arrowhead Golf Club truly is beautiful inside and out. We’re not alone in saying it’s one of the most picturesque wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs. It’s won awards from The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola for being a top choice. There are many rooms available on the main and second levels. Each room size varies, making it ideal for anything from a micro wedding with 18 guests to a big event with 300 people!
Other perks of Arrowhead Golf Club include:
- Bridal suite for getting ready
- Indoor and outdoor event spaces
- English and Spanish service
- Shuttle service for guests
The lush green grounds and brick building exterior make it a wonderful option for couples. Plus, this venue has a list of preferred vendors on its website to help you pick out a florist, photographer, event planner, dessert service, and entertainment.
Hotel Baker, St. Charles
Looking to make your wedding a party Jay Gatsby would throw? Hotel Baker is another historic option that opened in 1928. While it’s undergone renovations in the decades since opening, the hotel still has its vintage charm. Hotel Baker has also won the Knot’s Best of Weddings award for several years, making it one of your top picks.
Highlights of Hotel Baker include:
- The capability of holding up to 200 guests
- A getting-ready space
- Full food and drink service
- Assistance with wedding planning
The wedding grounds are just as beautiful as the inside, as it’s right next to the Fox River. Plus, guests can enjoy strolling around and shopping in downtown St. Charles if they come from out of town.
Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford
When you plan an outdoor wedding, one of the most important things is ensuring the venue looks amazing, and Anderson Japanese Gardens will take your breath away! These gorgeous gardens have beautiful bridges, waterfalls, and lush greenery surrounding you. Anderson Japanese Gardens has a Zen and romantic atmosphere that every guest will view as stunning.
The amenities at Anderson Japanese Gardens include:
- Can hold up to 200 guests
- Food and drink catering
- Indoor and outdoor space
- Getting ready space
Anderson Japanese Gardens also has an all-inclusive package and offers event planning. If you say “I do” here, you’ll have the perfect backdrop for all your photos.
Cantigny Park, Wheaton
Cantigny is a well-known park to many Chicago suburb natives because of its natural beauty and awe. Cantigny Park is home to the historic Robert R. McCormick House and countless beautiful gardens. There are also incredible water features, vibrant flowers, and historic charm.
Perks of tying the knot at Cantigny Park include:
- Space for up to 250 guests
- Indoor and covered outdoor space
- Delicious cuisine
- Day-of coordinator
This venue is an attractive option if you want to get married in a location with all the looks of the countryside and all the benefits of the suburbs. It’s easy for guests to access.
The Monte Bello Estate, Lemont
The Monte Bello Estate has it all, from a fairy-tale appearance to all sorts of vibrantly colored flowers. Lush forests and ponds surround this venue, so it’s sure to leave your guests in awe. Plus, with over 55 acres of land, there are plenty of locations to take gorgeous photos to remember the special day. This castle-like venue won the Best of Weddings from The Knot from 2018 until 2022, making it a must-have venue for many couples!
Some of the amenities offered at the Monte Bello Estate include:
- Space for up to 300 guests
- Indoor and outdoor event space
- A getting ready area
- Food and drink catering
Many couples also tie the knot here because of extra services, like the option to serve signature drinks or have a bonfire with s’more as everyone parties the night away!
Pinstripes, Various
Pinstripes is another great option and has various locations across the Chicago suburbs, including South Barrington, Oak Brook, and Northbrook. A wedding at Pinstripes is a unique experience with delicious food, a picturesque location, and fun! Guests can party the night away by dancing or playing a game of bowling or bocce ball!
Additional perks of getting married at Pinstripes include:
- Capacity for 300 guests
- Indoor and outdoor event space
- Food and drink service
- Equipment rental options
This is a fantastic choice if you want to say “I do” in a beautiful venue that offers guests various entertainment options. Show your friends and family the party of the decade!
Picking the Best Venue
Every couple has a different idea of what the perfect venue is. While some couples may see their dream day at Brookfield Zoo, others may prefer the ambiance of Hotel Baker. What’s most important is that you and your partner agree on the dream location since you’re a team. However, this vision should remain affordable—don’t break the bank for the sake of a wedding venue. If you need some extra money, have a formal conversation with your parents and ask if they could gift or loan you some.
Compare Price to Value
When looking at these areas, consider how they fit into your vision. Looking at value rather than cost alone is ideal because it may save money overall. For instance, one location may have a higher fee at first glance, but this may also cover your catering package and a day-of coordinator. On the other hand, alternative venues may have a cheaper up-front cost but also require you to hire those services.
Tips for Saving Money
The fee for renting your perfect venue can be high, but by making sacrifices in other areas, you can afford your dream location. For example, one of the best ways to save on wedding reception rentals is to DIY your decorations rather than rent or purchase them. This way, you can still accent the place and make it personal without blowing too much money on those careful accents.
A Closing Note
Give yourself enough time to tour several venues to decide on the perfect one to make the big day you’ve always dreamed of a reality. Whether you want to get married in a historic mansion, lush gardens, the zoo, or a golf club, the Chicago suburbs has an option. Make your list of the perfect venues so you can plan your dream day!
