Chicago area couples are fortunate to have SO many incredible options to choose from when it comes to selecting the perfect venue for their wedding day. While some couples prefer to take advantage of our proximity to the wonderful windy city and will host their event in Chicago itself, others prefer the ease and predictability of suburban venues. As a planner who is based in the burbs but just a short drive outside of the city, I can say there are no hard and fast rights or wrongs - it is all about what you two want for your day and your guests' experience!
Read on to learn more about some of my favorite venues located right here in the suburbs, highlighting a variety of different aesthetics and offerings as there truly is something for everyone here!
The Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station
The Grand Ballroom is a timeless, historic train station turned private event venue located in Joliet, IL. It is truly a one-of-a-kind space offering a variety of ideal indoor and outdoor photo locations. Operated under the same umbrella as Mistwood Golf Club, both locations include in-house catering and bar service, and you will find that the staff at each location is attentive and service-oriented. Union Station is of course a very classic, iconic Chicago location (a go to for weddings, especially for indoor photos when facing inclimate weather!) - so it is a cool opportunity to have a venue with similar vibes right here in the suburbs!
Photos by Ramsden Photography | https://www.ramsdenphotography.com/
The Crawford
If I had to choose three words to describe the aesthetic of the Crawford: timeless, modern, luxury! The Crawford is conveniently located in Naperville, IL with ample parking right outside of the building and plenty of hotels nearby. In many ways, the Crawford serves as a blank canvas - neutral, classic florals and design elements with bright lighting will complement the space perfectly, or you absolutely could dress up the space with a bolder, rich color palette, an upgraded dancefloor and moodier lighting, etc. The Crawford provides bartenders and couples bring in independent catering and dessert teams. You have THREE options for your ceremony location onsite - a beautiful patio along the outside of the building, a beautiful chapel room boasting tons of natural light which accommodates up to ~140 guests, as well as the option to utilize their reception space (requiring a flip from ceremony to reception during cocktail hour) for larger guest counts. Both parties are able to get ready onsite with individual, spacious suites for each group (with a billiard table as an added bonus!). There are ample photo locations onsite to provide a variety of backgrounds, and groups could easily also pop over to downtown Naperville/the riverwalk area for additional photos.
Photos by Julia Maruyama Photography | https://juliamaruyamaphotography.com/home
Northfork Farm
Located in Oswego, IL, Northfork Farm is perfect for any couple in the area who loves the idea/vibe of a tented wedding but not everything else that comes along with a traditional backyard wedding! The property hosts a great variety of photo locations onsite from a small, almost industrial styled string lit barn to white fences lining the horse pasture to vibrant green trees (including Willow as shown in the photo below - SO pretty!). There is a detached bridal suite on the property as well as a salon in the basement of the house onsite that groups have access to. Couples are able to bring in their own vendor team and you are truly able to make your tented event whatever you want it to be - tapping into the rustic/farm vibe, dressing it up, keeping it laid back and opting for a BBQ buffet - the options are endless!
Photos by Reese Media | https://reesemediaco.com/#header
Thornton Distilling
A hidden gem located in Thornton, IL! This historic distillery hosts private events and includes in-house catering and bar service. As an added perk, venue rental includes access to multiple suites, allowing each party to get ready onsite and enjoy a relaxed morning. Couples will have a wide variety of industrial chic photo locations to choose from right onsite - something I love about this venue is that groups could very easily stay inside the entire day if needed, a huge perk to anyone planning an off-season wedding or who simply wants to avoid week-of weather stress (IYKYK!) reverting to plan B or C.
Photos by Oats & Honey Photography | https://oatsandhoneyphotography.com/
As you likely know if you have already begun your suburban venue search: many take the form of either a country club or banquet hall! If this is the vibe you are looking for but you are overwhelmed by the volume of options out there, I am sharing a few of my very favorites below!
Ravisloe Country Club
Everything about it! This venue of is located in Homewood, IL and is truly such a unique venue, one great advantage being that it is full service, offering in-house catering and bar. Their staff is incredible to work alongside and acts as a well-oiled machine, making for a seamless guest experience and day. There is a spacious bridal suite onsite as well as a groom's suite upstairs, allowing both parties to get ready onsite while easily staying apart (an especially great perk for couples opting against a first look!). Their ivy-covered clubhouse and patio space serves as the most stunning space for an outdoor ceremony, giving elegant, European vibes right here in a small, unassuming midwestern suburb.
Photography by The Still Life Photography | https://www.thestilllife.net/
Abbington Distinctive Banquets
From my experience working at the Abbington, the greatest thing that sets them apart from other venues is their incredible team - truly so service-oriented and collaborative! They provide couples with a list of preferred vendors who have worked in the space time and time again, and all bar/catering service is in-house. Couples have the option to host their ceremony indoors or out, with a lovely string lit patio along the side of the building that can also be repurposed for cocktail hour if desired. Conveniently located in Glen Ellyn, there is plenty in the area for out of town guests to do and explore. An amazing perk of its location is that the Morton Arboretum is just a short drive away - SO beautiful for an additional photo location for any couples interested in venturing offsite.
Photos by TWA Photography | https://twaphoto.com/
Ruffled Feathers Golf Club
Based in Lemont, IL, Ruffled Feathers is another event space that couples are truly able to make their own. They have partner bakeries making for straightforward dessert options and deliveries, and all bar/catering service is in-house. Couples are able to host their ceremony on the outdoor patio or can opt for a partitioning wall in the reception room creating two separate spaces and making for an easy "flip" during cocktail hour. Their staff is attentive and photo locations are plentiful - there is a gazebo/patio space onsite, green all around (of course!), and also the option to have a golf cart driver take couples and their photographers out further onto the course for some additional scenery opportunities. Downtown Lemont is a short ~10 minute drive away and also offers a variety of stunning photo locations as well - historic buildings, a pathway along the canal, and a moody string-lit alleyway to name a few. Lemont is also home to multiple historic, absolutely beautiful catholic churches should couples opt for a church ceremony and need a reception venue nearby.
Photos are BTS moments from my iPhone ;)
Belvedere Events & Banquets
Again, what sets Belvedere apart is their lovely, hard working team and excellent service! Located in Elk Grove Village, it is just a quick drive outside of the city and convenient for out of town guests who may also want to explore Chicago during their visit. All food and beverages are included with multiple suites and side rooms onsite available for getting ready, hanging out, or taking a quick break from the events of the day.
Photos by Rachael Watson Photography | https://rachaelwatsonphotography.com/
This list truly only scratches the surface! I love a good city wedding, but for couples who value the ease and predictability of the suburbs (think traffic, parking, proximity to home - all that good stuff!), there are truly some wonderful gems right here in the suburbs as well!
If you are currently venue searching and want to hear more about any of these venues, or if you have yet to find one that resonates with you and checks all of the boxes - please feel free to reach out to me at any time! I would love to brainstorm with you and share suggestions on a complimentary consultation/discovery call.
Happy planning!
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