In the sprawling expanse of the Chicago suburbs, where lush greenery meets historic charm and modern elegance, lies the perfect setting for your dream wedding. Saying ‘I do’ in suburban style, with picturesque landscapes and quaint neighborhoods, makes for a perfect for your love story, doesn’t it?
From grand estates steeped in history to rustic barns brimming with character, the suburbs surrounding the Windy City can capture every couple’s unique vision.
A suburban wedding in Chicago is more than just selecting the right venue. Planning it involves curating an experience that brings to life the whole essence of your relationship with the touch of suburban splendor. Whether your vision is a lavish ballroom affair or a more intimate garden ceremony, the Chicago suburbs have it all.
And the best part? Finding a venue in the Chicago suburbs won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Monarch Creative Events notes how wedding venues in the suburbs of the city are much more affordable than those in downtown Chicago. The difference between the two is as much as $4,000. Talk about a budget-friendly wedding with a dreamy backdrop!
Join us as we embark on a journey that will transform your suburban wedding into an unforgettable celebration of love.
Choosing Your Venue
Selecting the perfect venue for your suburban Chicago wedding is an exciting journey that sets the stage for your special day.
From enchanting historic gardens to charming barns and unique breweries, the options are as diverse as the love you share. Allow us to introduce you to our top 3 picks for an idyllic suburban wedding in Chicago:
Chicago Botanic Garden
Imagine exchanging vows amidst the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, with the serene waters of the garden’s lakes glistening in the background. Sounds enticing? Then look no further than the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Boasting 385 acres of meticulously manicured gardens, it offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for both your ceremony and reception needs. A wedding at the Chicago Botanic Garden is not just an event – it’s an experience that you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime.
In 2022, Kimberly Lou and John Coukos got married in the garden, and their wedding was straight out of a fairy tale! The couple, who met through mutual friends in college in 2017, decided to tie the knot five years later.
The minimal decoration for their wedding ceremony – complete with a floral arch full of white roses – beautifully complemented the natural setting of the garden. A mere look at their dreamy wedding photographs will inspire you to celebrate your special moment here.
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
Nestled in the scenic countryside of the Chicago suburbs, Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm offers a rustic yet elegant setting for your dream wedding. The farm’s charm is evident in every detail, from the weathered barns to the towering cottonwood trees that dot the landscape.
Its expansive grounds offer countless opportunities for stunning outdoor ceremonies and photographs, with each season bringing a unique essence to the farm. Whether you get married amidst the vibrant autumn colors or the lush summer greenery, the views of the farm will surely take your breath away.
Wild Onion Brewery
Tucked in the vibrant suburb of Lake Barrington, Wild Onion Brewery beckons couples with its unique and laid-back charm, making for an unforgettable wedding celebration.
Its exposed brick walls, sleek concrete floors, and lofty ceilings create an atmosphere that is effortlessly cool yet undeniably welcoming. Exchange vows beneath the open sky on the brewery’s picturesque patio, or opt for an intimate ceremony inside the spacious taproom – the choice is yours.
After the ceremony, your guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres al fresco before dancing the night away under the stars.
Accommodating Your Guests
For every couple throwing a proper wedding ceremony, guests are undeniably important. They are, after all, witnesses to the biggest, most special moment of your lives. Ensuring that they’re comfortable and well-cared for is, therefore, a priority.
It’s a good idea to reserve a block of hotel rooms that’s close to the wedding venue, making your guests’ accommodations easier. This becomes all the more important if most of them are traveling from out of town.
The next step is to make sure they’re able to navigate to the wedding venue with ease and on time. If your wedding venue is in a remote area, it’s also essential to book a transportation service for them in advance.
There are many great rental car services in Chicago, IL, to help you arrange it all smoothly. Got friends traveling overseas for the ceremony? Make sure they arrive in style in classy limos, elegant sedans, or – if it’s a large group – large limousine buses!
Lastly, have you thought about your own big entrance to the venue? Eminent Limo notes how your big day deserves nothing less than an elegant ride with a reliable chauffeur. So, don’t forget to arrange your unforgettable entrances to your fairytale wedding.
Designing Your Dream Day – Budgeting, Planning, and Booking Vendors
Did you know that Chicago ranked second on the list of wedding expenses of the 20 largest U.S. cities last year? Earlier this year, the Chicago Sun Times revealed that the city’s average wedding cost in 2023 was estimated at $56,000 – including ceremony and reception. The Windy City came second only to New York, where the average wedding costs were calculated at $63,000.
Amidst these surging prices, having an affordable wedding of your dreams requires extensive budgeting and planning. The first step of the process involves figuring out your overall wedding budget, considering everything from venue costs to attire, decorations, and entertainment. You two must be realistic about what you can afford and what matters most to you both.
When it comes to working with vendors, don’t be afraid to flex your negotiation skills. Many are open to discussion and willing to accommodate your budget if you ask. Whether it’s your venue, caterer, photographer, or florist, don’t hesitate to share your budget and see what options are available.
Now, let’s find ways to stretch our budget without compromising on style. Feeling creative? Consider DIY projects for decorations or favors, or look for local vendors who offer affordable packages. You can also opt for seasonal flowers and menu options to keep costs down while still impressing your guests.
It’s essential to keep track of your spending along the way. You can use spreadsheets, budgeting apps, or good old-fashioned pen and paper to monitor your expenses and make sure you’re staying on track. Regular check-ins will help avoid any surprises and keep the budget in check.
Finally, give yourselves plenty of time to plan the wedding. Booking vendors and making arrangements well in advance can help secure better deals and reduce last-minute stress. With a clear plan and plenty of time, you can relax and enjoy the journey of planning your dream suburban wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I legally get married in Illinois?
In Illinois, the County Clerk’s Office is in charge of issuing marriage licenses. To get your marriage license, the couple must appear in the office in person and wait while it is issued. Once you have the license, it’s upto you two to decide whether or not you want to have a ceremony to celebrate the nuptials.
How much can a 200-person wedding cost in Chicago?
The average cost of a Chicago wedding for 200-300 people can range between $45,015 and $55,018. Venue and catering take up a large chunk of this amount, closely followed by entertainment, flowers and decoration, and video and photography.
How to get married at the Chicago Cultural Center?
To get married at the Chicago Cultural Center, you must make an appointment 60 days before the ceremony date. Appointments are made at the Marriage and Civil Union Court in the presence of the couple, by presenting a valid marriage or civil union license.
With that, we hope to have given you helpful tips and pointers to get started on planning your dream wedding in the suburbs of Chicago. We’re sure your wedding will be an unforgettable celebration of your love, surrounded by the picturesque charm of the Windy City’s outskirts.
