The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

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6 Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

Parks, gardens
Quick responder
Meyer's Castle 

5.0

  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Meyer's Castle is a world class historic landmark set on a hill surrounded by beautiful manicured rolling gardens. The wonderful blend of polished elegance in a natural setting offers an exciting scenic departure from ordinary alternatives. Located only 35 minutes away from downtown Chicago, the estate's smallest room can host a minimum of 30 guests, while the largest ballroom can accommodate up to 350.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • Lush gardens
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
We were honored to host our wedding at Meyers Castle in August 2024 and can’t imagine having our dream day anywhere else. My husband’s been familiar with the venue for years way back when they hosted events at the speakeasy. When he described it to me it sounded too good to be true but after touring the first time words can’t describe how beautiful it is. It’s an absolute dream venue with so many beautiful backdrops and details you don’t need much decor! The garden and statues are stunning! We honeymooned in Italy and have to say this venue rivals any Italian Villa. The staff were so accommodating and helpful. The food is amazing and for smaller weddings the Oakroom is so intimate and beautiful. I wish we could relive the day over and over again. It’s so romantic and can fit any size wedding. We didn’t use the bridal suite because it’s a separate fee but found the venues all inclusive rates to be extremely affordable. Our ceremony was in front of the gazebo with the castle in the background but any location would be equally beautiful. If you’re thinking about it let this be your sign it’s just as beautiful in person as in pictures. Our wedding was even featured on Brides as a hidden NWI gem. It’s only 30 min-1 hour outside of Chicago so it wasn’t an issue for guests to get to. Thank you Meyers Castle for hosting our dream day!
Lori D., 8 days ago
Quick responder
Firehouse Chicago 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Up to 100 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $6,000

Located on Chicago’s Northside in the beautiful Edgewater neighborhood, our pristine vintage firehouse, filled with rich wood, modern subway tile, and shiny tin ceilings, is the ideal venue for your next event! Our intimate venue comfortably accommodates up to 100 guests. Host your ceremony or cocktail hour in our lush, green garden space, and enjoy dinner in our vintage, rustic Engine Room. With our personal, hands-on approach, including pre-planning and day-of coordination, Firehouse Chicago is the ideal, charming space for your guests to celebrate any occasion!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a glamorous vibe
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Additional event staff required
  • No venue-provided food services
We are SO glad we chose Firehouse Chicago for our wedding in Sept 2024. It was truly the most beautiful, special day, and so much more than we ever imagined. The Firehouse was the perfect backdrop for our day. We chose to rent the upstairs room to get ready morning of, took all of our pictures onsite, had our ceremony in the garden, and dinner/reception in the engine room. The gorgeous greenery, subway tiles, natural light, and overall gorgeous aesthetic was perfect for us to relax and enjoy our day, and was truly picturesque from every angle for photos. Their attention to detail in curating this beautiful space is truly remarkable. Beyond its idyllic setting, one of the biggest perks of Firehouse Chicago, is the staff, and the wedding coordination that is included (you don't need to hire a separate day-of or month-of coordinator for this venue!). We got the pleasure of working closely with Teddy and Sarah and we really appreciated their calm reassuring demeanor throughout the wedding planning process, and their delicate touch knowing how important this day was for us and know overwhelming wedding planning can be. They truly helped take some of the stress and worry out of the planning process from start to finish. They ensured every little detail went off without a hitch from start to finish. They were so helpful in initial planning, month-of coordinating, day-of execution, and responding to all of my questions along the way. The rest of the Firehouse Staff was incredible day-of, and made sure everything ran smoothly. They kept us to our timeline, checked in with us frequently throughout the day, calmed my nerves as I waited to walk down the aisle, helped hype us up and build our confidence for our fire pole entrance, and even ensured we had some quiet time to ourselves after the ceremony to let things sink in and enjoy our moment. Their staff is truly the best- we were so fortunate we chose them for our big day.
Rachel M., a year ago
Kenilworth Assembly Hall 

5.0

Kenilworth, IL
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $10,000

With great pride, the Kenilworth Park District has preserved this community gem to be Chicago’s premier North Shore wedding and event venue. A location full of history and adoration, this Prairie-Style masterpiece was designed in 1907 by famed architect, George W. Maher and is a proud member of the National Register of Historic Places. Featuring an event capacity up to 200 for a seated dinner and 300 for a cocktail-style party, the Kenilworth Assembly Hall brings an elegant and intimate charm while allowing customization to make each event its own. Couples are encouraged to dream big and utilize all of our gorgeous indoor & outdoor spaces to make their wedding day dreams come true.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations
One of the most beautiful venues to work at- The staff is always so helpful - the venue is very clean and the kitchen area is kept perfect. It comes with everything you would need to host an event - Perfect for the new smaller events to celebrate any occasion - Looking forward to wonderful events in the coming years !!!
Pam Spritz, 6 years ago
Quick responder
Colvin House 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Up to 125 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $18,000

Colvin House is an extraordinary wedding venue featuring an inviting glamorous interior, large outdoor reception areas, beautiful gardens, beach access & unforgettable views of Lake Michigan. Designed in 1909 by visionary Prairie School architect, George W Maher, the mansion is a historic landmark and was a private residence before its current life as an events venue & coworking space. We pride ourselves on fostering inclusivity & we strive to reduce wedding waste by having almost everything needed onsite while also allowing couples vendor flexibility. Previous residents added details reflecting the styles of grand movie theaters and the glamorous neoclassical revival flair of the 1920’s and 1930’s, giving the house a relaxed but unified mix of architectural styles. From the majestic crystal chandelier escorting you down the grand staircase to the marble fireplaces, we invite you to imagine the house is yours for the day as you invite family and friends in to celebrate your union.

Why you'll love this venue

  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Historic touches
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
We were drawn to Colvin House because of the mansion's historic details, but believe it truly shines when paired with the talents of Pyrite Sun, their in-house planning, catering, rentals, and floral team. We met with Sarah (Colvin's Events Manager/Owner of Pyrite Sun) to tour the space and ended up hiring Pyrite Sun for our entire wedding at Colvin House. Not only was it convenient to have everything under one roof, but we had a personalized wedding experience like no other–complete with vintage furniture, plates, and coupes, the most incredible floral from Colvin's gardens, and a customized food menu that our guests still rave about. I also love that Sarah recommends great vendors they've worked with and happily coordinates whatever you need with any other vendors you'd like to hire, as well. Overall, an incredibly special experience you won't find anywhere else. Thank you, Colvin House and Pyrite Sun, for making our vintage glamour wedding dreams come true!
Alaura and K., 5 years ago
Quick responder
The Lytle House 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Up to 80 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Please inquire directly on our website for a fast response! The Lytle House is the perfect space to gather and celebrate with up to ​80 of your closest family + friends. Chairs, tables, good lighting, multiple backdrops within the space for ceremony or photos....we specifically designed the space in a way that makes it easy to plan a beautiful event with minimal effort. Focus on good food, good booze, and invite your favorite people to surround you as you celebrate your union. We only accept direct inquiries through our website. Please inquire there.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Allows pets
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • No on-site bridal suite
Awarded Best of Zola
My husband and I were thrilled with our experience at The Lytle House for our wedding. From the very beginning, the communication with Michelle and Robyn was diligent, detailed, helpful, and quick - making the planning process incredibly easy. On the day of the event, they went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfectly set up and executed, with a warm and accommodating demeanor that made us and our guests feel right at home. The venue itself was absolutely gorgeous, with a personal touch that felt tailored just for us. We could tell Michelle and Robyn truly wanted to make our special day as perfect as possible, and their hard work and attention to detail showed in every aspect. We are so grateful to have found such an amazing team to work with, and we would highly recommend The Lytle House to any couple looking for a wedding venue that delivers on quality, value, and exceptional service.
Mallory K., a year ago
New
Berger Park Cultural Center 
Chicago, IL
  • Up to 125 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $900

Originally named the Downey Mansion, this historic landmark is one of the few remaining mansions that once lined Chicago’s Lakefront. This quaint mision features hardwood floors, original woodwork and antique light fixtures among other charming details. The mansion also boasts an outdoor space with breathtaking lake views. Located just minutes from downtown, this unique space offers three rooms that can be rented individually for intimate gatherings or together for functions that can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Rustic yet refined style
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No built-in audiovisual options

Location flexible? Discover venues near Evanston, IL

About wedding venues in Evanston, IL

Planning your Illinois wedding opens up a world of venue options from The Seville's all-inclusive elegance in Streamwood to the industrial-chic vibes at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield. You'll find perfect spaces for everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations throughout the state.

What Makes Illinois Wedding Venues Special?

Illinois offers remarkable regional diversity in wedding settings. Downtown Chicago venues like The Gwen and Private Dining by Sepia treat you to stunning skyline views and sophisticated urban atmospheres. Head to the suburbs and you'll discover spots like Itasca Country Club with picturesque golf course backdrops. Central Illinois charms with converted barns and historic properties while Southern Illinois tempts with vineyard settings and lakefront locations.

Venue costs in Illinois typically range between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns well with the national average of $6,500-$12,000 (representing about 25% of your total wedding budget).

How Much Should You Budget for Your Illinois Wedding?

Your guest count dramatically impacts your overall budget:

Guest CountTotal Budget
50 guests$24,093
100 guests$40,625
150 guests$56,164
200 guests$70,046
250 guests$83,928
300 guests$97,810

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in Illinois?

If accessibility matters to you Illinois delivers several excellent options. Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton offers wheelchair accessibility while hosting up to 275 guests in naturally elegant surroundings. Loft on Lake in Chicago's West Loop combines wheelchair accessibility with industrial-chic style featuring exposed brick and timber beams. Need space for a larger crowd? Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville accommodates around 600 guests with full accessibility and air-conditioning.

Which Illinois Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Food can make your wedding truly memorable. The Seville in the Chicagoland area features an award-winning chef who creates show-stopping flaming desserts as part of their comprehensive packages. For an urban setting Salvatore's in Chicago's Lincoln Park consistently earns praise for exceptional cuisine with guests particularly recommending their Tortellini and Tiramisu.

What Are the Cost Breakdowns for a 150-Guest Wedding in Illinois?

For a typical 150-guest wedding totaling $56,164 your budget will likely break down as:

  • Venue: $10,665 (19%)
  • Catering: $8,532 (15%)
  • Florists: $7,466 (13%)
  • Bar Services: $6,826 (12%)
  • Photographers: $4,835 (9%)
  • Videographers: $4,408 (8%)
  • Planners: $3,851 (7%)
  • Bands/DJs: $1,750 (3%)
  • Cakes/Desserts: $668 (1%)
  • Hair & Makeup: $400 (1%)

How Can You Maximize Value at Illinois Wedding Venues?

September stands as Illinois' most popular wedding month so you'll need to book well in advance. Most venues are secured about 15 months (457 days) ahead with venue inquiries typically representing couples' first wedding planning step.

Look for venues offering comprehensive packages that include essentials like tables chairs and audio equipment. This approach often delivers better value than piecing services together separately.

Can Illinois Venues Accommodate Remote Wedding Participants?

While traditional venues might not explicitly advertise advanced remote participation many can adapt for hybrid events. Consider working with places like Cheney Mansion Starved Rock Lodge or Mt. Zion Convention Center to implement interactive elements beyond basic streaming. You could incorporate virtual reality experiences or live polls to keep remote guests fully engaged in your celebration.

Planning your Illinois wedding opens up a world of venue options from The Seville's all-inclusive elegance in Streamwood to the industrial-chic vibes at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield. You'll find perfect spaces for everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations throughout the state.

What Makes Illinois Wedding Venues Special?

Illinois offers remarkable regional diversity in wedding settings. Downtown Chicago venues like The Gwen and Private Dining by Sepia treat you to stunning skyline views and sophisticated urban atmospheres. Head to the suburbs and you'll discover spots like Itasca Country Club with picturesque golf course backdrops. Central Illinois charms with converted barns and historic properties while Southern Illinois tempts with vineyard settings and lakefront locations.

Venue costs in Illinois typically range between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns well with the national average of $6,500-$12,000 (representing about 25% of your total wedding budget).

How Much Should You Budget for Your Illinois Wedding?

Your guest count dramatically impacts your overall budget:

Guest CountTotal Budget
50 guests$24,093
100 guests$40,625
150 guests$56,164
200 guests$70,046
250 guests$83,928
300 guests$97,810

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in Illinois?

If accessibility matters to you Illinois delivers several excellent options. Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton offers wheelchair accessibility while hosting up to 275 guests in naturally elegant surroundings. Loft on Lake in Chicago's West Loop combines wheelchair accessibility with industrial-chic style featuring exposed brick and timber beams. Need space for a larger crowd? Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville accommodates around 600 guests with full accessibility and air-conditioning.

Which Illinois Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Food can make your wedding truly memorable. The Seville in the Chicagoland area features an award-winning chef who creates show-stopping flaming desserts as part of their comprehensive packages. For an urban setting Salvatore's in Chicago's Lincoln Park consistently earns praise for exceptional cuisine with guests particularly recommending their Tortellini and Tiramisu.

What Are the Cost Breakdowns for a 150-Guest Wedding in Illinois?

For a typical 150-guest wedding totaling $56,164 your budget will likely break down as:

  • Venue: $10,665 (19%)
  • Catering: $8,532 (15%)
  • Florists: $7,466 (13%)
  • Bar Services: $6,826 (12%)
  • Photographers: $4,835 (9%)
  • Videographers: $4,408 (8%)
  • Planners: $3,851 (7%)
  • Bands/DJs: $1,750 (3%)
  • Cakes/Desserts: $668 (1%)
  • Hair & Makeup: $400 (1%)

How Can You Maximize Value at Illinois Wedding Venues?

September stands as Illinois' most popular wedding month so you'll need to book well in advance. Most venues are secured about 15 months (457 days) ahead with venue inquiries typically representing couples' first wedding planning step.

Look for venues offering comprehensive packages that include essentials like tables chairs and audio equipment. This approach often delivers better value than piecing services together separately.

Can Illinois Venues Accommodate Remote Wedding Participants?

While traditional venues might not explicitly advertise advanced remote participation many can adapt for hybrid events. Consider working with places like Cheney Mansion Starved Rock Lodge or Mt. Zion Convention Center to implement interactive elements beyond basic streaming. You could incorporate virtual reality experiences or live polls to keep remote guests fully engaged in your celebration.

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