The Best Small Wedding Venues in Chester, IL

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Chester, IL

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6 Wedding Venues in Chester, IL

Farms, barns, ranches
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
Dodson Orchards 

5.0

Fredericktown, MO
  • Up to 220 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Nestled within the breathtaking Ozark Mountains, our barn wedding venue offers a truly magical setting for your special day. The centerpiece of this idyllic location is our authentic old-world barn, a rustic gem that exudes charm and character. Perched on our picturesque farm, the barn overlooks a lush valley, providing a stunning backdrop for your wedding celebration. With a proven track record of hosting hundreds of flawless weddings, our venue takes pride in offering full-service packages that encompass everything from decor planning to catering services. As you step into this enchanting haven, you'll find yourself transported to a world of rustic elegance, where the natural beauty of the Ozarks combines seamlessly with the expertise of our dedicated team to make your dream wedding a reality.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
If you’re looking for a venue that has an eye for detail and makes your wedding wishes come true.. this is the place! Wonderful staff that accommodate to all guests needs! Book this venue for a wedding dream!
Evann Davis , 2 years ago
Quick responder
Dragonfly Wedding Venue 

5.0

Herrin, IL
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,550

Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, Dana, Morgan, and Joe welcome you to Dragonfly. Born from the need to have a place all to yourself on your Big day, Dragonfly sits on a 36-gorgeous acres. The venue features a 1-acre pond, a 3-bedroom Bridal Cottage, a down-stairs Groom's Room, a large climate-controlled wedding barn, an outdoor patio, a covered pavilion​ with stone fireplace, and the wonderland woods. At Dragonfly, you have a place for all your wedding festivities: engagement pictures​, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Rustic-chic setting
  • Raw space for complete customization

Venue considerations

  • Additional event staff required
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
Awarded Best of Zola
Not only is Dragonfly a gorgeous venue with so much to offer, the owners and staff always go above and beyond to make a wedding or event top notch. I highly recommend Dragonfly!
Alanna Milby, 4 years ago
Rusted Route Farms 
Jackson, MO
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $650

Welcome to Rusted Route Farms, where comfort meets the countryside. Our on-site homes will awaken your senses and enlighten your soul with the cozy, yet spacious feel beneath the stars. Whether you are extending your stay from attending an event at Rusted Route, seeking a romantic remote destination getaway, or getting a group together for the weekend to experience the many activities in the area, our lodging has it all and more.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Dressing room available
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Quick responder
The Weingarten 
Belleville, IL
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor

The Weingarten's wedding ceremony and wedding reception venues are unlike any other. Surrounded by a beautiful forest, cultivated acreage, and a charming pond. Our beautiful landscape offers a photogenic setting for your special day. Let us host the wedding of your dreams, whether it be rustic chic, minimalistic, or an elegant affair. Each season offers a lovely scenery at The Weingarten. Our wine bar and eclectic event venues will give a rural countryside feel and yet we are 15 minutes from the nearest hotel in O'Fallon, Illinois, and less than 20 miles from St. Louis, Missouri! * Rain back-ups are included for all outdoor events.

Knotting Hills 
Pevely, MO
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Welcome to Knotting Hills! Our venue is conveniently located on private property in Pevely, MO, and easily accessible from Hwy 55. Sitting on just over 75 acres, we can accommodate small to large weddings and events! Knotting Hills is a scenic venue defined by sophistication and tranquility. The property is centered around serene gardens, where vibrant green lawns meet still lake waters. It is a truly magical setting with many charming touches such as its covered bridge and water fountain. We hope to be a part of your special day!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Rustic charm with elegance
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Rustic yet refined style

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
Valley Mist Events 
Ironton, MO
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,200

Valley Mist Events is located on our family-owned farm, which has been cherished since 1971, and is nestled in a private, picturesque valley just outside of Ironton, MO. We originally built our barn and gazebo in 2015 for our daughter’s wedding, with plans for the barn to become my husband’s workshop afterward. But with encouragement from family and friends, and our shared love for hosting, we realized this beautiful space could be something truly special for others. So, we decided to open our doors as a wedding and event venue. Whether you're envisioning a country elegant atmosphere or a charming rustic vibe, our venue offers the perfect setting for your celebration. You’ll receive personalized attention from our dedicated on-site coordinator, and our experienced staff will make sure your guests feel right at home. Let us help you create an unforgettable day in this scenic and private location!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready

Location flexible? Discover venues near Chester, IL

About wedding venues in Chester, 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.

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