The Best Wedding Vendors in DeKalb, IL

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in DeKalb, IL

Chrissy Deming Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

I'm Chrissy and I'm a documentary wedding photographer with 10+ years of experience who fully believes that your life deserves to be documented truthfully. My focus at your wedding isn't to steal you away from your family and friends for hours to make "art," but to empathically capture the moments and relationships present at your wedding. Your wedding photos are the single most important wedding investment you'll make. After the day is done and over, they will be what tethers you to your memories of your day. They will be the heirlooms you'll pass down to your grandchildren to hang on walls and sit on bedsides for generations to come.

We loved Chrissy! She was fun and easy to work with, and I loved that she provided color and black/white photos. She did everything on our list, and listened to our ideas as well. Nothing felt forced or over-posed, but she was great at guiding next moves when needed. Will definitely use again for future photos.
Eline O., 4 years ago
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Altgeld Hall at Northern Illinois University 
DeKalb, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 400 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $10,100

First opened in 1899, Altgeld Hall is steeped in tradition and nostalgia. Today, fully renovated, it is gorgeous inside and out. You will captivate your guests with Altgeld Hall’s stunning architectural details. From the gorgeous grand staircase to the unique glass solariums, your guests are going to be inspired by this beautiful venue.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront 
Rating: 4.1 (100 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Rockford, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Offer

Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront opened its doors in July 2020! What once was the Amrock Factory, Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront has the old factory charm mixed with a brand-new conference center to give your event the "wow" factor that you deserve! The property features 160 guest suites where our guests will receive complimentary hot, made-to-order breakfast, and evening reception with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks with each stay. Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront also is home to Tower Kitchen and Bar and The Top - an indoor/outdoor bar 12 stories above Rockford! With multiple restaurants, a local coffee shop, golf simulator, game room, pool and hot tub, your guests can have it all without ever having to leave the property!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a sophisticated vibe
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
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The Cording Event Barn at Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages 
Rating: 5.0 (94 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
GALENA, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 40 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,000

Are you dreaming of a Galena Barn Wedding? Hawk Valley Retreat and the Cording Event Barn make the perfect venue for elopements and intimate weddings. Whether you get married in the barn, the gazebo, or on the grounds, you will be sure to be surrounded by nature’s beauty. Our 10 acres of meadows, ponds, and nature will transport you and your guests. We offer several packages to make the planning a breeze, but if you have something else in mind we love making your day the way that you want it. The Cording Event Barn is newly renovated as of Spring 2022 with stunning views of the grounds, a large outdoor deck, loft space, and a large main floor. Full catering is available. BYOB alcohol is available.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Offers full-service amenities

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • Small venue, not ideal for a large guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
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The Bridal Glam Group 
Rating: 4.8 (25 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 16
  • Starts at $645
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

The Bridal Glam Group is your one-stop, all-inclusive bridal beauty team. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and we are here to help you create an stress-free, full-service, luxurious experience for your wedding day. With our dedicated team of experienced, highly skilled, award winning hair stylists and makeup artists, we will make sure you look and feel your best on your special day. At The Bridal Glam Group, we listen to our brides and clients in order to give them the glam look of their dreams.

I was so happy with how my own hair turned out as well as my bridesmaids. Every concern was addressed, proper instructions were given for my veil! I wish I could wear my hair like that every day!!!
Phylicia W., 3 months ago
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Forest City Photographs 
Rating: 5.0 (22 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Extroverted and passionate about creating images for couples. I've been taking photos since I was old enough to hold a camera. Starting in 2015, I've photographed weddings couples in the midwest. in 2018 we started to travel across the united states for weddings. No matter where your ceremony will take place, we'll be there for you.

Awarded Best of Zola
We loved working with Joel and Forest City Photographs. So much energy! If you want photos that are just a little bit different, a photographer who makes you laugh, and give meaningful images, book them!
Daria P., 2 years ago
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Ensign Jade Acres 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
Freeport, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,500

Nice to meet you! We are Riley Ensign and Alyssa Jade. It is a once in a life time opportunity to start your dream business with the love of your life, and here we are! Ensign Jade Acres is a barn venue that sits on seven beautiful acres with picturesque country views. Located in Freeport, Illinois; central to Rockford and Galena, our location is the perfect escape from the city while remaining a short drive from Milwaukee or Chicago.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Rustic-chic setting

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Dance floor not included
  • No built-in audiovisual options
Awarded Best of Zola
Ensign Jade was the most perfect venue my husband and I could have ever dreamed of. Riley and Alyssa were so accommodating and it was so easy to see that their hearts were to give us a beautiful wedding day. HIGHLY recommend!!!!
Sarah F., 7 months ago
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Erik Anderson - Photography, LLC. 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

I'm a 35-year-old husband to Samantha, our son Silas, daughter Fiona, and our wiggler companion Moxie. I've been a wedding photographer for 11 years, having photographed over 300 weddings and countless other sessions! My hobby is also my job, and you bet my wife loves that, haha. I am also a stay-at-home dad, a philatelist, a Lego freak, and a craft beer nerd, and we have an orange fridge, haha.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we first spoke with Erik, we knew he was the perfect photographer for our wedding. His friendly and passionate personality immediately put us at ease, and his professionalism shone through every step of the way. Erik's work is truly exceptional - the photos he captured are authentic, beautiful, expressive, emotive, and elegant. He had amazing ideas for poses and shots that resulted in stunning, one-of-a-kind images that we will cherish forever. Erik made our wedding day incredibly fun and joyful, keeping us laughing and smiling the entire time. His efficient and organized approach ensured the photo portion of the day went seamlessly. We are beyond thrilled with the work Erik did and cannot recommend him highly enough for any couple looking for a truly talented and wonderful wedding photographer. Erik was so great to work with right from the start. I could tell right off the bat just through email that he was so passionate about the work that he does. He also showed so much excitement to get the opportunity to capture our special day. He was very professional and thorough when communicating with us. Our engagement photo session was SO fun, and my husband and I both immediately felt comfortable with Erik. He is so friendly and so easy to work with. Getting pictures taken like that with a significant other can feel awkward, but Erik made it anything but that! It felt very natural and enjoyable, and it felt the exact same way on our wedding day. He took the time to get to know us and our vibe, and rolled with that when taking our pictures. All of our pictures capture our relationship and our love so well, and I’m so thankful we chose Erik! If you want beautiful pictures and some super fun photo sessions, book Erik as your photographer!
Hannah and J., a year ago
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Capstone Occasions 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Hi! I'm Tia - Mom of 5 kids, 2 dogs and wife to the most supportive and amazing husband there is. In fact, you will often times find him carrying boxes, straightening linens, or even officiating from time to time. I started Capstone Occasions (aka-my crowning achievement) to help elevate your events to the top of your expectations. It could be a simple intimate affair to the grandest of parties, but whatever you are envisioning, it is my plan to execute it with every bit of intention and emotion that you have for it yourself.

Awarded Best of Zola
We cannot say enough wonderful things about Capstone Occasions. From our first point of contact to the final moments of our wedding day, Tia went above and beyond to make both wedding planning and our wedding day unforgettable. Her attention to detail, creativity, and organizational skills are exceptional. As an out-of-state couple to the team, we were initially concerned about planning a wedding from afar, but Tia made the process easy! Tia provided us with unlimited opportunities to check in as needed throughout the planning process, making us feel supported every step of the way. She is incredibly communicative and made it a priority to ensure that every aspect of our wedding aligned with our personal vision. It was so clear that Tia and her team are highly experienced and knowledgable. Her guidance throughout the planning process gave us the confidence that everything would turn out as intended. On our wedding day, everything ran seamlessly, allowing not just us but all of our guests to fully enjoy the moment without worrying about a single thing. Many of our guests commented on how beautifully everything came together, and we owe it all to Tia and her team. If you are looking for someone who genuinely cares about making your day perfect, we wholeheartedly recommend Capstone Occasions to any couple.
Alex C., 2 years ago
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Refined Events 
Rating: 4.4 (11 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $250
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Refined Events specializes in creating unforgettable experiences for any and all occasions! From weddings to corporate events, we offer customizable packages to fit your unique needs! Let us handle the details so you can enjoy the celebration!

Bailee was so considerate my whole day! She had multiple phone calls with me made my timeline, reached out to all my vendors, and made my day so special I can’t even express how much I loved her! She did things I didn’t even think to do/ nor did I have to ask her to do anything she just did it! She is going to kill it in this industry! She is so sweet and bubbly and I absolutely ADORED her! Worth ever penny! THANK YOU BAILEE!
McKenzie C., a year ago
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Dr. Bartender 
Rating: 4.6 (10 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Bar services & beverages
  • Starts at $600
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

At Dr. Bartender, we're passionate about creating unforgettable experiences through expertly crafted cocktails and seamless bar service. With over 20 years of industry experience and a commitment to personalized service, we make sure your big day is stress-free and filled with delicious drinks. Our team loves bringing a personal touch to every event, helping you celebrate in style.

Dr. Bartending provided outstanding bar services for our wedding. From the very first interaction, their communication was upbeat, smart, and incredibly friendly. On the day of the event, their team was efficient, clean, and incredibly helpful - the drinks they served were delicious and they helped ensure everything ran smoothly. We were so impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail. They truly contributed to making our special day perfect. We highly recommend Dr. Bartending for any couple looking for exceptional bar services for their wedding.
Timothy W., 2 years ago
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Davis & Company Productions 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,300
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Davis & Company Productions was birthed in a time of uncertainty during the pandemic shutdown of 2020. After years of being in the hospitality and service industry and quite a few weddings, I definitely found my passion for people only growing the more I got into it. From weddings and school dances to corporate and private family events, my goal with Davis and Company is to help create and execute magical moments meant to last a lifetime

Awarded Best of Zola
Lance was incredible! The way he communicated with us the whole day about timelines was so discreet and made us feel like we were actually organized when it was him being attentive and helpful! Music vibes were amazing! Photo Booth was awesome and he had amazing props provided it was a hit. His voice itself as a DJ is the tone you want for a wedding he has the voice that sounds kind but knows how to hype a crowd. His personality shines through from a first meeting all the way to the wedding. He is so genuine! Highly recommend him for any kind of event but from experience I can say the man can DJ/MC a wedding!!
Theresa O., 2 months ago
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Erin Henze Media 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Hi, I’m Erin! In my free time you might find me reading a good book, going for a quick run, planning a trip or spending time with my friends and family. And, most of all, I love using my camera to capture the beauty of people and the world that we live in. I am deeply devoted to documenting all of the memories, moments and feelings that you deserve to have stored forever. There is so much power in visual storytelling, and I would love for the opportunity to help you tell yours! Whatever the occasion- from wedding celebrations & family photos to senior portraits and birthday parties- I’m here to capture it all.

Awarded Best of Zola
We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer than Erin. She drove nearly three hours to be with us on our wedding day and was so kind, professional, and easy to work with. She made us feel completely at ease and captured everything—from beautifully posed portraits to the sweetest candid moments. What we loved most is her vibrant, true-to-life photography style. Every photo feels full of energy and emotion—like we’re stepping right back into those special moments. She truly captured the magic of our day in a way we’ll cherish forever. We feel so lucky to have had her as part of our wedding and couldn’t be happier with how our photos turned out. If you’re considering booking her—don’t hesitate. She’s incredibly talented and went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable.
The D., a year ago
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Chapel In The Pines Wedding And Banquet Center 
Rating: 4.6 (8 reviews)
Sycamore, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $350

Built on a foundation of love. This country-chic destination wedding venue offers Midwestern charm right here in the Chicago-land area. A seven-acre private estate complete with luscious wedding gardens, breathtaking grounds, a white Victorian Wedding Chapel, an intimate Wedding Gazebo, Bridal Dressing Room, Engraved Brick Walkway, and Vintage-inspired Reception Hall. We proudly host several wedding amenities not offered anywhere else and definitely not all in one place. All of these accommodations provide numerous amounts of photo opportunities. And our friendly staff are always willing to help!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
Working with Chapel in the Pines was great. They offered payment plans at an affordable price. The location is a hidden gem. The property offered so many great photo ops & they catered to everything we asked for. Our big day was stress free! This is an all inclusive affordable venue that has indoor & outdoor options. The wedding coordinator, Amanda, went above & beyond to make sure every detail was accounted for! ️️️️️
Alexis W., 2 years ago
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Save the Date Planning 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves DeKalb, IL
  • Offer

Hi! I'm Johnna - your wedding planning bestie! I'm passionate about taking the stress out of wedding planning so you can enjoy the entire process while watching your vision come to life. We bring you all of the best client resources, expert advice, and the best team to help you execute the day you've been dreaming of, all while bringing the fun & ensuring you love the entire process.

Awarded Best of Zola
Johnna with Save the Date Weddings and Events was an amazing wedding planner who helped make our special day run smoothly. She has a kind, efficient, and thoughtful communication style, and her years of experience were evident in how thoroughly and expertly she planned everything. Even when our photographer arrived an hour late, Johnna handled it perfectly by tweaking the timeline - she truly has a plan for everything! Guests kept raving about how well organized all the events were thanks to her. Johnna isn't just focused on the logistics either; she genuinely cares about the couple and making sure your wedding vision comes to life. She goes above and beyond with thoughtful touches, right down to having an emergency kit on hand. She even had a little heart shaped straw for me to drink water with and not ruin my makeup! Johnna truly thinks of everything. The way she decorated and set everything up was the most beautiful and perfect setup I have ever seen! I truly couldn’t have dreamed of my wedding looking more beautiful or fairytale esque. I'd highly recommend Johnna for her professional yet caring approach to wedding planning.
Elliana J., 2 years ago
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Leif & Christine Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,950
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Hi! I’m Christine, a wedding and engagement photographer based in Rockford, Illinois, serving couples across the Midwest. I specialize in blending creative, candid and romantic styles to create timeless, elegant images that beautifully tell the story of your wedding day. My goal is to help you relive your wedding day through timeless photographs that you’ll cherish forever.

We highly recommend going with Leif and Christine photography for all your photo needs! Christine was amazing at getting everyone excited to take pictures and coordinate the picture set ups throughout the day. We honestly couldn’t be happier with our wedding photos! You did such an amazing job capturing every little detail and all the big moments in a way that feels so true to us. You made the whole day feel effortless, and we were so comfortable in front of the camera because of you. Looking back through our photos feels like reliving the best day ever, and we’re so thankful to have these memories to hold onto forever! Thank you Christine, hope to work with you again in the future!!
Natalie L., a year ago
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Rockton Sanctuary Spa 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $285
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Sanctuary Weddings Specializing in makeup artistry and hair design. Founder Erica Smith owner of two storefront locations in Illinois, and expanding in Savannah Ga, and Tampa FL is passionate about helping clients look stunning and feel confident for their big day. Boasting a wealth of experience in the wedding industry, Erica and her talented team love every moment of the getting-ready process, from the first consultation to the final touch-up.

Awarded Best of Zola
Rockton Sanctuary Spa is an exceptional group of ladies to work with! Their communication style is prompt, thoughtful, informative, and inviting, making the entire planning process a breeze. The quality of their work is beautiful, with consistent and long-lasting results that cater perfectly to each person's unique skin and hair type. The artists went above and beyond, touching up makeup and hair even after they were done with each girl, and the team efficiently worked on multiple people at once to ensure a stress-free and timely getting ready experience. Erica and her talented team are the absolute best, and I'm so grateful for their incredible work in making myself and all my closest ladies look absolutely stunning on the most special day of my life.
Emily F., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Event Floral 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Founded in 2003, Event Floral was established to cater to weddings and events. Visionary Deb Quillen aimed to provide superior service and innovative designs. The current owner, Erin Stoffregen, worked for Deb from Event Floral’s beginnings throughout high school and college years, learning the business and dreaming its future.

Event Floral was responsive and communicated well throughout our wedding planning process. We could expect a reply to any questions or requests within 48 hours. The quality of their work was good overall, though the trees we rented were a bit smaller than we had expected. They did have a mix-up with the table arrangements, but we were able to get that resolved fairly quickly. Overall, Event Floral contributed nicely to making our special day a success.
Jodie T., 8 months ago
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Joe Gibbs Photo & Film 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Videographer
  • Documentary style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

My name is Joe and I’m a wedding photographer and Videographer based in The Quad Cities. I specialize in capturing candid and authentic moments that tell the story of your special day. My photography style is rooted in a documentary approach, which means I prefer to capture candid and authentic moments over staging posed shots. By doing so, I aim to create a visual story that truly reflects your love story. Contact me to learn more about my services and how I can help make your wedding day unforgettable.

Joe filmed my husband and I’s wedding in April. He did a great job capturing organic moments. Highly recommend.
Becca D., 2 months ago
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The Wagner House 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
Freeport, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $3,000

The Wagner House, located in the historic Wagner Print Building, is a three-story industrial warehouse in downtown Freeport, Illinois. The building was built in 1903 and was one of the first buildings that had electricity in Freeport. Established in 1853 and incorporated on March 9, 1912, the Wagner Building was home to the German-born Wagner Family who, like Freeport, has a long and interesting history. The Wagner House also served as an industrial manufacturing spot for textiles and fashion. For four generations, the business did not change hands, and the present Wagner company pledged to continue their record of quality printing and letterpress and are still in business today. In 2013, The Wagner building was sold to Bill Green to redevelop and re-imagine it, creating a wine bar, business incubator, and beautiful event space.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
Awarded Best of Zola
Savanna and The Wagner House were incredible to work with. From the first venue visit through wedding day, they were responsive, professional, helpful, and honestly, an absolute joy to work with. Everyone loved the space, food, and staff. I would work with them a million times over.
Michele, a year ago
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The Noble Cakery 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $400
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Hand-crafted cakes and desserts are our specialty. Combining a focus on delectable, from-scratch baked goods and a close attention to detail to create custom wedding cakes and desserts to fit your vision. All of our cakes are designed and tailored to fit each individual clients needs and design inspiration. The Noble Cakery is open by appointment only. Wedding cakes and dessert tables serving Northern Illinois; Oregon, Rockford, Rockton, Dixon, Sycamore, Dekalb and beyond.

Awarded Best of Zola
The Noble Cakery was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding! From the very first interaction, Barb was quick and easy to communicate with, and made the entire process a breeze. Her attention to detail and talent as a baker is truly unparalleled - the cake she created for us was nothing short of perfection. Barb brought our dream cake design to life, and it was stunning. She is such a wonderful, talented baker, both in terms of taste and visual design. We are so grateful to have found The Noble Cakery, and cannot recommend them highly enough!
Gabrielle R., 2 years ago
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The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms 
Rating: 4.8 (5 reviews)
Rockton, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 450 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Offer

Orchard Ridge Farms is a 130-acre private estate, home to The Pavilion and Copperstone Inn with exclusive catering by Henrici's. With four outdoor ceremony sites as well as an indoor option the possibilities are endless! Our award-winning venue has been featured on the Travel Channel, Midwest Living, and have been awarded- "Top 10 Timeless Venues." The Pavilion and Copperstone Inn offer a picturesque appeal and is well suited for any unforgettable affair. Our dedicated team is committed to ensure that your Orchard Ridge Farm's experience is truly one of a kind. No detail has been overlooked in creating this special venue. The Pavilion is truly a "one-of-a-kind" facility, filled with rustic and sophisticated elegance. Host to a single event per day, your wedding or event will be exclusive with The Pavilion. Relax and enjoy the serene setting while our dedicated and professional team ensures that you and your guests experience a joyful day!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Rustic charm with elegance
  • Romantic vineyard setting

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • Does not allow pets
When we initially booked The Pavilion, we were working with someone who ended up moving on to better things and we were then in communication with Katie, who was friendly and above and beyond professional when it came to response time and the 50 million questions you have leading up to your big day. We worked with Staci for the Henrici’s catering, the food was phenomenal. She was great. She was friendly, she was respectful and kind leading up to even the week before with giving some sort of reassurance when needed as a busy bride. The 30 days before, we worked with Jill who was friendly at first but then eventually kind of became a headache and added so much more stress on me than I could ever imagine. If it wouldn’t have been such a huge financial loss, I probably would’ve cancelled my whole day. They split your “final payment” into two final payments instead of one. So that was really confusing, and we had no idea until the week OF our wedding that we still would’ve even owed money. There was miscommunication on attendance several times, the working staff was friendly but was pretty pushy through the night to where even bridesmaids and my photographer and DJ mentioned to me. We were supposed to end our night at 10:30, but it ended at 9. Overall, gorgeous venue, mostly friendly office staff, friendly but pushy catering staff. 3.5 out of 5 stars if I could based off that experience alone.
Jodie T., 8 months ago
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Hair Artistry by Alexis Hoffman 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 1
  • Starts at $320
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

I loveee…LOVE ! I have always been a big fan off sappy romance/rom-com movies. I grew up watching all of the wedding TLC shows! And now I get to live that dream every weekend by helping you behind the scenes on your special day. It doesn’t even feel like a job to me, it just feels natural!

Alexis was amazing! She made my vision come to life, and she was so positive! My friend recommended her after Alexis did her hair for her wedding. I truly appreciate her work. One of my bridesmaids was anxious because curls never hold for very long and they stayed ALL NIGHT. I don’t know what magic she used but all I’m saying is book her!
Delanie K., 2 years ago
The Bricks Venue Center 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Cherry Valley, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 349 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

We are a newly renovated industrail building in the heart of Cherry Valley. Our reclaimed wood and restored chandeliers give the venue the perfect taste of rustic chic. Our venue bosts a large open space with no pillars to obstruct views. Come check us out!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Bridal suite on site
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • No free parking
Working with The Bricks is very easy! Their is a good communication between the couples and the venue so there are no surprises. They take very good care of making sure your night goes as planned!
Vic Nassir, 4 years ago
Oakhouse Wedding Films 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $1,400
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

Oakhouse is collective of filmmakers and videographers based in Rockford, Illinois, that are obsessed with making and telling great cinematic stories through video. What better way to tell one of the most important stories of your life than a film of your big day!

We couldn’t be happier with our wedding video! Our team from Oak house visuals Olivia & Antoinie captured every moment so beautifully and perfectly. They were easy to work with, professional, and made us feel completely comfortable the entire day. Our video along with our raw footage feels like a perfect reflection of our wedding, and we’ll cherish it forever. Highly recommend!
Gianna C., 9 months ago
Jays Media Films 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves DeKalb, IL

We are Midwestern Wedding Filmmakers, a Husband-and-Wife team with over 15 years of experience in capturing unique wedding stories. Our passion lies in creating beautiful films that reflect each couple's individuality. With a talented team of creative minds, we work closely together to ensure every detail is captured, transforming your special day into a timeless piece that can be cherished forever. We understand that every wedding has its own story to tell, and our goal is to help you relive those precious moments through a film that allows for infinite playbacks. Let us create the perfect wedding film for you!

Awarded Best of Zola
Jays Media Films was a fantastic choice for our wedding videography. From the moment we met Jayson and Vida, we could tell they were a collaborative, assertive, and influential team. Their communication style put us at ease and made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. The quality of their work was exceptional - they captured every special moment with a professional and energetic flair. Their creativity shone through, and they were truly a joy to work with. As a husband and wife team, you could see the seamless way they worked together, which was inspiring. We are so grateful to have had Jays Media Films capture our wedding day, and we highly recommend them to any couple looking for a top-notch videography experience.
Samantha & J., 9 months ago
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Weddings By Holly Lou 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves DeKalb, IL
  • Offer

Located in Northern Illinois, couples who choose me are looking for clean, natural, and timeless wedding photography. My style is very candid and photojournalistic, but also artistic and professional. My editing style is very clean, keeping your images timeless.

Awarded Best of Zola
Holly Johns Photography was the absolute easiest photography vendor to communicate with. Holly is timely, always prepared, and beyond supportive! And her skill with photos speaks for itself. Holly is a true professional, kind, hard working, and excellent at her craft. She contributed so much to our special day - not only did she give us the most stunning photos, but she kept our whole day running smoothly! Holly made sure we had time to eat, drink water, mingle with our families, try the appetizers we wanted, and was so endlessly kind and supportive. It was the best vendor experience I've ever had. If you don't hire Holly, you are MISSING OUT!!! I would recommend her to anyone, and I'm looking forward to continuing to have her capture all of our big life moments.
Nelle C., a year ago
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Oak Hill Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Apple River, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Oak Hill Farm is an elegant outdoor wedding venue nestled on a secluded estate near Galena, Illinois, a popular tourist destination in the Midwest. Our venue features four outdoor ceremony locations, a historic chapel and an all-white, open air pavilion (heat and window walls available as needed) that seats up to 250. We offer unique amenities, many vintage details and endless photo opportunities on our 170 acre private property.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Creates a sense of togetherness

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
Oak Hill Farm is the best in its class!!!!! I do not have the right words to express how much I love this venue and how many times I'd recommend it over and over to my couples! I've been a wedding photographer in the industry for a while now, and Oak Hill Farm is one of the venues I still get giddy and happy-dance over when I'm invited back!!! It has every amenity a bride and groom could ever need, and then some! Not to mention, the grounds are absolutely BREATHTAKING and have you feeling like you are tucked away on a beautiful, quiet, elegant farm in a foreign country. The rolling hills killer sunsets cannot be beat. I highly, HIGHLY recommend Oak Hill Farm to all engaged couples in the area looking for their perfect-fit venue!
Ashley Bowling P., a year ago

DeKalb, IL reception venues by style

Outdoor spaces
Outdoor spaces