The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Essex, IL

The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Essex, IL

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5 Wedding Venues in Essex, IL

Beaches, waterfront settings
100-150 guests
Quick responder
The Barn at Cottonwood 

5.0

Lockport, IL
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

A delightful, rustic, country chic wedding venue located in the suburbs of Chicago.In June 2017, The BARN at COTTONWOOD features a spacious 5,000 sqft, temperature controlled, traditional timber frame structure built by Amish. This event space will instantly make you and your guests feel at home on the farm, providing the charming country backdrop you’ve always envisioned for your special day. Constructed by third-generation Amish barn builders through a classic “barn raising,” The BARN is the first of its kind to be erected in Will County in the past 30+ years. It can comfortably accommodate up to 250 seated guests, including dance floor area. With its exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, and a stunning six-foot crystal chandelier, the venue creates a breathtaking and romantic ambiance. As the evening concludes, all eyes will be on you as you toss your bouquet from the patio balcony or barn loft. Your Happily Ever After Starts here! Schedule a viewing today

Why you'll love this venue

  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Pets can join the celebration

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • On-site parking not available
If I could do my wedding over again I would do it over and over again at the Barn at Cottonwood. We opted for the Giant Slide, Tractor Ride, Photobooth, Bonfire. In Lieu of a wedding cake, we did pumpkin pie and apple cider donuts provided by the venue. It was beautiful and means a lot to me that this was a family-owned operation. On the day of event, we had several attendants there for us for both the giant slide and tractor ride. Overall, it was a great experience, and I am very happy.
Lauren H., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Paramount's Meyer Ballroom 

5.0

Aurora, IL
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Offer

Say “I do” with the Fox River as your backdrop at Paramount’s Meyer Ballroom or Grand Gallery—two unique venues located on an island in Historic Downtown Aurora, Illinois. The Meyer Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows, a modern neutral palette, and stunning river views. The Grand Gallery offers vintage Art Deco elegance with a two-level layout, red carpet entrance, and your names in lights. Both spaces include all-inclusive wedding packages with a 6-hour reception, private wedding party suites, day-of coordination, champagne toast, setup and teardown, and more. Enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary valet parking and a Paramount Theatre Broadway ticket voucher for each guest. Indoor and outdoor ceremony options are available, plus flexible packages through 2027. Contact Jennifer to schedule your personal tour and start planning the unforgettable wedding day you’ve been dreaming of.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Bridal suite on site
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No venue-provided food services
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Awarded Best of Zola
Paramount's Meyer Ballroom is a fantastic choice for a wedding venue. From the first point of contact, the staff is incredibly professional, educational and knowledgeable, guiding couples through every step of the planning process. The quality of their work is truly unique, fun, beautiful and striking - they transform the space into something truly special for every big day. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure every wedding day is perfect, attending to every detail to make it a truly memorable occasion. We would highly recommend Paramount's Meyer Ballroom to any couple looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding venue with exceptional service.
Jamie, a month ago
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Lighthouse Restaurant 

5.0

Cedar Lake, IN
  • Up to 220 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Lighthouse Restaurant, located in Cedar Lake, IN, is a wedding venue with two distinct floors. The first floor is a full-service restaurant and bar, and the second floor is a private dining facility with seating for 25-220 guests. It is perfect for weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, and engagement parties! An extraordinary atmosphere and beautiful scenic lakeside views make Lighthouse Restaurant Lake County's premier private dining facility. It accommodates events from 25 to 250 guests. Lighthouse offers a beautiful view of Cedar Lake, delicious food, and professional service staff. We strive to make your wedding planning process as stress-free as possible. Best Of The Region Award The Last Few Years.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Designed for grand celebrations
  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Provides setup and cleanup

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No free parking
Great staff, atmosphere, food and venue! Would absolutely recommend
Chris + L., a year ago
Quick responder
Pinstripes Oak Brook 

5.0

Oak Brook, IL
  • Up to 1000 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Whether you are hosting a wedding reception, ceremony, bridal shower or bachelor(ette) party our dynamic ballrooms and private event spaces provide an upscale yet relaxed space for your special day. We host truly unique events and deliver sophisticated fun through combining our from-scratch Italian-America menu with the classic games of bowling and bocce ball. Let our talented event team work with you on a customized event to suit your personal style and help you bring your dream wedding to life to create a perfect day that you and all your guests will be sure to remember!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Romantic vineyard setting
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
Awarded Best of Zola
Pinstripes Oak Brook was the perfect venue for our wedding! From the beginning, their communication was excellent and efficient, making the planning process a breeze. The venue itself has a truly unique, spacious vibe - we loved the indoor/outdoor feel and the cozy firepit. They were incredibly accommodating, allowing us to do our own sweets table and include our specific liquor requests. The quality of their work and overall value was exceptional. Our guests raved about the experience, and we couldn't be happier with how our special day turned out at Pinstripes Oak Brook.
Carli M., 7 months ago
Quick responder
Riverside Receptions 

5.0

Geneva, IL
  • Up to 260 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Our historic building and gorgeous view combined, create a peaceful and tranquil place for any event that you may consider having. The quaintness of our décor is warm and welcoming; everyone who sees it is thrilled with its comfortable yet rustic feel. Natural stone and brick, and the floor to ceiling windows capture all that mother nature has to offer. Riverside Receptions makes the perfect backdrop for your own unique style to shine through. We are very fortune that we are just steps away from our sister property, The Herrington Inn and Spa. With gorgeous sleeping rooms, fine dining restaurant, beautiful lobby bar, luxurious spa and riverfront courtyard, it makes the perfect place to settle in at the end of the day. Our staff is professional, friendly, experienced and highly rated.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not allow pets
  • Best for events with big guest lists
Words cannot express how wonderful of an experience it was having our wedding at the Riverside Receptions in Geneva, IL. From start to finish Amy, Renee and Marcia were so helpful and supportive. The venue is stunning directly located off the river. We had our wedding on Sunday, July 3, 2022 with a courtyard ceremony and indoor reception with panoramic view of the river. Everything was just perfect. I strongly recommend this venue to anyone looking for something different from the banquet style wedding with a great elegant touch. 5 stars
Ashley S., 3 years ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Essex, IL

About wedding venues in Essex, 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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