The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

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4 Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

Historic estates, mansions
200-250 guests
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
Our wedding was beautiful, we couldn’t have asked for a better day or venue. The castle was a stunning backdrop for our wedding. We had our rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception at Meyer’s Castle and each piece came perfectly together. The newly redecorated bridal suite is gorgeous and my bridal party and I felt like royalty getting ready. The florals and gardens were stunning and there is an Instagram worthy photo spot around every corner. Our coordinator, Eva, did a great job setting up all of our decor and was very communicative throughout the planning process. Eva and the MC team accommodated everything we wanted to include on our special day and our guests had nothing but wonderful things to say about our wedding. Everyone loved the food and even loved the table wine, numerous guests took photos of the wine so that they could buy a bottle later on. We are so glad to have started the rest of our lives together after saying “I Do” at Meyer’s Castle; surrounded by family, friends, and 2 beautiful peacocks that roam the grounds.
Aubrie P., 6 months ago
Quick responder
The Woman's Club of Evanston 

5.0

Evanston, IL
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $5,000

The Woman’s Club of Evanston is an ideal setting for your most special occasion. Our historic Clubhouse, built in 1912, exudes warmth and timeless elegance. On the first floor, the lovely Tea Room with sparkling chandeliers flows into the Music Room with one of our grand pianos. The Sun Porch can be used as a wedding suite or additional seating during cocktail hour, providing multiple settings for your friends and family to enjoy. The double staircase off the marble foyer leads to the dramatic Grand Ballroom, the perfect place for dinner and dancing. The Woman’s Club allows you to select a caterer from our broad list with various price ranges to accommodate your budget. Our caterers are very familiar with the Clubhouse assuring your event will run smoothly. Dinnerware, tables, chairs and other equipment needed to host your wedding are included.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Bridal suite on site
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not provide event staff
Awarded Best of Zola
My husband and I had our wedding reception at the Evanston Woman's Club and couldn't have been happier with how it turned out. The venue is absolutely beautiful, and Gretchen is very communicative, friendly, and easy to work with. The vendors she put us in touch with also did a great job. We were also very happy knowing that our fee to use the venue went to support the philanthropic work of the Woman's Club. Book the Woman's Club, you won't be disappointed :)
Bethany V., 2 months ago
Quick responder
The Crystal Ballroom 
Evanston, IL
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $12,000

The Crystal Ballroom & Lounge — a perfect backdrop for a perfect event. Let us bring your vision to life! Located in the heart of vibrant downtown Evanston, The Crystal Ballroom & Lounge delivers the perfect venue for any special celebration. Let our newly restored event space take you beyond your wildest dreams. From our timeless décor to our sophisticated culinary approach, no detail is overlooked.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Blends luxury with trendiness
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Best for events with big guest lists
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
As a caterer, I love working with the Kenilworth Assembly Hall! There is lots of space to work with for a flexible floor plan, a beautiful yard for outdoor ceremonies and can accomodate many different guest counts. Michelle's professionalism and quick response times make planning a breeze as well!
Moriah Greenhill, 5 years ago

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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