The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

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10 Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

Outdoor
Quick responder
Parkway Banquets 

4.9

  • Up to 400 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Open house

Parkway Banquets has TWO amazing locations located just 2.8 miles apart! 1)PARKWAY BY THE LAKE - Ingleside, IL (capacity for 200), & 2)PARKWAY BANQUETS SALON - Round Lake, IL (capacity for 400). We're truly unique! Our Ingleside venue is waterside! Nestled on the shores of Long Lake, we're right next to the beautiful Lake County Forest Preserve. This is one of the most incredible settings you will ever find. The canopied, outdoor ceremony area is surrounded by nature! Our Round Lake venue boasts opulence & class with crystal chandeliers suspended from 12' ceilings, and dramatic ceiling drapery. Our AH-MAZING, all-inclusive wedding packages are inexpensive & straight forward, making planning stress-free. We work with you to customize a package that focuses on what's most important to YOU. What's the most common comment from Parkway's guests? "This is the BEST wedding I've ever been to!" Find out why Parkway Banquets is Lake County's BEST KEPT SECRET! We can't wait to tell you more!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Allows pets
  • Bridal suite on site
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
Jerry and his crew made out wedding day incredible! They helped run the whole day, they got the guests seated, kept everything on schedule, and ensured that Ben and I didn't have to worry about anything. When our flowergirl got stage-fright right before walking down the aisle, Jerry swooped in to save the day and helped her find her mom. We initially didn't plan to do a grand entrance into the reception, but Jerry and the DJ (Megan from Music that Moves) made one happen last-minute so our flower girl could have a second shot ar throwing her petals. You're not just getting a venue at Parkway, you're getting a whole team who will make your event run smoothly. If we ever do a vow renewal or anniversary party, we will be back!
Emily-Paige & B., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Petite Acres 
  • Up to 175 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor

Now booking for July 2026! Petite Acres is a French countryside-inspired wedding venue set on 4.25 acres in the heart of New Buffalo, MI. Tucked in a charming vacation town, it offers the feel of a destination wedding, without the travel. The gem of the property is Château Aster, our signature stone-and-brick venue, designed to evoke the elegance of a timeless French manor. Inside, you’ll find soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and arched windows that open to the Great Lawn, gardens, and walking paths — creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Couples and guests enjoy a full weekend experience with 12 private guest homes on-site. Maison Foxglove, a four-bedroom residence beside the lawn, is ideal for welcome drinks, getting ready, or a morning-after brunch. Amenities like a wellness studio, sauna, firepit, and immersive landscaping make Petite Acres a place to gather and celebrate. We host a limited number of weddings each season so every couple receives our full attention and care.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Unique barn setting
  • Bridal suite on site
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • No in-house catering options
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., 5 months ago
Quick responder
Loft Lucia 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

This 7,500 square foot lofty gem is nestled in the heart of the West Loop. The architecture is both modern and tasteful, showcasing both Venetian plaster and exposed brick walls, alongside marble slab bars harmonizing texture with elegance. Each of its two floors is impeccably decorated equipped with a full bar. The main floor, located on the third floor of the building, features a commercial-grade kitchen. The top floor features a stunning floor to ceiling retractable glass wall that vanishes to reveal the seamless flow between their indoor cocktail area and their outdoor terrace space. Their selection of lounge furniture, dining tables, and interior decor provides clients with an endless amount of arrangements to choose from. The flexibility of the space makes the venue suitable for private parties, fundraisers, corporate events (both intimate and large scale), and weddings. The venue can be rented in its entirety or each floor separately.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides event staff
  • Raw space for complete customization

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
Loft Lucia was our perfect venue. We found it through Zola initially and immediately fell in love. We knew we wanted to get married in Chicago but wanted something different and more unique! They were responsive to our initial inquiry and we booked it before ever touring it. The pictures are exactly what you get and ours was a perfect fay
Courtney M., 3 years ago
Quick responder
Halim Time & Glass Museum 
Evanston, IL
  • Up to 175 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $20,000

Halim Time & Glass Museum is a wedding venue located in Evanston, Illinois. This elegant museum venue is home to hundreds of historical timepieces, stained glass masterpieces, and artwork from around the world.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Exudes style
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
Temperance Beer Co. 
Evanston, IL
  • Up to 175 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Evanston’s first brewery, Temperance Beer Co. is host to weddings, corporate events, family reunions, board meetings, team building events, birthday parties, and fundraisers. In 14,000 square feet, the spaces feature full ceiling sky lights, architectural award winning tap room, exposed brick, gleaming tanks, and wooden barrels. Get out of the banquet halls, boardrooms, and tired hotels and into the living, breathing space where award-winning elixirs are made. You may used just the brewery or do a full buy-out and use the entire space which includes the tap room and outdoor deck.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No in-house catering options
Grand Personal Chef 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Up to 40 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,500

Welcome to the kitchen studio! With over 1800 sqft. of Indoor and outdoor private space. The space features a large open living area, full kitchen and private outdoor patio w/ fire pit. The kitchen includes a curated living room with a mix of vintage and new Mid-Century Modern furniture, free wifi, Sonos speakers, dual LG built-in wall ovens, electric countertop Whirlpool range, two reach-in LG refrigerator/freezers, tons of countertop space for prep and seating, and coffee/ wet bar. Equipped with all of the essential cooking tools and dining accessories. this bright kitchen studio is great for hosting a friends get-together, showers, meetings, family reunions and small intimate dinner parties.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Has an intimate feel for a small guest list

Venue considerations

  • Dance floor not included
  • Better for more intimiate events
  • No built-in audiovisual options
Chef David was fun, knowledgeable, and definitely knows his way around the kitchen. The food was next level with out being unapproachable and all of our guests walked away with full hearts and tummies. He listened to our vision and made it a reality. We couldn’t be happier.
Timothy G., 3 years 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
Parson's Chicken and Fish, Andersonville 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $18,000

Parson’s is a testament to the idea that drinking and eating can be affordable, delicious, local, and quick. Consistently included in round-ups of the best patios and fried chicken in the city (and beyond), Parson’s Chicken & Fish has become a Chicago staple — one that enthusiastically celebrates and embraces drinking, eating, and general good times. Our spacious indoor and outdoor setting makes features a unique vintage atmosphere to host your big day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
Crystal, the event director at Parson’s, was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we started planning, she felt like so much more than an event coordinator—she was, for all intents and purposes, like having an incredibly skilled wedding planner by our side. She was thoughtful, intuitive, and completely in tune with the vibe we were going for—even when we couldn’t quite put it into words ourselves. On the big day, when we arrived for our surprise wedding, Crystal immediately picked up on our nerves and somehow knew exactly what we needed to feel calm and grounded. That kind of attentiveness is rare, and it meant everything to us. Her coordination was seamless, and her staff were equally incredible—warm, professional, and so clearly invested in making the day special. It’s honestly hard to put into words just how wonderful our wedding was at Parson’s. Thanks to Crystal, it felt effortless, joyful, and completely us. We will be forever grateful.
Tara, 6 months 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

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.

What types of wedding venues are in Evanston, IL?

What other Evanston vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?