The Best Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

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6 Wedding Venues in Evanston, IL

300+ guests
Quick responder
Bay Pointe 
Rating: 5.0 (45 reviews)
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $6,000

Celebrate your wedding or special event at Bay Pointe, where personalized service and thoughtful details bring your vision to life. Conveniently located between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, and within reach of Chicago and Detroit, Bay Pointe overlooks the beautiful islands of Gun Lake and offers three distinctive event venues: the Lakefront Pavilion, BoatHouse Villa and Bay Pointe Woods. As an all-season destination, our experienced events team specializes in everything from vibrant spring weddings and elegant summer celebrations to twilight autumn gatherings and cozy winter events. With spaces accommodating up to 300 guests, every celebration is designed for effortless entertaining and unforgettable moments with family and friends. -Enjoy Waived Site Fees, a Savings of Up to $4,000, on remaining dates now through March 2027 (New Bookings Only)! -Enjoy Waived Site Fees, a Savings of Up to $4,000, on Winter Wedding Dates December 2027 through March 2028 (New Bookings Only)!

Why you'll love this venue

  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
“From the moment we stepped foot in Bay Pointe Woods, we knew it was the perfect venue for our wedding! The staff was incredibly kind, straightforward, and communicative throughout the entire planning process. They were attentive and there for us every step of the way, ensuring our special day was absolutely beautiful and wonderful. The venue itself is truly stunning - the cozy, intimate and winter themed atmosphere created the most amazing backdrop. All of the staff were incredibly sweet and went above and beyond to make sure our wedding day was perfect! We cannot recommend Bay Pointe enough - it's hands down the best venue we could have chosen!!”
Brianna L., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Meyer's Castle 
Rating: 5.0 (21 reviews)
  • 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
“We were honored to host our wedding at Meyers Castle in August 2024 and can’t imagine having our dream day anywhere else. My husband’s been familiar with the venue for years way back when they hosted events at the speakeasy. When he described it to me it sounded too good to be true but after touring the first time words can’t describe how beautiful it is. It’s an absolute dream venue with so many beautiful backdrops and details you don’t need much decor! The garden and statues are stunning! We honeymooned in Italy and have to say this venue rivals any Italian Villa. The staff were so accommodating and helpful. The food is amazing and for smaller weddings the Oakroom is so intimate and beautiful. I wish we could relive the day over and over again. It’s so romantic and can fit any size wedding. We didn’t use the bridal suite because it’s a separate fee but found the venues all inclusive rates to be extremely affordable. Our ceremony was in front of the gazebo with the castle in the background but any location would be equally beautiful. If you’re thinking about it let this be your sign it’s just as beautiful in person as in pictures. Our wedding was even featured on Brides as a hidden NWI gem. It’s only 30 min-1 hour outside of Chicago so it wasn’t an issue for guests to get to. Thank you Meyers Castle for hosting our dream day!”
Lori D., 10 months ago
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Parkway Banquets 
Rating: 4.9 (7 reviews)
  • Up to 400 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $5,000

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., a year ago
Quick responder
Ramada Banquets 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
  • Up to 450 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $2,500

Ramada By Wyndham Glendale Heights has been in business since being built in 1999 and renovated in 2016. Ramada Conference center has over 7000 Sq ft of meeting and Banquet space. We specialize in assortment Weddings, Quinceaneras, corporate conferences, and business meetings. Ramada By Wyndham Glendale Heights we pride ourselves in customer service to achieve and go beyond guest satisfaction. From the Front desk agent to Housekeeping and breakfast staff we are all trained to help guests enjoy their stay whether it's for vacation or business. From check in to check out, every moment at the Ramada is enjoyable!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • On-site parking not available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
“From our first conversation with the team at Ramada Banquets, we knew we'd made the right choice. They were quick to respond to every question and made us feel welcome throughout the entire planning process. What really stood out was how attentive they were to our family's needs on the wedding day—nothing was too small, and they fixed any issues before we even had to ask. The venue itself is beautiful and reasonably priced, which gave us more budget for other parts of our wedding. Their staff worked hard to make sure everything ran smoothly, and our guests couldn't stop talking about how well everything was organized. We'd recommend Ramada Banquets to any couple looking for an affordable venue with a team that genuinely cares about making your day special.”
Arion T., 3 months ago
Quick responder
PALMHOUSE 
Rating: 4.7 (23 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Evanston, IL
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Welcome to PALMHOUSE. We are foodies. We are party hosts. We are cocktail connoisseurs. We believe that your event should be as smooth as good tequila. We are a community of Hospitality and Event professionals who are dedicated to making your next event THE BEST it can be. We have spent the last 10 years hosting a variety of events throughout Evanston + Chicagoland and kept coming back to how we could bring a city-vibe venue to the far north side. We’ve thrown enough parties to know what’s most important, and want to help you simplify the event planning process to make it everything you dreamed of, without the fuss — and with that, PALMHOUSE was born. DAMN we love a good party, and can’t wait to help you host your next celebration!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Classic elegance
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Private area for the wedding party

Venue considerations

  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Lighting and sound are not included
“It's always the dream team when we work with Palmhouse! The space is incredibly beautiful with wood beams, brick walls, and natural light from the skylights and windows filling each room. Not to mention, they have two beautiful bars where they serve super creative signature cocktails tailored to each event. Major bonus points for the farm tables, farm style high tops, and chairs that are included in their venue rental! The team is so thoughtful, easy to work with and professional. You know your event is in good hands when you book at Palmhouse.”
Monica, 5 years ago
Hilton Orrington/Evanston 
Chicago, IL
  • Up to 500 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Perfectly situated in the picturesque lakeshore metropolis of Evanston, Hilton Orrington has been celebrating matrimonial bliss for 100 years. Weddings here emanate charm and refinement marked by backdrops exuding with plenty of versatility, tailored amenities and enhancements that will make planning your wedding effortless. With over 24,000 sq. ft. and two ballrooms offering open floor plans and ornate details, these space require minimal décor due to the un-replicated beauty of the art deco architecture, however can easily be customized with personal touches to build upon the already elevated setting. Partner alongside the wedding team at Hilton Orrington to utilize their tenure expertise from build conceptual culinary that brings creativity from planning to plating with high quality ingredients for a high taste output to satisfy the most distinguished of palettes to assisting with trusted vendor selection.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides catering services
  • Blends luxury with trendiness

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not allow pets

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.

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