The Best Wedding Vendors in Galena, IL

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Galena, IL

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Chestnut Mountain Resort 
Rating: 3.5 (2 reviews)
Galena, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $1,500

Chestnut Mountain Resort sits high on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Mississippi River. Our picturesque views and amazing sunsets create the perfect backdrop adding to the beauty of your special day. Offering two ceremony sites and two reception areas, you are sure to find something suited to your occasion. Ceremony and/or reception packages available for a small intimate gathering or large affair. Our full service resort is located just 8 miles from scenic Galena. Our friendly and expert staff are ready to assist you with ensuring a day to remember.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Versatile for various event styles
  • Provides setup and cleanup

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Does not allow pets
Chestnut Mountain Resort is an absolutely amazing place to get married. The views are spectacular, the staff at the venue are beyond kind and caring, and the amenities were great! My husband and I wanted to get married in a state closer to family. So we did a destination wedding here at Chestnut Mountain Resort. We are from California and have never been to Galena, IL before. As any bride to be can assume, planning a destination wedding just adds a whole new layer of worry and stress to wedding planning. But! Shera made the whole process a BREEZE! She worked with my husband and I to ensure that all our needs were met, that all our questions were answered, and genuinely put my mind at ease that my wedding day would be wonderful. Shera communicated with us every step of the way and made sure to explain everything (even when I asked the same question like 5 times due to wedding planning brain). I honestly couldn’t imagine our wedding having been anywhere else! If Chestnut Mountain Resort is on your list of venue contenders, BOOK THEM! The whole place is beautiful!
Jessie B., a month ago
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The Cording Event Barn at Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages 
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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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
We have used Riley for professional pictures! He has done for us at his barn on his property, but also at our local high school. He takes so much time and effort into each photo. Never rushed at all.
Kathleen D., 2 years ago
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Capstone Occasions 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves Galena, 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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Erik Anderson - Photography, LLC. 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Galena, 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
If you are looking for your wedding photographer: stop. You’ve found him. Erik was hands-down our favorite vendor, and I would hire him a thousand times over. From the very first message, his energy, warmth, and passion for his work stood out. When we compared full galleries from other photographers, his absolutely blew us away with every detail, every candid, every bit of light and color was exactly what I envisioned. My dad (a longtime advertising professional) reviewed them too and said, “You’d be crazy not to hire this guy.” He was right. Working with Erik felt effortless. Our engagement session could have been a stressful day, but he and his second shooter, Ross, rolled with everything, made it fun, and delivered stunning images so quickly we were able to use them in our wedding décor and guest book. By the time the wedding came, we felt completely comfortable in front of the camera and Erik felt like another close friend in our bridal party. He was calm, reassuring, and so easy to be around. If I had a question or needed grounding, he was right there with gentle guidance. The final gallery? Absolutely flawless. Every big, emotional moment. Every quiet, unspoken glance. Every little detail I didn’t even notice in real time, all preserved with such artistry that I can relive our day exactly as it felt, only better. Erik has an uncanny gift for being everywhere without ever intruding, for making people feel at ease, and for capturing the heart of a moment in a single frame. My family, my bridal party, even my guests still talk about him months later — not just about his photos, but about him. He’s more than a photographer; he’s a calming presence, a joy to be around, and a true master of his craft. In every lifetime, in every version of this story, I would choose Erik. Booking him was one of the best decisions we made for not only our wedding day, but for the rest of our lives we’ll thankfully have his work! I will forever be grateful that it was him behind the camera on the most important day of our lives.
Audrey Q., a year ago
Refined Events 
Rating: 4.7 (10 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $250
  • Serves Galena, 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!

My husband and I hired Bailee as our day of coordinator and we cannot express how grateful and appreciative we are of her on our big day! In the beginning, we were very hesitant to hire a day of coordinator, we thought that we could handle it ourselves and with our venue coordinator. Although our venue coordinator was outstanding, we thought having an extra hand would be helpful. Our first initial contact with Bailee was inviting and comfortable. She was so kind and knowledgeable. We hired her for day of coordination but she went above and beyond that. She was so helpful with our timeline, asking questions that we would have never thought of to get us prepared, and making sure she was available for any questions we may have had. The day of the wedding, she was SO helpful. I had some last minute changes and last minute issues with the decor and she stepped up and made it all so perfect. She put the bride and groom first. I cannot express that enough. Never once did she seem overwhelmed, stressed, or flustered. Working with Bailee, we can tell she knows what she is doing and is passionate about the job. Our venue coordinator who has never worked with her, had nothing but great things to say about her as well. I have already recommended her to several friends. We are so grateful that she was part of our big day! You will not regret hiring her!
Vanh K., a month ago
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Davis & Company Productions 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,300
  • Serves Galena, 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 great! He was super awesome to work with, very responsive, actively helping out with the coordination of the reception making sure everything continued smoothly, and was able to keep the party going through the entire night. After the reception, people said he had the best playlist ever! We highly recommend Lance for any DJing you may need!!
Reese & B., 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 Galena, IL

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 was phenomenal to work with. I knew when I first spoke with her over the phone that she was going to be excellent. She made my vision come to life and I did not feel any stress day of because I knew she would take care of everything for me. She was willing to step in and help any way to keep me stress free! The morning of my wedding, she came to my house where we were getting ready and transported my dress and my bridesmaids’ to the venue so we didn’t have to cram them in our car. She also packed up all my decor at the end of the wedding and dropped them off the next week because we weren’t able to take the boxes the night of the wedding. Thank you so much for everything you did, you are amazing!!
Savanah G., a year ago
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Erin Henze Media 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Galena, 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
Erin Henze Media was the perfect wedding photographer for our special day. From the beginning, Erin's communication style was thorough, friendly, and accommodating, making the entire process seamless. Her work is truly beautiful, with an artistic and elegant quality that perfectly captured the essence of our wedding. Erin took charge when needed, expertly organizing our wedding party and guests to ensure we got all the shots we wanted. She is an absolute professional, and we are thrilled with the stunning, specific photos that tell the story of our wedding. Erin's services were worth every penny, and we highly recommend her to any couple looking for a talented, tasteful photographer to document their big day.
Maricor C., 4 months ago
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Forest City Photographs 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Serves Galena, 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
From the moment we first contacted Forest City Photographs, we were impressed by their attentive, warm, and professional communication. Joel and his team have an incredible eye for capturing precious, genuine, and timeless moments. On our wedding day, Joel (and Tyler!) managed to beautifully document the most vulnerable and special moments, transporting us back to the best day of our lives every time we look at the photos. The value they provided is truly priceless, and we couldn't be happier with the incredible work they delivered. We are absolutely blown away. You can clearly tell from their work as well as a single conversation with them, that they LOVE what they do and they pour their passion into these photographs. The amount of gratitude we have for Forest City Photographs is immeasurable!! ️ We would choose them a million times over and over again!
Allison S., 2 years ago
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Rockton Sanctuary Spa 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $285
  • Serves Galena, 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 was an absolute dream to work with for our destination wedding (we came to Rockton IL from the Sarasota FL area and they also do destination weddings in FL)! From the very first interaction, their team was prompt, enthusiastic and incredibly helpful in guiding us through all the wedding day beauty preparations. On the big day, they arrived right on time and were so excited to help us look and feel our absolute best. The hair and makeup they provided was truly amazing - and they were able to handle our large bridal party. Rockton Sanctuary Spa went above and beyond to ensure our wedding day was perfect, and we are so grateful for their incredible service and value. We couldn't have asked for a better beauty team to be a part of our special day!
Teagen, a year ago
GemHidden gem
Leif & Christine Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,950
  • Serves Galena, 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.

Christine is a wonderful photographer! She responded immediately when we initially contacted her, and she continued to respond quickly through all of our conversations leading up to our wedding. She is both friendly and professional in person, and her photographs of our wedding were creative and well done. I would highly recommend Christine!
Seth F., 9 months ago
Event Floral 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Galena, 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.

From our first meeting, Event Floral was excited to work with us and made the whole process feel easy. They responded to every question right away and were happy to schedule extra meetings or communicate changes over email. What really impressed us was how they took our vision and brought it to life, the arrangements were stunning and exactly what we'd imagined. On our wedding day, everything arrived in perfect condition, and we got so many compliments on the altar flowers from our guests. Highly recommend Event Floral if you want someone who communicates well and creates beautiful work.
Abby D., 14 days 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
We had our wedding here in October 2025, and it was fantastic! From my initial tour July of 2024, to the food tasting, and communication beforehand, all top tier! Once we had dinner at The Great Debate downstairs, we knew the catering would be perfect for a wedding for two foodies. Savanna was a saving grace, and was a calming presence to ensure everything went smoothly. All of our guests RAVED about the venue all night long! It is such a unique spot that is hidden within Freeport. The party went all night thanks to fantastic energy from the bartender, Wes! This venue was a dream for me, and checked every single box. Highly recommend!
Kari M., 8 months ago
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The Noble Cakery 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $400
  • Serves Galena, 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., 6 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 Galena, 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 a joy to work with for my wedding day. She was very responsive to all of my questions, providing timely communication throughout the planning process. On the day of, Alexis demonstrated her professionalism, creating a beautiful hairstyle that perfectly complemented my look. She was sweet and attentive, making adjustments from the trial run to ensure I looked and felt my best. I loved working with Alexis - she was so kind and made sure everything went smoothly. Her work was truly amazing, and I'm grateful for the role she played in making our special day so wonderful.
Mae R., a year 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
EVERYTHING is perfect! From the venue, staff, and feel of the space - The Bricks is going to be the most popular place around. They take care of all your needs when booking an event and we couldn't have been happier with the look and the feel. They go out of their way to make sure everything is exactly how you want it. We highly recommend you checking them out for your next event!
Annette, 4 years ago
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Oakhouse Wedding Films 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $1,400
  • Serves Galena, 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 had the most amazing experience hiring Oakhouse Wedding Films. We were first introduced to them when I stood up in a friends wedding and we met Taylor. We then attended a wedding and Taylor was at the event. We saw the results of both weddings and knew Oakhouse was the right vendor for us. Everyone at Oakhouse, Nick, Matt and more were so great and communicative throughout the whole process leading up to the wedding day. Our videographer was Taylor and he is absolutely amazing!! We had the best time with him and it was like you didn't even know he was there. My photographer and Taylor worked together like a dream and I feel like they captured all of the important moments for us. Taylor and my husband really hit it off and the groomsmen were raving about how great he was, (yes! the groomsmen were into it!!). We got our video in lightening speed and I couldn't have asked for someone better for our wedding day and would recommend Oakhouse and Taylor any day.
Bianca T., 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Jays Media Films 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Galena, 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., 8 months 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
Our wedding at Oak Hill Farm was an absolute dream! From our first communication with Becky, she was thorough, fast, kind, and detailed in answering all of our questions. On the big day, everything was set up exactly how we wanted it. It was perfect! Becky and her staff were so accommodating, helpful, and nice, making sure the event ran smoothly. As a bride, they treated me like the most important person in the world. The venue was breathtaking - I felt like I was in a real life fairytale! All of our guests and even our vendors couldn't stop raving about how beautiful Oak Hill Farm is. For any brides looking for the perfect rustic venue with an attentive team that will make you feel special, I highly recommend Oak Hill Farm!
Kelsey B., 2 years ago
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Flipside DJ Entertainment 
Rating: 4.8 (4 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $995
  • Serves Galena, IL

Flipside DJ Entertainment has provided Premier DJ Entertainment to the Rockford Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Chicagoland area for over 20 years. Our goal is to provide a stress free, organized, high energy, customized, and memorable day to All of our clients!"

Flipside DJ Entertainment was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From our first interaction, their communication was efficient, timely, organized, and incredibly helpful. The quality of their work was truly excellent - they were professional and accommodating throughout the entire process. They went above and beyond, setting up an audio guest book that was a huge hit with our guests, and seamlessly accommodating all of our song requests. Flipside DJ Entertainment did an awesome job, and we will definitely use them again for future events. We cannot recommend them highly enough!
Richard F., 2 years ago
Weddings by Danica 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Galena, IL

Why stress about budget & other details when you should spend your big day focusing on the one you love. Based in Rockford, IL, Weddings by Danica is here to help you reduce stress & handle the details of your big day! We provide Wedding Planning, Day-Of Coordination, Timeline Creation, Honeymoon Planning, and more!

Weddings by Danica was the best day of coordinator we could have asked for. Their communication was fast, effective, and smooth, making the entire process feel so supportive. The quality of their work was truly unmatched they kept our timelines moving and ahead of schedule, coordinated our photos quickly so we could beat the rain, and had our wedding party lined up and ready to go, with everyone in formation while also pacing them. The Weddings by Danica website was also incredibly helpful in keeping us on track with everything. We couldn't have asked for a better team to bring our special day to life.
Alyssa, 10 months ago
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Expedition Joy 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Galena, IL

I'm Courtney! I care not only about providing you with sharp, authentic and colorful images on your wedding day, but helping you to be fully present on your wedding day so you remember all the big and little moments.

Courtney was AMAZING! I found Expedition Joy on instagram when she was doing a giveaway contest for a free Engagement session. To our suprise and BIGGEST BLESSING— we won! When my husband and I met Courtney, we instantly clicked! She was so easy to talk to and made us feel so comfortable so quickly! She was very intentional about building trust with her and having a friendship as well! We had great conversations during our shoot and got to learn about her aswell! After our session, my husband and I both agreed that we NEEDED Courtney to be a part of our big day. We expressed our excitement with Courtney just as much as she expressed hers with us! During the planning months, she was so easy to reach and made us feel confident that she would go above and beyond for us on our special day and she DID. Courtney showed up camera in hand and started shooting the second she walked in the door! She was ON IT. She continued to encourage the bridal party and family so they felt comfortable as she was taking photos. She was so intentional with everyone! Courtney and her second shooter were the life of the party on the dance floor! They had a blast with us and it was so much fun for all of our guests to cheer them on when they went to bust a move in the center circle! Courtney continued her 5-star reputation throughout the night and even went above and beyond to stay past our contracted time for our grand exit! She took the most memorable photos of our day, we will always remeber her when we reminisce on our beautiful photos! She truly is Expedition Joy
Kalea W., a year ago
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Meg Dunn Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Galena, IL

Timeless | Romantic | Classic Wedding photographer - I believe in the idea that "great photos are created from personal connection." I put my heart and soul into making sure the couples I work with have the best possible experience and end up with images that we can both be proud of. My favorite part of taking photos is being able to find the special moments within your big milestones. It's those candid times, along with the significance of the occasion, that come together to create your favorite memories and it's my job to capture those through my visual storytelling.

Meg Dunn Photography is wonderful to work with. Her personality and enthusiasm are infectious, and her attention to detail is phenomenal. Love seeing the amazing photos!
Erin, 5 years ago
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The Bridal Glam Group 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 16
  • Starts at $645
  • Serves Galena, 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., 2 months ago

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