The Best Small Wedding Venues in Lake Forest, IL

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Lake Forest, IL

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11 Wedding Venues in Lake Forest, IL

Ballrooms, banquet halls
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
Quick responder
Astoria Banquets and Events Venue 

5.0

  • Up to 500 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $2,500

Astoria Banquets & Events is a romantic wedding venue located in Buffalo Grove, IL. Situated just outside the vibrant city of Chicago, this establishment provides couples with the opportunity to wed in an unforgettable setting. The property's team of event specialists is dedicated to providing guests with an all-inclusive experience as they celebrate their joyous wedding day. The property's versatile indoor hall can be customized to accommodate a romantic ceremony or a celebratory reception for up to 500 guests. Once your vows have been exchanged, you will be led to the cocktail hour area and its adjacent garden. The warm hanging lights throughout the outdoor area create a welcoming ambiance that couples can enjoy with their loved ones. For an evening of dinner and dancing, the grand ballroom features glowing uplighting and eye-catching chandeliers and a brand new, huge shiny white dance floor.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Classic seating dinner

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not allow pets
Astoria Banquets and Events Venue was an ABSOLUTE DREAM to work with for our wedding. All through the planning process, their communication was incredibly responsive, reassuring, and detailed. The venue itself is truly glamorous and elegant, yet versatile enough to suit any couple's style. The bartenders, wait staff, and coordinators provided incredible service, ensuring we didn't have to worry about a single thing on our special day. In fact, Max at Astoria was better than any wedding planner we could have hired. For brides with a desire for minimal planning and a tight budget, we highly recommend considering Astoria, especially if booking in the off-season or on a Friday or Sunday. We got married at Astoria on a Sunday in February, and the price per person was a steal, especially since the venue included everything we needed aside from a DJ and photographer. Overall, Astoria Banquets and Events Venue provided us with the most beautiful wedding, all while keeping us well under budget. We are so grateful for their outstanding service and beautiful venue!!
Emily L., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Parkway Banquets 

4.8

Ingleside, IL
  • Up to 400 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • 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
Two years ago, me and my now husband were looking at vendors and venus. We went to a bridal showcase and we fell in love with everything about this place. All of our vendors were there for us to pick out. Jerry Was there and from that moment I'm the communication never stopped. We had to change our date a couple of times and he accommodated. when I said wanted to come to pick out stuff and the sign paperwork. But we need to bring our son Jerry said bring him along, even let him sign the papers. Even until moments before me walking down the aisle. I knew that everything at the venue would be OK because he communicated with us. Even 2 days before are wedding. It was perfect and it was. More than what we had expected, the staff ,bartender ,the DJ and the Baker was so nice and so sweet. Our family and friends still to this day. Talk about how amazing are wedding was and the food and the music and the desserts. Thank you for making our feel magical
Heavenly D., 6 months ago
The Forester Hotel 
Lake Forest, IL
  • Up to 115 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor

“Love of Science and Nature” - It’s the founding motto of Lake Forest, IL, and the inspiration for the identity of our hotel. A forester, by definition, is an expert in the science of forestry. But at The Forester Hotel, they are also someone who is at the heart of two roads diverged; be it the crossroads of science and nature, tradition and innovation, or in your case, past and future, as you make plans to embark on a lifelong journey together. We’re passionate about preservation, but we’re not afraid to blaze new trails or unearth something new as part of the scientific method. Are you ready to discover innovative event spaces, deluxe dining, and memorable experiences? Are you naturally curious? Let your beautiful wedding blossom at The Forester. From the rehearsal to the "I do" to the farewell, we can host it all. With one phone call, you can check your room block, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and farewell brunch off your to-do list.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Dressing room available
  • Has onsite accommodations

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
The Highland Park Country Club 

2.0

Highland Park, IL
  • Up to 350 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $7,000

Highland Park Country Club, one of Chicago's original and historic event venues, is being reimagined as the newest piece of the Catering by Michaels portfolio. We offer both indoor and outdoor locations and checks all the boxes for your wedding. Whether you choose to have your ceremony in the beautiful nature preserve or admire all of its beauty inside from the floor to ceiling glass windows, this space is perfect no matter what you choose. Traditional seated meals of up to 350 guests with a dance floor or up to 400 guests without a dance floor can fit in the space.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Bridal suite on site
  • Classic seating dinner
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
The Highland Park Community House 

5.0

Highland Park, IL
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $8,000

The Highland Park Community House is an elegant wedding venue located in the heart of Highland Park's vibrant and well-known downtown district. This warm and inviting venue is a beautifully renovated historic landmark that evokes the glamour of the past with its art deco fixtures, vaulted ceilings and gorgeous hardwood floors. With stunning indoor and outdoor space, this venue can be converted into many configurations to graciously accommodate smaller events and weddings. One of the unique aspects of our special venue is you can bring in any vendor, caterer, food, beverage, decor of your choosing making it affordable on all budgets to create the wedding of your dreams.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Requires outside catering services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
HPCH is a beautiful venue in Chicago's North Shore. The ballroom is gorgeous and the garden areas are lovely. Highly recommend!
Maya, 5 years ago
GemHidden gem
Cuneo Mansion & Gardens 

5.0

Vernon Hills, IL
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $25,000

Located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, Loyola Lake County is home to the Cuneo family collection of fine art and furnishings, set in a beautiful 100-acre estate. Since receiving the estate, Loyola has completed a number of renovations and added a meeting and event pavilion for courses, lectures and special events. Loyola will continue its investment in the mansion.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Blends luxury with trendiness

Venue considerations

  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • No free parking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Cuneo Mansion was perfect for our 220 guest wedding! #1 reason why we booked was for the outdoor space and mansion grounds - it is breathtaking! You will have one of the best cocktail hours, plus it gives your guests a place to mingle outside if they aren't dancing.
Sarah Y., a year ago
Quick responder
Royal Melbourne Country Club 

5.0

Long Grove, IL
  • Up to 220 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $10,000

This is the moment you've always envisioned, a unique celebration that will hold a cherished spot in your memories forever. Allow the seasoned team at Royal Melbourne to transform your country club wedding in Long Grove into an unforgettable affair for you and your guests. We're committed to delivering the premier golf course wedding experience in Lake County. At Royal Melbourne Country Club, we feature a sophisticated ballroom with sweeping French windows and a secluded veranda that offers views of the 18th green. Our exclusive private rooms, exceptional chef, and dedicated staff all work together to make your event remarkable. Your extraordinary golf course wedding will be an event that both you and your guests will treasure for years to come.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Historic touches
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Lighting and sound are not included
It doesn't get better than the Royal Melbourne. Wedding couples and their guests are immediately surrounded in country club level elegance. Both indoor and outdoor ceremony options are eye popping which means wedding photos you'll treasure for a lifetime. -Rev. Michael Vargas
Rev. Michael V., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Chevy Chase Country Club 

5.0

Wheeling, IL
  • Up to 450 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Chevy Chase Country Club is a wedding venue located in Wheeling, IL, just 45 minutes away from the center of Chicago. The establishment’s stylish event spaces offer intimate, yet grand settings for special occasions of all types and sizes. Surrounded by a manicured golf course, the property provides a serene atmosphere and classic country club ambience for milestone events.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Has an intimate atmosphere
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Chevy Chase Country Club has everything you could want for your wedding day. The venue is gorgeous all around and you will receive premium level service. As a wedding officiant I love all the indoor and outdoor ceremony options couples get to choose from. Whether you say "I do" on the 1st tee, patio or multiple indoor spaces your wedding pictures will turn out amazing. -Rev. Michael Vargas
Rev. Michael V., 2 months ago
Hyatt Deerfield 
Deerfield, IL
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

With over 20,000 square feet of elegant event space, the Hyatt Regency Deerfield is a great wedding venue in the North Chicago area. For a grand-scale wedding nothing beats our 4,100-square foot ballroom ideal for up to 260 guests, while our 2,100-square foot ballroom can accommodate about 180 people. Experts in planning and executing unforgettable wedding experiences for our guests, we specialize in Jewish weddings. We will work with you to ensure your cultural traditions are upheld and celebrated. Our event facilities can accommodate everything from intimate ceremonies to lavish events, and our dedicated wedding team will help coordinate every detail along the way. From flowers, photography, catering (including Kosher wedding catering suggestions), entertainment, to booking room blocks for your wedding guests, we’ll help guide your wedding from beginning to end.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Has a chic vibe
  • Provides setup and cleanup

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • On-site parking not available
Renaissance Hotel 
Northbrook, IL
  • Up to 500 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $10,000

Our wedding venues on Chicago's North Shore offer beautiful backdrops for ceremonies and receptions Select from our hotel's 18 event venues and accommodate up to 500 guests for your Illinois wedding Ask about The Greenery at our Northbrook hotel, a unique wedding venue with views of the North Shore Indulge your guests at your wedding reception with culinary delights from our talented catering team Let our expert planners handle all the details of your wedding or mitzvah in Northbrook, Illinois Select from our hotel wedding packages and choose your cake, linens, bridal suite and more

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a fun and festive vibe
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists

Location flexible? Discover venues near Lake Forest, IL

About wedding venues in Lake Forest, 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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