The Best Small Wedding Venues in Lake Forest, IL

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Lake Forest, IL

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5 Wedding Venues in Lake Forest, IL

Golf and country clubs
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
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
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
White Deer Golf Club 
Vernon Hills, IL
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

White Deer Run Golf Club is a stunning golf and country club located in Vernon Hills, Illinois. It offers couples gorgeous views of Lake Charles and immaculately landscaped greens. Situated on the famed Cuneo Estate, this venue features 240 acres of rolling hills. White Deer Run Golf Club is happy to host both your ceremony and reception. Couples can accommodate up to 200 guests at this golf club. You can have an outdoor ceremony surrounded by beautiful trees and picturesque lakes. Then guests can make their way to the Clubhouse for an elegant, indoor reception.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Provides catering services
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No free parking
  • 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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