The Best Small Wedding Venues in Scales Mound, IL

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Scales Mound, IL

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2 Wedding Venues in Scales Mound, IL

Lodges, retreats
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
Quick responder
Prevailing Winds Lodge Blue Mounds/Madison 

5.0

Blue Mounds, WI
  • Up to 1000 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,000

If you are looking for a wedding venue with on-site accommodations, seek no further than Prevailing Winds Lodge in Blue Mounds, WI. Our lodge offers the most intimate of settings for small weddings and breathtaking vistas from high atop our prairie for large weddings. Let the beautiful surroundings sweep you and your partner away as you begin your life together as one. Why Choose Us? Serenity, nature, privacy, and peace are just a few things you will experience on your wedding day at the lodge. We provide our guests with the ideal place to host a once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding. The lodge does not have any restrictions on the vendors of your choice, but it does offer packages for certain amenities and referrals for local merchants and suppliers. After hosting your big day at our venue, enjoy your stay in our spacious room with a wood fireplace, bond with your guests, and experience other fun activities.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • Requires outside catering services
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
Gorgeous views and hospitality await you at Prevailing Winds Lodge; Steve, Jen, and Karo are some of the best in the business. We love serving guests at this venue on the hill under the tent; the sunset views from here with good music, company, and cocktails are simply bliss! PWL is on-point before during and after events to make sure smooth sailing is had by all. The venue is photogenic with spectacular views and service, as the staff goes out of their way to meet your expectations and exceed your needs. We highly recommend them!
Bartender 608, 3 years ago
Quick responder
The Cording Event Barn at Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages 
GALENA, IL
  • 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

Location flexible? Discover venues near Scales Mound, IL

About wedding venues in Scales Mound, 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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