The Best Small Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

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4 Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

Ballrooms, banquet halls
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
Quick responder
Bartlett Hills Golf Club 

5.0

  • Up to 230 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $4,000

Bartlett Hills is an Award Winning Banquet Hall and Golf Course in the Chicago-Land Area. The Venue is perfect for Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions and offer breathtaking elevated views of the course's landscaping. With exclusive rights to the venue, a capacity of 230 guests and 5 star reviewed fine dining, our team works with each Bride and Groom on a personal one-on-one basis to create the most magical wedding evening possible. Our Wedding Package is extremely inclusive and can be customized to fit anyones needs and wants. Please call our Wedding Office at 630-213-3103 to set up your viewing today!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Classic elegance
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Best for events with big guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
Having our wedding at Bartlett Hills could not have been a better choice! Their wedding packages offer everything you need for a super reasonable price! Evan made planning the event so easy and stress free. We really appreciated his level of communication and care. We were able to drop off all of our decorations the day before and everything was set up for us beautifully. We chose the casual package which has food stations instead of a traditional multif course meal and it was absolutely perfect for our event. The food was delicious and there was plenty enough for seconds or thirds. Overall the whole event was better than we could have ever imagined. We cannot thank Bartlett Hills enough for such a great experience.
Kara N., a year ago
Quick responder
Parkway Banquets 

4.9

Ingleside, IL
  • Up to 400 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Open house

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
Parkway Banquets provided an exceptional experience for our wedding day. Their communication was very prompt, friendly, and helpful throughout the entire planning process. The quality of their service was outstanding - the venue was beautifully maintained with a gorgeous lake view that created the perfect backdrop for our ceremony. The staff worked tirelessly to orchestrate the event flawlessly, ensuring everything ran smoothly without a hitch. We were thoroughly impressed by their attention to detail and hard work in making our special day truly perfect. I would highly recommend Parkway Banquets to any couple looking for a stunning venue with impeccable service.
Tammy S., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Greenbelt Cultural Center 
North Chicago, IL
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,750

The Greenbelt Cultural Center, owned and operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, is nestled within 617 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. Surrounded by prairies, rolling hills, oak trees, and a serene lake, it offers a picturesque setting for any occasion. Our premier event venue, the Grand Woodland Hall, spans 4,460square feet and features stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in. With a capacity of up to 300 guests, the Hall is fully temperature-controlled and equipped with customizable ambient lighting, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. In addition to the Grand Woodland Hall, we offer exceptional outdoor spaces, including a charming amphitheater and two spacious patios, perfect for hosting events with a beautiful natural backdrop.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Classic elegance
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Requires outside catering services
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

Location flexible? Discover venues near Waukegan, IL

About wedding venues in Waukegan, IL

## Why Choose Waukegan for Your Wedding?

Waukegan, Illinois delivers an impressive array of wedding venues that span from historic theaters to elegant country clubs, all with Lake Michigan's beautiful shoreline nearby. You'll find venue costs averaging between $9,630 and $11,770 here; that's about 19% of your total wedding budget compared to the national average of 25%. You're getting better value right from the start. The best venues in the area combine easy accessibility with spaces you can truly make your own, plus professional services that help create the celebration you've been dreaming about.

## What Are the Top Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL?

Genesee Theatre dominates the Lake County wedding scene with its magnificent historic architecture that's fully accessible and can welcome up to 2,403 guests. You'll be amazed by the grandeur. Lakehurst Banquets excels at hosting large milestone events with room for up to 3,000 people in accessible spaces that can transform to match your vision. The Morgan Arts Complex gives you 150,000 square feet of blank canvas to design your perfect day, comfortably fitting up to 1,000 guests. If you're looking for natural beauty, Bonnie Brook Golf Course and Glen Flora Country Club offer gorgeous scenic settings with excellent banquet facilities and accessibility features that ensure all your guests feel welcome.

## How Much Does a Waukegan Wedding Cost?

A typical Waukegan wedding runs about $56,164 for 150 guests, with costs that adjust based on your guest count. Smaller gatherings of 50 guests average $24,093 while celebrations with 100 people typically cost around $40,625. Larger events increase proportionally; 200 guests averages $70,046, 250 guests costs about $83,928 and 300-person weddings reach approximately $97,810.

ServiceAverage Cost% of Budget
Venue$10,66519%
Catering$8,53215%
Bar Service$6,82612%
Florists$7,46613%
Photography$4,8359%
Videography$4,4088%

## When Should You Book Your Waukegan Wedding Venue?

August sees the highest number of wedding inquiries in Waukegan. Most couples secure their venues about 17 months (or 525 days) before their wedding date. This gives you plenty of time to plan. Booking early is especially important if you've got your heart set on popular spots like the Genesee Theatre or Lakehurst Banquets where prime dates can disappear quickly.

## Which Waukegan Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Bonnie Brook Golf Course delivers respected country club catering with menus you can tailor to your tastes. You'll appreciate their flexibility. Glen Flora Country Club stands out for their upscale banquet service that impresses even the most discerning guests. Just a short drive from Waukegan, Relish Catering at Independence Grove sits 7 miles away in Libertyville featuring farm-to-table cuisine made from scratch. For truly exceptional dining, Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest; only 9 miles from Waukegan; offers celebrated in-house chefs creating luxury menus that will elevate your celebration.

## How Can Waukegan Venues Accommodate Remote Guests?

Waukegan venues now go beyond simple streaming to offer interactive experiences for guests who can't attend in person. The Genesee Theatre's historic ambiance creates a stunning backdrop that translates beautifully to virtual viewing. Your remote guests won't miss the magic. Both Bonnie Brook Golf Course and Glen Flora Country Club collaborate with couples to integrate technology that connects everyone meaningfully. You might also enhance the experience for distant loved ones with virtual venue tours ahead of time, interactive livestreams during the event, or private social media channels where everyone can share moments and reactions in real time.

## Why Choose Waukegan for Your Wedding?

Waukegan, Illinois delivers an impressive array of wedding venues that span from historic theaters to elegant country clubs, all with Lake Michigan's beautiful shoreline nearby. You'll find venue costs averaging between $9,630 and $11,770 here; that's about 19% of your total wedding budget compared to the national average of 25%. You're getting better value right from the start. The best venues in the area combine easy accessibility with spaces you can truly make your own, plus professional services that help create the celebration you've been dreaming about.

## What Are the Top Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL?

Genesee Theatre dominates the Lake County wedding scene with its magnificent historic architecture that's fully accessible and can welcome up to 2,403 guests. You'll be amazed by the grandeur. Lakehurst Banquets excels at hosting large milestone events with room for up to 3,000 people in accessible spaces that can transform to match your vision. The Morgan Arts Complex gives you 150,000 square feet of blank canvas to design your perfect day, comfortably fitting up to 1,000 guests. If you're looking for natural beauty, Bonnie Brook Golf Course and Glen Flora Country Club offer gorgeous scenic settings with excellent banquet facilities and accessibility features that ensure all your guests feel welcome.

## How Much Does a Waukegan Wedding Cost?

A typical Waukegan wedding runs about $56,164 for 150 guests, with costs that adjust based on your guest count. Smaller gatherings of 50 guests average $24,093 while celebrations with 100 people typically cost around $40,625. Larger events increase proportionally; 200 guests averages $70,046, 250 guests costs about $83,928 and 300-person weddings reach approximately $97,810.

ServiceAverage Cost% of Budget
Venue$10,66519%
Catering$8,53215%
Bar Service$6,82612%
Florists$7,46613%
Photography$4,8359%
Videography$4,4088%

## When Should You Book Your Waukegan Wedding Venue?

August sees the highest number of wedding inquiries in Waukegan. Most couples secure their venues about 17 months (or 525 days) before their wedding date. This gives you plenty of time to plan. Booking early is especially important if you've got your heart set on popular spots like the Genesee Theatre or Lakehurst Banquets where prime dates can disappear quickly.

## Which Waukegan Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Bonnie Brook Golf Course delivers respected country club catering with menus you can tailor to your tastes. You'll appreciate their flexibility. Glen Flora Country Club stands out for their upscale banquet service that impresses even the most discerning guests. Just a short drive from Waukegan, Relish Catering at Independence Grove sits 7 miles away in Libertyville featuring farm-to-table cuisine made from scratch. For truly exceptional dining, Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest; only 9 miles from Waukegan; offers celebrated in-house chefs creating luxury menus that will elevate your celebration.

## How Can Waukegan Venues Accommodate Remote Guests?

Waukegan venues now go beyond simple streaming to offer interactive experiences for guests who can't attend in person. The Genesee Theatre's historic ambiance creates a stunning backdrop that translates beautifully to virtual viewing. Your remote guests won't miss the magic. Both Bonnie Brook Golf Course and Glen Flora Country Club collaborate with couples to integrate technology that connects everyone meaningfully. You might also enhance the experience for distant loved ones with virtual venue tours ahead of time, interactive livestreams during the event, or private social media channels where everyone can share moments and reactions in real time.

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