Affordable Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

Affordable Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

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4 Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

Wedding shower
Parks, gardens
Up to $2,000
Available on July 18, 2026
New
Wandering Tree Estate 

5.0

Barrington, IL
  • Up to 50 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

With 10 acres of breath-taking award-winning gardens, model train layouts and museum, and a large sparkling lake, you and your guests will be transported into an unforgettable realm of beauty and wonder. Wandering Tree Estate is the wedding venue to make your dreams come true! Brides there are a million reasons to pick Wandering Tree Estate as your wedding venue. Our gardens are Instagram ready and will blow you and your guests away. The unique all-outdoor setting allows you and your guests to enjoy your big day surrounded by tropical flowers and rare plants and trees - on your very own private estate. Sign up for a 2020 wedding to receive our special pricing (bridal cottage INCLUDED) Grooms feel relaxed on your big day. Our recommended vendors make the entire process smooth and easy from start to finish. We even allow outside vendors if you wish to have a completely custom experience!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Has an intimate feel for a small guest list
  • Venue is completely outdoors

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Can not accomodate large big events
  • Does not have a dance floor
Your dream wedding awaits. Wandering Tree Estate is a venue like no other. The gorgeous ten acre garden setting will give you endless possibilities for your wedding photos. I absolutely love performing ceremonies here.
Rev. Michael V., 7 months ago
Quick responder
The Lodge at KLM Park 

4.0

Hinsdale, IL
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,300

​The Lodge at KLM Park is surrounded by 52 acres of beautifully appointed parkland. Built in 1927 and designed by R. Harold Zook, one of the most renowned residential architects in the western suburbs, The Lodge exudes grace and elegance. It is as versatile as it is engaging, welcoming a variety of special events and occasions from weddings to social functions. The first floor of the English-style building is alive with character, providing a spacious living room with a fireplace, a piano, dining room, kitchen, alcove, and access to the beautiful patios and surrounding grounds that may be used for outdoor event space. ​

Why you'll love this venue

  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Dance floor not included
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Requires outside catering services
We love working with the team at Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge. The venue is in a great location and is very easy to work at, especially with their full kitchen on-site. It's a beautiful venue for events of all kinds!
Chef By Request Staff, 5 years ago
University Club Of Milwaukee - City And Country Club 

5.0

Milwaukee, WI
  • Up to 225 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

The University Club of Milwaukee and Tripoli Country Club merged in 2016. Today, there simply is no other club in the region that offers the same heritage, legacy of excellence, and breadth of experiences as The University Club of Milwaukee. Founded in 1898 by a group of 19 college alumni, The University Club's founding mission was to offer members a distinctive opportunity to network, share ideas, grow relationships, and engage in the issues of the day. This was a time of great hope and promise, and of progress and innovation. In 1921, entrepreneurial members of the Tripoli Temple in Milwaukee purchased land at what is now Good Hope Road and 43rd Street in Milwaukee and began a country club for the benefit of its members. Tripoli Country Club and its championship-caliber golf course attracted fine golfers, also serving as an oasis for members and their families. Now united by a common commitment to excellence, engagement, and a desire to positively impact the lives of our members.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Private area for the wedding party

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • On-site parking not available
Everything from start to finish was amazing with UClub! Leah and the staff were great and pleasant to work with! We had the venue pretty much to ourselves all weekend which was great for my out of town family. Everything was stress free and taken care of without question! I would 100% recommend this venue to anyone for a wedding! It was everything and more than what I imagined!
Ali B., 3 years ago
Story Hill Firehouse 

5.0

Milwaukee, WI
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

FIREHOUSE HISTORY OLD ENGINE HOUSE No. 35 The Fiirehouse was built in 1927 and was active until 1998. One of five bungalow style firehouse in Wisconsin (so truly one of a kind!) This firehouse was considered "Old Engine House No. 35 & Ladder Co. 16" and now named Story Hill FireHouse. Historic "bungalow style" firehouse was purchased in December 2018 by Janelle Meyer-Brown, owner/planner of evenement planning. Janelle brought new life to the Firehouse by opening walls and adding some modern touches to compliment the historic elements. She has designed the building to be a unique event venue option that will make your event ONE OF A KIND! Oh So Charming... walk into this amazing firehouse and it's classic touches! original wood trim throughout, terrazzo floors, original wood lockers, 13 foot ceilings. New accent lighting to fit the era and full tin ceilings in the engine bay leading out through the new 13 ft double custom wood carriage doors Come in and take a tour!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Classic elegance
  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Pets can join the celebration

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • No all-inclusive dining options
Awarded Best of Zola
Janelle and the team at Story Hill Firehouse was a pleasure to work with throughout our wedding planning process. Their communication was prompt, open, and receptive, which made us feel at ease and well-cared for. The venue itself had a cozy, cohesive feel. It was perfect for our wedding of 85 people. The historical charm of the firehouse as well as all the architectural touches added to the beauty of the day. The staff was incredibly organized and caring making our day seamless and stress free. We highly recommend Story Hill Firehouse to any couple looking for a unique and memorable wedding experience.
Lisa, a year ago

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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