The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

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4 Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

Outdoor
Quick responder
Parkway Banquets 

4.9

Ingleside, IL
  • Up to 400 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • 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
Jerry and his crew made out wedding day incredible! They helped run the whole day, they got the guests seated, kept everything on schedule, and ensured that Ben and I didn't have to worry about anything. When our flowergirl got stage-fright right before walking down the aisle, Jerry swooped in to save the day and helped her find her mom. We initially didn't plan to do a grand entrance into the reception, but Jerry and the DJ (Megan from Music that Moves) made one happen last-minute so our flower girl could have a second shot ar throwing her petals. You're not just getting a venue at Parkway, you're getting a whole team who will make your event run smoothly. If we ever do a vow renewal or anniversary party, we will be back!
Emily-Paige & B., 6 days ago
Quick responder
Bay Pointe 

5.0

  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $6,000

When you celebrate your wedding or special event at Bay Pointe, you and your guests will experience distinct personalized service centered around you and your dreams. Conveniently located between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo or Chicago and Detroit, Bay Pointe Inn overlooks the islands of Gun Lake and offers a variety of unique onsite event venues. The Lakefront Pavilion, BoatHouse Villa and the all new Bay Pointe Woods, are each exceptionally designed and comfortable event spaces. As a flexible all-season, venue, our events and banquet teams specialize in vibrant spring weddings, lavish summer ceremonies, twilight autumn weddings and indoor winter weddings where up to 300 guests are warmed by a floor to ceiling fireplace. Each of our unique venue spaces has been designed to ensure a successful event by enjoying a variety of event styles and effortless entertaining with family and friends.

Why you'll love this venue

  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
Bay Pointe was an excellent choice for our wedding venue. From the very beginning, the team provided quick and very friendly communication, always responding to our questions and requests promptly. The venue itself was absolutely stunning - they listened to our vision and provided great feedback to help make it a reality. The workers were all incredibly helpful and welcoming, and we had a pleasure working with Ashley, Spencer, Lauren, and Gabriel. Everything was immaculately clean and the entire team went above and beyond to make our special day perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and highly recommend Bay Pointe to any couple looking for a beautiful, well-run wedding venue.
Savanna S., 3 months ago
Dandelion Gallery & Studio 
Waukegan, IL
  • Up to 125 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $625

Looking for unique and creative venue for your event? The Dandelion Gallery is a artistic slate for a creative gatherings. The gallery is 2500 sq feet of space with three movable walls. The outdoor deck overlooking the urban ravine and is a beautiful spot for a summer wedding. The deck has 600 sq feet of space. This intimate space is very versatile for day or evening events.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Has an energetic and exciting atmosphere
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • Additional event staff required
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • No on-premises lodging options
The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy 

5.0

Lake Forest, IL
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $15,000

The house, known today as Reid Hall, was completed in 1908 and the family moved in on May 5, led by J. Ogden Armour, until approximately September of 1927. Many of the house’s mantle pieces, there are 15, and the paneling of the library reading room (or former living room), were imported from Paris, Vienna and London, including the marble dining room while the main walls are of Italian marble, the central panels of each wall have been painted over the plaster to simulate actual marble. It is also reputed that the marble staircase was built with the primary purpose in mind that their daughter, Lolita Ogden Armour, would descend the curving stairway on her wedding day, which she did in 1921, to John J. Mitchell, Jr. Eventually the property was sold to Lake Forest Academy where classes began in 1948. Today, Academy grounds total approximately 170 acres.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No free parking
The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy is an exceptional wedding venue that exceeded our expectations every time we works with them. Their communication style is attentive, detailed, and dependable throughout the entire planning process. The quality of their work and the overall ambiance is truly elegant, historic, and traditional. The attention to detail and the organized, reliable staff contributed greatly to making each wedding day run smoothly and seamlessly. We would highly recommend The Armour House to any couple looking for a beautiful, well-managed wedding venue with a wonderful team.
Eileen Weber, 10 months 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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