Popular attractions like the Millenium Park & Cloud Gate, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago make this state an excellent place to host your winter wedding.
Other attractions of interest include the world’s only Popeye Museum and the only museum in North America dedicated to surgery.
Our detailed guide lists some of Illinois’s beautiful winter wedding venues, their capacity limits, and the amenities to expect.
Table of Contents
11 Winter Wedding Venues in Illinois
Some venues you may wish to consider are:
1. The Armour House
The Armour House blends a rustic and romantic setting, perfect for a couple hosting an intimate ceremony.
The historic Italian villa features several fireplaces, a grand staircase, and elegant marble that you can customize to fit your wedding theme. You can host your winter wedding in the Great Hall, which houses the stunning grand staircase or opt for the Garden Room, which overlooks the lush gardens.
You can host your reception in The Little Theater, which was previously for musical performances.
The scenic venue is in Lake Forest, Illinois, accessible by train ride from Downtown Chicago.
Other amenities available include:
- Dressing room
- Reception area
- Wireless internet
- Liability insurance
- Handicap Accessibility
- Event rentals
- Setup and cleanup
2. The Haley Mansion
Boasting upscale vibes and a serene atmosphere, The Haley Mansion is another wedding venue to consider.
The venue is in Joliet, Illinois, and has 20,000 square feet of event space you can use for your wedding ceremony and reception.
With the indoor space, guests enjoy gorgeous views of the lush gardens and manicured lawns. You can have the reception in the ballroom. Picture marble floors, luxurious table linens, and unique columns that you can decorate with your theme colors.
Another impressive aspect is that the venue provides other services like bartending, cleaning, and event setup. They also provide chairs, tables, and centerpieces.
You don’t have to struggle to look for a caterer as the mansion has qualified chefs and staff that guarantee a memorable dining experience.
Other amenities you can expect in this mansion include:
- A dressing room
- Handicap accessibility
- Wireless internet
3. The Haight
The Haight is in Elgin, Illinois, which makes it accessible from the Metra train line station.
The unique venue was previously an industrial space and still retains features like original beam ceilings and exposed brick walls.
They have enough space to accommodate both your wedding ceremony and reception. Their ceremony area has stunning, hanging, twinkling lights and tolix-style chairs that add rustic charm. The Haight also has custom-built rectangular and round tables in the reception area.
Your guests can interact and mingle during cocktail hour. The venue has two stationery bars and one mobile to serve your friends and family.
Other amenities available include:
- A bridal suite
- Wireless internet
- Handicap accessibility
4. City View Loft
The City View Loft is a perfect choice for couples looking for a convenient urban venue for their guests.
Situated in Chicago, Illinois, the City View Loft has the best views, thanks to many windows that allow you to enjoy downtown Chicago and the skyline.
The open-concept plan and exposed metal girders give this venue an industrial touch that you can personalize to ensure it fits your wedding theme and colors.
Their three floors also give you endless options to work with. You can host your ceremony on the second floor and move to the third floor for your reception. The first floor has a bridal suite and a cocktail area where your guests can have their drinks.
Amenities provided at City View Loft include:
- Wireless internet
- Handicap accessibility
- Cocktail area
- Breakout rooms
- A/V equipment
5. Firehouse Chicago
Firehouse Chicago is in the Edgewater neighborhood on Chicago’s Northside. The venue’s theme and list of amenities guarantee a memorable winter wedding.
Their indoor event space has historic touches like white glazed brick and lofty ceilings.
Some of the amenities available at the Firehouse Chicago include:
- White-tiled main event space
- White peaked tent option
- Parking
- Private wedding suites
- Full-service kitchen
6. Room 1520
Room 1520 is in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. The 4,000-square-foot event venue features an urban, elegant aesthetic that makes it perfect for a winter wedding.
Some major highlights of this eclectic venue include Italian crystal chandeliers, a handcrafted staircase, towering ceilings, daylight windows, and exposed brick.
For a more intimate wedding, you can opt for The Justine, inside Room 1520, which holds up to 60 guests.
Other amenities available in Room 1520 include:
- Handicap accessibility
- Wireless internet
- Dressing room
- Reception area
7. Bridgeport Art Center
The Bridgeport Art Center is a premier event space with panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline. The historic building redefines urban elegance with its dramatic lighting, stunning inlays, and exposed beams.
You can host a winter wedding in two industrial lofty spaces. Both spaces can hold up to 500 guests.
The venue’s versatility allows you to convert any space into a beautiful setting for your special day.
Other amenities available at this venue include:
- Valet parking
- Street parking
- Breakout rooms
- Handicap accessibility
- Wireless internet
8. Events at Refinery
Events at Refinery is an excellent option to consider for your winter wedding. Its maple hardwood floors, and expansive windows create an idyllic and romantic setting.
Located in Champaign, Illinois, the venue has everything you’d need for your special day.
Events at Refinery has an open-floor layout, beautifully placed drapery, and warm lighting that you can incorporate into your wedding to create a memorable and dreamy event.
You can also choose from the venue’s services, like set-up and clean-up services, event planning, vendor selection, and more. There’s an inbuilt bar to ensure your guests enjoy delicious beverages.
Other amenities available at Events at Refinery include:
- Bridal suite
- Parking services
- Shuttle services
- Handicap accessibility
- Liability insurance
- Wireless internet
9. Reality on Monroe
Nestled in the heart of downtown Bloomington, Reality on Monroe is another venue to consider for your winter wedding. The renovated space was where the historic fire that covered most of downtown Bloomington happened.
The venue retains part of its history with expansive front windows, exposed brick walls, and wooden plank floors that exude urban elegance combined with rustic charm.
Other amenities at Reality on Monroe include:
- Handicap accessibility
- Full bar/lounge
- On-site catering
10. Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is in the Galena Territory in Illinois.
Couples looking to host a small, intimate ceremony can also check out the Galena Room, which has access to an outdoor patio. Guests can enjoy a cocktail hour at the Point Patio.
The venue has wedding coordinators who take their time to understand your vision and execute it flawlessly. You also don’t have to worry about catering, as the Eagle Ridge Resort has catering specialists to create a personalized menu.
Other amenities at the Eagle Ridge Resort include:
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Fitness room
- Wireless internet
- In-room fireplace
11. Eastland Suites Hotel and Conference Center
The Eastland Suites Hotel and Conference Center is a perfect wedding venue if you’re looking for an all-inclusive location in the heart of Illinois.
The hotel has everything you need whether you’re thinking of an elegant, sophisticated wedding or a simple, intimate ceremony.
You can opt to have a wedding planner manage the ceremony details or hire their wedding coordinator, who’s responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly.
The Eastland Suites Hotel and Conference Center also provides event items like chairs, tables, and decor.
Other amenities at the Eastland Suites Hotel include:
- Handicap accessibility
- Onsite accommodation
- Wireless internet
- Reception area
- Liability insurance
Final Thoughts
Illinois has some of the best wedding venues you can customize to fit your winter wedding theme. Our list above has a few venues with indoor event spaces that you can personalize, depending on your preferences.
Resources
- https://www.herecomestheguide.com/wedding-venues/illinois/patrick-c-haley-mansion
- https://www.thehaleymansion.com/
- https://www.venuereport.com/venue/the-haight/
- https://www.cityviewloftchicago.com/
- https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/city-view-loft-chicago-chicago/780e5a45448fc96f.html
- https://www.firehousechicago.com/
- https://www.venuereport.com/roundups/18-of-the-dreamiest-wedding-venues-across-illinois/entry/3/
- https://www.room1520.com/features-and-details
- https://www.womangettingmarried.com/room-1520-wedding-venue/
- https://www.bridgeportart.com/
- https://www.herecomestheguide.com/wedding-venues/illinois/events-at-refinery
- https://www.eventsatrefinery.com/weddings.html
- https://realityonmonroeblm.com/
- https://www.eagleridge.com/galena-wedding-packages
- https://www.herecomestheguide.com/wedding-venues/illinois/eastland-suites-hotel-and-conference-center
- Armour House – Venue – Lake Forest, IL – WeddingWire