Budget friendly venues in Chicagoland Area

Hi! I'm a Chicago bride and did extensive research into Chicagoland venues before ultimately deciding to have it out of state. What is your venue budget? Here's a few lower cost ones that I have in my spreadsheet, I think these were for a Saturday wedding (for ref, 100 guests). I'd say, look into restaurants with courtyards that you can rent out the whole space (of course depending on your wedding size). I also have a friend who got married on a rooftop in like Bucktown that seemed like it was nice, albeit no frills (could easily be transformed with a little DIY elbow-grease!)

Danada House - $3800 (this venue books up super early in advance)

Glessner House - $4500 (historic venue, I don't think there were caterer or alcohol limitations)

A New Leaf - $5000

Loft on Lake - $5800 (blank slate, no caterer limitations, you can BYOB which is a huge savings)

Morton Arboretum - $6000

Armour House - $7500

City Winery - $185pp (I think this included venue, food, and bev)

There were another half dozen or so over $9k just for the venue fee, and others I didn't even write down because they were so absurd. Happy hunting!

Hi Libby!! Congratulations on your engagement!

WOW, Jennifer gave you some really great suggestions there! I hope that is helpful for you!

You can also check out the venue search tool on WeddingWire for some more options if you are still on the hunt. Here are the Chicago Wedding Venues that are listed!

Have you narrowed down what type of venue you would like to have?

Where in the Chicagoland area are you looking? North suburbs? South suburbs? Prefer to stay in the city? Is Indiana an option?

My reception at Drury Lane in the western suburbs is very reasonable, although "budget friendly" depends on the type of wedding you want. Mine is very traditional, 120 guest Saturday evening 6-hour reception. Most of their entrees are in the $70pp range, but that includes open bar, 5 course meal, the venue rental fee, a built in day of coordinator, dance floor, chairs, linens, and simple centerpieces. For me, this is a steal but might seem outrageous to you. I love knowing that I have to worry about nothing the day of, but if you're more of a DIY/unconventional bride, something like this will likely not be a good fit. Good luck!

View Quoted Comment

Hello Cara,

I am in the hunting process right now for locations, so at this point, I'm ok with wherever.

View Quoted Comment

Thank you so much Jennifer! I will contact some of these places!

Dinolfos in Homer Glen is $65 a person and has some Friday/offseason discounts. They also don’t charge the 18-20% gratuity that most places add on.

Look at Bartlett Hills Golf Club. Their prices include real flower center pieces, the cake, linens, tableware, and an on sight Coordinator. Go off season and get 10% discount and free passed apps. They do white glove service and have 2 bars. You’ll have the place to yourself as well.

Depending on what your budget is, I could recommend our venue! We have a fairly strict budget too. It’s the Haight in Elgin, IL. Very rustic venue with a beautiful exterior.

I wanted something with windows and going to Reserve 22 in Glen Ellyn -I’m not doing a true wedding package. They have a private patio and we’re doing a buffet on a Saturday apps and booze with tip etc for less than $100 per. Cheapest I found was chateau orleans in Darien but no window.

View Quoted Comment Hi! I’m actually looking at the Haight now, do you know the average price? I’m really interested in Uncle Bub’s for catering.

Have you looked at the Haight in Elgin? That’s our venue!

Wow it’s way early in the morning. My bad. I thought this was entirely different discussion and hadn’t seen my previous post 🤣😅 my bad!

View Quoted Comment Hi! I know this is an old post but curious about what you did for catering at the Haight? We’re looking at it next weekend and trying to figure out ways to keep our guests fed and stay on budget.

View Quoted Comment Sent you a PM!