Planning a wedding can feel exciting at first. But once you start looking at wedding venues, things can get overwhelming fast.
Especially if you are planning a destination wedding in or around Chicago.
So many places. So many options. Prices all over the place. What looks great online sometimes feels totally different in real life.
That’s why choosing the right venue is really important. It sets the tone for everything – from your dress to your photos to the kind of food you serve. So, start by looking at Chicago wedding venues that offer a full experience.
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Think about guest capacity and comfort
Some venues may look perfect in photos but feel crowded in real life. So, here are the three questions you must ask yourself –
Can the venue comfortably hold all your guests?
Is there parking?
Will guests need hotel rooms nearby?
A great destination spot will offer lodging and fun activities onsite. For example – venues like Rush Lakes Estate host up to 200 guests and even include multi-night stays for 40+ people. That saves you the stress of coordinating multiple bookings.
Don’t go by looks alone
Yes, the place should be beautiful. But that is just the start. A destination wedding is not just a one-hour ceremony. It is an all-day, sometimes all-weekend celebration. That’s why you must look for wedding venues with –
Scenic photo spots
Outdoor and indoor ceremony options
Activities like kayaking or hiking for guests
Did you know?
64% of couples now look for multi-purpose wedding venues. These are places where they can host, stay, and celebrate without ever leaving the property.
Ask whether it is private or shared?
Many popular venues book back-to-back events. That means you might be sharing the grounds with another wedding.
Not ideal.
Look for venues that give you full access to the property for the entire day, or even better, the whole weekend. Some spots, like Rush Lakes Estate, sit on 473 acres of private land. That is peace and exclusivity you won’t get in downtown Chicago.
Understand what’s included (and what’s not)
Every venue says “packages available,” but what does that actually mean?
Some wedding venues charge extra for basics like chairs, lighting, or sound systems. Others offer all-inclusive packages that cover –
Setup access the day before
Ceremony and reception spaces
Indoor pool, hot tub, or fire pits
Tables, speakers, and tents
A truly helpful destination wedding venue will give you a full list of what is included.
Match the venue to your style
Your wedding should reflect who you are, not a Pinterest trend.
Do you love the outdoors? Look for lakeside wedding venues with covered bridges and wildflower fields. Prefer something more formal? Search for historic mansions or grand hotel ballrooms.
Remember – The perfect venue is not the most expensive one. It is the one that feels right.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide makes it easier for you to pick the best destination wedding venue. So take your time. Ask questions. Visit in person if you can. And if you are searching for Chicago wedding venues that feel like a private escape – with lakes, lodging, and once-in-a-lifetime views – there are hidden gems like Rush Lakes Estate waiting for you.
