Suburban Chicago Wedding Venue Needed

February 6, 2014 10:41 AM

A good friend of mine is getting married, and asked me to enlist the hive mind to help her find a venue. She is looking for something budget-friendly but unique; located in the West or Northwest suburbs (about a 50 mile radius from Chicago but not further south than Plainfield), for about 150 guests. A place that would allow them to bring their own food and liquor would be ideal, and park district venues are acceptable.
posted by Fig to Grab Bag (8 answers total)

We got married a few years ago at the Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge in Hinsdale. You aren't able to bring in your own food or liquor, but in terms of caterers they did have a wide budget range for the preferred list. (And you were able to have a non-preferred caterer for an additional fee.)
posted by statsgirl at 11:06 AM on February 6, 2014

Independence Grove in Libertyville
posted by rabbitsnake at 11:15 AM on February 6, 2014 [2 favorites]

Check out your Parks District. I have found that some of the most extra ordinary venues are very reasonable through the County or City. You can rent a mansion for heaven's sake!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:18 AM on February 6, 2014

Pleasant Home might work in Oak Park. Though they do require a security guard with alcohol and parties of 50 or more.
posted by AlexiaSky at 12:13 PM on February 6, 2014

I'm not sure the Morton Arboretum qualifies as budget-friendly (in that I have no idea how much weddings cost), but it's a lovely place in the geographic area.
posted by newrambler at 1:49 PM on February 6, 2014

How about the Chicago Botanic Garden?
posted by professor plum with a rope at 1:08 AM on February 7, 2014

Around these parts I would expect a venue to run about 3 grand and many places will have been booked through next year. Which is to say - good luck.

Here are some places for having a wedding at:

Oak Park: Cheney Mansion. Note: unrelated to the old VP this place is an old mansion the local park district runs.

Elmhurst: Another Mansion! Wilder mansion.

Brookfield Zoo (in brookfield!) Check out it's ratings before you skip on getting hitch next to the penguins.

West side Chicago: Garfield Park Conservatory is an inexpensive option. The neighborhood is very poor, but one of my fav kitchens is just down the road from it: Inspiration kitchen.
posted by zenon at 3:27 PM on February 10, 2014

Response by poster: As a follow-up, my friend ended up going with Donley's Wild West Town. She did go and see some of the venues you folks suggested here, and passes along her gratitude!
posted by Fig at 10:23 AM on July 24, 2014