If you don’t want to head to the mountains to elope but still want to get married in nature, this blog post is for you.

I am so excited to cover 9 outdoor elopement locations in Illinois! You know I don’t gate keep. Don’t worry- there is planning information to help you make the planning process as simple and stress free as possible.

Elopement? What’s that?

Not every couple wants 200 pairs of eyes starring at them when they read their vows. That’s honestly one of the main reasons why people elpoe today! It used to be a secret, shameful thing, but it’s 2026 baby!!!

Recently I overhauled a blog deep diving into how to elope in Illinois. If you haven’t already check it out, THAT blog post covers:

1. Why elope?
2. Elopement legalities in Illinois
3. Step by step planning
4. Example elopements from past RMP couples

But THIS blog post is going to give you ideas on WHERE to get married in Illinois.

Elopement Locations in Illinois

This blog post covers nature-focused elopement locations near/in the following cities around Central Illinois:

• Champaign-Urbana
• Bloomington-Normal
• Springfield
• Peoria
• Streator

1. Allerton Park // Piatt County

First on my list is a location that I adore for all types of sessions, including elopements, the gorgeous Allerton Park in Illinois’ Piatt County. This location is about 30 minutes west of Champaign-Urbana. There are so many spots to get married at there:

• Fu Dog Garden
• House of the Golden Buddhas
• The Vine Walk
• Brick Wall Garden
• Peony Garden (in May!!! 🌸)
• The Sunken Garden

The beauty of Allerton Park is consistent year round, which is another benefit of the space. There is even a bloom calendar to let you know when certain gardens will be in bloom!!

In order to book any of Allerton Park’s many spaces for your elopement you’ll have to submit this special occasion request in order to reserve your date. 

2. The Prairie Glass House // Champaign County

Couples that are looking for something a little more modern for their elopement might want to consider The Prairie Glass House. This is just north of Champaign, Illinois. This stunning house features over 90 double glass doors that look out over the 17 acres of natural wonder that surround the house. Check out these photos! The entire house can be rented for your elopement, giving you plenty of space and privacy to enjoy yourselves. This is one of the rare elopement spots that has nature & a modern flare.

3. University of Illinois Arboretum // Champaign County

Next on my list is the University of Illinois Arboretum in Champaign-Urbana. (I’ve photographed a proposal there by a willow tree 🥹 !) It is a beautiful place for a small elopement ceremony surrounded by nature. The Arboretum includes over 100 acres of gardens, wooded areas, and open green spaces, giving couples plenty of peaceful spots to exchange vows. In the spring, the cherry tree allée near Japan House fills with soft pink blossoms. Contact UoI about locations here.

Here are some spots to get married at:

• Oak Grove
• Linden Allée
• Sesquicentennial Garden
• Sycamore Peninsula

After your ceremony, it’s easy to head into Urbana or Champaign to celebrate with lunch or drinks at these spots:

• Silvercreek
• Hamilton Walker’s
• The Writer’s Room
• The Ribeye
• The Literary
• KoFusion
• Punch! Bar & Lounge

4. Lincoln Memorial Gardens // Sangamon County

Another beautiful location to consider for an Illinois elopement is Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield. This 100-acre nature preserve sits right along Lake Springfield. It is full of trails, tall prairie grasses, and wooded areas. Couples can choose a scenic spot on a trail, a spot by the lake, or gather at one of the garden’s stone council rings for a simple ceremony surrounded by nature. Check out the map of options here.

It’s a great option for couples who want an outdoor elopement that is close enough to pop into town for celebratory dinner & drinks. Check out these places to eat in Springfield!

5. Washington Park Gazebo // Sangamon County

Really any park you love is up for grabs in terms of elopement locations, but for me I have to recommend Washington Park in Springfield, Illinois! The Gazebo especially is a phenomenal spot for your ceremony and portraits. You can rent the gazebo hourly rentals to ensure that the space is 100% yours.

In addition to the gazebo though is a park that is strikingly gorgeous, with ponds, lagoons, trees and trails. Not far from the gazebo is the botanical garden, home to 1200 species of plants. In spring it is so beautiful!

6. Funks Grove // McLean County

This next elopement location just south of Bloomington-Normal: Funks Grove. There are two ceremony options here.

• Ceremony options:
  • the small historic church: 150+ years old
  • Chapel in the Trees: guests sit on large log benches surrounded by towering trees
• Couples can rent Funks Grove
  • Hourly Monday-Thursday (perfect for a weekday elopement)
  • Friday-Saturdays for 5 hours
  • No Sunday weddings

Check availability here. Call 309-874-2853 to reserve your spot!! Head into Bloomington-Normal afterwards for lunch or dinner!

7. Luthy Botanical Garden // Peoria County

Looking to elope in the Peoria area? Luthy Botanical Gardens has a myriad of options for you to choose from. Open 10:00am-5:00pm, this park is 5 acres with 15 different themed gardens! Host you ceremony in one spot, then frolic around to other nature spots for photos.

Ceremony spots: (map here)

• The Rose Garden
• The Woodland Garden
• The Learning Circle
• Wildlife Garden
• The Gazebo
• The Conservatory
  • Indoor tropical greenhouse
  • Evenings only
  • Great if rain is in the forecast

Check out more info about renting one of these spaces here. Contact them by emailing luthy@peoriaparks.org or calling 309-681-3507.

8. Weber House & Garden // LaSalle County

Go a little north and you find a magical, best kept secret in the heart of Streator, Illinois. This elopement locations is the Weber House & Garden. The property sits on two acres of private land. There are 12 different gardens on the grounds with different themes, each secluded in private and different from each other. Combine that with the architecture of the Weber House make it a breathtaking space to say your I do’s.

Bonus, you can make your elopement a whole getaway! The Weber House offers couples the opportunity to book a night’s stay at their on-site guest house. You can rent it and get ready there in the morning. That combined with an elopement ceremony amidst the stunning gardens makes for the perfect venue option. Stay overnight, then hike around Starved Rock & Matthiessen. Why go to Colorado when you can get married & hike here instead??

Check out these places to eat after your ceremony, 25 minutes north of Streator:

• The Lone Buffalo // crafted brewery & elevated brewpub
  • Private dinning room for 40 available
• Hank’s Farm Restaurant // specializes in fried chicken & char-grilled steaks
• The Rootbeer Stand // a 1955’s iconic American restaurant, comfort food & ice cream (cash only)

9. Matthiessen State Park // LaSalle County

The 9th and final elopement location I wanted to highlight is the magnificent Matthiessen State Park just outside of Ogelsby, Illinois. Many couples in Illinois may immediately be drawn to Starved Rock State Park for their elopement, but I have to say that Matthiessen is just better in every sense. It’s on average significantly less busy than Starved Rock. You’ll practically have the park to yourself on a weekday.

Stunning rocky landscapes, scenic forests, and some gorgeous waterfalls along the hiking trails mean there are SO many portrait opportunities to enjoy while celebrating your elopement. Just be sure to pack some good shoes or hiking boots!

Those are some of the best locations for an elopement in Illinois as well as a little bit about what makes each of them so special!

If you’re not 100% sure you want to elope, or if you’re still in the early stages of planning, here are some other articles you can check out:

• How many hours should you book an elopement photographer for?
• How to plan a courthouse wedding in Sangamon County
• A real, classy courthouse wedding day gallery in Springfield, IL

Thinking about having a larger wedding day? Check out these blogs:

• Mansion/estate wedding venues (smallish guest list)
• Large historic wedding venues (for 150+ folks)
• Forest Wedding Venues (for a large guest list)

If you’d like me to document your day make sure you send me an inquiry today through my contact page!