9 of My Favorite Forest Wedding Venues in Illinois

It’s no secret that Illinois is home to some truly amazing wedding venues, many of which we’ve actually taken a look at before here on the blog! From my favorite mansion and estate venues, to the best large wedding venues in the state, we’ve seen many of the phenomenal spaces that Illinois has to offer. I’m happy to say that there are still more out there though that I adore, and this article aims to cover my favorites of a different niche. Today we’ll be taking a look at my 9 favorite forest wedding venues in Illinois for couples looking to celebrate their wedding day surrounded by the natural beauty of this amazing state! 

1. Whispering Woods  // Harvard, IL // Capacity: 250

Starting off the list strong is Whispering Woods, an incredibly scenic wedding venue with 40 acres of private, natural beauty to enjoy. The Harvard, Illinois wedding venue features forests, meadows, and three stunning ponds that all set the scene for your wedding day. It’s a truly enchanting space that is perfect for couples looking for a serene setting for their day that still offers a TON in terms of amenities. It’s also only about 20 minutes south of Lake Geneva, giving your guests plenty of options for lodging without too much of a drive!

Amenities at a Glance

• 40 Acres of Land to Enjoy
• Outdoor Ceremony Space as well as a Spacious Indoor Ceremony/Reception Space
• Getting Ready Spaces on Location
• Setup Assistance
• Full Weekend Access to the Venue (Friday through Sunday AM)
• Assortment of Chairs and Tables Included
• Able to Stay at The Chalet Overnight for $400 a Night

2. Storybook Gardens // Rochelle, IL // Capacity: 250

The aptly named Storybook Gardens is a wedding venue in Rochelle, Illinois that feels as if it was transported straight out of a forest fairytale. The newly added glass enclosed reception space is a remarkable modern addition, and as a result adds a completely new dynamic to the already incredible space. I also love how they have multiple package options to best fit each couple’s vision, whether that’s an all inclusive experience or something a bit more DIY! There are endless portrait locations on site, as well as multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from. Finally, the close proximity to plenty of hotels for your guests helps to make this venue one of my favorites in the state!

Amenities at a Glance

• 3 Package Options to Choose From (Storybook, DIY, and Elopement)
• Multiple Indoor and Outdoor Spaces to Choose From
• Only Host 2 Weddings Per Week (April through November)
• Only One Wedding on Location per Day
• Tables, Chairs, and Linens Included in all Packages
• Event Designer, Coordinator, as well as Planning Assistance Included in Storybook Package
• Multiple Suites Available for Overnight Stay
• 3 Private On-Site Salons
• In-House Bar (Otherwise Open to All Vendors!)
• Pet Friendly!

3. Bricks & Stones at Camp Aramoni // Tonica, IL // Capacity: 75 Indoor, 100+ Outdoor

Next on my list is Bricks & Stones, which is part of the incredible Camp Aramoni. Self-described as “where nature meets luxury”, the Bricks & Stones venue offers top of the line amenities and quality while also giving couples a romantic forest setting for their wedding in Illinois! The indoor spaces of Bricks & Stones have a slightly smaller total capacity, but their outdoor spaces allow for larger celebrations into the hundreds, making this space wonderful for all types of weddings. Check out the amenities below to see how Bricks & Stones goes the extra mile to ensure that every couple has THE best wedding experience with them!

Amenities at a Glance

• Multiple Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
• Full Service Bar
• 3 Kitchens (2 Indoor, 1 Outdoor)
• Single On-Site Getting Ready Space (Honeymoon Suite can be Added as a 2nd Getting Ready Space)
• Large Deck Overlooking the River
• In-House Catering as well as Approved Catering Options
• Boutique Campground Available with Lodging for Up to 50
• Coordinator, Setup, Teardown, Timeline Planning, and Event Management Included

4. Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock //  North Utica, IL // Capacity: 325

Starved Rock is a well renowned state park in Illinois thanks to its impressive natural beauty, so it’s only fitting that their wedding venue at the Grand Bear Resort finds its way to a list of the best forest wedding venues in the state! The delicious in-house catering, abundance of lodging options, ceremony and reception venue options, and practically endless portrait locations all come together to create a wholly amazing wedding experience. I especially love the options for both outdoor and indoor spaces that give couples year round options to celebrate here at Starved Rock!

Amenities at a Glance

• 6 Venue Spaces Available
• Customizable for Large and Small Gatherings
• Abundance of Lodging Options at Starved Rock with Resort Amenities
• In-House Catering
• Getting Ready Spaces Available

5. Funks Grove: Chapel in the Trees // Funks Grove, IL // Capacity: 300

Couples looking for a one of a kind setting for their forest wedding in Illinois have to check out the Chapel in the Trees venue of Funks Grove! This outdoor ceremony space secluded in the forests of Funks Grove features benches made out of huge tree logs that make it feel as if you’re in the Pacific Northwest. This venue does only feature a ceremony space so you’ll have to book a separate reception space, but  there are plenty of options near Funks Grove to choose from! It’s a remarkable space that will definitely set the scene for a magical wedding ceremony!

Amenities at a Glance

• Outdoor Ceremony Space
• Log Seating for 200
• Additional Seats Bring the Capacity to 300
• Ceremony Only

6. Camp Wokanda // Peoria, IL // Capacity: 75-250 Indoor, 250+ Outdoor

One of my longtime favorite wedding venue options in Illinois, Camp Wokanda is the perfect space for a secluded celebration in the forest! Their 2 indoor spaces allow smaller and larger weddings to be celebrated here with ease, and their 5 outdoor ceremony locations give you plenty of options to fit your exact vision. One of my favorite aspects of Camp Wokanda is that they make it possible to book out multiple cabins and campsites for your wedding, which is perfect for couples that are looking to spend either a weekend or an entire week celebrating with those they love most with THE best camp vibes!

Amenities at a Glance

• 2 Indoor Reception Spaces
• 2 Campsite Rental Options
• 5 Outdoor Ceremony Sites
• Full Camp Buyout Option
• Chairs and Tables Included
• 8 Cabins Available for Lodging
• Weekend and Week Long Rental Options

7. Saukenauk Scout Reservation // Mendon, IL // Capacity: 200+

Similarly to Camp Wokanda, the Saukenauk Scout Reservation is another venue option with an abundance of lodging choices on site for you and your guests. Where the Saukenauk Scout Reservation sets itself apart though is their approach to weddings as they are geared towards couples looking for a more DIY route. Couples that have a specific vision in mind, or just want to keep things more lowkey for their wedding day should be sure to check out the options at the Saukenauk Scout Reservation. Here’s a list of the rental options, and for anyone looking to inquire you can email Kristal.pitzer@scouting.org for booking!

Amenities at a Glance

• Abundance of Indoor, Covered, and Outdoor Spaces to Choose From
• Full DIY Wedding Venue
• Tons of Lodging Options that Double as Getting Ready Spaces
• Lakefront Ceremony Space with Bench Seating

8. Historic Bell Hill // Cobden, IL // Capacity: 150+

A historic and stunning mansion, dreamy forest vibes abound, and a rustic barn reception space, honestly what more could you want from a wedding venue?! Historic Bell Hill in Cobden, Illinois is a perfect example of what a forest wedding venue can and should be. Stunning spaces for portraits, incredible service and amenities, and sleeping options within the Bell home for up to 14 people. It really is an all around spectacular space, and it’s only 15 minutes from Carbondale which gives your other guests plenty of options for lodging nearby!

Amenities at a Glance

• Rustic Reception Barn with Cellar Space
• Tons of Outdoor Ceremony Spaces
• Tables and 150 Chairs Included
• Bell Hill Home Included (Sleeps 14)
• On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
• Something Borrowed Room Available for Portraits (Vintage Décor and Aesthetic)
• Different Price Points Depending on the Season

9. Dragonfly // Herrin, IL // Capacity: 120 Indoor, 300 Indoor + Outdoor Combo

Finally we have Dragonfly, the 9th and final venue on my list! Complete with gorgeous on-site getting ready spaces, multiple venue options, and 36 acres of stunning natural beauty, Dragonfly is a venue that very much deserves its spot on this list. The indoor spaces also make it possible to have weddings here no matter the weather or the season which I love. Check out some of the additional amenities below and head to their website if you’re interested in booking this incredible space for your day!

Amenities at a Glance

• Outdoor Ceremony Space, Cocktail Hour Patio, and Indoor Reception Space
• On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
• Different Price Points Depending on Day of the Week/Month of Your Wedding
• Tables and 250 Chairs Included
• Cottage Available for Overnight Stay
• Total Freedom with Vendor Choices

These are some of my favorite wedding venues with forest vibes in Illinois! I hope this list gave you some inspiration as to what to look for in a wedding venue, and maybe even helped you to find your dream venue! Be sure to check out some of the other lists I mentioned earlier in the blog for more of my favorites in Illinois, and if you’re interested in having me document your wedding you can send me an inquiry through my contact page.