She’s dreamed of her wedding day since she was a little girl. The flowers, the gown, the location – every detail is important and requires months of planning. Of all the components that comprise a wedding ceremony and reception, few are as important – or as challenging to schedule – as the venue. Whether you dream of a Midwest destination wedding or a hometown setting, our area offers some spectacular options. Here, we highlight some of our favorites and share the experience of couples who recently said, “I do.”
Like Family
Klehm Arboretum/Franchesco’s Ristorante | Rockford
Deidra Tillis didn’t have to look far to find her future husband, Mark Gaseor.
“We were neighbors at Bradley University, in Peoria,” she says.
They dated in college, graduated and moved together to Wheeling, Ill. It was in their apartment that Mark got down on one knee.
“I got home from work and noticed the door was unlocked,” she laughs. “At first, I was annoyed, but then he proposed. It was a random Friday night, so he took me by surprise.”
The couple were married on June 18, 2022, in an outdoor ceremony at Klehm Arboretum, in Rockford, where they were surrounded by friends, family and a stunning floral landscape.
“The weather was 76 degrees and sunny,” says Deidra. “I don’t know how it could have possibly been better.”
Klehm Arboretum is a former tree nursery turned botanic garden that’s known locally for its natural beauty. Because of its colorful backdrop and its versatile gathering spaces, the arboretum is a choice destination for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, with accommodations that suit groups as small as 25 and as large as 500 people. Catering and events are managed exclusively by the team behind Franchesco’s Ristorante, itself a premier wedding destination and Deidra’s choice for the rehearsal dinner and reception.
Deidra had already been part of two weddings at Franchesco’s, and her previous experiences had left a positive impact. When the time came to plan her own special day, she knew she made the right decision.
“Any time we visited Franchesco’s, the whole team made us feel like family,” she says. “They were always available to check in and touch base. Every conversation was light and happy. We held our rehearsal dinner on the patio, and it was absolutely beautiful.”
On her wedding day, the staff at Klehm Arboretum made sure the ceremony was perfect, and at Franchesco’s every detail was attended to, including the candles – all 200 of them.
“The team told us that we set the record for the number of candles,” she laughs. “They made sure every candle was lit the entire night.”
During the well-lit reception, general manager Michelle LaMay and her staff frequently checked in to make sure Deidra and Mark were comfortable, fed and having fun.
“The food was absolutely fantastic,” Deidra says. “I received so many compliments from my guests.”
Looking back, Deidra is thrilled with the hard work and dedication that Klehm Arboretum and Franchesco’s Ristorante put into her wedding day.
“It was a wonderful full-package feel,” she says. “The whole team is terrific and very attentive.” –JT
Easy on the Eyes
Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion | Rockford
Chelsea Garrett and some friends from her church had a girl’s night in May 2016. The more her friends started talking about how great Tyrone, a fellow church member, was, the more curious Chelsea became.
“I made a comment and said, ‘If he needs a wife, let him know I’m available,’” she says.
What started as a playful joke slowly became a reality. Three months after that fateful night with her friends, Chelsea was lending a hand at Auburn High School when she crossed paths with Tyrone.
“What attracted me to him was his outgoing personality, and he was always kind to everyone,” Chelsea says.
Soon after that first conversation, the couple started dating.
“I never got bored and the conversations that we had were real,” Chelsea says. “I realized pretty early on that this was something special and he was something special.”
The couple went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with some friends in July 2017. That’s when Tyrone made his move.
“When we were settled on the beach, my friends wanted to take pictures,” Chelsea says. “Everyone was talking about a boat behind me, so I turned around to look. When I turned around, he was right there in the sand down on one knee.”
When it came time to find a wedding venue, Chelsea decided to follow in her parents’ footsteps and get married at the Rockford Woman’s Club. Her parents, Ann and Terry Gulley, exchanged their wedding vows at the same historic venue more than 30 years before on Feb. 13, 1988.
“I knew about the venue, but I’ve never been inside,” Chelsea says. “My mom suggested we go check it out, and I fell in love.”
Chelsea and Tyrone tied the knot on Oct. 6, 2018. The couple locked down the venue a year in advance.
The Rockford Woman’s Club boasts 100 years of architectural beauty. It has a large space upstairs for dancing and music in the Belle Keith Art Gallery. There’s a sunroom positioned just off the gallery, which could be used for photos or a quiet place to catch your breath. Right outside the gallery is a balcony, perfect for a bouquet or garter toss.
“The venue is gorgeous and needed very little decorating,” Chelsea says. “You don’t need to add a lot of decor because the venue has so many beautiful details already.”
Head down a grand staircase and you’ll find an elegant banquet hall that’s large enough to accommodate 175 people under normal circumstances.
Chelsea credits the staff at the Rockford Woman’s Club for making their wedding day extra special.
“On the day of the wedding, we were their No. 1 focus and they made sure everything ran smoothly,” Chelsea says. “[Nancy Whitlock, president of the Rockford Woman’s Club] was truly the biggest blessing to us, and she made sure everything went smoothly. I was so happy she was a part of the day.” –JP
The Family Footsteps
Rockford Woman’s Club | Rockford
Chelsea Garrett and some friends from her church had a girl’s night in May 2016. The more her friends started talking about how great Tyrone, a fellow church member, was, the more curious Chelsea became.
“I made a comment and said, ‘If he needs a wife, let him know I’m available,’” she says.
What started as a playful joke slowly became a reality. Three months after that fateful night with her friends, Chelsea was lending a hand at Auburn High School when she crossed paths with Tyrone.
“What attracted me to him was his outgoing personality, and he was always kind to everyone,” Chelsea says.
Soon after that first conversation, the couple started dating.
“I never got bored and the conversations that we had were real,” Chelsea says. “I realized pretty early on that this was something special and he was something special.”
The couple went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with some friends in July 2017. That’s when Tyrone made his move.
“When we were settled on the beach, my friends wanted to take pictures,” Chelsea says. “Everyone was talking about a boat behind me, so I turned around to look. When I turned around, he was right there in the sand down on one knee.”
When it came time to find a wedding venue, Chelsea decided to follow in her parents’ footsteps and get married at the Rockford Woman’s Club. Her parents, Ann and Terry Gulley, exchanged their wedding vows at the same historic venue more than 30 years before on Feb. 13, 1988.
“I knew about the venue, but I’ve never been inside,” Chelsea says. “My mom suggested we go check it out, and I fell in love.”
Chelsea and Tyrone tied the knot on Oct. 6, 2018. The couple locked down the venue a year in advance.
The Rockford Woman’s Club boasts 100 years of architectural beauty. It has a large space upstairs for dancing and music in the Belle Keith Art Gallery. There’s a sunroom positioned just off the gallery, which could be used for photos or a quiet place to catch your breath. Right outside the gallery is a balcony, perfect for a bouquet or garter toss.
“The venue is gorgeous and needed very little decorating,” Chelsea says. “You don’t need to add a lot of decor because the venue has so many beautiful details already.”
Head down a grand staircase and you’ll find an elegant banquet hall that’s large enough to accommodate 175 people under normal circumstances.
Chelsea credits the staff at the Rockford Woman’s Club for making their wedding day extra special.
“On the day of the wedding, we were their No. 1 focus and they made sure everything ran smoothly,” Chelsea says. “[Nancy Whitlock, president of the Rockford Woman’s Club] was truly the biggest blessing to us, and she made sure everything went smoothly. I was so happy she was a part of the day.” –JP
Love at First Site
Bailey’s Run Vineyard | New Glarus, Wis.
Love stories have a way of unfolding in the most unexpected places. For Alley Ballmer and Connor McGuane, their journey began on a dating app.
Their paths converged on Hinge in August 2019 and led to a whirlwind romance that culminated in a beautiful wedding celebration on March 11, 2023.
The first year of their relationship brought them through a global pandemic, where Alley worked in-person and Connor worked from home. They found solace in each other’s company, getting to know one another and deepening their connection as the world around them seemed to slow down.
“We pretty much hung out just the two of us, because we couldn’t see anybody else,” says Alley, a native of Janesville. “We were living in separate apartments, and it was a very interesting time for both of us.”
Three years later, in December 2022, the couple found themselves at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee for a holiday-season getaway. Connor, a Minonk, Ill., native, had a surprise he couldn’t wait to share.
Standing on a balcony that was adorned with Christmas trees, he asked Alley to marry him. She couldn’t help but say yes.
Selecting the venue for their wedding was surprisingly easy. The pair love to travel Wisconsin and were well familiar with Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery, in New Glarus, Wis. On more than one occasion, they’d enjoyed the year-round venue’s blend of live music, delectable food, stunning views of scenic hills and friendly staff. They also knew it as the backdrop for private events, where parties from 15 to 150 could gather in the main event center, the Barrel Room, a brand-new distillery or the Bourbon Room Speakeasy.
“We had been there before and liked the New Glarus area a lot,” says Alley. “It was a really good price, in our opinion, and it just had beautiful scenery with the vineyards. They also had food and drink on-site, so that was nice.”
They didn’t realize at the time that they were the first to actually be married at the vineyard. Accommodations were made for a special bridal suite, ceremony site and reception venue for the couple and their 85 guests.
Having both the ceremony and reception in one location eliminated the need for guests to drive around New Glarus. In one place, they could fully immerse themselves in the celebration. Alley says the Bailey’s Run staff was accommodating on many levels, even when it came to the couple providing their own DJ equipment or requesting extra room for guests.
“Be super-detailed with what you’re looking for. We set that extra room up as a quieter space with board games if the music and everything else was overwhelming,” says Alley. “We had it as a separate room to go and relax in, but it was also the bridal suite, so it helped to be able to get ready on-site.” –SB
Right Time for Love
Starved Rock Lodge | Oglesby, Ill.
Heather Brunner and Conor Malaney met in October 2021 through the online dating platform Hinge. Their connection was instantaneous and led them to embark on an accelerated journey toward marriage.
“It was one of those things where I knew quickly, after being in the dating pool for a long time,” says Conor. “You find somebody you click with and hold onto it, so things moved quickly for us.”
Conor, a native of northwest Wisconsin, contemplated how to make a memorable proposal. At first, he considered doing it when the couple climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2022. Instead, he chose a more intimate setting: at home, shortly after a vacation to Madeline Island, Wis.
On a special date night, Conor surprised his soon-to-be bride with flowers and candles. Heather, a Buffalo Grove native, couldn’t help but say yes.
When it came time to choose a wedding venue, the couple wanted someplace where family and friends could join in the celebration without traveling too far. Starved Rock Lodge, nestled inside the popular state park in Oglesby, caught their attention.
With numerous settings for large or small outdoor weddings and a Great Hall for receptions and rainouts, the Lodge offered the rustic charm, natural elegance and a complete package – including overnight accommodations, catering and trolley transportation – that appealed to the active couple. They discovered it, naturally, on a hike with Conor’s cousin.
“It’s sort of this hidden gem in Illinois,” says Heather. “There’s some nice hiking a little further south, but if you want to be a part of the outdoors, I think Starved Rock is an unbeatable venue.”
Jenny Roulston, the couple’s dedicated event coordinator at Starved Rock Lodge, proved invaluable in making their dreams a reality. From the initial meeting to the final coordination, Roulston’s expertise and her extensive list of preferred vendors made the planning process streamlined and stress-free, say Heather and Conor.
The couple’s 200 guests were enamored with the venue and its surrounding beauty when Heather and Conor were married on May 21, 2023, on a charming patio overlooking Starved Rock. At the reception inside, the couple’s vision for food stations and an extended cocktail hour came to life.
The couple received countless compliments from friends and family.
“All night we kept hearing comments like, ‘I’m so glad you picked this place. It’s so you,’” says Conor. “It turned out everyone had a great time.” –SB
Worth Every Penny
Goldmoor Inn | Galena, Ill.
Hannah Plickebaum knew her boyfriend, Jason, would propose to her, but she didn’t know when or where.
So, when Jason got on one knee and proposed to the girl he met at the University of Iowa in front of her entire family at Christmas, she was blown away.
“I thought he was going to do it in private, because he’s shy and a very private person,” Hannah says. “I also called him a butthead before answering.”
As she searched for a wedding venue, Hannah came across photos of Goldmoor Inn, a luxurious retreat in Galena, Ill. She was hooked from that moment on.
“I saw the pictures online and I fell in love almost immediately,” she says. “After meeting Birgit [Radin, co-owner of The Goldmoor], I didn’t even want to look at other venues. She was amazing and the property was amazing. I was practically singing on the car ride home because I was so excited.”
To make sure they got the date they wanted, Hannah says the couple booked their wedding date about 18 months early.
“We set the date for June 22, since it was close to my late aunt’s birthday,” Hannah says. “It’s also my sister’s birthday, but she graciously let us share.”
The Goldmoor grounds can accommodate intimate weddings and elopements. Under normal circumstances, the pavilion can hold up to 175 guests, and if it rains, protective siding can be added. A roomy patio situated behind Goldmoor overlooks a wooded area and the Mississippi River, which creates a perfect gathering space for cocktail hour.
A smaller gazebo that fits up to 10 people can be used for elopements, and during the cooler months, Goldmoor can host up to 50 guests for an indoor wedding.
Each spot on the property showcases sunning Galena landscapes that make for a perfect wedding day backdrop.
Hannah says the guests who attended her wedding loved everything about Goldmoor, especially the food.
“They were seriously amazed,” she says. “The property was gorgeous and the food was a hit. Every guest I spoke to was in awe of how perfect the food was.”
One of those guests who also had rave reviews was Hannah’s mother, Sharon Murray.
“Everything was just as my daughter and her husband wanted,” Murray says. “I would highly recommend The Goldmoor Inn to any bride who’s looking for a perfect wedding venue.”
Hannah gives Radin and the staff at The Goldmoor a lot of praise because they made sure the day went according to plan.
“The entire staff asked what we needed and how they could make things better,” Hannah says. “I don’t think they let me worry about a single thing. When I mentioned to Birgit that I was scared of rain, she said, ‘Don’t be,’ in such a way that I was convinced that she’d keep the rain away herself.”
Hannah says getting married at The Goldmoor was worth every penny.
“They provide everything – it’s completely worth it,” she says. –JP
A Family Tradition
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa | Galena, Ill.
Sierra Hoppman met Alec Metz through mutual friends.
“We began hanging out as friends, then started dating about a year and a half later,” she says. “We’ve been together ever since.”
After a few years, it became clear that marriage was the next step. But Alec wanted to keep Sierra on her toes.
“He always said that he was going to do it when it was least expected,” she laughs. “He definitely did.”
On Thanksgiving Day in 2021, Alec contacted Sierra’s family members, so they could be present when he popped the question. The biggest challenge was getting her father there. As an executive chef, one of his busiest days is Thanksgiving.
“Eventually my sister called my dad, and he rushed over,” Sierra says. “All of my family was there.”
When it came to choosing a venue, the choice was easy. The place where Sierra’s father was executive chef happened to be Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, in Galena.
“He’s worked there since he was 16,” says Sierra. “With all the events Eagle Ridge has, like the Great Galena Balloon Race and the rodeo, I’ve been there quite a few times.”
Nestled amongst 6,800 acres in the breathtaking Galena Territory of northwest Illinois, the luxurious resort and spa is known and loved for hosting destination weddings, with four venues to choose from. While the resort is also known for its elegant food, Sierra’s dad chose to take a day off to celebrate his daughter’s wedding.
“He did make pizza the night before for our rehearsal dinner,” says Sierra. “He prepped some of the food for our wedding dinner, but they made sure he took the night off.”
Sierra and Alec’s wedding on June 3, 2023 brought together 250 loved ones. The ceremony on the resort’s stunning Point Patio was followed by a cocktail hour before a reception in the Eagle Ballroom.
Sierra recommends contacting Eagle Ridge as soon as you have a date in mind.
“We knew we wanted to have the wedding there, so we contacted them right away,” she says. “We told them the date we had in mind but also said we’d be flexible.”
For Sierra, the breathtaking views and, of course, the food made Eagle Ridge an even more special place for her special day. She was also happy to have overnight accommodations that went beyond hotel suites.
“We rented three houses that weekend for out-of-town families,” she said. “They were nice and big and were all right next door to each other. It brought everyone together.”
For any couples considering Eagle Ridge, Sierra recommends leaning on the experience of Eagle Ridge’s wedding team, led by Maggie Truppa.
“Don’t sweat the little things,” she says. “Everyone was great, especially Maggie.”
For Sierra and Alec, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa provided everything they needed to make their wedding dreams come true. It also allowed them to continue what has become a family tradition.
“My parents were married there as well,” Sierra says. –JT
The Love Reconnection
Byron Forest Preserve District | Byron, Ill.
Jenny and Garrett Henderson can trace their love story to middle school. Back then, they were just friends. Five years after high school, things turned romantic after Jenny messaged her old friend.
The two hit it off right away and things soon got serious. Garrett surprised Jenny with an intimate proposal at home.
“I didn’t want it to happen with us having all of the attention; it kind of just happened in the moment,” Jenny says. “It was absolutely perfect.”
Five years after they started dating, the two were married on May 7, 2021, at the Byron Forest Preserve District in Byron, Ill.
The choice in venue was an easy one, in part because it was close to home for Jenny, a member of the Byron Fire Department, and Garrett, who serves on the Byron Police Department.
The forest preserve offers several wedding packages that accommodate a couple’s needs and budget. Options range from outdoor to indoor settings like Jarrett Prairie Center.
For the Hendersons, the biggest selling point was the beautiful deck at Jarrett Prairie Center. This was one of the first weddings of the year, and the deck ensured the party would continue amidst COVID-19 restrictions at the time.
Since it was a smaller wedding with only about 40 guests, the venue more than accommodated the couple’s needs.
“We wanted to have a smaller wedding because we wanted to make sure we’d be able to get around to everyone and thank them for coming,” Jenny says. “In the end, I thought it worked out perfectly because we were able to talk to everyone all while sharing our special day together with our loved ones.” –SA