The Top 10 Unique Wedding Venues in the Chicago Suburbs

Whether you’re local to Chicago’s suburbs, you’re looking to escape the big city, or you want to travel for your wedding, these top 10 unique wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs can help turn your wedding planning adventure on its head. Your venue is one of the most important aspects of your wedding as it sets the stage for décor, limits your guest list, and helps you find inspiration. If you’re seeking a more unusual space to promise yourself to your spouse-to-be, you’ve come to the right place. You may not find your perfect fit with the wedding venues below, but it sure gives you a great place to start and give you creative ideas!.

1. The Two Brothers Roundhouse
The selection of ceremony and reception locations at Two Brothers Roundhouse is unbeatable. An on-site brewery and distillery, beer garden, courtyard, café, and main restaurant are all available for bookings. Whether you have a micro wedding in mind with only 25 of your closest friends and family or you have a guest list as long as 600, this venue can make your dream wedding a reality.

The Two Brothers Roundhouse property began as a functional housing and maintenance station for the Chicago & Aurora Railroad. It was built in 1856 with locally-sourced materials, most of which came from a quarry in Batavia. This venue’s name appears on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest roundhouse in the country made of limestone.

Two Brothers Roundhouse has an incredibly talented and experienced culinary team on staff, rounding out their event team beautifully. They are available to cater every event held on the property and include offerings such as a customized bar package, multi-course meal with a menu of your choosing, and more.

Most of the historic elements and architecture of this property have been preserved over the last century and a half. Any couple that is passionate about local history, exquisite food, and craft beer, Two Brothers Roundhouse is the venue for you. The contrast of decades-old architecture, modern amenities, and one-of-a-kind additions to the property, this is the most memorable and unique venue in the Chicago suburbs.

There are dozens of special wedding venues in Chicago’s suburbs that have something distinctive to offer every bride and groom. Two Brothers Roundhouse is our top pick for undeniable reasons, but the rest of the venues on this well-rounded compilation will be able to cater to every couple’s vision for their momentous occasion. If a unique wedding venue is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with any of the dazzling venues above.

See why we’re quickly becoming the top choice for events and gatherings of all types in the greater Chicago area. We have more details on our banquets page here.

Email us any time at Banquets@TwoBrothersBrewing.com or call us (630) 509-0215

2. Joliet Union Station
Joliet Union Stations has a number of stunning locations to offer for your big day. Your ceremony will be held at the station entrance with massive pillars framing the altar. Receptions take place in the Grand Ballroom, with capacity for 220 seated guests with a dance floor layout, or 250 for a cocktail style event. Their Lounge can host as many as 60 seated guests or 100 standing guests.

Joliet Union Station was built in 1912. Almost all of its original architecture has been retained through its restoration, including the ticket office and all of the timeless stonework. If you want to travel back in time during your momentous day, this venue has everything you need.

Joliet Union Station is not an all-inclusive venue. As a result, you’ll need to find a catering company that can provide your meal and bar service. The venue staff can provide you with a list of their preferred vendors, and you can be sure that they each have the talent and experience to exceed your expectations.

When it comes to a venue that excels in both its historical significance and romantic elegance, Joliet Union Station is nearly unbeatable. With the entire station open to you for a photoshoot, its high ceilings and flexible floor plan, and crystal chandeliers that light up the Grand Ballroom, your guests will be talking about your wedding forever.

See more here on their website: https://www.jolietunionstation.com/weddings

3. Rialto Square Theatre
Rialto Square Theatre is a multi-level event venue that allows you to hold your ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour all in different areas of the building. This venue can easily accommodate up to 300 seated guests (but only 160 for a ceremony in the Rotunda), and with the soaring ceilings and lighting it will feel spacious at max capacity.

The construction of Rialto Square Theatre was completed in 1926 with its opening day taking place on May 24th. Parisian and Roman influences characterized the architectural design and intricate detailing throughout the space. Walking into this building today greets you with the exact same beauty as in 1926.

Outside alcohol is not permitted at this venue, but they offer four different four-hour bar packages to ensure your needs get met. When it comes to the meal portion of your wedding, you will have to hire an outside caterer. Their event planner can provide you with a list of recommendations and will coordinate the day of your wedding to minimize your responsibilities.

A massive staircase leading into the Rotunda, an expansive stage to frame your altar, and access to the orchestra pit are only some of the unique features of weddings at Rialto Square Theatre. They’ll put your names on the marquee and their architecture will astound your guests: massive pillars, high rounded ceilings, chandeliers, and nearly floor to ceiling mirrors are only some of the things to look forward to at this fairytale location.

Check out more on their website: https://rialtosquare.com/weddings/

4. The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum was also featured in our Top 10 Wedding Venues in Naperville article, and it is a dazzling location for couples wanting either an indoor or outdoor wedding. You can have an intimate ceremony for 50 surrounded by old books or celebrate your nuptials with 300 guests in the arboretum space. In total, The Morton Arboretum spans 1700 acres of land.

Joy Morton, the original owner of The Morton Arboretum land, converted his estate and grounds into an arboretum and education center in 1922. His mansion houses the Thornhill Education Center to teach the community about conservation, and his library has been beautifully preserved as the Founder Room.

The event team at The Morton Arboretum is fully-equipped with a culinary staff and all of the meal-related décor you’ll need for your event. Including with every booking is a three-course meal, a coffee and tea service, and four-hour bar package. They are also happy to offer a champagne toast and a custom wedding cake if you choose.

The Morton Arboretum is the place to get married if you are passionate about conservation and love to be surrounded by nature more than anything else. Their living tree museum extends hundreds of acres to provide limitless photo opportunities; there is truly no other place like it.

Check out more on their website: https://mortonarb.org/host-event/wedding-venues-rates/

5. Century Memorial Chapel at Naper Settlement
Naper Settlement is home to Century Memorial Chapel and a number of other historic buildings that can become part of your special day; this space was also featured on our Top 10 Wedding Venues in Naperville article. The grounds of the property is also quite expansive, so you’ll have plenty of outdoor space to make use of. The total seating capacity for Century Memorial Chapel is 175 guests.

Century Memorial Chapel is a nondenominational church that was built back in 1864. It has not been part of Naper Settlement for all of those years though: it was moved there in 1970 to expand the scope of the history museum. As one of the only historic churches of its kind in Chicagoland, this one-of-a-kind beauty is perfect for couples who want to be surrounded by history for their big day.

Although there is an event team on staff at Naper Settlement for weddings hosted in Century Memorial Chapel, there is no culinary team. As a result, you’ll have to seek out a catering company on your own or ask for recommendations from the venue staff.

Century Memorial Chapel is one of the only venues in the Chicago suburbs that is set up for a truly traditional wedding. A large tent and multiple historic buildings provide excellent places for wedding receptions, but the true draw of this property is the church, of course. Antique pews, high ceilings crisscrossed with wooden beams, a red-carpet aisle, and stained glass windows create an unforgettable ceremony location.

Check out more on their website: https://www.napersettlement.org/326/Century-Memorial-Chapel

6. The Monte Bello Estate
The Monte Bello Estate is a 55-acre property featuring ceremony and reception space both indoors and out. At most, this venue can seat 275 guests. They have a total of 5 ceremony locations to offer (one indoor and 4 outdoor) and multiple reception spaces throughout the property. You can choose to use the tented glasshouse or any area of the outdoor space.

The Monte Bello Estate has been making its mark as a wedding venue since 2006. The passionate staff and breath-taking venue work together to ensure every wedding is as unforgettable as the couple getting married.

As an all-inclusive venue, The Monte Bello Estate staff will provide all of the catering for your wedding day. This includes a customizable bar and meal package. Hors d’oeuvres and artisan breads will be provided in addition to a three-course meal and four-hour open bar. They also provide a self-serve coffee and tea station after the meal.

This venue is absolutely enchanting. Indoors, floor-to ceiling windows and crystal chandeliers create a bright and airy space. The outdoor property is captivating with more than 145 varieties of plants, stone decorations and a waterfall, a pond with multiple dock locations, a stunning wrought-iron gazebo, and mature trees. They can even set up person-sized letters spelling “Love” for unique photos, a wine-tasting, and hanging floral arrangements.

Check out more at their website: https://themontebelloestate.com/

7. Lincoln Way: A Destination Inn
Lincoln Way is the ideal setting for micro-weddings and larger guest lists up to 125 people. Their outdoor ceremony and reception space has the largest capacity on the property and their indoor space can accommodate up to 50 guests for more intimate celebrations. A covered garden pagoda, water garden, and Carriage House are a few of their offerings.

Lincoln Way is a member of the Tawani Hospitality group. They are dedicated to preserving historic structures/properties and promoting environmentally-conscious business practices in the hospitality industry. In addition to Lincoln Way, they also own Lang House Chicago and Emil Bach House.

While the inn staff themselves do not provide catering, they partner with a company that handles all of the catering for private events. Farm-fresh ingredients and customized menus are the things you can expect. They can provide special deserts or a wedding cake, as well. No outside vendors are needed.

The most marvelous thing about Lincoln Way is its eco-friendliness. Locally-sourced ingredients, food-waste management, chemical-free linens made of natural fibres, and environmentally-conscious energy use are only a small portion of the steps taken to lower their environmental impact. Lincoln Way offers wedding couples an all-inclusive experience complete with overnight lodging for 16 guests and get-ready spaces.

Check out more on their website: https://www.lincolnwayinn.com/events/weddings-and-civil-unions/

8. The Homestead 1854
The Homestead 1854 is a smaller venue with a maximum capacity of 100 guests outdoors and 50 indoors. You can select your ideal indoor/outdoor flow for your wedding with their flexible and unique spaces. Their outdoor locations include a labyrinth, a front lawn, and a timber tent. If you’d like one or both of your wedding events to be held indoors, their chapel and manor house can hold your ceremony and/or reception.

The 2-acre property that is home to The Homestead 1854 first belonged to Lewis Steward. He was a politician, businessman, and philanthropist that used this property to host dignitaries and other guests. It was built in 1854 and has been wonderfully restored with its history intact.

This all-inclusive venue can negate the need to look at outside vendors. They can provide a full bar package, multi-course plated dinner, hors d’oeuvres, and your wedding cake whether you host a wedding with 2 guests or 100.

Lush gardens and a gorgeous manor house create a serene and romantic place for your vows and wedding celebration. Open-air dinners, marshmallow roasting, vintage indoor décor, and string lighting create an intimate and peaceful atmosphere. Up to 12 guests can stay overnight and will wake up to a delicious breakfast.

Check out more at their website: https://www.thehomestead1854.com/weddings

9. Blumen Gardens
Blumen Gardens has a capacity large enough to suit weddings with as many as 200 guests. Their outdoor courtyard is a serene and private perfect for saying your vows, and their indoor Garden Room plays the perfect host to your post-nuptial celebration. Their Garden Center is available for a cocktail hour as well.

Blumen Gardens opened in 1989. It began as a small garden design business and has evolved over the years into its modern multi-functional business: it functions as a garden center, shop, and event venue.

Catering for events held at Blumen Gardens must all be provided by outside vendors. They can offer refrigeration for the company you hire, but do not have a prep kitchen on site. As long as the company you hire is licensed and insured, they are welcome at Blumen Gardens.

Blumen Gardens has three stunningly unique spaces to offer for every aspect of a wedding. Their outdoor courtyard is surrounded on three sides by brick walls and features plenty o greenery and industrial beams overhead. The Garden Center boasts a pond, twinkle lights, and whichever flowers are in season at the time. Their Garden Room is characterized by high ceilings and exposed brick. This venue truly becomes your wedding oasis.

Check out more at their website: https://www.blumengardens.com/wedding-venue/

10. Acquaviva Winery
Acquaviva Winery is an 85-acre property home to a family-owned and operated winery. The ceremony and reception spaces are large enough to host as many as 230 seated guests, but smaller weddings are welcome as well. In addition to their dressing rooms, this venue offers three locations for ceremonies and receptions: the vineyard (ceremony only), outdoor patio, and Winery Atrium.

Since the late 19th century, the Brandonisio family has been passionate about making wine. Their family began with a small vineyard in Italy, and when Vito moved to the United States, he decided to continue his families legacy. Acquaviva Winery began as a 40-acre vineyard and has now grown to encompass 85-acres and a guest house, tasting bar, pizza bistro, retail space, event space, and of course the winery.

At Acquaviva Winery, you will get to experience the skill of their talented culinary staff. No matter what style of dinner you’d like to serve, what dietary restrictions need to be considered, or what you’d like your menu to feature, the in-house staff will be happy to provide a meal and bar service that delights you.

The spaces at Acquaviva Winery are incredibly inviting. They can feel cozy for intimate weddings and spacious for larger groups. The venue can provide overnight accommodations for some guests if needed, and their active vineyard provides one of the most unique and engaging locations for vows and photoshoots every day of the year.

Check out more at their website: https://acquavivawinery.com/weddings/