Affordable, Iconic Wedding Ceremony and Reception Locations

We’ve all been to weddings, and when it comes time to tie the knot – you want your wedding to be memorable (and better than the ceremonies you have attended in the past!). You want your guests to look back on your special day saying “That was an amazing!” – all without breaking the bank.

Here in the Heritage Corridor, you can create the iconic day of your dreams. We’ve highlighted five locations from Bolingbrook to Joliet to Starved Rock to Princeton that will make for spectacular pictures, vivid memories and maybe even some jealous friends 😉

RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE – JOLIET, IL

The Jewel of Joliet. Millions of memories dating back to 1926, with a stage that has hosted Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Jerry Seinfeld and other starts. Whether you hold your ceremony in the ornate rotunda or on the stage of the historic palace with the sounds of the historic organ playing “Here Comes the Bride,”

You can hold your reception at the Rialto as well! Can you imagine the first dance in the Great Rotunda, underneath the “Duchess” chandelier?  This ornate masterpiece has some 200 fixtures, is 20 feet long and features 250 lights.

To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at the Rialto Square Theatre, please visit Rialto Square Theatre: Weddings.

Photo from Rialto Square Theatre

THE JACOB HENRY MANSION ESTATE – JOLIET, IL

The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate offers the possibility to host your wedding, ceremony and reception together at one venue, with on-site locations including the Old Central Church and the Lawn & Gardens. The Jacob Henry Mansion – an 1873 National Historic Landmark – and Victorian Ballroom offer the perfect location for bridal showers, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, and more.

A winding path leads from the Mansion, through the Secret Gardens, to the Old Central Church. Built in the late 1800s of locally-excavated limestone, The Old Central Church’s splendor includes three stained glass windows, and its original 2,000-pipe organ played over 100 years ago when the Old Central Church was the most prominent congregation in Joliet.

From an era of wealth, opulence, and romance are two historic landmarks – a Mansion and a Church combined – to make your wedding celebration an unforgettable experience.

To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate, please visit Jacob Henry Mansion: Weddings.

Photo from The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate

BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB – BOLINGBROOK, IL

With multiple ballrooms to choose from, a picturesque view from the outdoor balcony, amazing service and top-notch food, you can’t go wrong with the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Plus, you can get some pretty amazing pictures on their magnificent golf course.  If you’re enticed, then Bolingbrook Golf Club is the perfect place to have your wedding – no matter the size of your reception.

If the weather is nice, you can hold your ceremony in their idyllic Rose Garden. Imagine saying “I do” with their overlooking fountains and lake in the background. It’s a perfect, intimate atmosphere.

To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, please visit Bolingbrook Golf Club: Weddings.

Photo from Bolingbrook Golf Club

STARVED ROCK LODGE AND CONFERENCE CENTER – OGLESBY, IL

If you imagine your ceremony taking place in the beauty of nature, then imagine the splendor of having your wedding at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center. Towering pines and century old oak trees await your guests in the Lodge’s Sunrise Shelter. If you’re worried about the weather, the beautiful fireplace of the rustic Great Hall gives you a perfect Plan B that will keep everyone smiling.

Just think about some of the unique wedding photos you can get with your wedding party in Starved Rock State Park.

Image by Kathy Casstevens of Starved Rock Lodge

After the ceremony, the Great Hall is a perfect place for a world-class dining experience – followed by kicking up your heels and dancing the night away in the Starved Rock Room

To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, please visit Starved Rock Lodge: Weddings.

GRAND BEAR RESORT AT STARVED ROCK – UTICA, IL

From the beginning when you say yes, to the final farewells at the end of the reception, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock is here to make sure you have everything covered while helping you turn your dream wedding into a reality.

Being surrounded by the beauty of nature, this is the perfect destination for your wedding! They want to be able to host not only your ceremony but also the reception, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner. 

Whatever your vision may be, they will pair you with a wedding specialist that will guide you step-by-step through all details for the special day. They offer a formal Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 with a dance floor. 

To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at the Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock, please visit Grand Bear Resort: Weddings

Photo from Grand Bear Resort

THE BARN AT HORNBAKER GARDENS – PRINCETON, IL

The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens offers a beautiful, rural garden setting for your wedding that can seat up to 350 guests at their four-season event center. The stained cedar siding of the exterior gives The Barn a rustic feel, while wood ceilings, chandeliers and windows galore provide a breathtakingly elegant interior. The climate controlled space features bride’s and groom’s rooms, modern bathrooms and a large catering kitchen. Indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony options are available.

To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens, please visit The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens: Weddings

Photo from The Barn at Hornaker Gardens