Serene Escapes: 11 of the Best Weekend Wedding Venues Within a 3-Hour Drive of Chicago

Fab Features: cozy cabin getaway tucked away among the woods • exquisite al fresco ceremony options include the Cobblestone Canyon, with its ivy-draped limestone columns, and the romantic Enchanted Forest • receptions in the elegant Pavilion Tent or the rustic White Pine Lodge

Fab Features: a charming private estate on 130 acres just outside the village of Rockton • the Pavilion offers a rustic-chic setting with windows overlooking the rolling hills, a towering masonry fireplace, and chandeliers hanging from timber beams • the Copperstone Inn, a bed and breakfast located on the grounds, provides luxurious accommodations for family and friends

Fab Features: luxurious hotel nestled on 88 acres of stunning natural scenery just outside the city • the versatile event space can accommodate everything from sophisticated ballroom soirée or an open-air lakeside ceremony • the Grand Oaks Pavilion brings the outside in thanks to panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows

Fab Features: historic 1860s mansion with dramatic, Romanesque design and lovingly resorted interiors • intimate ceremonies in the lush gardens followed by dreamy dinners in the Main House or on the pretty grounds • luxe overnight B&B accommodations in the rooms, suites, and charming Carriage House (perfect for a honeymoon!)

Fab Features: exchange vows beneath a lovely wood pergola beside the sparkling 2-acre lake, then dine and dance in the elegant, climate-controlled Chandelier Room • wedding party prep in the dreamy two-story princess suite • enjoy warm hospitality from the expert staff—there's even a chauffeur to take you around the property for amazing photo ops!

Fab Features: relaxing resort surrounded by nature • variety of event spaces from the Grand Ballroom to the outdoor pavilion to the canyon deck • endless amenities like an indoor waterpark, cave arcade, and mini golf!

Fab Features: unique spot surrounded by 80 acres of row crop farmland, conservation reserve, and native wildflower fields • breathtaking Barn with dozens of windows, a soaring ceiling with whitewashed exposed rafters, delicate chandelier lighting, and a grand double staircase • the repurposed, 18,000-bushel Grain Bin serves as both a day-of prep area and a romantic honeymoon suit

If you're not tied exclusively to the Prairie State, might we suggest adding Southern Michigan and Wisconsin to your list? Take a peek at some of the incredible venues here—all less than 3 hours from Chicago!

Fab Features: exquisite French chateau-style manor accented by cascading ivy • weekend wedding packages include plush overnight lodgings, full access to the grounds, and even breakfast and mimosas! • events on the stone courtyard, among the sprawling gardens, or inside in the airy, natural light-flooded Celebration Room

Fab Features: secluded lakeside retreat set surrounded by lush forests • the manicured grounds boast a gorgeous "outdoor chapel," 16 cabins, and two wood-accented lodges • make it a weekend wedding and indulge in archery, boating, canoeing, fishing, nature trails, campfires, and more!

Fab Features: unique 11-acre historic campus set along Lake Michigan’s bluffs in Racine • nationally-recognized American Gothic buildings nestled among gorgeous gardens and serene wooded areas • exchange vows in the soaring Chapel or gardens, followed by receptions in the Great Hall and Assembly Hall, both with lake views

Fab Features: stunning 100-acre property nestled at the southernmost tip of the Kettle Morraine • idyllic restored 18th century barn with a third-floor mezzanine, walk-out patio, glowing chandeliers, and even a photogenic spiral staircase in the silo • all weddings offer weekend-long access, with plenty of time to setup & cleanup