What Type of Wedding Ceremony Venue in Chicago is Right for You?

Before researching the location for your wedding ceremony, decide what type of venue would suit you. If you are looking to have a fairy tale wedding, you'll want a wedding in a traditional church or historical building. If you have more contemporary tastes, you might want to consider a banquet hall, an outdoor setting, possibly at a golf course or resort, or a yacht.

Keep reading, because you're going to get a feel about each type of wedding venue by taking a look at some examples, and then you can decide which wedding ceremony venue is right for you.

Patrick C. Haley Mansion, 17 S. Center St. Joliet, IL 60436, 815-726-6800, is an old limestone mansion in a historical setting with beautiful Victorian gardens, ballroom and conservatory. The interior is of rich oak, cherry and mahogany wood, stained glass windows and has six fireplaces. This is the type of location for more of that fairy tale wedding ambiance and gives you the option of having it indoors or outdoors. This location can be used for both the wedding and the reception. They have their own exclusive caterer and the mansion rental fee depends on the rental time. It varies from $52 - 68 for plated dinners and $700 for the ceremony. The Mansion offers special pricing and lower guest minimums January through April and Monday through Thursday throughout the year. It is well worth watching this video photo montage to give you a better idea of the grandeur this mansion has to offer.

Salvatore's Restaurant, 525 West Arlington Place, Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60614,773-528-1200, Fax: 773-528-1272, E-Mail: info@salvatores-chicago.com, is just a little less traditional, but still offers that elegant, formal type of qualities for a more traditional wedding. The on-site ceremony fee is $400.00. This is the type of venue where you would have your wedding ceremony and reception. They offer three room choices for your wedding reception, The Pasta Vino Bar and Dining Room, which can be used separately or together, can accommodate up to 60 guests for dinner, The Classico Room, with its marble floors and original mahogany can accommodate a party up to 170 guests, and The West Room, which is a beautiful space for an afternoon wedding reception can accommodate 125 guests for dinner. The outdoor patio overlooks a beautiful European-style Courtyard, and is a charming setting for an outdoor wedding. You can also use the patio for pre-dinner cocktails, great for your guests while you're taking your wedding photos. You can rent the entire restaurant if you need to accommodate up to 230 guests for dinner. The rental fee for the Pasta Vino Bar and Dining Room - $200.00, Classico Room - $200.00, West Room - $200, and the entire Restaurant is $600.00. Check out the rest of their terms of agreement for other fees. They will help with other vendors, such as photographers, florists, a DJ, and a bakery. If you use your own vendor, they must be approved by Salvatore's.

Luxury Yacht Valara VI, Burnham Harbor, 1559 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, 773-788-9494, offers a wedding venue far apart from the rest; this is definitely a choice for more contemporary tastes. You get the beauty of Chicago's skyline as your backdrop and deluxe accommodations. Your vows will take place under a very unique "Wedding Arch," on the upper level. The Pure Elegance Wedding Package offers 5 hours on board the yacht, a champagne toast, fruit & cheese platters, hot hors d'oeuvres, a delectable menu, wedding cake, 5 hour premium open bar and coffee. For 70-100 guests the fee is $ 146 per guest and for 101-149 guests the fee is $140 per guest. Crew Gratuities are not included. The Grande Gala package is $137 for 70-100 guests and $131 for 101-149 guests; Crew Gratuities are not included. A 5 hour cruise, champagne toast, delicious menu, wedding cake, 4.5 hour premium bar and coffee are included. Their VIP Classic is $127.50 per guest for 70 - 100 guests and $121.50 per guest for 101 - 149 guests; Crew Gratuities are not included. This package includes a 5 hour cruise, standard bar, hors d'oeuvres, cheese and fruits, a mouth watering menu, wedding cake and coffee. The yacht's Shipboard Weddings package offers 5 hours onboard and a wonderful wedding buffet, complete with salads, vegetables and your choice of three entrees; the fee is $77 per person for an afternoon wedding, $90 per person for an evening wedding and there is a 70 person minimum. Appetizers, wedding cake and coffee are extra for the buffet.

For an another contemporary choice in wedding venues, The Illinois Beach Resort, One Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL 60099 , 847-625-7300 or 866-IL-BEACH, is an all-in-one choice that can make your wedding planning just a bit less stressful. They offer assistance in every detail of your wedding planning, including guest accommodations, photographers and entertainment. You can have a wedding by the beach (be patient, the link will open) for $75 per person and a $500 rental minimum for parties under 67 guests. There are additional fees for a pedestal and arch rental. The catering includes a wedding expert at your disposal, hors d'oeuvres, chilled champagne toast, 3 course meal and wedding cake, complimentary accommodations for the bride and groom, and so much more. The fees range from $71 to $100 per person. For additional information on this wedding venue, visit Menus 2010 or call their experienced Wedding Planner at 847-625-7300 ext. 631 to arrange a personal tour of the facilities.

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, Illinois 60463, 708-361-1873, is a peaceful retreat, nature center and botanic garden on a 20-acre manmade lake. It offers a beautiful venue to hold an outdoor wedding ceremony at the waterfall area, school house arch or clubhouse lawn at a rate of $150 per hour. Indoor weddings cost approximately the same for a 4 hour minimum. Contact Bridget Provost at Lake Katherine for more information at 708-361-1873.

Now that you've planned every detail of your wedding ceremony and reception, don't forget your wedding favors to show your guests how much you appreciate them.

Congratulations on your wedding!