Top Chicago Gala Venues

• Spaces for 140-500 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 2 Landmarks
• 4 Total Spaces

The Jacob Henry Mansion, located in Joliet, Illinois, is a wonderful venue to have a wedding or event due to its spectacular architecture. The Jacob Henry Mansion is one of the largest and highest acclaimed examples of Renaissance Revival architecture remaining in Illinois. The Jacob Henry Mansion is also an 1873 National Historic Landmark. With both indoor and outdoor event spaces, The Jacob Henry Mansion can accommodate many different sized parties. This mansion estate is a great venue for a wedding, ceremony, bridal shower, baby shower, rehearsal dinner, corporate function, and many more. With locations such as the Old Central Church, the Lawn & Gardens and the Victorian Ballroom, hosts have many options with indoor and outdoor spaces at The Jacob Henry Mansion. Hosts can work with staff at The Jacob Henry Mansion to make their dream event come to life.

• Spaces for 200-300 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Landmark
• 1 Historic Space

The Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station occupies a 1912 Beaux-Arts landmark designed by railroad architect Jarvis Hunt and built from smooth Bedford limestone with ornate interior marble finishes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building served for decades as the gateway hub for four of Joliet's major railroads before being transformed into a dedicated event venue. The main ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests for seated receptions or more than 300 for cocktail-style gatherings, its soaring arched windows, crystal chandeliers, and marble columns defining the atmosphere. An outdoor wrap-around veranda offers a secondary ceremony or cocktail-hour space with views of downtown Joliet. The in-house culinary team crafts fully customized menus — from passed appetizers to multi-course plated dinners and interactive stations — while a dedicated event coordination team supports planning from the first site visit through the event itself. The venue accommodates everything from micro weddings of 15 to 40 guests to large-scale grand receptions, as well as corporate events and milestone celebrations.

When it comes to elegance and grace, Biltmore is a landmark resort that stands as a tribute to timelessness in a world of passing trends. Featuring Barrington's own private beach, unsurpassed hospitality, great programming, and celebration facilities for the entire family, this resort has something for everyone. Its award-winning dining options include anything from mouthwatering steaks in the Grill Room to casual family dinners at the Beach Club. Championship tennis and golf are only a couple of the activities available to people of all ages. With a View... Weddings in the Park... Your memorable event will be remembered fondly for many years to come! We invite you to let our team of imaginative and trustworthy professionals to create an experience that is unparalleled. We want to give you with more than simply a venue in which to entertain your guests; we want to assist you in creating lasting memories. Ceremonies and receptions for weddings, brunches and showers for anniversaries and birthdays, golf outings and fundraising events are all possible. Contact us now! Your guests will be impressed with the Biltmore!

• Spaces for 300-1,966 Guests
• 2 Landmarks
• 2 Theaters
• 2 Historic Spaces

Rialto Square Theatre is a National Register of Historic Places landmark in Joliet, Illinois, designed by Chicago architects Rapp & Rapp and opened on May 24, 1926. Built in the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine tradition for the Rubens brothers' Royal Theatre Company, it is widely referred to as the "Jewel of Joliet" and considered one of the ten most beautiful theaters in the nation. The theatre's interior spaces have made it a sought-after setting for weddings and private celebrations. The Rotunda — modeled on Rome's Pantheon and ringed by 18 Corinthian columns — accommodates ceremonies for up to 160 guests and connects to the Esplanade, an inner lobby designed after the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The full theatre, a proscenium-style house with 1,966 seats, hosts larger ceremonies on its stage, where the orchestra pit rises on cue and a flower petal drop marks the couple's first kiss. The Rotunda and Esplanade can be reserved for receptions of up to 300 guests. The venue offers in-house beverage service and a dedicated house manager, with the option to add guided backstage tours during the cocktail hour.

• Spaces for 250-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

This stunning special event location, located in the gorgeous Lords Park, can accommodate up to 250 guests. The magnificent Pavilion has hardwood flooring, vaulted ceilings, picket doors, wide windows with scenic park views, a covered wrap-around veranda, and outside ceremony grounds with ponds, fountains, and a wooden bridge. Weddings, quinceaneras, bridal and baby showers, birthday/anniversary parties, and so much more are all possible at this site. The Pavilion, a two-story structure built in 1898, is one of the city's most important historical landmarks. It's at 100 Oakwood Boulevard in Lords Park, a 108-acre photographic site in the magnificent historic Lords Park. Groups of up to 250 individuals can use the space; fees vary depending on size and rental terms. The scene of your wedding will be situated against a gorgeous lake with a plethora of trees and flowers. You can exchange vows beside the lake, and move inside for a reception inside the pavilion. The two levels of the historical building are perfect for a night of dancing! The stained glass windows are stunning and create a romantic setting in and of themselves. A wrap-around porch runs the length of the pavilion. On site amenities include: - Dressing rooms for the bride and bridal party - Dressing rooms for the groom and groomsmen - Tables and chairs - Cleanup and setup of the venue - Kitchen (only for prep) - Public parking is available - Large area for dancing! To rent this facility, please call 847-531-7047. You can also send an email to banquets@cityoffelgin.org. We can’t wait to hear from you!

• Spaces for 250-325 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Total Spaces

Lets be honest. Your little kid self wanted to get married in a castle. The princess gown, your fairytale night- it's all your younger self dreamed of. Patrick Haley Mansion can make your dreams come true. Nestled in the suburbs of Chicago is a big stone mansion, with a marble floor ballroom, chandeliers hanging above and elegant lush gardens to look out over as you dance the night away. This venue has event planners waiting to make your event perfect- whether its your own Cinderella wedding or a charity event- from the details to the overall execution they are determined to go above and beyond your requests. You will be awestruck by it all. Don't miss out on having your next event in a place you have only seen in fairytales.

• Spaces for 16 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Meeting Space

The Herrington Inn & Spa, one of Geneva, Illinois' most charming and romantic wedding locations, provides an unforgettably romantic tone for the start of your life together. A luxurious European inn's grandeur and sweeping views of the Fox River provide an amazing backdrop for your wedding concept. Our 60 rooms and suites are all individually decorated to ensure that all of your guests have a pleasant and magnificent wedding retreat. To begin arranging your perfect day, browse all of our wedding locations, packages, and contact our experienced wedding planner. The Herrington Inn & Spa is unlike any other hotel. Our boutique AAA 4-Diamond getaway overlooking the Fox River in Geneva, Illinois, offers a quaint and intimate ambiance, friendly, individualized hospitality, and exquisite yet extremely comfortable suites. The hotel's attractive European-style facade is framed by gabled roofs, riverfront vistas, and a garden courtyard, and welcomes guests. When you walk in the door, you immediately feel at peace. Warm color palettes, soft lighting, limestone floors, and tapestry-covered walls create a welcoming environment. Armchairs with plush cushions and fires entice you to stay longer. Our 60 rooms and suites combine classic charm with modern convenience. Each room is individually created and decorated, and includes a gas fireplace, a deep soaking whirlpool tub, and plush bathrobes and slippers. All but three rooms have private patios or balconies where you may enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening. Our European Continental Breakfast is served in our lobby every morning. Our turndown service will leave you with baked cookies and ice-cold milk in your room at the end of each day. Our unique dining experience, which overlooks the Fox River, is unlike any other in Geneva. Atwater's Restaurant is a wonderful eating option that serves farm-to-table American cuisine that is suitable for both large and small groups. Our spa, in addition to dining, provides a relaxing retreat after a day of meetings or sightseeing. Our friendly spa therapists will assist you in choosing from a wide range of body treatments, massages, facials, and waxing services. Massages and specialized baths are also provided in the rooms. We look forward to welcoming you to The Herrington Inn & Spa on your next business or leisure trip to Geneva.

• Spaces for 200-300 Guests
• 1 Barn
• 1 Farm

Abbey Farms is a one-of-a-kind agritourism farm in Aurora, Illinois, but we prefer to think of ourselves as a fun destination for the whole family! For nearly 75 years, Abbey Farms has been creating memories with our fall festival, which includes a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and other outdoor attractions; our holiday season, which includes dozens of acres of U-Cut trees and our Christmas store; our Summer Ramble season, which includes a specialty cafe menu and live music; and, soon, our apple orchard and new winter season activities! It all began in the 1930s, when the monks of Marmion Abbey moved here and began planting trees, and it was first opened to the public in 1949. Abbey Farms is a thriving, nonprofit farm where 100% of the profits go to the monks and their goal. Summer Ramble's quiet, collected demeanor, as well as the fact that we are closed in the Spring, may create the impression that they are slower seasons on the farm. That is not the case! Farming is a year-round, full-time job! What you don't see is often the most important factor in the success of what you do see. Here's a look at what goes on at Abbey Farms every year: Winter is the time of year when we establish the foundation for the rest of the year. Whether it's apple orchards, pumpkin patches, or Christmas trees, fields must be cleared and cleaned to remove pests and disease hiding places. As the snow melts and the weather warms, we'll be able to see what we're up against and ramp up our efforts. This is an excellent time to plant new apple and Christmas trees in the fields. At the same time, we're trimming the existing apple trees to focus their energy on producing bigger, healthier fruit. We can compost and mound the pumpkin patch later in the Spring, after the last threat of frost has passed, and sow seeds straight into the earth. Isn't it true that we're always fooling around with the trees in the orchard and tree fields? Yes, we are! To ensure healthy growth and a beautiful shape, both apple and Christmas trees require year-round pruning and shaping. Summer is also when we need to be particularly cautious about insect control and water intake for all of our crops. Abbey Farms is, of course, busiest in the fall! We begin with the apple harvest — while you're collecting apples, we're cleaning up fallen fruit to prevent pests, fertilizing plants, planting new trees, and yes, trimming once again. We need to clear the field and put additional compost into the ground so it's ready for next year once you've had a chance to visit the pumpkin patch and bring home the perfect jack 'o lantern.

• Spaces for 275-300 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Waterfront

The Heritage Ballroom at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin is a city-operated banquet venue in Elgin, Illinois, situated along the Fox River adjacent to scenic Walton Island. The ballroom accommodates up to 275 guests and features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows overlooking the water — a setting well-suited to weddings, receptions, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations. The space includes a private entrance, coat rooms, a full dance floor, a complete sound system, and audio/visual capabilities. Bar service is available through custom packages, and outside catering is permitted. A bridal suite and groom suite are provided for couples. Beyond the main ballroom, the Centre offers several smaller meeting rooms — including the East and West Conference Rooms, Art Studio, Pioneer Room, and Celebration Room — accommodating groups of 32 to 50 guests for rehearsal dinners, showers, and corporate gatherings. Convenient I-90 access and nearby hotel accommodations make the venue an easy choice for out-of-town guests.

• Spaces for 550 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Whether you're planning your perfect wedding, a world-class fundraiser, or a business event to wow your employees or clients, we can help. The Lincoln Inn Banquets has the facilities, staff, chefs, and amenities to host up to 450 people. We cater to families, businesses, schools, groups, and organizations throughout the Fox Valley of Illinois, including Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Elburn, North Aurora, Aurora, Sugar Grove, and many other cities in Kane and DuPage Counties. You may be confident that your function will be a resounding success because we have over 30 years of experience serving the Chicago Western Suburbs and a lengthy record of delighted customers. Our knowledgeable staff is available to help you with all of the little things and specific requests that make for a truly memorable event. We offer a stylish atmosphere, impeccable service, and exquisite cuisine at Lincoln Inn Banquets. Lincoln Inn Banquets has become one of the finest banquet halls in Batavia, IL, with over 30 years of expertise serving the Chicago Western Suburbs and a lengthy record of delighted customers. We've managed every type of event you can think of throughout the years, from weddings to showers to birthdays to mitzvahs. The Lincoln Inn has recently undergone renovations. The venue includes a lovely lobby, two bridal suites, and four stunning ballrooms. We'd be delighted to cater your next gathering. Please contact us as soon as possible, and we will collaborate to build a menu tailored to your occasion! Over the years, several vendors have offered exceptional service to innumerable weddings and celebrations held at our venues; check out the list of them on our website.

• Spaces for 200 Guests

Arranmore Farm + Polo Club spans 300-plus acres of open farmland in Oswego, Illinois, roughly 40 miles west of downtown Chicago. The property centers on a historic farmhouse and working polo fields, offering a setting that blends agricultural heritage with the pace of equestrian sport. The venue focuses on private and corporate events, weddings, large-scale concerts, festivals, and seasonal programming. Weddings are hosted on an exclusive basis — just four per year — with access to the full property including the historic Harvey Farmhouse, the Clubhouse, unlimited ceremony locations, and an expansive landscape suited to tented receptions. Land rental includes bridal party all-day access, a six-hour reception window, an on-site venue coordinator, guest parking, and event permits. Outside caterers are welcome with prior venue approval; beverages must come through licensed catering providers.

• Spaces for 40-150 Guests
• 1 Theater
• 3 Event Spaces

Baker Community Center is a historic recreation and community facility operated by the St. Charles Park District in downtown St. Charles, Illinois. Dedicated on May 1, 1926, as a gift from Edward J. and Harriet Rockwell Baker in memory of their son and local World War I veterans, the 19,150-square-foot building has served the community for a century — hosting classes, performances, and private events across its auditorium stage, lounge, and multipurpose rooms. Rentable spaces accommodate groups from 35 to 150 guests, with tables, chairs, and setup included in every rental. The center offers a full kitchen, in-house sound system, and on-street parking. A $1 million accessibility renovation in 2017 updated floors, entryways, and amenities throughout the building. The center also partners with the Norris Cultural Arts Center to support a performance venue with current stage technology.

• Spaces for 150 Guests
• 1 Event Space
• 1 Country Club

The Clubhouse at HeatherRidge is a golf course event venue set on a nine-hole layout in Gurnee, Illinois, where flowing creeks and ponds wind through seven of the nine holes. Opened in 1975, the property has grown into one of Illinois's well-regarded nine-hole facilities, offering both indoor and outdoor settings for weddings, banquets, and private parties. The newly renovated Clubhouse features a Waterfall Lounge and dance floor and accommodates up to 150 guests. Outside, the Cabana Bar and Grill provides a relaxed open-air gathering space with views of the course grounds. Whether hosting an indoor reception, an outdoor ceremony, or a combination of both, the venue's surroundings — mature trees, manicured fairways, and scenic water features — lend a natural backdrop to any celebration.

• Spaces for 330 Guests
• 1 Barn
• 1 Farm

Abbey Farms is unique. We are not like the other farms - we like to think that our guests step back in time a few years.... We offer something a little different than the other farms - no Fall season haunting themes, no electronic games, just clean old-fashioned outdoor family and group fun. All of our events are fundraisers for the Monks of Marmion Abbey. All proceeds from Abbey Farms enables the continuation of the various ministries performed by the Monks, as well. Abbey Farms is also almost completely volunteer run! Current Alumni from Marmion High School and parents of current students all come out to help run our festivals for the monks. Having been in the business of creating family traditions for more than 50 years, the monks pride themselves on providing good ol’ fashioned fun for the entire family that won’t break the bank! Abbey Farms is a non-profit farm run by and for the Monks of Marmion Abbey located in Aurora Illinois started back in 1949. Since the first Christmas tree was planted in 1949, Abbey Farms has transformed into a multi season family-oriented farm. Situated on over 300 acres of beautiful farmland, Abbey Farms is one of the oldest farms open to the public in the area. From monk-grown U-Cut and Precut Christmas trees to the soon to be worlds 2nd largest corn maze (2014) - when it comes to old-fashioned family fun, we have it all!

• Spaces for 140-350 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Country Club

Fox Valley Golf Club, known as "The Fox," is a private golf and event venue set on gently rolling parkland in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The club has hosted competitive events at the regional and state level, including WSGA Championships, NEWGA Championships, Wisconsin PGA State Open Qualifiers, and USGA Mid-Amateur Championship regional qualifying, and features bentgrass tees constructed in 2018 alongside well-maintained greens and natural course elements including creeks, ponds, and sand bunkers. For private events, the club accommodates gatherings ranging from golf outings and reunions to showers and receptions. The clubhouse and dining area seats up to 140 guests for dinner, with access to a full bar, custom catering across a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, a full audio system, a wireless microphone, and six high-definition televisions. A covered outdoor patio, added in 2021, offers an additional setting for socializing with fire tables and a fire pit.

• Spaces for 175 Guests
• 1 Outdoor

Are you planning an outdoor wedding? Within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, Creek Bend Nature Center features all of the lovely views you can imagine. Creek Bend Nature Center can accommodate your special occasion. On the banks of Ferson Creek in St. Charles, this quaint venue is set within the picturesque LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. This stunning venue will elevate your occasion from ordinary to outstanding. The facilities and grounds are provided by us. You add the finishing touches to make the occasion truly yours. Creek Bend Nature Center will elevate your occasion to the next level. Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m., take a tour of the venue. Wednesday evening showings do not require an appointment. At 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles, Illinois, we are part of the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. At Creek Bend Nature Center, we can accommodate up to 175 people. Since 1925, the Forest Conserve District has worked to preserve and restore Kane County's natural regions, increase wildlife habitat, and improve Kane County citizens' quality of life. We invite you to take a quiet walk through the forest preserves, go camping for the weekend, have a picnic with friends and family, learn about nature, bird watch, fish, golf, ride, volunteer, or simply enjoy the beauty of our more than 23,000 acres of forests, marshes, and grasslands. There's lots to see and do in your Kane County forest preserves at any time of year. Our Purpose To acquire, hold, and maintain lands in Kane County that contribute to the conservation of natural and historic resources, habitats, flora and fauna; and to restore, restock, protect, and preserve such lands for environmental education, recreation, pleasure, and well-being of all Kane County residents.

• Spaces for 40-160 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Meeting Space
• 1 Park

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is a nature education facility operated by the St. Charles Park District, situated on its own natural area at 3795 Campton Hills Rd. in St. Charles, Illinois. The center draws visitors through live animal exhibits, educational programs for all ages, and access to restored natural areas — making it a distinctive setting for gatherings that go beyond a typical meeting room. The Savanna Room is available for private events and accommodates up to 40 guests. The space features large windows overlooking the surrounding natural area, tables and chairs, audio/video technology, and WiFi. Renters also gain access to the Discovery Center's exhibits and outdoor grounds during their event. The rental team can be reached directly at 630-513-4367 or hkevents@stcparks.org.

• Spaces for 200-250 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Waterfront

Illinois Beach Hotel sits within Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois — the only hotel in the state located directly on Lake Michigan and the last remaining undeveloped stretch of the lake's shoreline in Illinois. Positioned roughly 50 miles north of Chicago, the property offers guests and event attendees direct access to a sandy beachfront setting that is otherwise inaccessible in the region. The hotel's primary event space, the Grand Ballroom, accommodates up to 200 guests and is suited for weddings, quinceañeras, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate gatherings, graduation parties, anniversaries, reunions, and holiday events. Wedding packages include bar setup, tables, linens, stemware, flatware, china, banquet chairs, complimentary WiFi, and complimentary parking. In-house catering options and bar packages are available for all events. On-site guest rooms — many with lakefront views — allow event guests to stay on property, and Nolan's Restaurant provides dining for overnight guests and event attendees alike.

• Spaces for 200 Guests
• 1 Country Club

Elgin Country Club is the ideal event location in downtown Chicago for weddings, anniversaries, golf trips, and more. Our stunning facilities will provide you and your guests with an amazing experience. The antique stone clubhouse is built on spectacular rolling hills surrounded by towering trees, making it the ideal location for any event. Rooms can accommodate groups of 20 to 200 people. Despite the fact that Elgin Country Club is a private club, we do host a small number of non-member activities. Our event planner, chef, and knowledgeable staff are available to assist you with any aspect of your event. With its exquisite ambiance and stunning views, the Oak Room can host groups of 40 to 200 people. The Wine Room is ideal for small groups or meetings with up to 40 people. The Centennial Patio offers outside dining with a view of the 18th green and seating for 15 to 50 people (Members Only). Weldwood Patio is an outside space with three fire pits that is ideal for a cocktail gathering of 15 to 24 people (Members Only). Elgin Country Club welcomes you to experience the elegance that awaits you behind its walls. This magnificent and exquisite Country Club is surrounded by lush green hills and ancient oaks. We provide all-inclusive wedding packages to make arranging your wedding as simple as possible, and we would gladly create a wedding package to meet your specific requirements. Our experienced catering team and devoted, professional employees will guide you through the planning process to guarantee that your wedding day is perfect. We can also plan and coordinate your wedding so you don't have to worry about anything on your special day.