Top Countryside Venues

• Spaces for 40-100 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Francesca's Vicinato brings the flavors of an authentic Italian trattoria to Palos Park, drawing from the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The restaurant sits near the Orland Park Shopping District and carries the warm hospitality and casually sophisticated atmosphere that defines the Francesca's family of restaurants. For private events and celebrations, the restaurant accommodates groups from 10 to 200 guests across two dedicated event spaces — the Allegro and the Barolo — each available in private or semi-private configurations. Service styles include family style, plated dinners, and appetizer receptions, with in-house catering menus tailored for occasions ranging from shower luncheons and rehearsal dinners to wedding dinners and corporate gatherings.

• Spaces for 550-1,000 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Our motel is located near Advocate Christ Medical Center and Chicago Ridge Mall, at the crossroads of Route 50 and Highway 20. We're a mile from the Oak Lawn Metro station, which connects directly to Chicago, and 15 minutes from Chicago Midway Airport. Our exercise facility, indoor pool, and free parking are just a few of the perks. Our hotel, which is close to the airport, includes a wedding planner and a honeymoon suite in all of its packages. Menus can also be altered. For your ceremony and reception, we provide lighting, design, and seating options. From simple ceremonies to huge ballroom feasts, plan your perfect wedding with the help of your personal wedding specialist. We offer fully customized wedding packages, cuisine, and accommodations for your guests. SouthSide Social Neighborhood Kitchen & Tap serves award-winning cuisine every day, as well as daily Happy Hour discounts. Stop by the Bean in our lobby for Starbucks® coffee, espresso, and artisan cocktails. South Siders have gathered with their friends and neighbors to catch up for generations at parks such as Mt. Greenwood Park, Kennedy Park, Lawn Manor, and Circle Park. All of these people come together at SouthSide Social to unwind, watch the game, appreciate our Chef's creative interpretations on classic South Side meals, sample locally brewed beers, sip superb wine, and enjoy expertly created cocktails in an upmarket yet casual setting. Book ten or more rooms over the internet at the same time to stay together. We've put together a list of resources to help you prepare your event, including checklists, RFP forms, and draft communication plans, among other things. Make your own attendee webpage or have the hotel make one for you. Your event dates, the 7-letter hotel code, and your group's special pricing code are all included in your room block booking confirmation email.

• Spaces for 500 Guests

Hawthorne Race Course has served as Chicago's hometown track since 1891, making it the oldest sporting venue in Illinois. The fourth-generation family-owned facility sits in Stickney, just outside Chicago, and holds a distinction no other track in the country can claim: it is the only race course that hosts both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing under the same roof. The main venue accommodates group events alongside live racing on Thursdays and Sundays, offering guests the backdrop of an active track with multiple large-screen viewing areas and food and beverage service throughout. For groups, the combination of live racing atmosphere and on-site dining creates an experience that goes well beyond a typical event space. A network of off-track betting bars and multiple sportsbook locations round out the broader Hawthorne footprint across Chicagoland, but the Stickney track remains the heart of the operation — a working venue with more than 130 years of racing history still running.

• Spaces for 160 Guests

Millhurst Charhouse & Banquets is a private event facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, specializing in private parties and banquets by reservation. The venue offers both private and semi-private room options, including a banquet room with a chandelier and fireplace, a board room for corporate gatherings and meetings, a dining room, and a dedicated dance floor. Whether the occasion is a wedding reception, corporate event, birthday celebration, or private dinner, the venue accommodates groups through advance reservation and provides flexible room configurations to suit the size and style of each event.

• Spaces for 1,500 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Convention Center

There's a need to celebrate, whether it's the start of a romance or the arrival of a new family member, and Waterford Banquets would love to be a part of it! At the Waterford, our skilled event advisors will work with you to design and arrange every little detail of your dream wedding reception, including cuisine, wine, overnight accommodations, flowers, and entertainment – all to your specifications. We have wedding packages to suit every budget and need! The Waterford Banquet is a lovely venue for outdoor weddings. Our 20,000 square feet of courtyard spaces are adjacent to Eldridge Park and provide you with a plethora of possibilities for arranging your most unforgettable day! Brides in the Chicago region agree it's an ideal location for wedding photography. Allow us to set up tents and outside furniture for your reception if you prefer to eat indoors. If you're looking for something different and tasty, we can even arrange a luau! There are advantages to being in the right location! The Waterford is easy to discover and perfectly situated for Chicago wedding parties and guests. Our lovely wedding site is located near the boundary of Elmhurst and Oakbrook, right off Route 83. The airports of O'Hare and Midway are close by, and with easy access to I-88, I-294, I-290, I-355, and I-55, your family and guests will have a great time! Our adjoining Clarion Hotel Elmhurst/Oakbrook has freshly refurbished hotel rooms with flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and microwave ovens, as well as an indoor pool and fitness center, if you need to freshen up or rest between the service and the wedding reception. The location of your overnight lodgings for you, your wedding party, and your guests could not be more convenient! Nearby are world-class shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Please inquire about our shuttle service.

• Spaces for 280 Guests
• 1 Country Club

Cog Hill's crew looks forward to hosting your special occasion. Thousands of activities have taken place at our club since it first opened in 1927. We're really proud of our meals and the service we deliver to our customers. We are convinced that our employees make the difference. We recognize the trust and responsibility placed in us to manage your unique event. Your decision on where to hold your event is crucial. We guarantee that our team will remain focused on you and your requirements. We want and need your help to make this a memorable event for everyone. Cog Hill offers three dining rooms and a big "old world" clubhouse. Each chamber can work independently or can be joined together to form a larger space. The 30-foot ceiling in the Main Dining Room features large wood beams, leaded glass windows, and a burning stone fireplace. Wedding receptions and other outdoor activities can be held on the adjacent terrace. We're really proud of our meals and the service we deliver to our customers. We are certain that it is our people that create the difference. We recognize the trust and responsibility placed in us to manage your unique event. We hope the following information will assist you in making an informed decision about where to have your reception. Since our inception in 1927, we have performed thousands of weddings - one at a time! We maintain a laser-like concentration on you. There are no cookie-cutter weddings here — just one wedding, one couple, one menu, and one set of timetables! We want and need your help to make this a memorable event for everyone. Our "old world" clubhouse, with its huge timbers, 30-foot ceiling, leaded windows, and stone fireplace, serves as your stage. Up to 280 people can be accommodated. From the first meeting to the last dance, we try to make each wedding a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable event.

• Spaces for 750 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

FitzGerald's is an incredible private event venue. With rich history, vintage charm, and scalability from 25 – 750 people, we offer a unique alternative with character and flexibility. Our collective decades of experience in event production come in handy as we support you through the planning process. From before the invitations to after the thank you cards, we got you. FitzGerald’s has been a place for gathering since it was built in the early 1900’s. Up to 1925, the frame building at 6615 W. Roosevelt was a roadhouse used as a hunting lodge and sporting team headquarters. As more buildings rose along Roosevelt Road, the property was home to several nightclubs, the best-known being The Hunt Club, which flourished through the 1950’s and early 60’s–acts included Turk Murphy, Bob Scobey and Lil Armstrong. After the Hunt Club closed, the space became the Deer Lodge, complete with pool tables and a fortune teller. The FitzGerald family bought the building in 1980, and since that time FitzGerald’s has gained a national reputation for excellent live music in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Along the way, the family purchased the buildings on either side of the club; the corner building now houses FitzGerald's Sidebar, a neighborhood cocktail lounge as well as a private event space. On March 5th 2020, Chicago entertainment veteran Will Duncan (Thalia Hall, Dusek’s/Punch House, MONEYGUN/Saint Lou’s) acquired the buildings and business from the FitzGerald’s family as they transitioned to retirement. The ownership transition achieved an uninterrupted experience for the many regular patrons, without closing for even one day. Will is keeping the name, preserving the legacy, and bringing fresh energy to this old roadhouse at 6611-6619 Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn.

• Spaces for 60 Guests

Francesca's Fiore is an Italian restaurant in Forest Park, Illinois, specializing in wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas made daily, and desserts crafted in the on-site Fiore kitchen. The restaurant grew out of the culinary vision chef Scott Harris brought to his first trattoria in 1992, and the same philosophy guides every plate: thoughtful ingredients, honest cooking, and close attention to detail. The space reflects a casually sophisticated trattoria character suited to private gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and celebratory meals. Private events and catering are coordinated through Scott Harris Hospitality, which manages the full portfolio of the group's restaurant concepts.

• Spaces for 80 Guests

Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse brings an authentic churrascaria experience to the greater Chicago area, operating out of Downers Grove, Illinois. Founded in 2008, the restaurant is built around the Southern Brazilian tradition of rodízio service — skilled gauchos carve USDA Prime meats tableside from large skewers, rotating through the dining room and offering unlimited servings at a set price. The name translates to "Gaucho's Flame," a nod to the open-flame technique at the heart of the cooking style. For private events, Chama Gaúcha Chicago accommodates groups ranging from 20 to 400 guests across its private dining rooms, which can be configured for corporate dinners, rehearsal dinners, anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, quinceañeras, and holiday gatherings. The in-house events team handles menu customization and coordinates the full tableside churrasco service for each booking, including the signature gourmet salad bar featuring more than 30 fresh options.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 1 Country Club

Your fantasy wedding is about to become a reality. Where better to start your new life together than in a tranquil setting surrounded by nature's beauty? At Seven Bridges, we work with you to build your vision, and then you get to see your dreams come true...all while getting the most bang for your buck. You can relax and enjoy the day's key moments with our stunning natural environment blessed with bridges leading from one plateau to another and our skilled crew handling all the details. Every Day, Every Event. We hold wedding receptions on a regular basis, ranging from small standing parties to major seated affairs. Each wedding is treated as if it were our own. We pay close attention to the smallest details. We put in a lot of effort to ensure that you, your family, and all of your guests have a wonderful day. The Gallery, Grill, and neighboring Veranda all have stunning panoramic views, making them the ideal backdrop for any party. Whether you prefer a formal seated luncheon or dinner or a more casual buffet, we can accommodate your needs. Locations for the ceremony can be found outside. Indoor space is also available in the event of bad weather. We guarantee that our club will not be shared with any other wedding or bridal party! After all, we want to give you and your guests our undivided attention since your wedding is as important to us as it is to you. This stunning golf club setting offers a diverse range of natural backdrops for your wedding photographs. We employ a full-time gardener to ensure that the grounds are always vibrant with seasonal color. A range of wedding packages are available, giving you the freedom to select the features that are most essential to you.

• Spaces for 160 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Carleton of Oak Park events are known for their elegance, quality, and ambiance. Our event coordinators are glad to assist you in arranging your celebration, and we provide a personal touch to make each event special. We have a range of private spaces available as well as a varied banquet menu that is excellent for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, and other family events. We offer a banquet hall with about 6,000 square feet of exquisite space. The Carleton is the preferred choice for social gatherings and weddings in Chicago and the western suburbs because of its gorgeous boutique hotel and perfect location. Weddings are our specialty, and we add a personal touch to each event to make it one-of-a-kind. We will attend to every minute detail to make your wedding absolutely unforgettable, and with our hotel's expert personnel, amazing service, and exceptional food, your wedding will be the talk of the town. We have the best in classic elegance and current style, whether your tastes are traditional or modern. You can use the Plaza Bar and Library as a pre-function area when you rent the Carleton's Ballroom for your big day. From the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner to the reception and post-wedding brunch, the Carleton is the ideal location for all of your wedding celebrations. To schedule a personal tour, please contact our Sales and Catering Office. The Carleton offers unique cuisine, stylish atmosphere, and a skilled staff for small private gatherings to major festivities. The Carleton offers over 6,000 square feet of banquet and event space, making it a great place for social gatherings, business meetings, and corporate retreats.

• Spaces for 100 Guests
• 1 Landmark
• 1 Historic Space
• 1 Mansion

Pleasant Home is considered one of the nation's earliest and most distinguished examples of Prairie School architecture, and it is operated as a living museum by the Pleasant Home Foundation. It is open to the public year-round and offers a year-round schedule of educational programs, community events and festivals, and cultural performances. The mansion, created by famed architect George W. Maher in 1897 for investment banker and philanthropist John W. Farson and his wife Mamie Ashworth Farson, is located on the grounds of the University of Chicago. Pleasant Home's architecture deviated from the usual Queen Anne and colonial revival designs that characterize the majority of the residences in Oak Park. Farson's home is distinguished by its simple massing, its large front porch, the smooth surfaces of Roman bricks and stone, and the employment of ornamental themes to harmonize the interior decorating and furnishings, all of which contribute to its status as a premier Prairie Schoolhouse. Featuring rich bespoke woodwork throughout the property, amazing art glass windows, a giant fireplace, complex woodcarvings, and tile work, the 30-room architectural marvel is a showcase of 19th-century workmanship and talent. Pleasant Home was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and it has been there ever since. It was included on the Illinois Historic Structures Survey the next year, in the same year. Pleasant Home was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 1996, and the Village of Oak Park designated it as one of the original Oak Park Landmarks in 1997. Oak Park's vast array of architectural and cultural treasures is the focus of The Pleasant Home Foundation's efforts to restore, preserve, and operate the home as a beloved local civic institution as well as a destination for visitors from around the world who come to enjoy Oak Park's vast array of architectural and cultural treasures.

Beatrix offers event spaces for your next celebration in Oak Brook, Illinois.

• Spaces for 250 Guests