We've been asked a few times lately about rural places for weddings such as barns, farms and vineyards. They can be lovely alternatives to traditional venues and you might even consider making near-destination weddings down-state or to neighbor states for a fun getaway weekend for your guests. They also generally make for a relaxed day, especially when ceremony and reception are both held at the venue and guests need not travel to any additional locations in these usually unfamiliar countryside areas.
Here are suggestions in the region closest to Chicago area:
Lynfred Winery (Roselle, IL)
http://www.lynfredwinery.com/priv.html
Whyte Horse Winery (Monticello, IN)
http://www.whytehorsewinery.com/winery/winery.php
County Line Orchard (Hobart, IN)
http://www.countylineorchard.com/weddings/staging/events.html
Hoosier Grove Barn (Streamwood, IL)
http://www.hoosiergrovebarn.com/
Vehe Barn (Deer Park, IL)
http://www.village.deer-park.il.us/Vehe_Barn_Rental.htm
Danada House - horse stables (Wheaton, IL)
http://www.danadahouse.com/
Millcreek and Blue Dress Barns (Southwest Michigan)
http://www.millcreekbarn.com/aboutus.html
There are a lot more vineyards that have weddings in areas throughout the region in southern IL & IN and northern MI, so if you are open to having a near-destination wedding these would be good to look into as well.
Chateau Pomije (Guilford, IN)
http://www.cpwinery.com/weddings.html
Chateau de Pique (Seymour, IN)
http://www.chateaudepique.com//index.htm
Spirit Knob Winery (Ursa, IL)
http://www.spiritknob.com/events.html
Ravissant Winery (Belleville, IL)
http://www.ravissantwinery.com/banquet.htm
Gill's Pier Vineyard & Winery (Leelanau Peninsula, MI)
http://www.gillspier.com/banquet-room.htm
Black Star Winery and Farms (Suttons Bay/Leelanau, MI)
http://www.blackstarfarms.com/events/
Michigan's lakeshore and Traverse City area is loaded with wineries - certainly make for a great weekend getaways for newlyweds too!
© Giorgio Ventola / Wedding Creativo Photography