Rustic Settings for Weddings in Chicago
Thoughts of Chicago stir images of wind gusts, shopping bags and fine cuisine, but the Windy City could also be the most unlikely perfect setting for a rustic destination wedding. From historic mansions to cozy inns perched on Lake Michigan, Chicago offers several locations that will transport wedding parties and guests to timeless, rustic settings.
-
Lakeside Inn
-
Not far from Chicago, nestled along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, RealLifeWeddings.com recommends Lakeside Inn for an intimate, rustic wedding setting. Recognized by "The Chicago Tribune," "Chicago" magazine and other national publications, the inn was an attractive resort for celebrities in the 1930s and '40s. Lakeside Inn dates back to the early 1880s, making its three-story frame structure a landmark of Harbor Country. A beautiful wooded lot surrounds the inn's 100-foot-long front porch, lined with rockers to create a romantic storybook setting that will make anyone forget the Windy City is just a short commute away.
Jacob Henry Mansion
-
The Jacob Henry Mansion stands strong among Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs. Up to 300 guests can be seated comfortably in the 1873 National Historic landmark. Though the mansion screams luxury, the historic architecture and dark woods nod to a rustic vibe when accented with the right decor. The mansion took three years to build after railroad tycoon Jacob A. Henry hired craftsman from Germany to design and carve the detailed interior. The main floor’s black walnut and oak carvings are hand-rubbed and each room boasts of its own fireplace.
-
Rustic House
-
The Rustic House makes the perfect location for an intimate rehearsal dinner or small reception. The restaurant is located on North Halsted in Chicago and makes seating available for 50 guests in the front dining room, while eight other guests can sit at the bar and another 28 guests can enjoy the evening in the back dining room. The Lincoln Park restaurant also offers room for an additional 24 guests in the wine cellar. A creative mind could make this a wonderful location for a rustic wedding scene. Weathered barnyard walls and other natural materials envelope guests, while local artists cover the walls with farm-themed art and a reclaimed oak mantle frames a fireplace to complete the rustic setting.
White Eagle Golf Club
-
Teeing off will be the last thing on a bride’s mind when she pulls up to the White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, Illinois. The old architecture and elegant detail, right down to the beautiful wood bridges throughout the manicured golf course provide a rustic, outdoor setting. Inside, the White Eagle Ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests. The resort offers a variety to wedding packages to make any engaged couple feel special.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images