About Chicago
Chicago, a vibrant Midwestern city with its foundation along the waters of Lake Michigan, is renowned for its captivating architecture, cultural diversity, cuisine, and culture. Experience all four seasons in Chicago - from sweltering summers to frosty winters!
As the third largest U.S. metropolis, you can expect an array of incredible experiences when visiting this magnificent place! If you are searching for an unforgettable forest wedding venue, Chicago is the perfect place to look! Home to many forests, it provides a unique and beautiful setting that will create lasting memories on your special day.
Additionally, with its booming production and content creation industry, there are plenty of venues and facilities readily available in this centrally located city, making traveling here from any part of the country quite simple. So why not take advantage of these fantastic features? Make your dream wedding come true by choosing one of these exquisite forest wedding venues in Chicago!
Forest Wedding Options in Chicago
- Decor
Suitable decorations for a forest wedding include natural elements such as wildflowers, rustic wooden accents, or twinkle lights. Consider having a sky lantern release during the reception for an extra touch of romance and magic.
- Wedding Planner
A professional wedding planner is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly on your big day. They help you find the perfect venue and coordinate all the details, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
- Invitations
Send out beautiful invitations with images of lush forests or birds in flight to give guests an idea of what kind of atmosphere they can expect at your wedding. You can also opt for custom-printed invitations with photos from your engagement shoot in a forest.
- Furniture Rentals
Choose furniture rentals that match the outdoor setting, such as wooden benches, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables. Or you can opt for whimsical options like hay bales for seating or an arbor for the ceremony arch.
- Catering
Make sure to choose catering companies specializing in outdoor weddings, as they will have experience dealing with all the unique challenges associated with cooking outdoors. From grills to food trucks, there are plenty of delicious options to make your wedding menu special.
Forest Wedding Vendors in Chicago
- Music by Design
At Music by Design, they specialize in weddings and understand that no two are the same. They also know that every couple wants their wedding to be perfect. To make this happen, they offer a unique service in which they listen to their clients and customize each event based on their specific wants and needs. And, if there are any hiccups along the way, they are more than happy to collaborate with their clients to determine the best course of action.
- Revel Decor
Revel Decor is a Chicago-based event design and production company that strives to establish new norms in the business. By transforming settings with bespoke fabric, décor, furniture, and flowers, they aim to create magic for every occasion. Their creative process involves bringing your ideas and goals together with their design sensibility and experience. The ultimate objective is always flawless execution that enhances the design.
- Mi-Te Printing & Graphics
Mi-Te Printing & Graphics doesn't just understand that "capturing the moment" is essential, they live and breathe it. With over three decades of experience, they're event planning professionals dedicated to making your business communications cost-effective and visually perfect. The friendly staff will work with you to design the perfect printed piece for your wedding, anniversary, child's birthday, or any special event.
Pros and Cons of Forest Weddings in Chicago
Chicago provides many opportunities for couples who want to tie the knot surrounded by nature. With its variety of forest wedding venues, you can create an event that is both romantic and memorable. Below are some benefits and drawbacks to consider:
Advantages
- Forest locations offer unique and beautiful settings for sentimental occasions like weddings and receptions.
- Forest setups tend to be more intimate than traditional venues, and they provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for everyone.
- Chicago provides a variety of forest venue selections, each suited for diverse occasions.
Disadvantages
- Nature can be unpredictable, with weather changes and animal intrusions causing unexpected disruptions.
- Logistical challenges include providing power, food storage, and bathrooms could easily shoot up your event budget.
- Noise regulations may limit music or other activities that can take place at a forest location.
- Accessibility challenges, such as making the space wheelchair accessible, may also limit the type of event or guests who can attend the occasion.
Tips on How to Organize Forest Weddings in Chicago
While weddings in the city are becoming increasingly popular, there is still something magical about getting married in nature. If you want to add a touch of rustic elegance to your big day, consider hosting your nuptials in a forest. For those couples planning their forest wedding in Chicago, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your big day:
- Consider the season: Depending on the time of year, different flowers and foliage will bloom, so choosing a date that works with your desired aesthetic is crucial. Spring and summer are ideal for wildflower-themed weddings, while autumn is perfect for richly-hued leaves.
- Think about the logistics: Where will guests park? How will they get to the ceremony site? Will you need any special permits? It's essential to plan and communicate with your guests so that everyone knows what to expect on the big day.
- Don't forget the small details: Forest weddings can be whimsical and romantic, so take advantage of the natural setting by incorporating twinkle lights, greenery, and even a campfire into your decor.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Belmont Harbor Dog Beach
Though it may be small, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is a big hit with Chicago's canine population. The enclosed beach offers a safe space for dogs to run and play, and the shallow water is perfect for a refreshing paddle. Located east of Lake Shore Drive, the beach is easy to reach by car or public transport. And with plenty of nearby parking, it's easy to make a day of it.
- Historic Wagner Farm
Be transported to a simpler time when you visit Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview. Established in 1853 by Johann Georg Wagner, the farm has been an iconic local attraction and beloved destination for locals and tourists alike over its long history. Today, it is owned and run by the Glenview Park District, providing visitors with a glimpse of traditional farming life: explore cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and horses; take a wagon ride around the grounds; or get involved with hands-on activities!
- Main Barn
Main Barn, in the heart of Chicago, is a prime tourist attraction for animal lovers far and wide. Home to cows, pigs, chickens, and horses, Main Barn offers visitors the chance to pet and feed these precious creatures and opportunities like milking the cows or collecting eggs from hens! In addition to being an enjoyable visit with countless activities such as hayrides, pony rides, and farm tours - this barn serves as an enriching educational experience that can be shared by both children and adults alike.