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The happiest time of your life can also be the most stressful. I’m talking about wedding planning. Finding your soulmate might have been tough, but wait until you see what comes next. Lucky for you, the North Shore has many wonderful venues that can help make the wedding of your dreams a reality and take the stress out of what should be a joyous time in your life. Whether it’s a highly experienced staff, picturesque setting and/or a flair for details, each of these venues offer something special; the stressful part may be choosing which one.

 

Armour House at Lake Forest Academy

1500 West Kennedy Rd., Lake Forest, 847-615-3219

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this elegant Italian Villa combines old world charm with a contemporary style. It offers stunning options for both indoors and out, from the grandeur of the Great Hall to the brilliant colors of the floral gardens and manicured lawns. The Armour House is a full service venue that can handle all of the logistics for your big day including catering, table settings, lighting, floral arrangements, room décor and entertainment but they also allow outside vendors. They do have a minimum guest guarantee, although it can be negotiated depending on the season and day. Capacity: 250 seated.

Historic Charles Gates Dawes House

225 Greenwood St., Evanston, 847-475-3410

For a wedding on a smaller scale, the French Chateaux style mansion is a great option. Rooted in rich beauty and heritage, this two-acre lakefront home, built in 1894, was once the home of Charles Gates Dawes, the 30th U.S. Vice President under Calvin Coolidge. The interior of the Dawes House incorporates a Louis XVI-style parlor, library, great hall and English renaissance style dining room. Much of the interior is paneled in oak, with the exception of mahogany-finished cherry wood in the library. Ceremonies can be held indoors or out in the garden.

Winnetka Community House

620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-446-3154

The Winnetka Community House has been playing host to some of the most beautiful events on the North Shore for over a century. Outdoors, the beautiful Arches Garden provides a timeless setting for a romantic wedding. Indoors, the Garden Room is an ideal spot for dinner, dancing and celebrating. It can accommodate anywhere from 75 to 200 guests (with a dance floor). Their exclusive full service caterer, Catered By Design, will help design the perfect menu and make sure every detail of your wedding is perfect.

Chicago Botanic Gardens

1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, 847-835-8370

We would be completely remiss if we did not include the Botanic Gardens on this list. This world-renowned cultural destination is the perfect venue for your wedding. They offer full-service day of event and planning assistance. This beloved jewel speaks for itself and with so many fantastic indoor and outdoor options to choose from, it has something for every taste.

Elawa Farms

1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest, 847-234-1966

For those looking for a more rustic, yet chic venue for their nuptials, Elawa Farms is somewhat of a best kept secret on the North Shore. This onetime gentleman’s farm is now a center for education and enjoyment of architectural preservation, history, gardening and the environment, and offers a unique, intimate and picturesque venue for your special day.

The Grove Redfield Estate

1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, 847-298-0095

The Redfield Estate is another wonderful and picturesque venue for weddings. If you choose to host your wedding here you can enjoy the private use of the entire historic home which features a Great Room with fireplace and loft, cathedral ceilings, chandeliers, a private brides room and a breathtaking two-story leaded glass window. Outside, you can have access to the gorgeous 30′ x 60′ outdoor covered pavilion with fireplace, as well as the main lawn. The Estate is suitable for up to 125 people. Rental dates may be booked up to 24 months in advance. Tents are not allowed on the grounds.

Woman’s Club of Evanston

1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-475-3800

The historic Woman’s Club of Evanston exudes timeless elegance and offers a variety of options depending on the size of your wedding. Choose from the dramatic two story Grand Ballroom which can accommodate up to 230 guests with a dance floor, and includes a full stage and large drop down screen for presentations or the more intimate Tea Room (120 people seated) on the first floor. Additional space includes the Music Room often used for dancing and a glass-enclosed Sun Porch which is wonderful for cocktail hours. While you must use one of their preferred vendors for catering, the list is varied and offers something for every budget.

Highland Park Community House

1991 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, 847-432-1515

The Highland Park Community House is a beautifully renovated historic landmark featuring a red brick Colonial-Revival-style house with a spacious ballroom, large living room with bay windows, a commercial kitchen, newly renovated restrooms and three outdoor garden areas. The elegant ballroom features a vaulted ceiling with vintage light features, a hardwood floor, a performance stage and can accommodate 200 seated guests with a dance floor. It overlooks the North lawn and Heritage Gardens which offer an ever-changing panorama of color and can be utilized weather permitting.

Deer Path Inn

255 East Illinois, Lake Forest, 847-234-2280

Rated by North Shore Magazine as one of the North Shore’s best reception venues, the Deer Path Inn serves as an ideal setting for an enchanting wedding. With a highly experienced hotel staff, they will help you plan, arrange and coordinate everything you need for your special day. No detail will be overlooked. The Inn offers impeccable food and up to five beautifully constructed rooms designed in an old English style with enough dance space to accommodate up to 250 people. Whether a simple gathering of close family and friends to a formal affair, the Deer Path Inn can do it all. Note: The Deer Path Inn is currently undergoing a 15-month renovation, projected finish: Spring 2016.

Pinstripes

1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook, 847-480-2323

This is not your ordinary bowling alley. While providing a fun and upbeat atmosphere, Pinstripes is still an upscale venue that offers private and semi-private event space that can accommodate 20 – 600 guests and features fine Italian/American cuisine. Their experienced event staff can help you with all the details including outside entertainment, AV equipment, table favors, specialty linens and more. Whether you chose to incorporate bocce into your cocktail hour or perhaps end the night with a bowling after party – it’s your choice.

Thank You and Have a Great Day

Marina Jacobson
Broker, SFRDirect: 847-510-5009
Cell: 847-361-5605
Fax: 847-510-5109
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