Couples can save money by simply getting married in a garden.
When setting a budget for a wedding, consider what is more important to you, the ceremony or reception, and budget accordingly. Cut back on expenses by holding an outdoor wedding ceremony. Many of the more affordable places to get married in Chicago feature outdoor settings, but you can find relatively cheap indoor sites too.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
The Lincoln Park Conservatory puts couples in the heart of beautiful landscaping for their ceremony. Get married inside the conservatory or outside in one of the gardens. Rental rates vary based on the location, length of time and types of items you want for the ceremony. In 2010, prices started at just over $1,110 for a two-hour, indoor wedding. Rates include rental fees, the park's personnel and labor costs and a refundable security deposit of $500. To hold a garden ceremony, you must apply for one of two types of commemorative event permit. The first allows two hours of garden time, which includes set-up and break-down. Couples at this level can only bring in chairs and a trellis for the ceremony. Level two grants couples four hours in the garden and allows them to bring in a sound unit, small tent, chairs and a trellis. To marry in one of the Lincoln Park gardens, you must also pay rental fees, labor costs and a refundable security deposit.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
2400 N. Stockton Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-7736
ChicagoParkDistrict.com
The Shakespeare Garden At Northwestern University
Hold a quiet, secluded ceremony at the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University. As of 2010, this location only required a $200 donation to the Garden Club of Evanston, making it one of the most affordable places in Chicago to get married. A double wall of hedges hides the Shakespeare Garden from public view, creating a romantic and private location. All of the flowers, shrubs, trees and herbs in the garden were featured in one or more of William Shakespeare's plays. A fountain, Elizabethan-style bench and sundial contribute to the ambiance.
The Garden Club of Evanston
825 Westerfield Drive
Wilmette, IL 60091-1809
847-251-4123
TheGardenClubofEvanston.org
Promontory Point
Get married steps from Lake Michigan at Promontory Point, home to the 1933-1934 World's Fair in Chicago. Promontory Point weddings provide couples a beautiful backdrop of the Chicago skyline. Say your vows inside, with a panoramic view of the city, or outside on the picturesque verandas. Rental fees at Promontory Point depend on length of usage and whether you use the patio. Rates started at $844 in 2010, and included the rental fee, personnel and labor fees for the city and a $250 refundable security deposit. You must select vendors from the City of Chicago's preferred vendors list.
Promontory Point
5491 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-4847
ChicagoParkDistrict.com
Garfield Park Conservatory
The Chicago Park District's Garfield Park Conservatory offers couples a quiet location with a private room for two hours. All rental fees at Garfield Park Conservatory include use of the park's equipment, which includes chairs, tables and bistro sets. The city requires any other items you rent or buy for the event to come from an approved vendor. In 2010, Garfield Park Conservatory only charged $200, making it one of the cheapest wedding venues in the Chicago area.
Garfield Park Conservatory
2391 North Stockton Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-7736
ChicagoParkDistrict.com
Tags: Park Conservatory, Garfield Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, Promontory Point, Lincoln Park, Chicago 60614, Drive Chicago