The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

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5 Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL

Aquariums, zoos
Pepper Family Wildlife Center (Lion House) 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Up to 350 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $14,000

The Pepper Family Wildlife Center, more commonly known as the Lion House, has been newly renovated as of 2021 and is more beautiful than ever before. With glass exhibiting windows, your guests will have the opportunity to see our pride as they mingle, dine and enjoy in your big day. This space can accommodate 350 guests seated with room for dancing, bars and so much more.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Blends luxury with trendiness

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Getting to photograph and film at the Lion House was a dream come true! We love Tigerlily Events and cherish the times getting to work with their team, and the new Lion House was no exception. From the unique environment the space provides to the luxurious service the staff provides, this venue is one of our favorites in Chicago. We're so excited to continue working together for future wedding days!
Elle Taylor Photography, 2 years ago
Quick responder
Cafe Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo 

4.9

Chicago, IL
  • Up to 230 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $12,000

Cafe Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo combines historic charm with natural beauty, creating a magical wedding venue in Chicago. The venue’s grand ballroom features stunning architecture and views of the surrounding park and skyline. Guests appreciate the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for ceremonies and receptions. The dedicated staff ensures a personalized and smooth event, from planning to execution. For couples seeking a unique and enchanting setting, Cafe Brauer offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Blends luxury with trendiness
  • Offers full-service amenities

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No on-premises lodging options
My wife and I got married at Cafe Brauer in October 2025 and we've been hearing nonstop from our guests that they were blown away by the venue. We used both Cafe Brauer and the Honeycomb nearby. Part of why we chose Cafe Brauer was their in-house catering team which has some the best food we've had at a wedding. Our event/venue coordinator, Ellen, was phenomenal, had everything taken care of, and worked with us on a few custom/unique things we wanted.
Ian M., a month ago
Quick responder
Pinstripes Oak Brook 

5.0

Oak Brook, IL
  • Up to 1000 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Whether you are hosting a wedding reception, ceremony, bridal shower or bachelor(ette) party our dynamic ballrooms and private event spaces provide an upscale yet relaxed space for your special day. We host truly unique events and deliver sophisticated fun through combining our from-scratch Italian-America menu with the classic games of bowling and bocce ball. Let our talented event team work with you on a customized event to suit your personal style and help you bring your dream wedding to life to create a perfect day that you and all your guests will be sure to remember!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Romantic vineyard setting
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
Awarded Best of Zola
We wanted a more casual wedding and pinstripes was perfect for that. The weather was perfect so we were able to have our ceremony outside on the patio and that area was perfect for the pictures! We had bowling during cocktail hour which our guests loved. The food was incredible and they did a great job managing our cake, decor, and everything we dropped off. The whole staff was so easy to work with and all of the meetings went so smooth.
Sonya S., a year ago
New
The Hotel Chicago Downtown 
Chicago, IL
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

Elegant and avant-garde, this downtown Chicago hotel serves as a hub to the pulsing Marina City playground. The hotel has preferred partnerships with all Marina City outlets, which include House of Blues, SPiN, Harry Caray's, Smith & Wollensky, Yolk and 10Pin. The hotel offers a total of 354 rooms, including 9 Studio King Suites and 11 King Suites, along with 2 Penthouse Suites. This design hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Chicago and within walking distance of State Street Shopping, Michigan Avenue, the Theater District, Merchandise Mart and Millennium Park. It has recently been renovated, and the hotel is an ideal choice for business or leisure. Chicago Midway International Airport is roughly 10 miles away and Chicago O'Hare International Airport is approximately 16 miles from the property.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Rustic yet refined style
  • Designed for grand celebrations

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Does not allow pets
  • On-site parking not available

Location flexible? Discover venues near Waukegan, IL

About wedding venues in Waukegan, IL

## Why Choose Waukegan for Your Wedding?

Waukegan, Illinois delivers an impressive array of wedding venues that span from historic theaters to elegant country clubs, all with Lake Michigan's beautiful shoreline nearby. You'll find venue costs averaging between $9,630 and $11,770 here; that's about 19% of your total wedding budget compared to the national average of 25%. You're getting better value right from the start. The best venues in the area combine easy accessibility with spaces you can truly make your own, plus professional services that help create the celebration you've been dreaming about.

## What Are the Top Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL?

Genesee Theatre dominates the Lake County wedding scene with its magnificent historic architecture that's fully accessible and can welcome up to 2,403 guests. You'll be amazed by the grandeur. Lakehurst Banquets excels at hosting large milestone events with room for up to 3,000 people in accessible spaces that can transform to match your vision. The Morgan Arts Complex gives you 150,000 square feet of blank canvas to design your perfect day, comfortably fitting up to 1,000 guests. If you're looking for natural beauty, Bonnie Brook Golf Course and Glen Flora Country Club offer gorgeous scenic settings with excellent banquet facilities and accessibility features that ensure all your guests feel welcome.

## How Much Does a Waukegan Wedding Cost?

A typical Waukegan wedding runs about $56,164 for 150 guests, with costs that adjust based on your guest count. Smaller gatherings of 50 guests average $24,093 while celebrations with 100 people typically cost around $40,625. Larger events increase proportionally; 200 guests averages $70,046, 250 guests costs about $83,928 and 300-person weddings reach approximately $97,810.

ServiceAverage Cost% of Budget
Venue$10,66519%
Catering$8,53215%
Bar Service$6,82612%
Florists$7,46613%
Photography$4,8359%
Videography$4,4088%

## When Should You Book Your Waukegan Wedding Venue?

August sees the highest number of wedding inquiries in Waukegan. Most couples secure their venues about 17 months (or 525 days) before their wedding date. This gives you plenty of time to plan. Booking early is especially important if you've got your heart set on popular spots like the Genesee Theatre or Lakehurst Banquets where prime dates can disappear quickly.

## Which Waukegan Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Bonnie Brook Golf Course delivers respected country club catering with menus you can tailor to your tastes. You'll appreciate their flexibility. Glen Flora Country Club stands out for their upscale banquet service that impresses even the most discerning guests. Just a short drive from Waukegan, Relish Catering at Independence Grove sits 7 miles away in Libertyville featuring farm-to-table cuisine made from scratch. For truly exceptional dining, Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest; only 9 miles from Waukegan; offers celebrated in-house chefs creating luxury menus that will elevate your celebration.

## How Can Waukegan Venues Accommodate Remote Guests?

Waukegan venues now go beyond simple streaming to offer interactive experiences for guests who can't attend in person. The Genesee Theatre's historic ambiance creates a stunning backdrop that translates beautifully to virtual viewing. Your remote guests won't miss the magic. Both Bonnie Brook Golf Course and Glen Flora Country Club collaborate with couples to integrate technology that connects everyone meaningfully. You might also enhance the experience for distant loved ones with virtual venue tours ahead of time, interactive livestreams during the event, or private social media channels where everyone can share moments and reactions in real time.

## Why Choose Waukegan for Your Wedding?

Waukegan, Illinois delivers an impressive array of wedding venues that span from historic theaters to elegant country clubs, all with Lake Michigan's beautiful shoreline nearby. You'll find venue costs averaging between $9,630 and $11,770 here; that's about 19% of your total wedding budget compared to the national average of 25%. You're getting better value right from the start. The best venues in the area combine easy accessibility with spaces you can truly make your own, plus professional services that help create the celebration you've been dreaming about.

## What Are the Top Wedding Venues in Waukegan, IL?

Genesee Theatre dominates the Lake County wedding scene with its magnificent historic architecture that's fully accessible and can welcome up to 2,403 guests. You'll be amazed by the grandeur. Lakehurst Banquets excels at hosting large milestone events with room for up to 3,000 people in accessible spaces that can transform to match your vision. The Morgan Arts Complex gives you 150,000 square feet of blank canvas to design your perfect day, comfortably fitting up to 1,000 guests. If you're looking for natural beauty, Bonnie Brook Golf Course and Glen Flora Country Club offer gorgeous scenic settings with excellent banquet facilities and accessibility features that ensure all your guests feel welcome.

## How Much Does a Waukegan Wedding Cost?

A typical Waukegan wedding runs about $56,164 for 150 guests, with costs that adjust based on your guest count. Smaller gatherings of 50 guests average $24,093 while celebrations with 100 people typically cost around $40,625. Larger events increase proportionally; 200 guests averages $70,046, 250 guests costs about $83,928 and 300-person weddings reach approximately $97,810.

ServiceAverage Cost% of Budget
Venue$10,66519%
Catering$8,53215%
Bar Service$6,82612%
Florists$7,46613%
Photography$4,8359%
Videography$4,4088%

## When Should You Book Your Waukegan Wedding Venue?

August sees the highest number of wedding inquiries in Waukegan. Most couples secure their venues about 17 months (or 525 days) before their wedding date. This gives you plenty of time to plan. Booking early is especially important if you've got your heart set on popular spots like the Genesee Theatre or Lakehurst Banquets where prime dates can disappear quickly.

## Which Waukegan Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Bonnie Brook Golf Course delivers respected country club catering with menus you can tailor to your tastes. You'll appreciate their flexibility. Glen Flora Country Club stands out for their upscale banquet service that impresses even the most discerning guests. Just a short drive from Waukegan, Relish Catering at Independence Grove sits 7 miles away in Libertyville featuring farm-to-table cuisine made from scratch. For truly exceptional dining, Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest; only 9 miles from Waukegan; offers celebrated in-house chefs creating luxury menus that will elevate your celebration.

## How Can Waukegan Venues Accommodate Remote Guests?

Waukegan venues now go beyond simple streaming to offer interactive experiences for guests who can't attend in person. The Genesee Theatre's historic ambiance creates a stunning backdrop that translates beautifully to virtual viewing. Your remote guests won't miss the magic. Both Bonnie Brook Golf Course and Glen Flora Country Club collaborate with couples to integrate technology that connects everyone meaningfully. You might also enhance the experience for distant loved ones with virtual venue tours ahead of time, interactive livestreams during the event, or private social media channels where everyone can share moments and reactions in real time.

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