Among rows of grapevines, by an apple orchard, in a hundred-year-old barn, inside elegant spaces, and outside in beautiful places, there are many incredible venues to exchange your wedding vows in and around Rockford. The area’s wedding venues offer a variety of choices to suit your style, provide top-notch service, and serve up incredible cuisine, but not at sky-high prices. If you hail from Chicago, Milwaukee or anywhere between theses two cities, put Rockford on your wedding venue radar.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
An award-winning 12-acre haven, Anderson Japanese Gardens is a beautiful outdoor setting where stone paths wind by beautifully cultivated grounds, babbling streams, and koi-filled ponds. Surrounded on three sides by lush landscape, the open-aired Pavilion provides a commanding view of the gardens. It’s the largest venue where a bride can make a dramatic entrance by taking the lawn path past the large pond in front of the guests. For smaller weddings, the Japanese Main Gate is a stately backdrop for a wedding celebration. For a faraway feel with a cascading waterfall, the most intimate venue is The Waterfall.
318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Max capacity: 220 guests – Pavilion
Max capacity: 65 guests – Japanese Main Gate
Max capacity: 40 guests – The Waterfall
Anderson Japanese Gardens only offers ceremony venues, receptions must be held elsewhere.
Brauer Barn
When you book your wedding at Brauer Barn, it becomes a family affair. Family-owned for five generations, Molly and Jason Brauer live on the property and will be with you every step of the way. In 2016, the Brauers renovated their hundred-year-old barn for their own wedding, and it was so well received in the community, they opened their doors as a wedding venue to the public.
From noon on Friday until noon on Sunday, the barn is yours. Welcome party, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, and reception can happen all in one place. This incredible availability helps reduce wedding costs and the stress level for you and your guests. Another stress reducer, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony options. Rain or shine, the Brauer Barn has a picture-perfect place for your nuptials.
9151 Edwardsville Road, Winnebago
Max capacity: 299 guests
Copperstone Inn
For smaller wedding celebrations, choose Copperstone Inn where an engaged couple can book the whole inn for the weekend. At this gorgeous inn, constructed from limestone, there are 7 individual-themed suites, each uniquely decorated, some featuring a fireplace and terrace. Inside this spacious 9,000-foot home, enjoy a gourmet kitchen, hideaway bar, theatre room, and mini spa. The beautifully landscaped outdoor terrace is the perfect wedding ceremony spot, and then step inside for a cherished dinner.
6702 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton
Max capacity: 30 guests
DC Estate Winery
Along the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, DC Estate Winery is a serene location for those who want a wedding in the countryside. Family-owned and operated, this wedding venue is stimulatingly elegant and casual, with a touch of Italy. DC Estate Winery resembles a winery in Tuscany and your wedding reception can feature excellent Italian fare.
Book the whole winery for your big day and everyone you see will be there for your wedding. However, keep in mind their tasting room is open until 6 pm. Many couples choose the stone archway to exchange vows and then host their reception in the Pavilion. Dance the night away on the patio with a roaring fire in the rustic stone fireplace and strings of twinkling lights add to the romantic atmosphere.
Their certified wedding planners will assist in your wedding planning and during the festivities. Area hotels are just 8 miles away.
8877 Stateline Road, South Beloit
Max capacity: 250 guests
Giovanni’s Restaurant
Giovanni’s is a local institution where valued guests have chosen this restaurant for their wedding destination since the 1970s. With over 12,000 square feet of space, Giovanni’s can easily host large wedding celebrations. Enjoy a cocktail hour on the Veranda, celebrate tying the knot in The Grand Ballroom, and then have an after party in Alchemy, which also has a private room. Giovanni’s high level of service and culinary brilliance will have your guests raving about your wedding for a long time to come.
601 N Bell School Road, Rockford
Max capacity: 1000 guests
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Amidst 155 acres of secluded woodlands and cultivated gardens, unite in marriage at Khlem Arboretum and Botanic Gardens – a hidden gem in Rockford. Get ready in the Bridal Room in the Clarcor Pavilion, marry in the Fountain Garden, and then celebrate in The Garden Pavilion and Terrace. In the brilliantly tended gardens, this natural setting is an official member of the American Horticultural Society, so rest assured it’s a gorgeous site for special day. Your wedding attendees have access to the grounds and it is dog-friendly place.
2715 S Main Street, Rockford
Max capacity: 400 guests
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
Wanting a tropical paradise without the long distance travel, then consider Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens as your wedding spot. Something is always in bloom inside the conservatory. Unite under soaring palm trees and tropical flowers in the lush Exhibition Area.
Another option is the 92-year-old rose garden with row upon row of rose bushes and the conservatory serving as a beautiful backdrop. There are many outdoor options in the gardens where waterfalls, winding streams, perennial, and native plants add to the beauty of your big day. The conservatory and gardens is a public entity, so you will find very reasonable pricing here.
1354 N Second Street, Rockford
Max capacity:
30 guests – Exhibition Area
30 guests – Sightseeing Garden
75 guests – Waterfall Garden
125 guests – Atrium
125 guests – Tea House Garden
150 guests – Riverview Terrace
175 guests – Perennial Garden
Prairie Street Brewing Company
In a former 1850s brewery, Prairie Street Brewing Company has kept to its original beginnings, it’s still a brewery as well as a popular wedding venue. Inside the Barrel Room, a couple can host their wedding with plenty of space for a band and dance floor. Need a bit more room, go with the large deck overlooking Rock River. A bridal suite and a man cave are available on your wedding day. The brewery’s delicious craft beers are perfect additions to your wedding reception menu.
200 Prairie Street, Rockford
Max capacity: 250 guests – Barrel Room
300 guests – Dock
The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms
Under a pair of oak trees by an apple orchard or on a beautiful pond’s island are the two wedding ceremony sites on Orchard Ridge Farms. After you tie the knot, step into The Pavilion for your wedding reception. Under a soaring roof lined with elegant chandeliers, the bride and groom table sits in front of the 40-foot stone fireplace for a prime spot for the wedding dinner. Natural light from floor to ceiling windows easily brings in the beautiful farm views creating a stunning ambiance.
The closest hotels are a 10-minute drive or book accommodations at The Cooperstone Inn, which is on located on the farm.
6786 Vale Bridge Road, Rockton
Max capacity: 300 guests
The Standard
House in a renovated World War II factory, The Standard is a wedding venue where industrial and elegance are blended in perfect harmony. Join in matrimony on the rooftop or in the conservatory, both featuring city views. Go downstairs to the second floor dining room for your reception and then head back upstairs for dancing. On premises, there is a bridal suite and man cave. Across the hall, there is a florist and hair & makeup salon. Everything is onsite, except the baker for your wedding cake.
214 East State Street. Rockford
Max capacity: 250 guests – Rooftop
200 guests – Conservatory
250 guests – Dining Room
