The Best Wedding Vendors in Great Lakes, IL

The Best Wedding Vendors in Great Lakes, IL

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Great Lakes, IL

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Amp Event Professionals 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

To tell the story of our couples on the most important day of their life is something our team takes to heart. We guarantee that after your wedding day has ended, your guests will be raving about the unique moments we helped create. No 2 weddings are alike when you book us because we make sure to bring light to the things that make you as a couple different.

Awarded Best of Zola
My wife and I had Ken and AMP for our wedding in June of 2023. He helped us organize our vision for the ceremony, walk outs, reception, and the dance floor. He was professional from the day we met him to long after our wedding day. Many of our guests said that was the best dance floor they have ever been on. If you get a chance to do the interviews with Ken for your reception, do it!
Tim, 2 years ago
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JZ Studio Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,250
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

JZ Studio Photography is a wedding and Portrait photography company based in Chicago, that services Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and anywhere our couples may take us within US and Canada. At JZ Studio Photography, the team will create an amazing photographic experience for you on your wedding day, by capturing all of the most intimate and romantic moments through their camera lenses from beginning to end and compile the story for you.

Awarded Best of Zola
We cant recommend Philip and JZ Studio enough!! From beginning to end, he was so helpful, accommodating, and responsive. He made us feel comfortable right away during our engagement shoot and we were laughing the whole time. We had open communication about what we liked and didnt like and how to pose etc and it helped so much for our wedding day. The day of was great and they helped with our timeline and shot list. We had 2 photographers and a videographer all day which we recommend as well. Not only did we love our wedding pictures, but our video turned out amazing. We will cherish the photos, videos, and wedding album forever! Philip was always quick to respond to emails and texts and it really eased my wedding planning process. He had been to our wedding venue before which really helped as well. I am so happy we decided to book with JZ Studio!
Nicole and K., a year ago
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Weddings by Jennifer Fox 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $440
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Congratulations —you’re getting married!! We want you to feel like your wedding is being handled by an old friend with a lot of experience! Marriage officiant, day of coordination and wedding planning for your wedding. What makes us unique?? We offer unique personalized ceremonies with our Officiating Services for your wedding- we will work together to ensure your ceremony is perfect for you and your partner! We also ensure your day is stress free and all about you! We come to you and travel anywhere! We love love!

Awarded Best of Zola
We are beyond grateful to our incredible wedding planner for helping bring our Garden Summer Wedding to life on June 14, 2025. From start to finish, the planning process was smooth, collaborative, and truly enjoyable. Every detail reflected our personalities and vision—from the romantic florals of eucalyptus, hydrangeas, and roses with soft touches of purple, to the perfectly arranged tent and décor that made our backyard feel magical. Our planner worked seamlessly with us and our vendors to make the day unforgettable. From accommodating fun and unexpected elements like a white bounce house castle and a vintage plum crazy 1970 Dodge Challenger, to helping coordinate Andrew and his son’s surprise dirt bike entrance—nothing was ever too big or too small. Their professionalism and calm presence allowed us to relax and fully enjoy every moment. Thank you for turning our ideas into something even more beautiful than we imagined. You gave us a day full of joy, laughter, and cherished memories—we couldn’t have done it without you! With heartfelt thanks, Yulia & Andrew
Yulia B., 2 months ago
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Veronica Gomoll, Pianist 

5.0

  • Solo performer
  • Starts at $400
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL
  • Offer

I love to personalize your wedding music to create the exact ambiance you are looking for. Whatever your style, I can promise expressive, meaningful music that will become the soundtrack to the best day of your life. I can play the traditional songs you have been looking forward to all your life, or shake things up by taking your favorite pop or rock song and turning it into a lovely bridal entrance song! I have been married for 10 years and I remember the overwhelm that came with planning a wedding. I am here to help make your wedding music decisions easy and stress free!

Awarded Best of Zola
Veronica played music for our ceremony and cocktail hour at our wedding and she was fantastic! Her repertoire was already large and had a large variety, and in addition she learned 4 songs to play per our request. We had multiple guests comment on how great the piano playing was. Veronica was also very professional, responsive, and reasonably priced. We could not have asked for a better pianist to make our day even more special!
Rebecca F., 7 months ago
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Bluestem Farm & Events 

5.0

Hebron, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 180 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,500

Booking 2026 and 2027. Bluestem Farm's De Graslanden Barn is all vintage with a touch of modern. Built over 100 years ago, it's one of McHenry county's oldest dairy barns. The barn boasts two levels for your event plus an outdoor patio space. Surrounded by over 140 acres of prairie, the views are simply stunning. We all know the finer things are in the details, The barn is filled with original woodwork and hand-crafted details that you and your guests will enjoy. The barn is climate controlled to ensure comfort, even on the warmer summer days and cooler fall nights. If you are looking for an original and unique venue, Bluestem Farm is your perfect location. Contact us today for more information and to set up a tour.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Unique barn setting
  • Dressing room available
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • No in-house catering options
Awarded Best of Zola
we couldn’t be happier with our experience. From start to finish, everything was smooth, stress-free, and absolutely magical. The venue itself is stunning. It’s a beautifully restored rustic barn with two levels, perfectly nestled within a serene nature center. The natural surroundings made for an incredible backdrop to our day and gave our guests plenty to admire during every moment. We felt supported, relaxed, and truly able to enjoy the day without worrying about a thing. If you’re looking for a venue that combines rustic with natural beauty and a coordinator that genuinely cares, Blue Stem is the perfect place.
Breanne B., 2 months ago

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Karen Delgado Makeup 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 1
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Welcome, my name is Karen. I am a makeup artist specializing in bridal and special event makeup. I like to define my style as soft and glamorous. My goal is to make all my clients feel confident and beautiful on their special day! I also do not have a minimum required, so if you are wanting glam for bride only, reserve your date asap. I am also able to take large bridal groups as well!

Awarded Best of Zola
Karen Delgado Makeup was an absolute pleasure to work with for my wedding day. She truly understood the look I was going for. On the day of, the entire team was so much fun to get ready with - they kept the energy upbeat and made sure my bridesmaids and I all looked absolutely stunning. The makeup they did for me was beautiful and lasted all night long, even through the all the tears (happy ones of course). I absolutely recommend Karen Delgado Makeup for any bride and bridal party!
Elizabeth, a year ago
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Bupp Woodworks & Designs - Flower Preservation 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL
  • Offer

We offer professional flower preservation services so you can cherish your wedding bouquet flowers forever! Accepting fresh, dried, and artificial bouquets from across the USA. Offering over 40 different keepsake options for every budget and style including: •ring holders •necklaces •bookmarks •ornaments •jewelry dishes •vanity trays •coasters •candle holders •wine stoppers •pyramids •cubes •gemstones •bookends •large floral blocks •hexagons •arches •wall hangings •wood shadowboxes •large wood serving trays •clear acrylic serving trays •river tables and custom heirloom furniture. Book your spot today!

I ordered a serving tray, ornaments, necklaces, ring holder and initial to be made with my wedding flowers. The communication was great! The product was even better! These are cherished and worth every penny.
Dori S., 4 months ago
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Yes to I Do 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

I am a certified wedding planner with a passion for learning. It all started over 10 years ago when I worked as a birthday party host at a park district, eventually expanding to fundraising events, showers, and weddings. My passion for weddings and events grew, and I began helping friends and family with their weddings. Now, I run my own business! There is nothing I love more than seeing an idea come to life! When I'm not planning weddings, you'll find me cuddling with my baby, enjoying the show Friends under a cozy blanket, or sharing a meal with a glass (or two) of wine with my husband. I'd love to chat and learn more about you!

Hiring Rebecca as our day-of coordinator was the best decision we made in our wedding planning process! When my husband and I first began planning our wedding, we thought we could handle everything with help from our family. However, we quickly realized we were in over our heads and needed professional help. Enter Rebecca! From the start, it was clear Rebecca was just as excited to work with us as we were to work with her. She was always willing to jump on a call to ease my stress and keep me organized. Her thoughtful questions (many I would never have considered) helped ensure we were fully prepared. Rebecca also worked closely with our vendors to create a seamless timeline for the day. On the wedding day itself, Rebecca and her wonderful assistant, Donna, did everything possible to bring my vision to life. They alleviated so much stress for us not just on the big day but in the weeks leading up to it. From setup to tear down, they over-delivered on everything. Many of our friends and family even commented on how amazing they were! Reflecting on our wedding day, I am forever grateful we had the Yes to I Do team by our side. Rebecca is an absolute joy to work with, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a talented and caring coordinator!
Morgan B., 10 months ago
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Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos 

5.0

  • Band or Ensemble
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Make your wedding unforgettable with Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos. We’re here to make your celebration fun, personalized, and completely stress-free. Whether it’s background music for cocktail hour or a high-energy, interactive show that gets every guest on the dance floor, we bring the experience that fits you. From live performances to DJ sets, from ceremony to reception — we’ve got your entire day covered. Need us to MC the intros? We’ll handle it. Want your favorite songs played on demand? Absolutely. Every show is fully customized to your vibe and your guests’ requests.

Awarded Best of Zola
Mike, Robert and Joey were absolutely phenomenal in all the ways possible! Every day we have friends and family telling us how much fun they had and enjoyed the dueling pianos as our wedding entertainment. Mike and Robert were great in engaging our guests and of course they did not disappoint with their singing and piano playing skills! Would definitely recommend them for any function!
Heather P., 8 months ago
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BreeNies Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL
  • Offer

BreeNies Photography, led by Brianna (Bree), offers stunning lifestyle photography services in Northern Illinois. Specializing in capturing unique family and couple moments with a knack for wedding photography.

Awarded Best of Zola
BreeNies Photography was an amazing choice for our wedding photographer. From the very beginning, Bree and her team were super responsive and friendly in all of our communications. On the day of our wedding, they were so much fun and easy to work with - they were super adaptive to my family and really brought out the best in everyone. Bree was amazing at capturing all the shots I was specifically looking for, as well as getting so many beautiful, unexpected moments that I wouldn't have even dreamed of. Honestly, hiring BreeNies Photography was the best investment we made for our wedding day. Their work is so professional, yet they have a fun, friendly energy that made the whole experience really enjoyable. I would highly recommend them to any couple looking for a talented, personable wedding photographer.
Becky S., 5 months ago
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Sweety Dream 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL
  • Offer

Sweety Dream – Stunning Wedding Florals in Huntley, IL At Sweety Dream, we turn your wedding vision into reality with breathtaking floral designs. From lush bouquets and elegant centerpieces to a stunning ceremony arch, every detail is crafted with fresh, high-quality blooms to reflect your love story. For a stress-free experience, we handle delivery, setup, and takedown—so you can fully enjoy your special day. Let us bring beauty, romance, and charm to your wedding! 📩 Contact us today to start planning!

As a photographer for IG Photo Video, I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Sweety Dream Florist on numerous occasions, and it's with great enthusiasm that I recommend their services. Working closely with couples, I've witnessed firsthand the professionalism and expertise that Sweety Dream Florist brings to every project. One of the standout qualities of Sweety Dream Florist is their unwavering commitment to excellence in floral arrangements. Each creation is meticulously crafted with precision and care, resulting in arrangements that are not only visually stunning but also consistently fresh and vibrant. Whether it's a bouquet for a wedding or a centerpiece for a special event, Sweety Dream Florist always delivers with style and elegance. What truly sets Sweety Dream Florist apart is their ability to understand and bring to life the vision of their clients. They take the time to listen attentively to the unique preferences and requirements of each couple, ensuring that every arrangement reflects their individual style and personality. This personalized approach not only enhances the overall experience but also ensures complete satisfaction with the final result. From classic and timeless arrangements to contemporary and avant-garde designs, Sweety Dream Florist demonstrates versatility and creativity in every project they undertake. Their attention to detail and dedication to perfection make them a trusted partner for any photography or videography endeavor. In conclusion, Sweety Dream Florist is more than just a florist – they are true artists who transform dreams into reality through their exceptional floral creations. For anyone seeking top-tier floral services, I wholeheartedly endorse Sweety Dream Florist for their professionalism, quality, and unparalleled expertise.
IG PHOTO VIDEO , a year ago
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Jeremy Glickstein Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,900
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Hi, I'm Jeremy: Creative Director & Lead Photographer. I have over 200 weddings and countless corporate gigs under my lens. Enter The Photo Collective: I've assembled a team of skilled associates who share my passion. We're not just photographers. We’ve been in the trenches and we know this business. We will be there to shepard you through the day. FYI, I don't list availability on our calendar here as we have 10 photographers and typically have talent available. Send us a message to inquire, thanks! :)

Awarded Best of Zola
We are absolutely thrilled with our experience working with Jeremy! He is so considerate, professional, and easy to talk to. He is incredibly creative and motivated to make our dreams come to life. He was even willing to hike in a forest with us on a hot, buggy evening to capture the most beautiful photos we've ever seen that will forever remind us of our special day. 10/10, no complaints - he is simply the best!
Alyssa P., a month ago
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LaBelle Weddings & Events 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

At LaBelle Events, we offer full-service event planning, including venue selection, vendor management, and day-of coordination. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that your event is tailored to your unique style and vision.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the very first meeting, LaBelle Weddings & Events impressed us with their thorough, on-time, and dependable communication style. Susie and her team were incredibly kind and creative, transforming our vision into a polished, turn-key event that was both fun and well-managed from start to finish. The personal touches they added made all our guests feel truly cared for, and the whole day was an absolute pleasure. We would definitely use LaBelle Weddings & Events again in a heartbeat!
Kimberly W., 21 days ago
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Kat Beatty Photos 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Hey there! Kataryna here. Thanks for checking out my work. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to meet you and everyone else that I have throughout my photography journey. I started photography in high school and fell in love with all that my camera and I could do. In my college years at the University of Iowa, I was able to strengthen my photography skills by taking an internship with a wedding company. Shortly after graduation, I moved back to the Chicago suburbs and began growing my business. A few years later, and I am extremely grateful for everything I have been able to accomplish. ​

Awarded Best of Zola
Kat Beatty Photos is one of our favorite photographers to work with! She has a beautiful editing style and is a master of the candid photo. She's professional, kind and easy to work with. We're always excited to hear when our couple book with Kat. Book her and you won't regret it!
Events at Ethereal, a year ago
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Up dos by Mel 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Hello! My name is Melissa I am a bridal stylist. I have been doing hair for 10 years now and I’m in love with bridal styling. I am a traveling stylist so will go where ever needed day of. I look forward to talking and meeting you!

Awarded Best of Zola
Mel was incredible! She reached out to me after reading what I was looking for, then helped me find a makeup artist, and was so flexible throughout the whole process. I shared my vision and she brought it to life and I received so, SO many compliments on my hair on my wedding day. When people see my pictures, they always comment on my hair immediately. My braid was stunning but she did great work on my whole bridal party; all with diverse hair styles and hair needs. I got married in August and all of our hair stayed the night even with heat and humidity. Mel is so laid back and easy to work with. I would book her all over again if I could!
Megan H., a year ago
Lovin Oven Cakery 

5.0

  • Cakes & desserts
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Since 1930, our family has been baking quality products for dessert lovers like you. Our story begins with my father-in-law, John Slove, being hired to work as an apprentice in a Chicago bakery. While there he learned everything there is to know about baking. Then, in 1946, he and my mother-in-law, Grace, opened their own bakery on Diversey Avenue in Chicago – Slove Bakery. Their goal was to produce great quality desserts and provide excellent customer service: he did the baking; she the handshaking. Through hard work and determination, they grew the business and the bakery’s reputation as one of the finest in the Chicagoland area.

Lovin Oven Cakery was an absolute delight to work with for our wedding. From the beginning, they were incredibly responsive and organized in their communication, making selecting and customizing our cake a breeze. The final product was a true work of art—a stunning four-tiered, multi-flavored masterpiece that was easy on the eyes and yummy for our tummies! Their creativity and attention to detail truly shone through, and we received so many compliments from our guests on how amazing the cake tasted. All of this coupled with a complimentary recreation of the top tier of your wedding cake on your first anniversary makes Lovin Oven THE BEST.
Jackie W., 10 months ago
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Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets 

5.0

Lake Barrington, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $16,000

Wild Onion Brewery and Banquets is a rustic wedding venue located in Lake Barrington, Illinois. It is truly a unique one-of-a-kind destination. The Great Hall was built in 2006 with a clear vision of unparalleled beauty that would invoke a sense of architectural awe and serenity. It is anchored by a large timber frame cathedral ceiling that overlooks a beautiful 11-acre lake. Our private lake is surrounded by wildflowers and a cascading waterfall, which flows outside the room and past a cantilevered patio. Your guests can enjoy a champagne toast under a canopy of bistro string lights with the sweet sound of flowing water. We believe a wedding venue should be as unique as your special occasion. Thanks to their on-site brewery, guests can enjoy their highly-acclaimed craft beer. Additionally, whether outdoor or indoor, this venue provides food and catering services, including the most delicious cakes and desserts.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Flexible event spaces
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
What a great looking wedding venue. I've had the pleasure of officiating here and am always impressed by this one of a kind location. You'll love the Wild Onion's beautiful ceremony options for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. Event Manager, Adrianna, is a real pro and will make sure your wedding day goes as planned. Best wishes!
Rev. Michael V., a month ago
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Spruced Up Designs 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Hi there ! My name is Leela. You're probably wondering, what makes this lady qualified to coordinate my wedding? For the last decade I've been working in the entertainment business - curating corporate events & handling many different client bases. In the last 5 years I've discovered my love for the wedding industry. I currently work as an assistant sales manager at Bull Valley Golf Club. Working weddings has instilled a passion in me - a passion for making each and every wedding special and unique just as my clients are!

Awarded Best of Zola
If you’re looking for stunning arches that shine then Spruced Up Designs is for you! They are each handmade with love and care, which is why they add such a special touch to your wedding. Leela treats each couple with kindness, understanding and professionalism.
Alana Coney, 2 years ago
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Meraki Salon Services 

4.8

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 17
  • Starts at $90
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

-Beauty Experts- We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality salon services are brought directly to you for any occasion. You will experience a family-like atmosphere where you’ll enter as a guest and leave as friends. Our licensed beauty experts have been working together for over 10 years. We hold ourselves accountable for exceeding your expectations & making sure you leave, looking & feeling your absolute best.

Awarded Best of Zola
Meraki Salon made my wedding day above and beyond! To be able to recreate a picture of someone else’s work and add your own touch at the end of all of it and have your hair and makeup last through tears, smiling, dancing and sweating all night is outstanding! To look like you did hours before saying I do to your soulmate as you are starting to get ready for bed is something not many salons can say they have perfected but this salon gave me everything I ever dreamed of! This salon is worth it all!! This salon will not let you down!!
Alexandra S., 7 months ago
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Visage Joli Makeup Artistry 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 6
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Each of the Makeup Artists at Visage Joli are dedicated to putting our experience & talent into your weddings, events and productions. Our lead makeup artist, Wendy Kimmel, has 7 years of Fine Arts Training & has studied with some of the top makeup artists in the country. We have 30 years of experience in the Film, Television, Photographic and Wedding industries.

Awarded Best of Zola
I am very lucky to have found Wendy. She is a gem. She is very responsive and takes the time to understand what you are looking for. She really works to find the perfect shades for your skin tone. She even helped me with a lipstick trial to finalize my wedding day look. She referred me to Colleen who did my hair. Colleen was very professional and is talented. The day of they arrived on time and stuck to their schedule. My mom and sister were both very happy also with their services. I highly recommend Wendy and her team!
Ashley G., 3 years ago
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Chicago Elegant Piano 

5.0

  • Solo performer
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Meet Jenny B Peters - The Heart and Soul of Chicago Elegant Piano Jenny Peters is an accomplished pianist and composer with a Bachelor’s degree in Piano from the University of Washington and a Master’s degree in Piano from the University of Illinois. With over 25 years of experience as a public school music teacher, Jenny’s insight into the needs and desires of all types of people allows her to tailor beautiful music for any event. She is also a talented multi-instrumentalist, specializing in violin and ukulele. Jenny’s expertise and artistry add an atmosphere of classy elegance to every performance.

I had the pleasure of experiencing Jenny's music live, and it was truly unforgettable! Jenny’s talent, versatility, and passion shine through every note, creating a captivating atmosphere for any event. From piano to strings, she brings elegance and energy, making Chicago Elegant Piano a perfect choice for anyone looking to elevate their event. Highly recommended!
Jared J., 10 months ago
EventScape, Inc. Luxury Weddings & Rentals 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

EventScape, Inc.®Luxury Weddings Division provides premier wedding planning services for your special day. As featured in an episode of WE TV’s Platinum Weddings, our team of creative professionals will make your once-in-a-lifetime event a true celebration of your personal style and provide you with a lifetime of memories. Our experts at EventScape, Inc's Rental Division can coordinate all of your rental needs including: tables, chairs, chargers, specialty linens, LED dance floors and bars, uplighting, custom gobos, lounge furniture, tenting, staging, generators and executive restrooms.

Awarded Best of Zola
EventScape works great with her rental companies, with great communication, understanding of how events work and most importantly represents her clients to make their events memorable.
David Platt , 2 years ago
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The Wedding Rev - Rev. Dave Angle 

5.0

  • Officiant
  • Offers 9 ceremony types
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and I’m here to help make it UNFORGETTABLE! I specialize in personalized ceremonies that reflect who you are as a couple—whether lighthearted and fun or deeply heartfelt. Serving couples across Chicagoland, I’m passionate about making your ceremony the highlight of your big day—for you and your guests. I have over 30 years of experience as an ordained minister, and have married 1,200+ awesome couples. I LOVE helping couples start their marriage with love, joy, and a ceremony they will never forget. Let’s create a ceremony your guests won’t stop talking about!

Rev. Dave Angle (The Wedding Rev) provided a detailed, informative and open communication style throughout our wedding planning process. Their work was truly top notch. He took our story, our inside jokes, and our love for each other and created a masterful script. His style is meaningful and well-thought out. On our wedding day, he keeping us on track and showed great poise that eased any tensions or anxiety we felt. Rev. Dave's contributions to our special day were invaluable - literally every guest I spoke to commented on how he was one of, if not, the best reverends they've heard and how the ceremony was romantic, light-hearted and fun. We couldn't have asked for a better officiant to marry us.
Diane Y., 11 days ago
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Ethereal Confections 

4.6

Woodstock, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $4,500

Ethereal Confections is more than just a chocolate company. At Ethereal, we know just what you’re looking for in a wedding venue, and our staff is dedicated to making your special day perfect. We now have two location offerings! The Loft at Ethereal is our original venue with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and large windows. Your guests will be greeted with the aroma of chocolate as soon as they walk in. It has an ideal capacity of up to 80 guests (100 max). The Courthouse Square (opening September 2023), great for weddings of 100-120 guests (150 max, depending on floor plan) and is a show stopper with it’s historic architecture and modern finishes. With amenities such as a large wedding suite with lots of natural light and a separate ceremony room option, the space has been renovated with you in mind.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No on-site bridal suite
Awarded Best of Zola
Ethereal Confections was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From our very first interaction, Shannon and the team were incredibly communicative, responsive, and thorough in guiding us through the process. Their warm, personalized service made planning our big day feel easy and effortless. The quality of their work was exceptional, and we were thrilled with the beautiful and delicious desserts that were included- TRUFFLES YUM. Shannon took care of all the small details we often forget about, ensuring our wedding day ran smoothly. We highly recommend Ethereal Confections, especially for weddings of 80-85 guests looking for a cost-effective, high-quality vendor who will make your special day that much more memorable.
Makaya C., 9 months ago
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B.l.Allen Wedding & Events 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL
  • Offer

A passionate and detail-oriented wedding planner with years of experience in creating unforgettable weddings. Known for our impeccable organizational skills and creative vision, we specialize in curating personalized, stress-free events that reflect each couple’s unique style and love story. From intimate gatherings to extravagant celebrations, we expertly handle every aspect of the wedding planning process, from vendor coordination to day-of execution. With a dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed, we strive to make each couple’s dream wedding a reality.

Awarded Best of Zola
Our wedding planner was stuck out of town the whole weekend of our wedding and we didn’t have anyone to coordinate the wedding day things we needed done. Brooke stepped in and made herself available to coordinate the bridesmaids and groomsmen, organized the photographers, and other people who were working to help us for our special day. She made it look so easy and we were relaxed knowing it was taken care of.
James & M., 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
DJ Fidel 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

DJ Fidel has been bringing energy to events since 2016. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic and based in the Chicagoland area since 2015, he developed his passion for music at an early age through piano, guitar, bass, and drums. That passion naturally grew into music production and mixing. Some of his early tracks were even signed to private labels — but today, his focus is on delivering unforgettable experiences at weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of all sizes.

DJ Fidel was an outstanding addition to our wedding day. From the moment we first reached out, their communication was open, outgoing, and flexible - they were a pleasure to work with. On the day of the wedding, DJ Fidel's dedication and focus really shone through, as they created an incredible remix of our favorite song that had everyone dancing all night long. The value they provided was truly outstanding, and we couldn't have asked for a better DJ to help make our special day so memorable.
Diego R., a day ago
Quick responder
Parkway Banquets 

4.8

Ingleside, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 400 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Parkway Banquets has TWO amazing locations located just 2.8 miles apart! 1)PARKWAY BY THE LAKE - Ingleside, IL (capacity for 200), & 2)PARKWAY BANQUETS SALON - Round Lake, IL (capacity for 400). We're truly unique! Our Ingleside venue is waterside! Nestled on the shores of Long Lake, we're right next to the beautiful Lake County Forest Preserve. This is one of the most incredible settings you will ever find. The canopied, outdoor ceremony area is surrounded by nature! Our Round Lake venue boasts opulence & class with crystal chandeliers suspended from 12' ceilings, and dramatic ceiling drapery. Our AH-MAZING, all-inclusive wedding packages are inexpensive & straight forward, making planning stress-free. We work with you to customize a package that focuses on what's most important to YOU. What's the most common comment from Parkway's guests? "This is the BEST wedding I've ever been to!" Find out why Parkway Banquets is Lake County's BEST KEPT SECRET! We can't wait to tell you more!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Allows pets
  • Bridal suite on site
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
Jerry and the team at Parkway Banquets were very helpful in planning our special day. Communication was mainly through email and phone which worked well to coordinate details. The venue itself was beautiful and spacious, especially for the price. On the day-of, Jerry and staff were attentive to make sure things flowed smoothly. There seems to be some miscommunication around salad selections but overall the food was great, and it was a beautiful, memorable wedding that we really enjoyed.
Stephanie H., a year ago
Quick responder
Ezlan Powers Studios 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

I have been mindfully crafting my approach to serving like minded couples for quite some time now. I'm an easy going soul, who loves to capture happiness and joy in genuine ways. I'm a gentle guide towards ideal photographs for most folks who find being in front of the camera stressful. I'm always eager to listen carefully to my clients when they share about themselves so I can anticipate their needs.

Awarded Best of Zola
Ez was fantastic to work with for the wedding day. We met with them prior to a few times to discuss what the day itself would be like and what our hopes were. When the day arrived, Ez was there early and ready to go. They blended seamlessly into the guests of our wedding to get candid photos of people as well as beautiful clear shots of my husband and I. There was not a missed moment in all of the photos taken, including a few of my husband with his childhood pup who passed away not long after the event. After the wedding, we received our photos quickly and every single one was perfect. We ordered a bunch of different images to have printed for family and around our home. In all of the photos, the colors pop and everything is so vibrant. I'm beyond happy with Ez as our photographer and continue to recommend them to anyone looking.
Jeremy C., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Sara Bowdler Photography, LLC 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $2,700
  • Serves Great Lakes, IL

A Southern Illinois native who started my photography journey near the mountains of Colorado who has found myself whisked away by the windy city of Chicago, in love with preserving the love of others. I travel all over (take me to the Bahamas or Europe please!) & also serve the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Colorado & Utah.

I planned my wedding in 6 months, and I wanted to make sure I had quality for a reasonable price. After hours of searching and lots of inquires, I came across Sara’s Instagram. After our phone call, we meshed so I signed the contract and never looked back. My engagement and wedding photos turned out STUNNING and I get so many compliments on them. I’ve referred multiple people to her and for good reason. She’s such great photographer that I just used her for my maternity shoot :) she listens to what you’re looking for a gives you just that and sprinkles a little extra magic on top. On top of her skill, she’s such an amicable woman as well.
Nicole B., 3 months ago

Great Lakes, IL reception venues by style

Outdoor spaces
Outdoor spaces