The Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake, IL sits modestly on quiet pastures since the good ole days in 1885. The barn itself was recently restored in 1996 and has become one of the hot new Chicago venues for outdoor weddings. It's part of the Prairie Crossing community which boasts an echelon organic market, charter school, 5,800 acre prairie reserve and horse stables with pastures. It's a kind of timeless elegance place where Up to 220 guests can can meander in the fresh air throughout the property. If weather permits, guests can enjoy the adjacent brick courtyard with tables and benches rather than only experiencing the gazebo for the ceremony, and the barn for the reception.

It's located on a quiet road with an address that Google Maps doesn't even recognize, but this storybook setting on secluded estate of 172 acres with lush gardens, majestic oak trees is nothing less than impressive. The 1890’s renovated Barnhouse, 1851 one-room schoolhouse, 1800’s General Store and, 1868 St. John’s Chapel are all buildings available for your wedding party to use.

In in the middle of Glenview, the last active farm (yup, cows and all) on the North Shore is now owned and operated by the Glenview Park District for educational purposes. Have your wedding on a picturesque 18.6 acres of Midwest prairie, ponds, livestock and a restored Heritage Center Barn. Catered by Design, the preferred event company for the venue has dressed up, and dressed down the barn and organized details like custom china, boutique linens, and florals--all according to the couple's specs.

If an orchard in Northwest Indiana is more romantic than the shores of Michigan, a fall fixture about 100 miles outside of the City, County Line Orchard is where you should host your wedding. The venue is traditionally an apple orchard known for cider doughnuts and a large newly-constructed rustic-chic barn, though is often converted for large weddings. The barn holds up to 1,000 guests and staffs a wedding coordinator year-round to work with your city-based planner or handle all the details locally at the orchard--down to the garnish on the cocktails. The exciting part about this venue is not that they offer apple doughnut appetizers, but the ceremonies can take place within the apple orchard itself. Autumn wedding--HELLO! Guests are brought out on the field on a special tractor ride and wait on the tractor to watch the bride and groom exchange vows beneath an arch made of apple tree wood. This means you can wear heels because you'll never set foot on grass.