Planning to get married in the Rockford Area? There are so many incredible venues in the 815 area that fit all the different wedding vibes. From riverside ceremony locations to gorgeous gardens, here are some of my absolute favorite outdoor wedding venues in and around Rockford.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Address: 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL
The first of the outdoor wedding venues in Rockford, IL is none other than Anderson Japanese Gardens. Anderson Japanese Gardens has been rated one of North America’s highest quality Japanese gardens since 2004. With over 12 acres of exquisite landscape, unique architecture, gentle streams, and plunging waterfalls, Anderson Gardens offers several unique wedding ceremony settings - both indoors and outdoors.
We love this venue not just because of the views, but because of the amazing staff that make our couples special day all the more spectacular. You can even visit and dine at the Gardens after your wedding to relive those memories! We ourselves are members and absolutely love the summer music series hosted at the Gardens every year and Sunday brunch at Fresco.
Hidden Creek Estates
Address: 13276 White School Road, Roscoe, IL
Website: https://hiddencrk.com/weddings/
Located on 60 acres of private property, Hidden Creek Estates isn't just a "one day" type of venue, couples can stay right on site at their cozy cottage and wake up with a mimosa bar! The venue features 2 miles of manicured trails, a pond, 100-year-old oak trees, and so much more. Hidden Creek is full of stories and history behind every piece that has been exclusively picked to develop the venue with character!
We have been visiting this venue regularly since the grand opening of the wine bar! We love the gorgeous trails, privacy, and all around beauty of the entire space. Kerry, Jared, Kim, Tara, and the rest of the Team are incredibly knowledgeable and patient. With an exceptionally curated bar, the entire guest experience is bound to be one they, and you, will never forget!
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
Address: 1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL 61107
Not only does Nicholas Conservatory have gorgeous gardens, but they have the most stunning pond and it is next to the river! There are multiple spots on site to host your Ceremony, and the backup indoor locations are gorgeous so your Plan B will also be stunning. One of the best parts about Nicholas Conservatory is you can also stop here to get photos if you want more nature in your photos - or recreate photos on your 5 or 10 year anniversary later on.
We love this venue because of the breathtaking views and amazing exhibits and gardens. You won't want to miss the Holiday Light Display in the winter months - a favorite spot of many locals and many of our own couples who have gotten engaged there! As an outdoor wedding venue, Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is as perfect as it gets.
NOTE: All posed photography is required to schedule time for a photo shoot and fill out their Photography Permit Policy and Application, available online.
Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms
Address: 6786 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton, IL
Website: https://www.orchardridgefarms.com/
Located ~30 minutes outside of Rockford, The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms has been featured on Travel Channel, Midwest Living, and The Knot's - "Top 10 Timeless Venues." Couples are able to select from different outdoor ceremony sites pending on guest count and time of year - and the Pavilion itself offers a stunning ceremony backdrop.
Our own Event Manager Samantha even chose this picture-perfect venue for her special day! We love the ambiance, orchard cats, and the staffs impressive eye to details. Let's not forget the Copperstone Inn - perfect for the newlyweds first night together! Be sure to check out Samantha + Chad's wedding video below for an even closer look at this incredible venue!
Prairie Street Brewhouse
Address: 200 Prairie Street, Rockford, IL
If getting married on a dock next to the river all while being at a brewery inside a historic building - then this venue is for you! Located on the Rock River, PSB offers a unique blend of indoor and outdoor spaces with a captivating 19th-century industrial charm. And you get access to award winning beer brewed right on site in a variety of classic and seasonal styles.
We love this venue because of how accommodating they are! Their venue coordinator incredibly hands-on, and we are constantly hearing how impressed the guests are. They also have some of the best wedding food we have ever had - and we don't say that lightly.
If you're ready to start planning your special day at any of these incredible venues - or any other spot in the World - the Weddings by Danica is here to support you every step of your journey! We are still booking 2024 + 2025 weddings in Rockford, Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond! Schedule your Inquiry online today at www.calendly.com/wedbydanica or fill out our contact form here!