Wedding venues
The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers a variety of scenic and serene options to make your wedding day perfect while being surrounded by nature. Whether you're planning a full wedding with a reception at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon or prefer a more low-key celebration, there are options to suit every need. From beautifully maintained shelters and pavilions to expansive open spaces, these venues provide a peaceful backdrop for exchanging vows on your special day.
Four Rivers has repeatedly won the Couples' Choice Award from Wedding Wire. This award is given to the top wedding venues that consistently earn outstanding reviews from real couples, placing Four Rivers among the best-rated venues in Will County.
In addition to Four Rivers, outdoor rentable spaces across the District provide covered shelters with ample seating and nearby latrines. Some have electricity available.
With nature as your decor, your wedding can be as elegant or as relaxed as you prefer while creating lasting memories in a tranquil and picturesque environment.
Get married at Four Rivers in Channahon
Nestled near the confluence where the Des Plaines, DuPage and Kankakee rivers meet to form the Illinois River, Four Rivers provides a one-of-a-kind setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. Couples will experience an all-in-one venue that is unique, cost effective and convenient for guests with its close proximity to Interstate 55 and Interstate 80.
Four Rivers is more than just a venue — it’s an experience. The modern, eco-conscious design of the facility blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, creating an elegant, yet rustic atmosphere. Large windows invite the outdoors in, flooding the space with natural light and offering panoramic views of the river and the encompassing preserve. Surrounded by over 84 acres of McKinley Woods, Four Rivers offers a tranquil environment for you and your guests. As the seasons change, so does the scenery, providing a setting as unique as your celebration.
Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the beauty of flowing waters and lush landscapes with nature as your backdrop. There is no shortage of scenic spots for your wedding photographer to frame those perfect shots. Whether you dream of an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, this venue will create unforgettable moments.
Your guests can explore the scenic trails and enjoy riverside views, which is a perfect way to blend the excitement of your big day with the serenity of the great outdoors.
Wedding reservations can be made up to a year in advance, and a variety of packages are available.
Celebration package
This all-inclusive package includes rental of the Illinois River Grand Hall, family suite (classroom with adjacent restroom), Four Rivers Shelter, and a shelter wedding rehearsal. The capacity of the hall is dependent on the type of seating selected; it can accommodate 125-130 people with a band and dance floor.
Rental deposit: 50% of fee
Full-day rental: $3,000
Maximum rental time: 10 hours, cannot be booked beyond midnight
Illinois River Grand Hall
The hall opens to a riverview patio with access to a scenic, paved riverwalk. Windows extending the height of the room provide a dramatic outdoor view. The capacity of the hall is dependent on the type of seating selected; it can accommodate 125-130 people with a band and dance floor.
Rental deposit: 50% of fee
4-hour rental: $700/weekday, $900/evening/weekend; extra hour is $200/hour
Full-day rental: $1,400/weekday, $1,800/evening/weekend
Contact Four Rivers
For more information on wedding options at Four Rivers, to check availability or to book your wedding, call 815-722-9470 or email [email protected]. You also can check out the Four Rivers Wedding FAQ page.
Four Rivers wedding photo gallery
What's included in Four Rivers rental packages
Four Rivers provides tables and chairs for inside rentals. That includes 60-inch round tables with seating for eight at each table and 8-foot banquet tables with seating for eight. A variety of smaller tables also are available for use, and comfortable black chairs with chrome legs also are provided.
The cost includes District Guest Services staff for the day but does not include someone to coordinate your wedding. District Staff will be present during your permitted time. We are here to assist with room layout and setup, coordinate arrival and departure times with vendors, and make your visit to the facility as comfortable as possible.
We do not provide catering services. However, we do have a catering kitchen and a list of approved caterers you can select from to provide your meal and bar service. We are unable to allow any food to be brought in unless it comes from a vendor on our list.
For those seeking an exclusively outdoor affair, Four Rivers offers two options:
Four Rivers Shelter
This shelter is an excellent location for an outdoor wedding and reception. A large stone fire pit is adjacent to the shelter. A paved trail provides direct access from the parking lot. Lights and electricity are available.
Rental deposit: 100% of fee
4-hour rental: $350 (Will County residents) or $700 (non-residents)
Full-day rental: $350 (Will County residents) or $700 (non-residents)
Capacity: 180 people
Riverside Shelter
This shelter is surrounded by large oak trees, offers views of both the prairie and the river and is accessible by a paved trail directly from the parking lot. A concrete pad surrounding the shelter includes some picnic tables. String lighting and electricity are both available
Rental deposit: 100% of fee
4-hour rental: $350 (Will County residents) or $700 (non-residents)
Full-day rental: $350 (Will County residents) or $700 (non-residents)
Capacity: 125 people
Get married in other Will County forest preserves
If you're looking for a more low-key or affordable option for your wedding day, renting a picnic shelter is a perfect choice. These shelters provide a comfortable and scenic setting without the higher costs of indoor venues. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can find the right spot that fits your group size and event needs while staying within budget.
Shelter costs vary by location and is dependent on maximum capacity, but most shelters can be rented for the day for $70 for Will County residents or $140 for non-residents.
There are more than 30 picnic shelters to choose from, with the largest shelter, Bluegill Hill Shelter at Monee Reservoir, being able to accommodate up to 200 people.
Shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved starting on the first business day of that year. Shelters can be accessed starting at 8 a.m. the day of your event and exit times vary by season. For example, in the summer, you must be wrapped up by 8 p.m. and in the fall and spring by 6 p.m.