Park Place
Distinguishing factors – This facility offers couples the option of hosting either an indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception. Beautiful wooded grounds and a stately historical setting are perfect for photos and outdoor ceremonies.
Capacity/square footage – Rooms and grounds may be reserved individually or in combination to accommodate events from 20 to 280 attendees. The Front Porch and Chandler Room can host 40 guests each. The banquet room can accommodate 200 people.
Capabilities and accommodations – Large, full-service bar available and setup available for plated, banquet or cocktail-style events. Park Place staff can assist with all of clients’ wedding planning needs and recommend caterers.
Lodging – Country Inn & Suites (Crystal Lake) offers a shuttle service for their guests from the hotel to Park Place.
For more – 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, http://www.crystallakeparks.org/parks-facilities/Park-Place/general.htm. Lauren Thibodeau: 815-477-5871, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Raue Center
Distinguishing factors – Housed in a historic building located in the heart of downtown Crystal Lake, Raue Center has immediate access to Metra transportation to and from the northwest suburbs and downtown Chicago. It offers an extremely flexible space with almost limitless possibilities. Advance planning is a must with this unique location.
Capacity/square footage – Flexible floor plan up to more than 2,500 square feet.
Capabilities and accommodations – Flexible seating for up to 750 and flexible catering for up to 300.
Lodging – Holiday Inn and Country Inn & Suites (Crystal Lake).
For more – 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, 815-356-9212, www.rauecenter.org. Kate Wilford: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Dole Mansion & Lakeside Legacy Arts Park
Distinguishing factors – The centerpiece of the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park is its most unique piece of art — the historic Dole Mansion built during the Civil War. The artistry of woodwork and plaster of the Dole Mansion is sure to wow event attendees: black walnut doors, detailed wood carvings in the Eastlake style and amazing marble fireplaces.
Capacity/square footage – Sage Gallery accommodates up to 350 guests or seating for 250; Country Club Room can handle up to 16 guests; Ringling Room is a meeting space for up to 20; and the festival grounds are available for small private events.
Capabilities and accommodations – From entertaining for 10 guests to more than 3,000, Lakeside’s experienced staff helps clients select the right venue, the right musicians and artists, the decor, caterer and everything else they need to create an event that reflects their unique style and creativity.
Lodging – Holiday Inn and Country Inn & Suites (Crystal Lake).
For more – 401 Country Club Rd., Crystal Lake, www.lakesidelegacy.org. Terry Legare: 815-455-8000, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Gardens of Woodstock
Distinguishing factors – Luscious gardens with a large koi pond and five waterfalls entertain the senses. Birds will chirp while the wedding party strolls down the brick paths. Comfortable seating for your guests with beautiful scenery as the backdrop, plus tasteful catering to enhance your special day.                              
Capacity/square footage – Accommodates up to 80 guests for an indoor event and up to 140 guests combining both indoor and outdoor spaces for both a wedding and banquet.  
Capabilities and accommodations – Plated menu or numerous chef buffets.
Lodging – Holiday Inn (Crystal Lake), Hampton Inn (McHenry), and Days Inn and Super 8 (Woodstock).
For more – 5211 Swanson Rd., Woodstock, www.gardensofwoodstock.com. Mike Balleto: 815-337-2509.

Pirro’s Restaurante
Distinguishing factors –  Set just off the historic Woodstock Square, Pirro’s Restaurante’s upstairs banquet room is the perfect venue for intimate to medium-sized gatherings such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers, graduations, meetings and more.
Capabilities and accommodations – The banquet facility serves up the same fresh, creative twist on traditional Italian cuisine that Pirro’s Restaurante is famous for.
Lodging – Quality Inn, Days Inn, Super 8 and numerous beds and breakfasts (Woodstock).
For more – 228 Main St., Woodstock, 815-337-9100, http://pirrosrestaurante.com/pages/banquets.html.

31 North Banquet & Conference Center
Distinguishing factors – 31 North is McHenry’s newest boutique venue that prides itself on excellent service and relentless attention to detail. The venue will only host one wedding at a time, so the complete attention and focus is on just one client. The in-house event coordinator works with the bride and groom from start to finish.
Capacity/square footage – The ballroom can hold up to 200 guests, and the boardroom can hold up to 40 guests. During a wedding, the bride will also have full access to the boardroom to use as she wishes. She may choose to set up a photo booth or backdrop for guests or transform the room into a martini lounge. A private bridal suite is available to all brides.    
Capabilities and accommodations – 31 North offers a variety of wedding packages and menu options from an afternoon cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception to a formal sit-down affair to a Sunday brunch buffet.  
Lodging – Hampton Inn (McHenry).
For more – 217 N. Front St., McHenry, 815-344-0330, www.31northbanquets.com.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Distinguishing factors – With unique and breathtaking 1,300-acre surroundings, elegant reception space, outstanding cuisine and attentive service, Grand Geneva offers discounted overnight rates for guests and complimentary wedding night accommodations for the bride and groom.
Capacity/square footage – The Grand Ballroom is 7,680 square feet and offers reception-style seating for 840 people; Maple Lawn Ballroom is 5,500 square feet and offers reception-style seating for 450 people; Evergreen Ballroom is 6,480 square feet and offers reception-style seating for 600; the outdoor pavilion overlooks the Wisconsin countryside with 5,400 square feet and offers reception-style seating for 600; Chalet is 2,000/1,725 square feet with bar and offers reception-style seating for 500 people; Greenview offers reception-style seating for 300 people; and Fairview offers reception-style seating for 150 or theater-style for 300.
Capabilities and accommodations – A Grand Geneva wedding specialist is available to help make the special day picture-perfect, from cuisine to floral arrangements.
Lodging – On-site lodging at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
For more – 7036 Grand Geneva Way,  Lake Geneva, Wis., 888-392-8000, www.grandgeneva.com.

Cary Country Club

Distinguishing factors – A public facility established in the 1920s, Cary Country Club (CCC) remains the premier scenic golfing destination and its banquet room and packages include something for every couple.
Capacity/square footage – The facility can accommodate groups from 12 to 200 guests.
Capabilities and accommodations – CCC is a full-service special event and meeting facility providing beautiful views, private rooms and on-site food service. CCC can recommend photographers, DJs, transportation and entertainment professionals.
Lodging – Holiday Inn and Country Inn & Suites (Crystal Lake).
For more – 2400 Grove Lane, Cary, www.carycountryclub.com. Debra Grochocinski: 847-639-9494, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

McHenry Country Club

Distinguishing factors – The newly remodeled McHenry Country Club (MCC) clubhouse is a one-of-a-kind setting overlooking the scenic Fox River.
Capacity/square footage – MCC can accommodate 10 to 250 guests.
Capabilities and accommodations – Extraordinary food and quality service characterize all special events at MCC, with attention to detail that only a private can club offer.
Lodging – Hampton Inn (McHenry).
For more – 820 N. John St., McHenry, 815-385-1072, www.mchenrycc.net.

 Sidebar: All the Big (and Little) Details!
1. Let them eat cake! Sugar Hills Bakery in Algonquin (www.sugarhillsbakery.com) specializes in one-of-a-kind wedding cakes and European sweets.
2. Gift Idea! Lulu’s Wiggin Out in downtown Crystal Lake (www.luluswigginout.com) carries whimsical gifts for the bride, groom, mothers of the couple and the wedding party.
3. Edgy and elegant florals! This is not your mother’s florist. Let the designers at Twisted Stem in Crystal Lake (www.twistedstemfloral.com) work with you to create truly memorable florals for this special day.
4. Gift idea! Out of the Box in downtown Crystal Lake (www.outoftheboxstore.com) carries locally made Better Letters (www.betterlettersinc.com) wall words that can be customized to feature the new couple’s last name or a meaningful sentiment.   
5. Put a Ring on It! For a breathtaking reaction, the Hearts on Fire Transcend is the perfect engagement ring. “The world’s most perfectly cut diamonds” are exclusively found at Steffan’s Jewelers of McHenry (www.steffansjewelers.com).
6. You May Kiss the Bride! A She Weds (815-341-5594) wedding ceremony by officiant Elisabeth Kelly is customized to fit the emotions and values that partners want to communicate to their family and friends.
7. Beautiful blooms! Apple Creek Flowers in Woodstock (www.applecreekflowers.com) creates custom florals to add color and brilliance to the big day.
8. ‘Dress’ to the Nines! Laura Mac (www.facebook.com/lauramacinc) carries beautiful dresses and accessories for special occasions — perfect for brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom.
9. Go Vintage Glam! Studio 2015’s (www.studio2015.com) vintage-style ring with a contemporary twist featuring a blue sapphire center stone and diamond halo is sure to impress.
10. Get Pampered! Prepare for the big day by exploring Aleyra Medispa (www.aleyramedispa.com) — special packages are available for the bride-to-be, wedding party and mother of the bride.
11. Book It! A Secrets Resorts & Spas honeymoon is and all-inclusive, adult-only trip that includes romantic beachfront destinations in Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic (www.carytravelexpress.com).

12. Be Beautiful! Bridal lingerie like Prima Donna's Wonderland in white is available at La Bellissima (www.labellissima-online.com).