Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Dream Wedding Venue in Chicagoland
Chapel in the Pines was founded in 1994 when Howard Petersen built our iconic chapel as a 30th wedding anniversary gift for his wife Donna. Since hosting our first ceremony in 1994, we've welcomed over 3,000 couples to exchange vows in our picturesque setting. Our venue combines Midwestern charm with modern amenities, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces including a Victorian chapel, garden gazebo, and vintage reception hall. Our team brings decades of collective experience in creating memorable events, with certified officiants like Netflix's Love is Blind Season 2 featured minister Jeffrey Petersen. We maintain a 4.8 Google rating and have earned The Knot: Best in Weddings Award and Wedding Wires Couples Choice Award.Our climate-controlled facilities and all-inclusive packages reflect our commitment to providing stress-free celebrations. We emphasize transparency in pricing with no hidden fees and offer flexible payment plans to accommodate different budgets. Our property's seven acres provide year-round photo opportunities across rustic barns, manicured gardens, and whimsical grounds. With both religious and non-denominational ceremony options, we cater to diverse wedding visions while maintaining our family-owned business values.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Reception Venues
Catering Services
On-site Coordination
Garden Gazebo Rentals
Victorian Chapel Rentals
Climate-Controlled Halls
Custom Decor Packages
Wedding Officiants
Photography Locations
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of experience hosting weddings with 3,000+ successful events
- All-inclusive packages with transparent pricing and no hidden fees
- Climate-controlled indoor spaces available as weather backup
- Award-winning team with certified officiants featured on Netflix's Love is Blind
- Flexible payment plans and customizable wedding packages available
Associations and certifications
- The Knot
- Wedding Wires
What people say
Beautiful venue
Excellent service
Affordable packages
Award-winning team
Flexible options
Services
Wedding Ceremony Venue
Our venue offers multiple spaces for wedding ceremonies including a Victorian chapel with hardwood pews, garden gazebo with natural beauty, and rustic barn reception hall. Each location accommodates different guest counts while maintaining our signature Midwestern charm. The chapel's sound system and climate control ensure comfort, while the gazebo provides outdoor elegance with included chair setup.
Reception Hall Rental
The vintage reception hall seats 150 guests with chandelier lighting and customizable layouts. Features include climate control, 60-inch round tables, plush-cushioned chairs, linen options, and a fire pit for evening events. The space includes complementary cutting and serving of wedding cake along with a Keurig coffee station for guest convenience.
Catering Services
We provide full-service catering with diverse menu options including gourmet dinner buffets and specialty dietary accommodations. Packages feature two-entree options, cupcake selections, and beverages for all ages. Our staff handles food service with disposable dishes for casual events or formal dinnerware for elegant occasions, included in package pricing.
On-site Coordination
Our coordinators assist with timeline management, room layout configuration, decoration setup, and vendor coordination. This service includes ceremony rehearsal guidance, day-of scheduling, and comprehensive support from 1 hour before through final cleanup. Professionals maintain organization while preserving the personal joy of your special day.
Custom Decor Packages
Decor options include candelabras for traditional ambiance, aisle runners for elegant walkways, and personalized bricks for commemoration. Lighting systems, simple centerpieces, and chair sashes enhance visual appeal. These customizable elements complement both indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining cohesive wedding aesthetics.
People
Howard Petersen
Founder & Minister
Built the chapel as a 30th anniversary gift for Donna and has officiated weddings since 1994. Combines construction expertise with personal warmth to create memorable ceremonies.
Jeffrey Petersen
Featured Officiant
Minister with 1,000+ weddings officiated and Netflix's Love is Blind Season 2 appearance. Combines professionalism with personalized ceremony scripts for memorable experiences.
Amanda
Venue Manager
Seven-year team member with 50+ weddings officiated. Known for calm demeanor and creative problem-solving that ensures smooth event execution while maintaining personal celebration joy.
Donna Petersen
Co-founder
Original visionary behind the chapel concept and co-creator of our customer-focused approach. Continues active involvement in guiding the venue's operations and guest experiences.
Questions
What's included in wedding packages?
Packages include venue use, ceremony/reception space, basic decor, catering staff, and day-of coordination. Final cleanup and taxes included in transparent pricing.
How does the rain plan work?
Chapel remains guaranteed backup location. Couples decide ceremony location day-of with no penalty for outdoor-to-indoor changes.
Can we customize our wedding schedule?
Yes. Grounds access durations vary by package (2-8.5 hours). Timeline flexibility accommodates special requests within venue operating hours.
Are pets allowed on property?
Dogs welcome on leashes with cleanup. No pets allowed in buildings to maintain venue cleanliness for all guests.
What payment options exist?
3% credit card fee applies. Payment plans available with $1,500 deposit. Final payments due 7 days before events.
Do packages include decorations?
Basic centerpieces included. Custom decor like candelabras, aisle runners, and chair sashes available as add-ons to personalize spaces.
