Junior Rasmussen
The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers a variety of rental options for weddings, including the popular Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. This venue features the Illinois River Grand Hall, an outdoor patio, a picnic shelter suitable for outdoor ceremonies, and a wedding suite, all surrounded by lush forest greenery and offering sweeping water views. Couples can choose from a range of indoor and outdoor spaces, accommodating guest lists of up to 150 people, with tables and chairs provided for inside the building. The venue also provides a list of approved caterers and eco-friendly decorating ideas, and staff are on hand to ensure a seamless and memorable celebration. With its natural beauty and modern amenities, the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is an ideal choice for those seeking a nature-inspired wedding in Will County.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | McKinley Woods preserve in Channahon, where the Des Plaines, Du Page, and Kankakee Rivers meet to form the Illinois River |
| Venue | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center |
| Venue Capacity | Up to 150 people |
| Features | Illinois River Grand Hall, outdoor patio, picnic shelter, wedding suite, 2,000-gallon river fish aquarium, mussel display, oversized bird feeder/birdbath viewing area |
| Rental Duration | Up to 10 hours, ending by midnight |
| Rental Cost | $3,000 for the Wedding Day Package, $2,200 for the Illinois River Grand Hall only |
| Rental Inclusions | Tables and chairs, District Guest Services Staff |
| Additional Costs | Linens, decorations, cleanup, music (DJ or band) |
| Decorations | No taping, push-pinning, gluing, or stapling to any surface. No draping or hanging from support cables in the Grand Hall or Shelter. Candles must be in heat-proof, enclosed containers or holders. |
| Environmental Focus | Constructed using green technologies, with a focus on environmental stewardship and eco-friendly practices |
| Accessibility | National Inclusion Project’s first nature center accreditation in the country |
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What You'll Learn
- Venue: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
- Decorations: Natural backdrops, eco-friendly decorations, and candles in enclosed containers
- Entertainment: Music and dancing, with a projector and screen available
- Catering: No in-house caterer, but a list of approved caterers is provided
- Timing: 10-hour permit, ending at midnight, with an hour for packing up
Venue: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is a beautiful and inclusive destination for weddings, located in McKinley Woods-Kerry Sheridan Grove in Channahon, where the Des Plaines, DuPage, and Kankakee Rivers meet to form the Illinois River. The venue is nestled among oak trees and offers stunning views of the outdoors, making it a perfect choice for couples who want to begin their married life surrounded by nature.
The Center provides a unique, cost-effective, and convenient all-in-one venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Illinois River Grand Hall can accommodate up to 150 people and offers breathtaking sunset views. The venue also includes an outdoor patio, a picnic shelter suitable for outdoor ceremonies, and a wedding suite. The Grand Hall is a blank slate for decorating, with restrictions on taping, pinning, gluing, or stapling anything to the surfaces. The venue provides tables and chairs, while couples are responsible for their own linens and additional decorations.
The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is known for its versatility, affordability, and picturesque setting. The venue prioritizes environmental stewardship and encourages eco-friendly practices. The building is constructed using green technologies, and the staff provides tips on hosting a wedding with a reduced environmental impact. The Center also features a 2,000-gallon river fish aquarium, a "Mussel Masquerade" exhibit, and an oversized bird feeder, adding a unique touch to the venue.
The venue offers a Wedding Day Package, which includes the Four Rivers Shelter, the Illinois River Grand Hall, the wedding suite, and a wedding rehearsal for a fee of $3,000. The spaces can be rented for up to 10 hours, with permits not extending beyond midnight. The venue provides District Guest Services Staff for the day, but couples will need to hire their own DJ or band for music during the reception. The sound system is not designed for the dance floor area, and there are noise restrictions for outdoor spaces to avoid disturbing other guests.
The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is highly recommended by couples who have celebrated their weddings there. Reviewers praise the accommodating and helpful staff, the natural beauty of the surroundings, and the versatility of the venue. The Center provides a memorable and enchanting experience for weddings, offering both indoor and outdoor options in a safe and inclusive setting.
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Decorations: Natural backdrops, eco-friendly decorations, and candles in enclosed containers
The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Will County, offers a natural backdrop for weddings, with its location in McKinley Woods, surrounded by lush forest greenery, oak trees, and rivers. The venue is dedicated to environmental stewardship and provides tips on hosting a wedding with a reduced environmental impact.
When it comes to decorations, the venue encourages eco-friendly choices and provides couples with a list of approved caterers and eco-friendly decorating ideas. The Grand Hall is a blank slate for decorating, but there are some restrictions to be aware of. Nothing can be taped, pinned, glued, or stapled to any surface, and nothing can be draped or hung from the support cables in the Grand Hall or the Shelter.
For a natural and eco-friendly wedding, consider decorations that complement the surrounding nature. This could include using natural materials, such as wood, leaves, or flowers, in your centerpieces or table settings. You can also incorporate eco-friendly materials, like recycled paper for any signage or biodegradable materials for confetti. Candles are permitted, but they must be in heat-proof, enclosed containers or holders.
The venue also offers a unique interior with a 2,000-gallon river fish aquarium, a mussel display, and an oversized bird feeder/birdbath viewing area, which can add to the natural theme of your decorations.
With its focus on environmental consciousness and the natural beauty of the surroundings, the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center provides a unique and picturesque setting for a wedding with natural and eco-friendly decorations.
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Entertainment: Music and dancing, with a projector and screen available
The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers a variety of entertainment options for weddings, including music and dancing. The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, nestled in the McKinley Woods preserve, provides a picturesque setting for couples seeking a ""green"" wedding surrounded by lush forest greenery. The Illinois River Grand Hall can accommodate up to 150 guests and features a unique interior with a river fish aquarium, a mussel display, and an oversized birdbath viewing area.
For entertainment, the Four Rivers venue offers a projector and screen with a sound system, perfect for video presentations during the reception. However, it is recommended to hire a DJ or band for dancing, as the in-house sound system may not be sufficient for the dance floor area. The venue has no noise restrictions for indoor events, but for outdoor areas like the Four Rivers Shelter, music should be kept at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing other guests in the preserve.
The Byron Forest Preserve District in Byron, IL, also offers a stunning outdoor ceremony area with a stage, bridge, and shelter, accommodating up to 120 guests. The indoor reception space includes a dance floor setup, a sound system with a microphone, and access to an outdoor deck area. Couples can bring their own music or create a custom playlist for their special day.
Additionally, the Forest Preserve District offers scenic locations like the Danada House, which can accommodate up to 150 guests for cocktails and features a 4,000-square-foot atrium with a wooden dance floor and state-of-the-art lighting. Couples can also consider the St. James Farm Forest Preserve, which provides a meeting space for more intimate gatherings of up to 45 people, offering a tranquil view of the river birch allée.
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Catering: No in-house caterer, but a list of approved caterers is provided
If you're looking for a wedding venue surrounded by nature, the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in the Forest Preserve District of Will County is a popular choice. The venue offers a picturesque setting, with beautiful grounds, elegant event spaces, and sweeping water views.
When it comes to catering, Four Rivers does not have an in-house caterer. However, they provide a list of approved caterers to choose from. This list has been carefully curated by the staff, who prioritise the environment when selecting vendors. The staff at Four Rivers are dedicated to promoting and practising environmental stewardship, and they are happy to provide tips on hosting a wedding that has a reduced impact on the environment.
The approved caterers on the list are familiar with the venue and have the necessary experience to provide catering services that align with the environmental values of the venue. They can work with you to create a menu that suits your tastes and preferences, while also being mindful of sustainability practices.
By providing a list of approved caterers, Four Rivers ensures that couples can choose from a selection of vendors who are trusted and reliable. This takes the stress out of planning by providing a starting point for catering options, and couples can feel confident knowing that the caterers on the list have met the venue's standards.
It is important to note that the choice of caterer is ultimately up to the couple, and they are not restricted to the approved list. However, choosing a caterer who is familiar with the venue and its unique setting can enhance the overall wedding experience. Couples can work directly with their chosen caterer to create a menu that reflects their vision, whether it's a whimsical and eclectic theme or a more traditional celebration.
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Timing: 10-hour permit, ending at midnight, with an hour for packing up
The Forest Preserve District's Four Rivers is a popular wedding venue in Will County. Nestled in McKinley Woods preserve in Channahon, it offers a beautiful setting in the woods near where the DuPage, Kankakee, and Des Plaines rivers meet to form the Illinois River.
The venue offers a Wedding Day Package, which includes the Four Rivers Shelter, the Illinois River Grand Hall, the wedding suite, and a wedding rehearsal for a fee of $3,000. The spaces are rented for up to 10 hours, with permits ending at midnight and an additional hour for packing up. This means that the latest your event can finish is 11 pm, allowing you enough time to wrap up and depart the preserve by midnight.
The Illinois River Grand Hall can seat up to 150 people and comes with tables and chairs set up upon your arrival. You are responsible for your linens and decorations. The Four Rivers Shelter is an outdoor picnic shelter suitable for ceremonies, but you will need to provide your own tables and chairs for this space.
The venue is committed to being environmentally conscious and provides tips on how to host a wedding with less impact on the environment. They also offer a list of approved caterers and eco-friendly decorating ideas, although these are not required. Music is allowed, but it should be kept at a decent level so as not to disturb other guests in the preserve. Bands and DJs can play until the last hour of the permit time, which is reserved for packing up and departing.
Overall, the Four Rivers venue in Will County provides a picturesque and environmentally conscious setting for your wedding, along with flexible timing options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
The "Wedding Day Package" includes the Four Rivers Shelter, the Illinois River Grand Hall, the wedding suite, and a wedding rehearsal for a fee of $3,000.
Nothing can be taped, push-pinned, glued, or stapled to any surface. Nothing can be draped or hung from the support cables in the Grand Hall or the Shelter. All candles used for table centerpieces and room decorations must be in heat-proof, enclosed containers or holders.
For a guest list of 125-130, there is room for a band and/or dancing.
For inside the building, there are no music restrictions. For the Four Rivers Shelter, music should be kept at a decent level so as not to disturb guests who rent the other shelter in the preserve. Bands and DJs can play up until the last hour of the permit time.
Visit the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center page, call 815-722-9470 or email [email protected].
