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OUTDOOR VENUES
The Cider Mill, west of Princeton, offers a gorgeous country setting that can be used for both the wedding and the reception. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Getting married during the pandemic?
These outdoor venues work well for social distancing
By Becky Kramer BBrides and grooms spent most of 2020 turning to outside weddings as a way to protect the health of their friends and family. The first half of 2021 may be just as dire in terms of coronavirus cases. ding ceremony and many areas to take additional photographs. The reception venue, The Barn, is rustic on the exterior and elegant on the inside with an outside patio. “I could list a thousand things I love about Those looking for an outdoor venue for Hornbaker’s…the beauty of the property that their wedding and reception have many great surrounds me daily for weddings large and options in Bureau County. These venues small, along with the willingness of our staff to range from rustic to upscale and everything in make sure your day is exceptional, gives me all between. The venues’ employees and owners the feels,” Lindsay Funderberg, The Barn mangave their opinion about what makes these ager and event coordinator, said. locations a wonderful choice for special occasions like weddings and receptions. THE CIDER MILL THE BARN AT HORNBAKER GARDENS off Route 6 on the former 100 Acre Orchard The Barn is located in the countryside, just site. The outdoor wedding venue is just steps south of Princeton, on the grounds of Horn- from the banquet hall down a brick path. The baker Gardens. The beautiful nursery provides The Cider Mill is located west of Princeton a stunning background for an outdoor wed- See Venues page 4
Venues
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wooded area behind the venue provides a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and photographs. The banquet facility can accommodate up to 400 guests in the rustic setting.
“The Cider Mill is our beautiful country setting, outdoor wedding venue, and banquet facility,” owner Annette Davis said. “Our outdoor wedding venue offers picturesque views for a calm and relaxing wedding you have always dreamt about. Our designated wedding area features a brick patio with a brick aisle up to “the altar” with pink and red roses, dappled willow, and a wooded area as a backdrop.”
HARMON LAKE
Harmon Lake is a 13-acre private lake located west of Tiskilwa. This quiet, peaceful area is an excellent location for an outside, picture-perfect wedding venue. There is a pavilion, and there are bathrooms on-site, plus many different areas to choose from for the ceremony.
“Our venue is private, relaxed, and so beautiful,” owner Nancy Johnston said.
CHAPEL HILL GOLF COURSE AND EVENT CENTER - PRINCETON
Chapel Hill has several different locations available for an outdoor ceremony, including under the three oaks on Fairway 10, on the patio outside of the wine cellar, or in the wedding chapel, which holds 108 guests. The clubhouse building and wooded area provide a great backdrop for your outdoor location.
The clubhouse can accommodate more than 300 guests for the reception. Overnight accommodations for up to nine guests are available in the on-site bed and breakfast.
“Our picturesque course and elegant clubhouse provide the perfect backdrop to your wedding celebration,” owner Dave Husemann said. “Our grounds provide countless settings allowing you, your bridal party, and your photographer to capture dozens of breathtaking and beautiful scenes ensuring you special moments that last for eternity.”
BUREAU COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
The Bureau County Fairgrounds, located on the west edge of Princeton, has several areas available to host a gorgeous outdoor wedding. Facilities are available for the reception, too, using a caterer of your choice.
“The Bureau County Fairgrounds is a reasonably priced location for a casual outdoor wedding,” Kathy Bauer, executive secretary/event manager, said. “You can hold your ceremony under the large shade trees in the center of the grounds. There is plenty of room to help your guests be socially distanced. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and lots of chairs available.
This venue also has a unique twist for horse fans.
“Want to do your ceremony and include your horses? The horse arena has bleacher seating for your guests,” she said.
THE BUREAU COUNTY METRO CENTER
Located on the west side of Princeton, the Bureau County Metro Center provides a beautiful location for an outdoor ceremony. The ceremony can take place at the Metro Center lake or in front of the tall nearby trees, or even at one of the beautiful parks in Princeton. The reception would then take place at the Metro Center’s Shoemake Event Center with a caterer of your choice.
“Shoemake Event Center presents a professional setting for your intimate wedding. There is seating for 200,” Park District executive director Tammy Lange said.
We’reMarried toPerfection Perf -FreshandSilkFlowers -PersonalService
TheCiderMillisourbeautifulcountrysettingfor anoutdoorweddingvenueandbanquetfacility.
Ouroutdoorwedding venueofferspicturesque viewsforacalmand relaxingweddingyou havealwaysdreamt about.Ourdesignated weddingareafeaturesa brickpatiowithabrick aisleupto “thealtar,” withpinkand red roses, dappledwillowandawoodedareaasabackdrop. Engagedcoupleshavetheopportunitytocelebratetheirweddingand receptionatthesamevenuemakingtheirdayapleasureforboththeir guestsandthemselves.
We haveexpandedourbanquetfacilitytoaccommodateupto400 guestsandaddedanindoorweddingvenuewitha rusticbarndoorand barnwoodasabackdropforyourwedding.Ourengagedcoupleswill nowbeabletohavetheirwedding and receptionatthesamevenue duringthewintermonths. TheCiderMillisabeautiful settingforyourwedding, reception,gathering,meetingor luncheon.
OutdoorWeddingVenue &BanquetFacilityat AHundredAcres Orchard 141801800EastSt. • Princeton,IL SM-PR1849415 815-303-1045
