Cantigny Gardens Review
Heirloom Event Company does not receive a commission for positive reviews or venue referrals for Cantigny Gardens.
When you think of Chicago, you likely don’t picture 300 acres of lush greenery, formal gardens, and winding floral paths. That’s what makes Cantigny Gardens in the Chicago suburbs such a special venue for weddings. With expansive ceremony sites, multiple reception venues, and a historic estate feel, Cantigny offers couples the opportunity to create a wedding that feels both grand and deeply tied to nature.
Price
Cantigny provides four primary outdoor ceremony backdrops, each offering a unique natural setting:
East Lawn: $3,500 for 200 guests
Prairie View: $3,000 for 250 guests
Rose Garden: $3,000 for 250 guests
Rock Garden: $2,500 for 250 guests
What’s Included
Each site rental includes a ceremony coordinator, an on-site rehearsal, an A/V technician with three microphones, white garden chairs, complimentary photography permits, and free guest parking. For ceremony-only rentals ranging from $2,500 to $3,500, Cantigny offers a really competitive price for the Chicago area, especially considering the stunning location and access to the estate’s expansive grounds.
For receptions, Cantigny offers three distinct spaces:
Le Jardin: Accommodates 230 guests; food and beverage minimum of $6,000 (Friday/Sunday) or $12,000 (Saturday), with venue fees from $1,000–$2,000.
The Red Oak Room: Accommodates 150 guests; food & beverage minimum of $8,000 (Friday/Sunday) or $17,000 (Saturday), with venue fees from $2,000–$3,000.
Woodside Pavilion: Accommodates 250 guests; food & beverage minimum of $8,000 (Friday/Sunday) or $17,000 (Saturday), with venue fees from $3,000–$5,000.
Receptions, however, come with a steep food and beverage minimum plus a 23% service charge and tax. For couples who want both their ceremony and reception on-site, the costs can add up quickly.
Rating: 5/10
Planning Process
On paper, Cantigny offers incredible value: gorgeous ceremony settings, photo permits included, and on-site staff. However, during the planning process, timing restrictions became a key challenge.
But the planning experience revealed a few surprises that future couples should have on their radar. Even though those early conversations paint a picture of leisurely garden strolls and endless photo ops, the reality is that Cantigny’s popularity means multiple weddings might unfold on your big day. Ceremony windows are tightly scheduled, and that magical feeling can be dampened a bit by a rush to fit everything in, especially when it comes to photos in your chosen spot.
For our couple, this became especially clear during rehearsal scheduling and on the wedding day itself. We sent in our rehearsal request nearly eight months ahead—plenty of time, you’d think—and were told we were first in line in their first-come first-serve process. We were assured confirmation would follow in the new year, but instead, our request was forgotten and our slot was given away. The communication was frustrating and inconsistent, with four different staff members involved, which made it difficult to get clear, reliable answers.
Rating: 4/10
Day-Of Execution
On the day of the wedding, three other ceremonies were happening on-site. This meant we had only one hour for setup, the ceremony, family photos, and teardown before being asked to vacate the East Lawn. While you are welcome to take additional photos throughout other areas of the garden, anyone hoping to capture their exact ceremony backdrop will find the time window very limited.
Navigating setup across Cantigny's sprawling property quickly becomes a workout—think planners and their teams toting signs, florals, and all the little touches that personalize your celebration. This is where having a dedicated wedding planner isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline. With such a tight turnaround, every extra set of hands (and wheels) matters to maximize the short transition window.
One bright spot was the staff’s attentiveness in shuttling guests from the entrance to the ceremony site, as it’s otherwise a long walk. Guests were encouraged to explore the gardens afterward, but for many, the return trip to the entrance felt overwhelming, leading some to leave on the golf cart much earlier than anticipated.
It’s worth noting that our day-of coordinator was different from the staff we had communicated with during planning, but she was wonderful. When the DJ’s table was not set up as previously noted, she stepped in immediately to problem-solve. Staff also went above and beyond by setting up a water station for guests and even sweeping up aisle flowers to help us manage the tight turnover.
Rating: 6/10
Is This the Venue for You?
Cantigny Gardens is an undeniably beautiful venue, with lush backdrops and the chance for guests to experience its expansive grounds. For couples dreaming of a romantic garden setting with historic charm, it can be a magical choice. However, ceremony-only rentals come with tightly enforced time windows and quick turnovers, which can feel limiting without the right preparation.
This is a venue where having a dedicated wedding planner transitions from a helpful addition to an absolute necessity. A skilled planner can expertly navigate the logistical challenges, manage the fast-paced timelines, and ensure every detail is thoughtfully executed—allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of your day.
With realistic expectations and a planner to handle the logistics, Cantigny can still deliver a Chicago-area wedding that feels like it’s worlds away from the city.
We give it an overall rating of