Elgin Country Club Review
Heirloom Event Company does not receive a commission for reviews or venue referrals for Elgin Country Club.
Elgin Country Club stands out as one of the prettiest golf courses in the Chicago area. Nestled among rolling hills and mature trees, the peaceful, scenic setting feels worlds away from city life—while still being conveniently located. From a charming outdoor ceremony spot to a light-filled, neutral-toned ballroom, the venue offers flexibility and a clean slate for design. With panoramic views of the course from nearly every angle, couples can lean into minimal décor or bring in a full-scale production and still feel at home.
Price
While specific pricing details were unavailable due to a member discount for this wedding, here’s a snapshot of the weekend’s key events and logistics:
Rehearsal Dinner (Friday in June): Held in the Palm Room, this event combined a relaxed atmosphere with refined touches. The ceremony rehearsal ran from 4 to 5 p.m., while spouses and significant others enjoyed drinks on the Weldwood Patio. A wine and champagne toast followed at 5 p.m., leading into speeches. Dinner began at 6 p.m. with live piano music, and the buffet menu included a salad bar, cornbread and dinner rolls, creamed corn, mac and cheese, fried okra, hushpuppies, hash brown casserole, grilled chicken breast, brisket of beef, and the most amazing cake made by the sister of the bride.
Welcome Party (Friday evening): Set on the 1st Tee, Golf Pavers, and Weldwood Patio, this event featured beer and wine service and passed hors d’oeuvres presented on silver trays. The space featured 10 highboy tables draped with white linens, alongside patio tables enhanced with simple candles for additional ambiance. A communal dinner table was set for 50–55 guests, with cylinder vases, ivory pillar candles, and floor-length white linens adorning the setting.
Wedding and Reception (Saturday): Guests were greeted with champagne upon arrival at the outdoor ceremony site on the first tee. The reception, held in a tented space off the driving range, comfortably accommodated 215 guests and included room for a 10-piece band, a circular bar, and a late-night cigar bar. Passed champagne, red and white wines, and signature cocktails set a celebratory tone during cocktail hour. Dinner featured salads with dressing served on the side, self-serve wine at each table (one red, one white), and elegant Russian-style service for an interactive dining experience.
Planning Process
Our team was brought on as the month-of coordinator, so while we were not involved in the earlier planning phases, Christine, the venue manager at Elgin Country Club, handled everything seamlessly. The bride’s family—longtime members of the club—coordinated most planning efforts alongside Christine, including arranging details with external vendors like the tent rental company, chair rentals, porta-potties, and golf cart rentals.
Christine’s proactive communication streamlined the process, offering suggestions that directly enhanced guest experience (providing extra porta-potties closer to the ceremony and reception sites and renting additional golf carts for easy transportation across the grounds). Her attention to detail and willingness to collaborate with outside vendors ensured a smooth lead-up to the wedding day. The trust the family placed in Christine and her team speaks volumes about the professionalism and reliability of Elgin Country Club’s staff.
Rating: 10/10
Day-Of Execution
Guests were welcomed to the ceremony at the first tee with glasses of champagne, setting an elegant and festive tone for the day. The tented reception comfortably held 215 guests and accommodated a 10-piece band, a circular bar that encouraged mingling, as well as a late-night cigar bar.
This wedding involved many moving parts, from arranging extra golf carts to ensure smooth transportation for guests and staff, to providing additional porta-potties closer than the clubhouse for guest convenience. Without the venue manager’s suggestion to rent extra golf carts, getting from point A to B on the sprawling grounds would have been a major challenge.
One of the biggest highlights was the dedication of the Elgin Country Club staff. Every staff member was courteous, professional, and highly efficient. Most team members communicated via walkie-talkies, allowing for quick coordination, rapid responses to questions, and seamless relay of information. Despite being a sizable wedding with many moving parts, the team made it feel as though every moment flowed effortlessly.
Rating: 7/10
Is This the Venue for You?
Elgin Country Club offers one of the most picturesque golf course settings in the Chicago area, perfect for couples dreaming of an elegant outdoor wedding and flexible reception options. With its rolling hills, mature trees, and serene atmosphere, the venue provides an escape from the city while remaining conveniently located for local and out-of-town guests alike.
The staff, led by Christine, is attentive and experienced, ensuring a smooth planning process even when working with multiple vendors. While pricing details may vary, the seamless coordination and picturesque venue make it a fantastic option for weddings seeking a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.