Independence Grove Review

Heirloom Event Company does not receive a commission for positive reviews or venue referrals for Independence Grove.

There may not be a more picturesque place in the Chicago suburbs to celebrate fall than Independence Grove. The landscape comes alive with vibrant leaf changes and warm, golden tones to make your photos pop.

Beyond the beauty of the season, Independence Grove offers a versatile setting year-round with its combination of natural charm and functional indoor-outdoor spaces. Nestled within a forest preserve just outside Libertyville, it gives couples the best of both worlds: a secluded, scenic backdrop and the ease of a professionally managed venue.

Price

While Independence Grove offers stunning scenery and turnkey service, it’s important to budget thoughtfully, as the costs can add up quickly. Through their exclusive partnership with RELISH Catering & Hospitality, the venue provides bundled catering and venue services. For many couples, the ease of working with one vendor for both food and space logistics is a major benefit—especially when planning a larger, more intricate celebration.

For one of our 2025 couples, the total spend was $46,140. This included venue rental, a cocktail hour, a plated dinner service priced at $54 per person, four hours of open bar, a coffee and tea station, and a late-night snack offering. Ambience upgrades, such as floating votive candles, pipe and drape, and custom linens, added an additional $2,200 to their overall cost.

The Audubon Hall rental fee was $3,975, and included a room flip to transition from the ceremony to reception. However, couples should be aware of the various add-on fees that can quickly inflate the overall cost—Chiavari chairs, ceremony coordination (even with an existing planner), and a “production service booking fee” that felt somewhat unnecessary given the overall investment.

While the pricing structure nickel-and-dime at times, the venue’s setting and convenience still make it a compelling choice—especially for couples who value turnkey service in a breathtaking natural setting.

Rating: 7/10

Planning Process

One of the highlights of working at Independence Grove was having a single point of contact throughout the entire planning process. From the initial inquiry to the final timeline review, we worked hand-in-hand with Colleen Lobue, their venue coordinator. Having a consistent, knowledgeable partner on the venue side made communication smooth and helped ensure no details slipped through the cracks.

However, Independence Grove does come with several restrictions that couples should keep in mind. To preserve its natural surroundings, the venue prohibits items like bubbles, feathers, boas, sand, confetti, glitter, smoke, birdseed, and rice, and nothing may be affixed to the walls. These rules are fairly standard for a nature-based venue but can limit some decorative or celebratory options.

The neutral aesthetic of Audubon Hall requires thoughtful decor and draping to truly transform the space into something visually stunning. For a fall wedding, features like the built-in fireplace add a cozy and inviting element that can elevate the atmosphere without extensive decor. Our 2025 couple wanted to stay within their $70K budget but quickly hit that number with just the band, venue and floral. Couples working on a strict budget should carefully evaluate these additional costs before signing the contract.

Rating: 7/10

Day-Of Execution

Precision is the name of the game at Independence Grove, and the tight timeline is both a strength and a challenge. With just two hours for setup, one hour for a room flip, and one hour for teardown, the schedule operates at full throttle. For a wedding featuring a 9-piece band, specialty rentals, and layered design elements, coordination is essential to keep everything running smoothly.

This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s important to know: this is a venue that runs on precision, not flexibility.

Couples considering a DIY planning approach should be aware that Independence Grove is not the best fit for that style. The high-pressure timeline and logistical demands require a planner and experienced vendor team to execute seamlessly. For those willing to invest in professional support, the day will feel organized and effortless.

Rating: 6/10

Is This the Venue for You?

Independence Grove is a stunning venue for couples looking to marry in a natural, scenic setting with plenty of outdoor charm. The fall season, in particular, brings a special magic to this location, with the changing leaves, glowing sunsets, and the beach all offering unforgettable photo opportunities. For couples who love a bit of outdoor adventure and beauty, this place is a dream come true.

One feature that adds to the venue’s cozy fall vibes is the interior fireplace. It’s a lovely touch that enhances the warmth of the space, making it perfect for couples hosting a fall wedding. It helps create a romantic and inviting atmosphere, particularly for an indoor reception, while offering a natural focal point for the design. 

The in-house catering by RELISH offers a convenient and high-quality option for food, making the planning process a bit easier and more streamlined. The space itself is versatile enough to accommodate a variety of event sizes and styles, with ample options for customizing the look and feel of the reception. And for those with larger guest counts, the Audubon Hall can comfortably host a big celebration.

However, the tight turnaround time for setup, room flips, and teardown can be a significant challenge. This venue operates on a strict, high-paced timeline and demands precision. If you’re hoping for a more relaxed, flexible day, you may find this to be a bit stressful. The space also requires a lot of draping or design work to truly transform it; otherwise, your wedding vision will need to align with what the venue already provides. Without that extra design element, the space can feel more basic.

For those who are willing to put in the extra effort to transform the space with plenty of decor and draping, and who have a well-organized team to handle the fast-paced day, Independence Grove can be a beautiful choice.