Monte Bello Estate Review
Heirloom Event Company does not receive a commission for positive reviews or venue referrals for Monte Bello Estate.
Every so often, we visit a venue that feels like a well-kept secret—and Monte Bello Estate is exactly that. Just outside Chicago, this lush and secluded property delivers a storybook setting with an upscale, organic feel. With multiple outdoor spaces, a warm interior layout, and charming architectural details, it manages to feel both expansive and intimate.
What makes this Chicago wedding venue stand out isn’t just the setting—it’s the story. Once a private home, the estate has been thoughtfully transformed into a wedding venue, and that history gives the space a certain soul. You’ll notice it in the cozy nooks, the inviting gardens, and even the playful Narnia-inspired elements tucked throughout the grounds. It’s a venue that invites exploration, and creates a wedding experience that feels worlds away from the city.
Price
There’s no denying the beauty and elegance of Monte Bello Estate, but it comes with a premium price tag—and couples should be prepared for that upfront.
Monte Bello handles both venue rental and catering in-house, which simplifies vendor coordination but means you’ll need to budget accordingly. For context, our 2025 couple spent $69,478.34, which included the base package plus some upgrades. Here’s how it broke down:
Venue & Rental Fees:
Saturday Venue Rental: $10,250
Ceremony Rental: $4,300
Early Access (optional): $4,300
Reception Package (6 hours): $31,160
(Includes dance floor, 5’ square tables, Chiavari chairs, bridal room, glass house, cake, and a venue coordinator)
Food & Beverage:
Signature Cocktails (3): $3,000
Entrées: Steak ($2,040), Kids Meals ($87), Vendor Meals ($250)
Late Night Snack: $900
Liquor Upgrades: 818 Tequila ($180), Crown Royal ($210), and wine selections ($180, $147, $189)
While Monte Bello’s offerings are undeniably elegant, we gave this category a lower score simply because there are other venues (like The Carter or The District) that offer modern, upscale aesthetics at lower starting costs—and with catering included.
Rating: 4/10
Planning Process
From our very first interaction, the planning experience at Monte Bello Estate was outstanding. Lauren, our main point of contact, set the tone with her responsiveness, warmth, and genuine care for the couple’s experience. Whether we were emailing at 11 p.m. or trying to shift a walkthrough on short notice, Lauren handled everything with grace and speed. She offered smart recommendations, helped the couple prioritize their budget, and navigated upgrades with total transparency.
Another standout in the planning process was the vendor team. Janet D. Photography has worked at Monte Bello many times and brought incredible insight on lighting, layout, and timeline. That level of familiarity elevated the entire process.
Planning a wedding always involves juggling moving parts—but Monte Bello made it feel calm, personal, and supported from beginning to end.
Rating: 10/10
Day-Of Execution
Some venues offer a beautiful backdrop but a tight timeline. Not the case here.
Monte Bello’s all-day rental was a game-changer. The couple had plenty of time to get ready, walk through décor details, and make any last-minute changes. As planners, we could begin setup early without rushing, which made a huge difference in delivering a polished, thoughtful event.
The flow of the day was effortless. From the bridal suite to the hilltop ceremony, the patio cocktail hour, and the estate reception, each transition felt natural and relaxed. The space is thoughtfully designed to support a full-day celebration with minimal stress.
Everything went off without a hitch. No logistical issues, no delays, and no backup plans needed. That’s rare—and worth celebrating.
Rating: 10/10
Value
Monte Bello Estate is an investment, but one that absolutely pays off.
What you get in return is not just a beautiful venue, but a deeply personal, well-supported experience. The property itself is stunning, with layers of history and charm. The full-day access is a luxury most venues don’t offer. And the staff—from coordinators to bartenders—go above and beyond to make everything feel seamless.
Still, we’d be remiss not to acknowledge the cost. For couples working with tighter budgets, Monte Bello may not be the right fit. But for those who can commit to the investment, the estate delivers a wedding day that’s as smooth as it is memorable.
Rating: 6/10
Is This the Venue for You?
If you're dreaming of an elegant estate wedding with a garden feel and enough flexibility to truly enjoy the day, Monte Bello Estate should be on your list. It's ideal for couples who want a one-stop experience: ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all on one beautiful property, with a team who takes care of the details behind the scenes.
While pricing is on the higher end, the payoff comes in peace of mind, time, and an unforgettable guest experience. And if you're someone who swoons over storybook charm with a dash of Narnia whimsy, Monte Bello might just feel like magic.
We give Monte Bello Estate an overall rating of 8/10