Illinois Winter Wedding at Starved Rock Lodge

Winter gets dissed too often in Illinois. I know we all get over the cold weather but it can also be so magical and cozy and the winter light is gorgeous. Planning a winter wedding means you really need to take into account where you want to take posed photos because you can’t just go anywhere and do pictures, like in the summer. The venue plays a key role in that and Starved Rock Lodge is a beautiful spot for a winter wedding and provides lots of pretty backdrops!

On wedding days, we start with getting ready photos. In the winter at the lodge, due to the sun setting, we do need to do a first look in order to get any photos outdoors before the wedding. We usually do this around the lodge and then head out into the park on the trolley with the wedding party.

We try to hit up two spots on the trolley with different backdrops. The winter is a little limited because I don’t want just plain trees. It also matters how icy or snowy the trails are so I usually check the trails the week before the wedding. This year we didn’t get a lot of snow or cold weather so there was a bit of mud. These two opted to do a Utica spot with the crew and then hike to a canyon just the two of them.

Then we head back to the lodge and the couple married!! I love the cozy fireplace (often with a fire) and the feel of the lodge is a perfect setting for a winter wedding. However it is very dark so you have to choose a photographer who can shoot in the dark, dim space! We always suggest you stick to the list of vendors, especially at a place like Starved Rock Lodge.

Normally, I don’t share a lot of detail photos. They are just not my jam. I love seeing the details that everyone puts into their day and I love how couple incorporate their personalities into the day. And I actually love giving those pictures to the couple. But I often do not post them because I am so much more interested in the people on the day and I don’t want to reel in clients who are only worried about the detail photos. But these details were so unique and fun. And I have to give a shout out to Peggy from Sisters Planning. She set everything up and made sure candles were lit and the vibe was exactly what this couple wanted. She then cleans everything up at the end of the night. It is such a great service to have a coordinator who makes sure all the vendors have what they need and everything is set up and torn down, as well as just being a runner on the day to keep things moving smoothly. Pegs gets a picture and a shout out! The whole reception was truly magical and beautiful and a picture perfect winter wedding in Illinois.