Business Details
32 Years
experience
Chapel in the Pines Wedding Venue
Chapel in the Pines was founded in 1994 by Howard and Donna Petersen, who transformed a historic property into a premier wedding destination. Our venue, built on a foundation of love as a 30th anniversary gift, now hosts ceremonies and receptions for couples seeking a picturesque country-chic setting. With over 30 years of experience and 3,000+ weddings hosted, we offer customizable packages for intimate elopements to grand celebrations. Our 7-acre estate features a Victorian chapel, garden gazebo, and vintage reception hall, all designed to create unforgettable moments. As active owners, we maintain hands-on involvement in operations, ensuring every detail reflects our commitment to quality.Our all-inclusive packages simplify planning while preserving the charm of Midwest hospitality. Climate-controlled spaces and flexible scheduling accommodate seasonal unpredictability, guaranteeing seamless celebrations year-round. The chapels authentic design elements, including recycled church materials and a working church bell, create timeless ambiance. Our team specializes in creating personalized experiences, from customized pathway bricks to comprehensive vendor coordination. This family-owned business continues to prioritize client satisfaction, maintaining its reputation as a trusted leader in Chicagoland wedding services.
Services
Wedding Ceremony
Reception Services
Elopement Packages
Photo Booth Rental
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30+ years experience hosting 3,000+ weddings with personalized service
- All-inclusive packages simplify planning for stress-free celebrations
- Multiple indoor/outdoor venues accommodate any weather scenario
- Family-owned business with owners involved in daily operations
- Customizable pathway bricks commemorate wedding dates permanently
What people say
Beautiful photo opportunities
Flexible weather options
Stress-free planning process
Experienced staff
Charming venues
Services
Wedding Ceremony
Our wedding ceremony services offer multiple venue options including a Victorian chapel with authentic church pews and climate control. The garden gazebo provides outdoor charm with included seating and setup. All spaces accommodate music and microphone systems for personalized ceremonies.
Reception Services
The vintage reception hall seats 150 guests with elegant chandeliers and customizable layouts. Features include bar packages, photo booth rentals, fire pit areas, and enhanced lighting systems. Our staff assists with configuring spaces to meet specific event requirements and preferences.
Elopement Packages
Designed for small weddings with 0-20 guests, these a la carte packages include essential amenities without unnecessary extras. Services feature personalized planning assistance and access to all venue spaces for couples seeking private, meaningful celebrations.
Photo Opportunities
The 7-acre estate provides year-round photography options across rustic barns, formal gardens, and whimsical outdoor settings. Professional-grade backdrops include the chapel exterior, gazebo, and vintage bridal suite with no additional setup fees.
Custom Packages
We offer fully customizable wedding packages combining ceremony, reception, and special features. Options include pathway brick engraving, music selection coordination, and vendor management services to create unique, personalized celebrations.
People
Howard Petersen
Owner & Founder
Built the chapel as a 30th anniversary gift for his wife Donna. Actively involved in venue operations with 44 years of property development experience. Maintains hands-on role in daily management and special event oversight.
Donna Petersen
Co-Owner
Original visionary behind the chapel's design concept. Continues to influence venue operations after 44 years of partnership with Howard. Focuses on maintaining the property's romantic atmosphere and client experience standards.
Questions
What wedding package options are available?
We offer elopement packages for 0-20 guests, ceremony-only for 25-150 guests, reception-only, and all-inclusive packages combining both events with customizable amenities.
Can we have both ceremony and reception at your venue?
Yes, our all-inclusive packages allow hosting both ceremony and reception at the same location with seamless transitions between spaces and coordinated planning services.
What indoor and outdoor spaces are available?
We provide a climate-controlled Victorian chapel, outdoor garden gazebo with seating, and vintage reception hall. Couples may decide on ceremony location day-of based on weather conditions.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Our venues host events from intimate elopements with no guests up to grand celebrations with 150+ attendees across our multiple ceremony and reception spaces.
What photography opportunities exist on-site?
The 7-acre estate features rustic barns, formal gardens, whimsical outdoor settings, and vintage architecture across four distinct photography zones available year-round.
Do you offer customization options for weddings?
Yes, we provide customizable pathway bricks, music coordination, layout configurations, and vendor management services to create personalized wedding experiences.
