Forest Wedding- near Chicago??

I'm having my ceremony in Jewel Tea Pavilion in Citizen's Park which is located in Barrington, about 35 mins from Chicago. They have a pavilion that has glass walls that come off and a gazebo that's surrounded by trees and just nature. You should check that out!

Where do the Girl and Boy Scout troops in that area go camping? They're pretty good at finding forest-y areas in the most unlikely places, and usually there is some kind of 'home base' building with indoor plumbing, sinks, fridges, etc. 9 times out of 10, it's cheap as heck to rent, too.

I know this isn't Chicago, but the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee sounds like what you're picturing. There are bus services from Ohare or guests could fly straight to MKE.

Have you thought about having a ceremony in the forest preserves and having the reception elsewhere? Chicago and the surrounding suburbs also have numerous conservatories and arboretums.

Thanks y'all! I saw the Pepper Treehouse when looking at the Jewel Tea Pavilion- too bad it's not a bit bigger because it looks awesome!

Not sure if this is exactly what you are looking for, but knew someone who got married at Camp Wandawega and it looked really cool. I think it's an old summer camp converted to a resort/retreat. Only about an hour and a half from Chicago and you could rent cabins for guests who want to stay!

http://www.wandawega.com/blog/tag/camp-wedding/

The Redfield Grove Estate in Glenview is wooded and has a beautiful pavilion and house. It was our first choice but they are strict about no more than 100 people.

Shores of turtle creek in Spring Grove, it's far north but has beautiful woods

Morton Aboretum in the western suburbs

We visited Camp Wandawega last summer, and it's exactly what I had in mind. I loved the setup and chapel in the trees. I will refrain from posting the rental fee they quoted us, but suffice to say it's well over a house down payment!!! So, since I'm no millionaire we sadly cut it from our options.

Loving the suggestions, thanks everyone!

I attended Camp Greene Wood in the Chicago suburbs as a child, it's operated by the Girl Scouts, and it's a beautiful forested area with a big pavilion/lodge. May be a bit more rustic and not sure if they accommodate weddings, but may offer some of the same feel as Camp Wandawega at a lower price! (plus they are a non-proft so may be eligible for a tax deduction) There are a few other Girl Scout camps in the area as well.

http://www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/en/camp/our-camps.html

I also attended a beautiful wedding at Independence Grove, which is located in a forest preserve in Libertyville. It is associated with a hotel with a shuttle which was super convenient for those of us that didn't want to drive home. May be pricey though.

http://eventsatindependencegrove.com/