Wedding Open House Set For Saturday, Feb. 7, At Four Rivers

Couples planning a wedding in 2026 or beyond can get ideas, meet vendors and tour Four Rivers Environmental Education Center during a free wedding open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.

This is a great event for couples who are seeking natural settings and may be looking for a more eco-friendly celebration, said Mary Thomas, reservation manager at Four Rivers.

And Four Rivers is one of the most popular wedding venues in the area because of its natural setting near where the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers join to form the Illinois River. The visitor center is nestled in the popular McKinley Woods preserve, which features hiking trails and abundant wildlife viewing.

Guests who attend the open house will be welcomed by staff and invited to explore the building at their own pace while visiting vendors and checking out decorated spaces throughout the Illinois River Grand Hall.

“But first, pick up your swag bag and strike a pose for a take-home Polaroid photo keepsake,” Thomas said. Swag bags will be available to the first 50 couples who attend.

The open house will feature a variety of wedding professionals, including caterers offering food samples, bakers sharing cake design ideas, DJs, florists, photographers and wedding planners. Displays will also showcase décor available for rental, along with table setups and design panels showing alternate floor plans and options for outdoor ceremonies.

“As you walk around the Grand Hall, take in the outside view of the patio and the Des Plaines River and picture your guests enjoying these views at your nuptials,” Thomas said.

Open house guests can also tour the rest of the building, including the hands-on exhibit room, which could serve as a cocktail hour gathering space, and the wedding suite, a private room to prepare for the big day.

“There will be door prize drawings throughout the event,” Thomas said, noting winners do not need to be present. “It’s also a great time to chat with Four Rivers staff on how to make your vision a reality.”

If you plan on attending the Four Rivers Wedding Open House, registration is recommended; call 815-722-9470 or email fourrivers@fpdwc.org.

And if you want to prep for the open house, check out the Wedding Venues page on the Forest Preserve's website. Wedding reservations can be made a year in advance and there are a variety of packages to choose from.