Starved Rock Lodge (phone: 1-800-868-ROCK (7625)) is one of my favorite places for a wedding. Located about 90 miles south west of Chicago, Starved Rock is one of the best kept secret destination wedding spots! The sales and catering co-ordinators, Jenni, Jill and Marge work hard to assure your day will be perfect. Unlike most hotels, Starved Rock, expects to host the ceremony, dinner, and party on-site. There are two beautiful outdoor ceremony areas. One is right on the grounds while the other is a five minute drive away and then a short hike. When mother nature strikes, the Great Hall can be converted into a cermony location. On the other hand, Starved Rock and Mother Nature combine to create some of the most romantic sunsets imaginable.

The Great Hall at Starved Rock is flexible and has many looks. I've seen the hall dressed up for an elegent event with golden chair covers and at other times it has a comfortable rustic feel. But no matter how the room is dressed, the food is excellent with a varied menu available to suit your tastes. The Great Hall comfortably seats about 150 guests. When dinner is over, your guests will ajourn to the ajoining Starved Rock room for dancing. Unfortunately, evenings at Starved Rock must end at 11:00PM. But many a party has continued at Starved Rock's bar. For those ready for bed, their rooms are a short walk from the Great Hall. Those who enjoy the outdoors, should consider Starved Rock. However, don't wait too long as prime wedding dates are booked two years in advance!