Help!! Outdoor ceremony site

jdalsanto

We are looking for an outdoor site that's not extremely pricey...
ive looked into brookfield/lincoln park zoo, botanical gardens, city of chicago sits (63rd ST beach, garfield park conservatory), CD&ME, etc.
Whether it be in chicago or suburbs - please throw any and all ideas at me! More concerned about having a pretty ceremony outdoors background than i am worried about the reception... Im looking for somewhere with a patio, pond, gazebo, or small garden area... some hidden secret i can't find.
This is for a May 2012 wedding.
Or if you know of anywhere that allows your own pick of caterers and stuff instead of their preferred list. somebody who rents their estate, yacht, large country house...
all ideas are great

jacquelyn
jackuhlynn@hotmail.com

kcurrie11

the morton arboretuem is beautiful, but may be a little on the pricey side. Also, cantigny. If you are having a small wedding, there is Ashbury's in boilingbrook (SUPER cheap)

CASK85

Promontory Point - it is through the city of chicago parks district and is absolutely gorgeous. Amazing view of the lake and the city, as well as really lovely landscaping around the reception hall. Check it out! 

sveta22m

there is a "secret" garden at northwestern university where you can do ceremony. its called shakespeare garden. it is limited to certain number of people, however, and standing room only (with a few esceptions). very low price for rent - actually its a donation.www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=E6U&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&sa=X&ei=7hPCTa_AHuPfiAKKrsWDAw&ved=0CBoQvwUoAQ&q=shakespeare+garden+northwestern&spell=1" class="spell">