When you are planning your wedding, you probably want the chance to escape into a world all of your own. This is a day when you and your beloved are the stars of the show! You get to write the next chapter of your story and invite the ones you love the most to help you celebrate. Now, you just need the right venue that will feel like its own little paradise. With Shoreacres Country Club, you can have exactly that. Shoreacres is a highly exclusive space that knows how to throw a party unlike any other. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I have been lucky enough to help couples make memories in this space. If you are searching for a venue, I would love to give you a guide on what you can expect from a Shoreacres Country Club wedding!
1601 Shore Acres Rd., Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044
Shoreacres Country Club is a private club that has become a favorite course amongst the golf community. The grounds were designed in 1919 by Seth Raynor, one of the most popular course architects of the era. To this day, the course is known for its excellent surface. The lawn is meticulously manicured, and the topography is effortlessly incorporated into the space. When it was first opened, the land served as a summer resort community where people could go when they needed to get away from the bustle of everyday life.
Eventually, businessmen realized just how ideal the space was for a country club. They enlisted developers to create a luxurious spot to formally serve as an escape. Today, Shoreacres is known for its beauty and exclusivity. Access is available by invitation only, and the club keeps most of its information private. With this highly personalized approach, you can count on a flawless day free of any hiccups.
With Shoreacres, the ceremonies take place outside. The yard has been thoughtfully designed to overlook the water. Some people choose to use the space immediately behind the clubhouse for this portion of the day. With this option, you will still have Lake Michigan as your backdrop, but you will have a paved aisle for your grand entrance. The brick paving continues to the front, making it easy to set up an arch or an arbor. If you prefer a little distance from the clubhouse, you will be able to have the side yard near the tennis courts. You will still be close to all the indoor amenities, but your pictures will be full of lush nature. This area also overlooks Lake Michigan.
You will have several options for your reception. The venue offers a covered back deck where you will be able to set up your party. With this option, you will have views of the surrounding countryside while still having climate control. And don’t worry. You will still have plenty of space for dancing! During the temperate months, you will be able to set up a tent in the yard of the space. This will be able to accommodate parties of all sizes, and you will be able to fill it with your decorations.
You will be able to utilize the covered porch for your cocktail hour. With this option, your guests will get the chance to order signature drinks and take in the views of the surroundings whether they want to relax inside or take it out to the surrounding yard.
At Shoreacres, you will be provided with rooms where you can get ready ahead of the event. These areas are spacious with lots of natural light. Not only will your artists have everything they need to create your look, but you will also be able to snap as many pictures as you’d like with your wedding party. Pour some glasses of champagne, sit back, and get ready for the day of your dreams! Shoreacres will be able to accommodate medium-to-large weddings. For bigger celebrations, you will likely need a tent to make sure you have enough space to move around!
The Clubhouse is tucked away in the back of the property, giving you plenty of privacy throughout your wedding day. Forget about the noise pollution from busy roads or wedding crashers who just stumbled upon your celebration. You will have this area all to yourself! The front of the Clubhouse has a circular drive, making it the ideal spot for your send-off at the end of your wedding day. The exterior has white siding with forest green shutters, and French doors lead you into the foyer.
The interior of the Clubhouse remains true to the early 20th century. There are arched entrances, high ceilings with crown molding around the edges, and fireplaces. The covered porch has the exterior siding and shutters on one side. On the other, there are floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you a stunning view of Lake Michigan. There is a white ceiling with statement black light fixtures and wooden floors. The exterior has a brick-paved walkway running across the grass, breaking the yard into two symmetrical spaces. The side of the Clubhouse is open with several trees that tower over the area, giving you pops of raw nature alongside your luxury wedding.
With the golf course, you are going to have plenty of breathtaking spaces for your pictures. The well-lit bridal suites will ensure you can have pictures as you get ready with your wedding party. The lawn overlooking the lake will be ideal for your first-look portraits. Once the ceremony is done, you can hop on a golf cart and get some iconic pictures in this gorgeous setting. At the end of the night, you can head out to the circular drive for some fun send-off pictures!
Shoreacres Country Club is a highly exclusive space that requires a member referral for your event. Once you have it, you can expect a day where you are absolutely pampered! They will help you make sure you have everything you need for your day. There is plenty of on-site parking that your guests can use. The exceptional chefs at the club will provide you with catering and will work with you to create the perfect menu for your day.
If you are in search of a venue where you will have a magical day free from any distractions, look no further than Shoreacres Country Club wedding venue. This space has everything you need for a truly legendary celebration! As far as capturing all the details of your day, that’s where I come in. I am a Chicago wedding photographer, and I would love to be there to document your day. If you would like to see if we’re a match made in heaven, send me a message today so we can chat!