The Monte Bello Estate, located in Lemont, Illinois, is a breathtaking wedding venue nestled on 65 acres of stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by tranquil ponds, cascading waterfalls, and lush oak forests, the estate provides an enchanting and picturesque setting for weddings and special events. The property effortlessly combines timeless elegance with rustic charm, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic and unique backdrop for their big day.
The venue offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to suit different wedding styles and preferences. Outdoor ceremonies can take place under the shade of majestic oak trees or beside the serene waters, while the indoor reception spaces boast floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with natural light and offer scenic views of the estate grounds. With a capacity to host up to 275 guests, Monte Bello Estate also includes a luxurious bridal suite and preparation areas, ensuring that every aspect of the wedding experience is thoughtfully curated.
Beyond its stunning spaces, The Monte Bello Estate is known for its exceptional service and attention to detail. The venue offers all-inclusive packages that include on-site catering with customizable menus, professional bartending services, and dedicated event coordination to ensure a seamless and memorable celebration. Couples and their guests can also take advantage of the estate’s grounds for photography, capturing the beauty of their special day in a setting that feels both intimate and grand.
Whether you’re arriving as a guest or as the couple preparing for your wedding, the approach to The Monte Bello Estate feels like stepping into a storybook. The peaceful surroundings and breathtaking scenery evoke a sense of wonder, setting the perfect stage for the unforgettable moments to come...
An Unforgettable VENUE
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Briana
&Mark
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Lauren
& Bryce
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Katie
& Zach
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Amanda
& Kevin
Browse a few of my favorite weddings at Monte Bello to get a feel for how things flow at the venue
Monte Bello estate Featured Weddings
Explore a few of my favorite images from The Monte Bello Estate
featured WORK
The Fields
Your first sunset as a married couple will be stunning as you overlook the peaceful field and forest to the West of the Estate
Reception
A refreshing space with muted color palette allows you to infuse the space with your design and wedding colors!
Bridal suite
A recently remodeled Bridal Suite is the perfect spot to get the party started! Sip champagne and relax as the details of your day begin!
Dance the night away!
The dance floor will be packed as you dance the night away! Guests have easy access to the bar just off the dance floor, and the space is the perfect set up for a DJ or band.
With 5 ceremony site locations, you will be sure to find the perfect setting for your guests to witness you exchange your vows.
ceremony sites
CHARLESTON
location inspiration
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FOLLY BEACH
location inspiration
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Hosting a wedding at The Monte Bello Estate feels nothing short of magical. From the moment you step onto the property, you’re enveloped by its enchanting atmosphere and the promise of a seamless, unforgettable day. The lush, sprawling grounds and serene surroundings make you feel like you’ve escaped into a private haven, designed specifically for your celebration. Every detail of the estate—from the stunning outdoor ceremony spaces to the elegant reception hall—radiates sophistication and charm, ensuring your vision comes to life in the most picturesque way possible.
Inspiration
Monte Bello
A FEW OF my MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SHOOTING WEDDINGS AT Monte Bello
FAQ
Absolutely! With the girls getting ready in the elegant bridal suite, and the guys getting ready in their game room downstairs...it is the perfect way to start the party! Plenty of space for hair and makeup, options for hanging dresses, beautiful mirrors to do all of the final checks...and the best part, plenty of natural light in both spaces for photos!
what time SHOULD WE BEGIN OUR CEREMONY at Monte Bello? //
Your in-house co-ordinator is the best one to answer this for you, but I love to see ceremonies take place any time after 4pm! The sun is softening at that time of day, and this will set you up for great timing at the cocktail hour and into the reception.
where do you RECOMMEND TAKING OUR FAMILY PORTRAITS? //
The options are endless! Based on the conditions of the day, I choose from a backdrop of tree lined fields, by the pond, or at your ceremony site. Whether it is bright and sunny, or there is a bit of cloud cover, I have the perfect spot in mind for your family photos!
A first look is a very personal choice. I like to explain the options to each of my couples about the benefits of completing a first look and all of the portraits prior to the ceremony...But I also love a good teary eyed moment as the groom sees his bride walk down the aisle.
As I work with you on your custom timeline, let's chat about the logistics of this!
do they allow for SPARKLER EXITS? should we DO ONE? //
Sparkler exits are allowed and I HIGHLY recommend them! There is plenty of space to make a wide aisle for you to do an outdoor exit with sparklers. I love when couples ask to take a creative photo of just the two of them and a sparkler. So if you are up for it, I am all in!
I have had the honor of photographing countless weddings at Monte Bello over the last 10 years. I love finding new and beautiful ways to photograph couples at this unique venue and I also love the classic locations and hidden gems that I return to again and again for their stunning backdrop.
Every wedding is unique, and I walk onto the property each time with a new perspective on the light, the way the shadows dance on the grass, the swaying trees...No wedding the same, but all reminiscent of the magical space you were witness to the first moment you stepped onto the property.
I would love to chat more with you about my experience working with the incredible staff at Monte Bello, and the amazing photos that I can capture for you on your wedding day!
chicago Wedding & Portrait Photographer
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Whether you’re getting married at Monte Bello or another venue in Chicago-land (or beyond!), I would love to be considered for your day.
If you’re interested in working with JLP, the best way to reach me is by either filling out the form below or sending an e-mail to info@joylynphotography.com with your wedding date and location. If you’ve filled out the form and haven’t heard from me in a few days, please email me directly.