Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Ashton Place in Willowbrook, IL, is a stunning event space with impressive capacity, amenities, and a reputation for excellence. But what does it cost to host your wedding here? In this article, we walk you through every aspect—from venue overview to detailed pricing breakdown, budget tips, and a final cost estimate. Our goal is to make budgeting transparent and stress‑free.
Table: Quick Facts at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Ashton Place |
| Location | 341 75th St, Willowbrook, IL, 60527 |
| Call | 630‑789‑3337 |
| Starting Price | $10,000 |
| Capacity | Up to 800 guests |
| Awards | WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2010, 2014, 2018–2025 |
| Website | https://ashtonplace.com/ |
| @ashton‑place | |
| [email protected] | |
| Facilities | Ceremony Area; Private Bridal Suites; Indoor/Outdoor Ceremony Areas; Dressing Room; Reception Area; Wireless Internet |
About Ashton Place
Ashton Place is a premier wedding venue located in Willowbrook, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago. Since opening its doors, it has earned a reputation for elegance, versatility, and impeccable service. Recognized with multiple WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards—including six consecutive wins from 2018 to 2025—it stands out as a top choice for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience.
Architecturally, Ashton Place blends timeless elegance with modern adaptability. Grand reception spaces, lush outdoor areas, and well‑appointed bridal suites offer both beauty and practicality.
Location
Located at 341 75th St, Willowbrook, IL 60527, Ashton Place is easily accessible from the Chicago suburbs, making it convenient for both local and out‑of‑town guests. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, the venue offers ample parking and close proximity to major highways. The serene surroundings create a romantic backdrop while remaining just minutes away from hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. Plus, for out‑of‑state guests, nearby O’Hare and Midway airports offer easy travel connections.
Factors Influencing Ashton Place Wedding Costs
Understanding what determines the final cost of your wedding at Ashton Place is essential for planning wisely. While the venue’s starting price is $10,000, several other variables come into play that can influence the total amount you’ll spend. From your guest list and wedding season to the services you choose and the vendors you hire, each decision affects your budget. Let’s break down the key factors that influence your overall wedding cost at Ashton Place.
1. Guest Count and Capacity
One of the most significant cost influencers is the number of people on your guest list. Ashton Place has an impressive capacity of up to 800 guests, making it suitable for both intimate ceremonies and lavish celebrations. However, the more guests you invite, the higher your total cost will be across multiple categories.
Why it matters:
- Catering increases with every additional guest—expect $50–$75 per person on food and drinks alone.
- Table rentals, linens, centerpieces, and staff numbers must also increase.
- More guests often mean you’ll need a larger ballroom or even multiple rooms within the venue.
If you’re looking to control costs, this is the first place to start. Trimming your guest list even slightly can have a noticeable impact on your bottom line.
2. Time of Year and Day of the Week
Just like most venues, Ashton Place pricing varies significantly based on demand. Choosing a high-demand month and a weekend date will cost more than opting for off-season or weekday celebrations.
Peak season typically runs from May through October, with Saturdays in June and September being the most popular—and expensive. On the other hand, off-peak months like January, February, or November can provide up to 20–30% in savings.
Cost-saving opportunities include:
- Booking on Fridays or Sundays
- Hosting a weekday evening wedding
- Planning a winter-themed wedding in off-peak months
The date you select can either boost your costs or become a strategic opportunity to cut back significantly.
3. Duration and Event Timing
How long you book the venue for also plays a role in the total cost. While many wedding packages include 6 to 10 hours of venue use, you may need more time for setup, pre-ceremony prep, or late-night dancing. Each additional hour of venue use can lead to added charges.
Also consider whether you’re hosting multiple events on-site such as:
- A pre-wedding rehearsal dinner
- A morning-after brunch
- Extended cocktail hours or late-night afterparties
Each of these time blocks may require extra staffing, cleaning services, or additional rental fees. Always clarify with the venue what’s included in your rental timeframe and what incurs extra costs.
4. Catering and Bar Services
Food and drink are typically the largest single expenses in any wedding budget. Ashton Place offers in-house catering, and the type of menu and service style you choose will dramatically impact your final cost.
Options available may include:
- Plated dinners – more formal but costlier due to labor
- Buffet or family-style meals – slightly more affordable and flexible
- Cocktail-style receptions – lighter, more modern, often cheaper
- Bar packages – ranging from beer and wine only to premium open bar
If you opt for a custom menu or luxury upgrades (such as filet mignon or craft cocktails), expect prices to rise quickly. Alcohol is another cost-heavy category, with premium bar packages adding thousands to your final tab.
5. Décor, Rentals, and Style Preferences
The aesthetic of your wedding is where creativity shines—but it’s also where spending can spiral. Ashton Place provides a stylish, neutral canvas that many couples elevate with personalized décor and rental additions.
Common enhancements include:
- Custom lighting packages, chandeliers, or draping
- Elegant table settings and upgraded linens
- Floral installations, arches, or ceiling décor
- Lounge furniture, bars, and staging equipment
Some venues offer basic décor inclusions, but many visual elements are an additional cost—especially if you’re working with outside vendors or designers. Consider prioritizing décor pieces that will show up in photos or define the guest experience.
6. Vendor Selection and Coordination
Your choice of vendors—caterers, florists, DJs, planners—can make or break your wedding experience, and your budget. Ashton Place works with preferred vendors who are familiar with the space, which can help streamline costs and logistics. However, some couples opt to bring in outside specialists or luxury providers, which can increase fees.
What to consider:
- Outside vendor fees – some venues charge a premium if you don’t use their recommended partners
- Bundled services – photographers, DJs, or coordinators may offer discounts when multiple services are booked together
- Coordination – full-service planners cost more but can prevent costly errors and last-minute decisions
You should also confirm whether vendor setup and teardown time is included in your rental, or if you’ll be charged extra for extended use.
7. Additional Services and Enhancements
Aside from core expenses, many couples want to include memorable touches that add to the experience, such as:
- Photo booths
- Live bands or performers
- Videography
- Luxury transportation
- Guest favors or welcome bags
- Sparkler send-offs or firework shows
Each of these upgrades adds to your total and may also come with service or permit fees. They aren’t required, but they certainly elevate the atmosphere. If you’re budget-conscious, prioritize the items that matter most to you as a couple and eliminate or simplify the rest.
8. Taxes, Gratuity, and Service Fees
Finally, don’t overlook hidden costs. Your estimated price may seem manageable until service charges, gratuity, and taxes are added.
Most couples pay an additional 8–12% in:
- Sales tax (on food and beverage)
- Gratuities for servers, bartenders, or vendors
- Service fees (often built into catering or rental contracts)
Always request a detailed invoice so you can plan accordingly. It’s smart to leave 10–15% of your total budget as a cushion for these types of costs, or for unexpected last-minute additions.
Breakdown of Ashton Place Wedding Expenses
Here’s a realistic cost breakdown based on a mid‑sized wedding (200 guests) in peak season:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental | $10,000 (base starting price) |
| Catering (food + bar) | $12,000 ($60/guest) |
| Staffing & Logistics | $2,000 (servers, bartenders, setup) |
| Décor & Rentals | $5,000 (linens, lighting, furniture) |
| Photography & Videography | $4,000 |
| Music & Entertainment | $3,000 (DJ or band) |
| Cake & Desserts | $1,200 |
| Wedding Planner (optional) | $2,500 |
| Transportation | $800 (shuttle, limo, etc.) |
| Subtotal | $40,500 |
| Taxes + Service Fees (8%) | $3,240 |
| Estimated Total | ≈ $43,740 |
Notes:
- Adjust based on guest count.
- Off‑season or weekday dates could reduce venue rental significantly (10–20%).
- Select premium décor or entertainment upticks the cost.
Typical Packages Offered
Ashton Place typically offers a tiered set of wedding packages—ideal for couples at different budget levels:
Bronze Package
- Venue rental for 6 hours
- Standard buffet menu
- Basic décor and table linens
- Wireless Internet access
- Starting around $10,000–$12,000
Silver Package
- Venue rental for 8 hours
- Plated dinner with choice of entrée
- Upgraded décor and centerpieces
- Full liquor bar
- Estimated $15,000–$18,000
Gold Package
- Full‑day venue rental
- Premium plated or buffet meal
- Extensive décor and lighting packages
- Professional staff, setup & breakdown
- Included premium open bar
- $20,000–$25,000 and up
Tips for Budgeting and Saving on Ashton Place Weddings
Weddings at Ashton Place are known for their elegance and grandeur, but that doesn’t mean you have to go over budget to have the wedding of your dreams. With smart planning and intentional choices, you can host a beautiful celebration without breaking the bank. Below are tried-and-true strategies that can help you stay within your budget while still enjoying the magic that Ashton Place offers.
1. Choose an Off-Peak Date or Day
Timing can be one of the most powerful tools in saving money. Wedding venues, including Ashton Place, typically charge premium rates during the peak wedding season (May through October) and for highly sought-after weekend dates.
Consider these alternatives:
- Winter Weddings: January through March offers off-season discounts and unique seasonal décor options.
- Weekday Celebrations: Thursday or Friday weddings are often 15–25% less than Saturday bookings.
- Sunday Brunch Weddings: A Sunday morning ceremony followed by a brunch reception is charming, and often significantly more affordable.
By being flexible with your wedding date, you can save thousands without compromising the experience.
2. Trim Your Guest List Thoughtfully
Each guest increases your cost—not just in food and drink, but also in rentals, invitations, centerpieces, and favors. While it’s tempting to invite everyone you know, focusing on close family and friends creates a more intimate atmosphere and a lower overall spend.
How this helps:
- 10 fewer guests = ~$600 savings on catering
- Fewer tables = less décor, linens, and staffing needed
- Smaller space = possibly cheaper layout and coordination needs
Quality over quantity always wins, both emotionally and financially.
3. Opt for Buffet or Family-Style Dining
While plated dinners offer elegance, they come with higher labor and kitchen coordination costs. Many couples are now choosing buffet or family-style dining options to save on per-plate expenses.
Benefits of alternative serving styles:
- Reduces staff required to serve and plate meals
- Allows guests more flexibility in food choice
- Creates a warm, communal atmosphere
Ask Ashton Place about package options with various service styles—many couples find buffets to be just as beautiful and satisfying.
4. Reuse Ceremony Décor at the Reception
Why spend double on flowers, arches, or signage when you can make the most of what you already have?
Examples of cost-saving décor swaps:
- Floral arrangements at the altar can be moved to the sweetheart table or buffet line.
- Aisle décor can double as table centerpieces.
- Ceremony backdrop can be reused for the photo booth or cake-cutting area.
Coordinate with your florist and venue team to plan for a seamless décor transition between ceremony and reception spaces.
5. Work with Preferred Vendors or In-House Services
Ashton Place often recommends or requires the use of preferred vendors—and for good reason. These vendors are familiar with the venue layout, policies, and timing, which means fewer mistakes and better execution.
Why this saves money:
- Preferred vendors offer bundled deals or discounts for repeat partnerships.
- Less time is spent on venue coordination, reducing potential fees.
- In-house teams may include setup and cleanup in their pricing.
Always ask if package deals are available when you choose vendors directly affiliated with the venue.
6. Simplify the Bar Options
A fully stocked open bar can be one of the largest single expenses at a wedding. While it’s a nice gesture, it’s not always necessary. Many couples opt for modified bar service that still feels generous but keeps the budget intact.
Creative alternatives include:
- Serving beer, wine, and two signature cocktails
- Offering open bar during cocktail hour, then switching to cash bar
- No hard liquor, just beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
This approach still gives guests a festive time without the skyrocketing costs of premium alcohol.
7. Prioritize the Venue’s Built-In Amenities
Ashton Place offers a wide range of included features—like wireless internet, reception furniture, ceremony areas, and private suites. Take full advantage of what’s available before renting anything extra.
This can save on:
- Lounge furniture
- Sound systems and microphones
- Bridal dressing spaces and décor setups
- Lighting and uplighting in certain rooms
By using what’s already included in your package, you reduce redundancy and eliminate extra vendor coordination.
8. Add DIY Touches with Meaning
Personalizing your wedding doesn’t have to mean hiring a luxury design team. Many couples find great joy in creating meaningful DIY elements that save money and bring a personal touch to their big day.
Popular DIY ideas:
- Handmade signs or welcome boards
- Custom table numbers or name cards
- Photo booth backdrops using personal photos
- Guest favors like candles, snacks, or potted succulents
Just be sure to start early—DIY becomes stressful if left to the last minute. Involving friends or family can also turn it into a fun pre-wedding activity.
Budget Estimate Summary
Let’s examine two sample scenarios side‑by‑side:
| Cost Category | Moderate 200-Guest (Peak) | Lean 150-Guest (Off-Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Venue Rental | $10,000 | $8,000 |
| Catering + Bar | $12,000 | $9,000 |
| Staffing + Logistics | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Décor & Rentals | $5,000 | $3,000 |
| Photography | $4,000 | $3,000 |
| Music & Entertainment | $3,000 | $2,500 |
| Planner Optional | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| Cake & Extras | $1,200 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $800 | $600 |
| Subtotal | $40,500 | $30,600 |
| Taxes & Fees (8%) | $3,240 | $2,448 |
| Estimated Total | ≈ $43,740 | ≈ $33,048 |
This shows a more budget‑conscious wedding in off‑peak season could save ~$10,700 (nearly 25%).
Why Couples Love Ashton Place
Ashton Place continues to earn top reviews. Here’s why:
- Flawless service: WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards (2010–2025) speak volumes.
- Competitive pricing: $10,000 starting price includes essential amenities.
- Venue flexibility: Multiple ceremony locations allow indoor and outdoor exchange.
- One‑stop convenience: Bridal suites, décor rentals, and logistics all in one place.
- Versatile capacity: Great for intimate or grand celebrations (up to 800 guests).
Conclusion
Planning a wedding at Ashton Place involves more than paying $10,000 up front. Total costs depend on guests, menu, décor, entertainment, and date. A typical 200‑guest wedding in peak season can cost around $44,000, while an off‑peak scaled‑down version may be closer to $33,000.
By understanding these line items and using smart budgeting—like off‑peak dates, buffet meals, and vendor bundles—you can create a beautiful wedding experience without breaking the bank. Ashton Place offers both elegance and flexibility. With thoughtful planning, your special day can be magical and memorable—right on budget.