Are you dreaming of a grand wedding in the suburbs—surrounded by lush fairways, a stunning clubhouse, and impeccable service? Bolingbrook Golf Club offers exactly that. But before you fall in love with the venue, it’s important to know: how much will your wedding really cost? In this article, we break down every detail—from base pricing to hidden fees—and provide actionable budgeting tips to help your big day stay both beautiful and within reach.
About Bolingbrook Golf Club
Bolingbrook Golf Club is a premier, municipally-owned country club and banquet facility located just 40 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. The venue offers a sprawling 76,000 sq ft clubhouse overlooking an award-winning championship golf course.
Developed in 2002 by the Village of Bolingbrook, the property was designed with both recreational play and upscale events in mind. Over the years, it has earned acclaim—notably a top‑rating on WeddingWire (4.8/5) and a reputation for phenomenal food, attentive staff, and customizable spaces .
Venue Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Bolingbrook Golf Club |
| Location | 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, IL, 60490 |
| Call | (630) 771‑9400 (main line) |
| Price | $900 starting venue rental (est.) |
| Capacity | Up to 600 seated guests |
| Awards | WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2009–2025 |
| Website | bolingbrookgolfclubweddings.com |
| Instagram / Email | — |
| Facilities | Ceremony Area Private Bridal Suites Indoor/Outdoor Ceremony Areas Dressing Room Reception Area Wireless Internet |
Location & Accessibility
Situated in Bolingbrook, Illinois—just southwest of Chicago—this venue offers convenience without compromising elegance. It is easily accessible via major highways and provides over 600 parking spots. Whether your guests are local or traveling from out-of-town, the spacious clubhouse and adjacent amenities streamline logistics and ensure comfort.
Factors Influencing Bolingbrook Golf Club Wedding Costs
When planning your wedding at Bolingbrook Golf Club, understanding what drives the cost can help you plan better, set realistic expectations, and find opportunities to save. Several key elements determine the total price tag of your event, from the time of year and guest count to the choices you make with vendors and style.
Let’s break down the most important cost factors in detail:
Guest Count: The Core Cost Multiplier
One of the biggest and most direct influences on your wedding budget is how many guests you invite. Every additional person increases your per-head catering cost, rental needs (chairs, linens, dinnerware), and the size of your venue space.
At Bolingbrook Golf Club, pricing for catering and beverage packages typically ranges from $70–$120 per guest, which can quickly multiply depending on your final count. Planning a more intimate wedding with 100–150 guests rather than 300–400 can potentially cut your food and beverage expenses in half.
Date & Seasonality: Timing Affects Pricing
Your wedding date can significantly impact pricing, even at a single venue. Bolingbrook Golf Club is a highly sought-after venue, especially during peak wedding season (May through October) and weekends. During these high-demand periods, rates are typically at their highest, and availability is limited.
In contrast, hosting your wedding on a Friday, Sunday, or during the off-season (November to March) may come with lower rental fees, extra incentives like free room upgrades, or added inclusions such as linens or AV equipment at no cost.
Type of Ceremony and Reception Package
Bolingbrook Golf Club offers both à la carte and full-service wedding packages, which can include ceremony coordination, food and beverage, rentals, and even day-of event support. Opting for a full-service package often results in a smoother experience and better value, but it will have a higher upfront price compared to venue rental alone.
Couples choosing to bring in outside vendors for catering, décor, or entertainment might save in some areas but should be prepared for additional logistics, coordination fees, and possible vendor approval processes from the venue.
Food and Beverage Selections
Catering is often the single largest line item in a wedding budget. At Bolingbrook Golf Club, the culinary team offers a range of customizable menus—from elegant plated dinners to buffet-style receptions. The more elaborate your food and drink offerings, the more you’ll spend.
Premium selections such as steak, lobster, multi-course meals, champagne toasts, or signature cocktails will drive up costs, while more budget-friendly menu items or limited bar packages can keep your total under control.
Décor, Florals, and Customization
Décor costs can vary widely depending on your style. Bolingbrook Golf Club’s natural beauty and elegant interiors allow for minimal décor if desired, which can help keep floral and rental budgets lower. However, couples looking to create an ultra-personalized or luxury experience might invest heavily in custom backdrops, specialty lighting, lavish centerpieces, and elaborate floral installations.
Decorating both the ceremony and reception spaces can increase labor and materials significantly. Additionally, working with top-tier floral designers or using imported blooms will increase your floral expenses.
Vendor Selection and Additional Services
The vendors you choose—from photographers and entertainment to planners and transportation—greatly affect your bottom line. High-end, in-demand professionals often come at a premium, especially if they’re traveling from outside the area.
Some services may be included or recommended by Bolingbrook Golf Club, such as AV setup or valet parking, while others will need to be outsourced. Adding specialty vendors like photo booths, cigar bars, live painters, or late-night food trucks also adds to the total cost.
Special Add-Ons and Personal Touches
Many couples opt to elevate their event with meaningful extras, such as firework shows, horse-drawn carriages, luxury welcome bags, or guest experiences like wine tastings or golf rounds the day before. While these additions can be memorable, they are also budget enhancers.
Bolingbrook Golf Club offers various enhancements, such as upgraded chairs, charger plates, or specialty linens, which can add polish and personality but will come at an extra cost.
Detailed Expense Breakdown
Here’s a modeled cost breakdown for a 200‑guest wedding during peak season:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental | $900 |
| Catering & Bar (200 x $90) | $18,000 + taxes & fees ≈ $25,380 |
| Décor, Rentals & Lighting | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Entertainment (DJ/Band) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Photography & Videography | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Flowers & Ceremony/LR Decor | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Special Add‑Ons (Fireworks, etc.) | $3,000+ (optional) |
| Total Estimated Cost | $41,380 – $55,280 |
These figures align with wedding cost benchmarks in Bolingbrook, which range from $12,780–$15,620 for 50–100 guests up to $59,500–$72,700 for 200–300 guests at country‑club venues.
Tips for Budgeting & Saving on Bolingbrook Golf Club Weddings
Planning a wedding at an upscale venue like Bolingbrook Golf Club does not mean you have to stretch your finances beyond comfort. With strategic planning and a smart mindset, you can host an elegant, unforgettable event without overspending. Here are several detailed and practical tips to help you manage your wedding budget effectively.
Choose Off-Peak Dates for Major Discounts
Wedding season in Illinois typically peaks from late spring through early fall (May–October). However, opting for a weekday wedding or an off-season date (November through March) can yield significant cost savings. Bolingbrook Golf Club may offer promotional packages during these times, which could include complimentary ceremony spaces, reduced per-person catering rates, or waived facility fees.
Not only will vendors be more flexible in pricing, but your preferred date will also be more likely available—offering you both affordability and choice.
Keep Your Guest List Intimate and Intentional
The number of guests is one of the biggest cost drivers in any wedding. Every added guest means more food, drinks, table setups, invitations, and potentially larger spaces. By narrowing your list to immediate family and close friends, you can create a more personal experience while reducing your catering and rental costs significantly.
A headcount of 100–150 guests is often ideal for enjoying both intimacy and celebration, while staying within a manageable budget.
Take Advantage of In-House Inclusions
Bolingbrook Golf Club provides many in-house services—including tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and even servers—under its catering packages. Utilizing what the venue already offers helps you avoid the need to rent from third-party vendors, which can quickly add thousands to your budget.
Also, the private bridal suites, Wi-Fi access, and ceremony areas are often included in the venue rental or package deals, allowing you to minimize additional fees.
Opt for Buffet or Family-Style Dining
Plated dinners tend to be the most formal—and most expensive—option. Buffet or family-style dining options, on the other hand, can provide a delicious and elegant experience at a slightly lower cost per person.
This also gives guests more choices and can minimize food waste. Ask your event coordinator about cost differences between service styles to make the most informed decision.
Be Smart with the Bar
An open premium bar is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser, but it can dramatically increase your expenses. Consider a few alternatives:
- Offer a limited bar with beer, wine, and one or two signature cocktails.
- Host an open bar during cocktail hour only, then switch to a cash bar during the reception.
- Set a cap on bar expenses, after which guests can purchase their own drinks.
These strategies still allow guests to enjoy the evening without overwhelming your budget.
Simplify the Décor
With a naturally stunning setting like Bolingbrook Golf Club, you can lean on the beauty of the lush golf course, elegant clubhouse interiors, and open sky to provide ambiance. Rather than over-decorating, focus on impactful, minimalist design:
- Use seasonal flowers for centerpieces.
- Incorporate candlelight or LED string lights for warmth.
- Repurpose ceremony décor during the reception to save costs.
Additionally, you can explore DIY options for signage, table numbers, and welcome boards to add a personalized and cost-effective touch.
Bundle Services and Negotiate Packages
Always ask your event coordinator about bundled packages for catering, bar, and coordination services. Often, these comprehensive deals are cheaper than sourcing each component individually. Don’t hesitate to negotiate—most venues are open to customizing packages to suit your needs and price range, especially if you’re flexible on the date or number of hours booked.
Also, if you’re hiring a vendor for multiple services (such as DJ + lighting or photography + videography), inquire about multi-service discounts.
Skip the Extras (Unless They Truly Matter)
It’s tempting to go all out with fireworks, ice sculptures, chocolate fountains, and late-night snacks. But ask yourself: Will this enhance the experience for most guests? Or is it more for the wow factor?
Only include those splurges that genuinely reflect your personality or priorities. For example, if fireworks are a “must-have,” consider cutting back in other areas like favors or printed materials.
Track Every Expense with a Wedding Budget Sheet
Finally, use a detailed wedding budget spreadsheet to track costs in real-time. Break down every category—venue, catering, attire, décor, vendors, transportation—and monitor what has been paid versus what’s outstanding. This habit not only helps avoid overspending but also prepares you for last-minute surprises or adjustments.
There are many free wedding budget tools available online, or you can create a custom Google Sheet shared between you and your partner or planner.
Budget Estimate Summary
| Guest Count | Venue Rental | Catering & Bar | Total Estimated Wedding Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $900 | $11,000–$13,800 | $25,000–$35,000 |
| 200 | $900 | $22,000–$27,600 | $40,000–$55,000 |
| 300 | $900 | $33,000–$41,400 | $55,000–$75,000 |
* Figures include venue, food, bar, basic décor, and service charges. Special add-ons or vendor upgrades may increase total.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does the $900 venue fee cover?
Covers space rental—main ballroom, ceremony areas, wireless internet, and basic staff/service. Décor, catering, and bar are additional.
Q: Can we have our ceremony and reception at the same venue?
Yes—Bolingbrook provides both indoor/outdoor ceremony spaces and a grand reception hall. Package deals often combine both.
Q: Are fireworks allowed?
Yes! One of the few nearby venues permitting fireworks packages—ask your coordinator for details .
Q: What about accessibility and guest accommodations?
The venue offers handicap-accessible facilities and over 600 parking spaces
Q: Do they offer on-site catering and bar service?
Yes—all food, beverage, and staffing are in-house, with premium packages offering multiple courses and drink service .
Final Thoughts
Bolingbrook Golf Club provides an elegant, versatile venue with significant guest capacity and picturesque surroundings. Starting with a modest venue rental, your overall wedding cost is shaped by catering, guest count, added amenities, and optional experiences like fireworks. With thoughtful budgeting and strategic decisions—especially around timing, headcount, bundled services, and décor—you can host a memorable celebration without breaking the bank.