The Champaign County Forest Preserve District welcomes your interest in using our facilities for your wedding and/or wedding reception. Before you make your final decision, however, there are a number of factors of which you should be aware.
We are a Forest Preserve District whose mission is conservation, education and outdoor recreation. Our facilities, although wonderful for family picnics, reunions, etc., are not banquet halls and may be considered rather primitive by comparison. In addition, we have a small staff, and we are not equipped to handle many of the special requests that often attend weddings and receptions. Our wedding facilities demand a great amount of attention from our park operations personnel. The maintenance alone of the facilities is somewhat overwhelming and costly; so in order to continue to offer wedding facilities, rental prices are listed below.
*** Due to construction on the Waterfall/Pond, the Gazebo will be the only garden location available for wedding ceremonies August 1, 2018 - May 30, 2020
2019 Fees
| Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve |
| Wedding Ceremony |
$995 |
| Wedding Damage Deposit |
$200 |
| Lake of the Woods Pavilion or Elks Lake Pavilion Rain Backup |
$105
|
| Lake of the Woods Pavilion or Elks Lake Pavilion Reception |
$390 |
| Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve | Capacity 200 |
| Refer to regular fees page |
|
| Homer Lake Forest Preserve | Capacity 100 |
| Refer to Regular Fees Page |
|
| Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve | Capacity 32 |
| Refer to Regular Fees Page |
|
| Middle Fork River Forest Preserve | Capacity 134 |
| Refer to Regular Fees Page |
|
Above prices also include an initial $100 nonrefundable reservation fee to apply toward the remaining rental price. Additionally, there is a separate damage deposit.
Important Information
The following items are issues of which renters should also be aware: All tents are prohibited on District property. In addition, dunk tanks, horseshoes, inflatable playhouses (e.g. a moonwalk) and pony rides are also prohibited.
In consideration of other preserve users, amplified music that can be heard more than 75 feet from the rental facility is not allowed. Furthermore, the speakers must remain within the building at all times during the rental. Violation of this ordinance will result in the termination of the amplified music.
A damage deposit is required for any damage or cost incurred by the renter for any repairs, or if the building or shelter is not left in a clean, orderly condition. The deposit will be forfeited by the renter in the event of the following:
- A later departure time of the rental facility than the specified time on the reservation sheet.
- Erection of a tent, dunk tank, inflatable playhouse, etc. on District property.
- Damages or costs of repairs to the facility incurred during the rental.
- Violation of the Life Safety Code by exceeding the facility's maximum occupancy.
Our most popular pavilions and shelters (the areas most often rented for large groups) are booked well in advance. Because of this busy schedule, we are unable to allow you access to the building for decorating or rehearsals the day prior to your rental. You can, however, guarantee access for decoration, rehearsals, etc. by renting the facility for two days rather than one.
We have no control over weather. If your event is scheduled outdoors, you should make contingency plans in case of inclement weather. We do not have alternates available.
Because of environmental concerns we do not spray to control mosquitoes, etc. At times they can be a nuisance.
In all cases where alcohol is present, Host Liquor Liability Insurance will be required. This insurance must be in the amount of one million dollars and list the CCFPD as "additional insured."
Our forest preserves are public facilities. Although you have exclusive use of your rental building, the restrooms remain public and there is no guarantee that others (fishermen, hikers, golfers, etc.) will not be in the general area.
The carillon in Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is preprogrammed. We do not have the capability to honor special requests.
Our facilities are electrically wired to accommodate "normal" usage such as coffee makers, etc. High amperage equipment may require special temporary electrical service at an additional charge.
The rental pavilions do not have telephones. We suggest that someone in your party have a cell phone if you feel you will need it. In an emergency, call 911 or contact one of the District employees on duty.
We sincerely hope your wedding or reception meets your expectations. Please make us aware of any special requests early enough so that you may make other arrangements if our capabilities do not meet your needs.