Weddings

FACILITY RENTALS

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.

Make your reservation online by clicking on the Facility Search link under the Explore More section. A $200 deposit is due at the time of your reservation. This deposit will be used to hold your reservation and apply toward any damages that may occur. Half ($100) of the deposit is non-refundable if the event is cancelled. If no damage occurs and rules are followed, the full deposit will be refunded the week after the event. The full rental fee must be paid in full at least 45 days before the event or at the time of the reservation if less than 45 days.

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.

The deposit required at the time of reservation may also be used 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:

1. A later departure time of the rental facility than the specified time on the reservation sheet.
2. Erection of a tent, dunk tank, inflatable playhouse, etc. on District property.
3. Damages or costs of repairs to the facility incurred during the rental.
4. Violation of the Life Safety Code by exceeding the facility's maximum occupancy.

Our most popular facilities 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 the day before (or after) your event by renting the facility for more than one day.

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 facilities 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.