Have you ever dreamt of having that perfect country wedding? If a rustic outdoor wedding is what you’re seeking, look no further than Southern Illinois— an ideal location for fulfilling your country wedding dream. Located near the South, Southern Illinois boasts a diverse landscape filled with lush forestland, farms, and pastoral scenery filled with vast fields and rolling hills. Barn weddings and farm wedding locations are a splendid choice in this rural area.
In Southern Illinois your guests can enjoy a ceremony with simple elegance and country charm. Barn weddings and farm wedding venues are trending in popularity due to their laid back yet refined aesthetic. Guests can feel comfortable in a country setting while showing off the couple’s unique style.
Located amid the Ozark and Shawnee Hills, visitors to Southern Illinois would have plenty to explore. The area boasts lush forestland, canyons, ridges, and other natural features. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there’s hiking at Giant City State Park, zip-lining through a canopy of trees, or visiting Bald Knob Mountain for stunning views. Food aficionados will enjoy Murphysboro, the state’s official BBQ Capital. For classic Southern food, the Giant City Lodge offers dining in a massive mountain lodge atmosphere. For those hoping to imbibe, there’s the Shawnee Wine Trail and a number of craft breweries to explore.
Traditional country wedding decor includes rustic pieces like mason jars, burlap runners, lanterns with candles, decorated baskets, old fashioned wagons and wheel barrels. Sunflowers are a nice touch, or pumpkins in Autumn. Unique features like your grandmother’s quilts, re-purposed bottles, or rugged accent pieces add a nice flair. Perhaps the couple would like to exchange vows under a wooden arch decorated with local greenery, brambles, and wildflowers. In Southern Illinois there are several options for catering, including southern-inspired cuisine.
