Five things:

• – John Henry ended every email interaction with “Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” and we loved it
  – 24 people in attendance –we sure love those intimate weddings
  – So many showering things – flower petals, bubbles, waterfalls
  – The Galenachalet.com is super wonderful
  – Also, if you’re ever in Galena, IL – Fritz & Frites is worth a stop!

Planning a small wedding in Galena, Illinois

We’re based in Wisconsin and traveled to Galena for this one. Here is what we’d want to know before planning a small wedding here.

Where is the Galena Chalet?

In The Galena Territory, a resort community in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, in the hills a short drive from historic downtown Galena. Rental listings describe a full view of Lake Galena.

Is it a wedding venue or a vacation rental?

It operates as a vacation rental rather than a traditional wedding venue, so expect to plan the logistics yourself. One public rental listing says on-site parties and group events aren’t allowed, so ask the owners directly about a wedding, and get the answer in writing, before you plan around it.

How many guests can you have?

Ours was 24 people, which suits a home like this. A rental listing for the property sleeps ten overnight, so work out early where day guests and out-of-town family will stay.

What is there to do nearby?

Historic downtown Galena is roughly ten minutes away by car, and The Galena Territory has hiking trails and golf courses. For a meal in town, we’d send you to Fritz & Frites.

Do you travel for small weddings?

Yes. We photograph across Wisconsin and travel for the right wedding, as we did for this one and for Marika + Walker’s family reunion wedding in Fort Collins, Colorado. For more small-wedding ideas, see our guide to the best intimate wedding venues in Wisconsin, or send us a note.