
Cheney Mansion
A stunning 1913 English Country estate, Cheney Mansion offers elegant event spaces and beautiful grounds, perfect for weddings and photos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light on grounds

Cheney Mansion
Best Time
Golden hour light on grounds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 1913 English Country estate, Cheney Mansion offers elegant event spaces and beautiful grounds, perfect for weddings and photos.
"It truly felt like we were in another world with the indoor/outdoor combo of beautiful historic mansion plus sweeping lawn."

📸 Photo Permit Info
Book a photo permit for stunning wedding or engagement shots! Staff are helpful with access. :camerawithflash:
💰 Affordable Venue Option
Owned by Oak Park, it's known for being 'ridiculously cheap' for events! :moneybag:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

English Country Style Architecture
Entire Mansion
Step back in time with this stunning 1913 estate, designed to blend with its natural surroundings.

Lush Outdoor Grounds & Greenhouse
Gardens and Greenhouse
Enjoy expansive lawns, mature trees, and a charming white iron greenhouse perfect for photos or intimate gatherings.

Elegant Reception Rooms
Interior
Explore beautifully designed rooms that evoke early 1900s grandeur, ideal for events and celebrations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Peak Seasons
Understand Vendor Policies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Permit Info
Book a photo permit for stunning wedding or engagement shots! Staff are helpful with access. :camerawithflash:
💰 Affordable Venue Option
Owned by Oak Park, it's known for being 'ridiculously cheap' for events! :moneybag:
📅 Check Event Calendar
Grounds are open until dusk, but closed during private events. Check their schedule! :calendar:
🤝 Vendor Coordination
Clarify vendor needs and venue rules early to ensure a smooth event. :handshake:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Permit Info
Book a photo permit for stunning wedding or engagement shots! Staff are helpful with access. :camerawithflash:
💰 Affordable Venue Option
Owned by Oak Park, it's known for being 'ridiculously cheap' for events! :moneybag:
📅 Check Event Calendar
Grounds are open until dusk, but closed during private events. Check their schedule! :calendar:
🤝 Vendor Coordination
Clarify vendor needs and venue rules early to ensure a smooth event. :handshake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cheney Mansion is frequently praised for its stunning beauty, historic charm, and affordability as an event venue, particularly for weddings. Guests rave about the picturesque grounds and elegant interiors, creating a magical atmosphere. While most experiences are positive, some reviews mention challenges with vendor rigidity and communication, suggesting thorough planning is key.
"We had a great experience working with Cheney Mansion for our wedding! The venue is absolutely beautiful and well-maintained, and I appreciated the transparency in pricing and what's included. Everything looked so gorgeous on the day and we got a ton of compliments from our guests! It really is a special place.
When it comes to the staff, everyone was very responsive and kind during the planning process. Our venue coordinator for the day was Andrew, and he was fantastic. He was so friendly and on top of everything, and he worked super well with all our vendors to make the day run smoothly!
We had a wonderful wedding - it was such a beautiful setting and everyone on the venue team was a huge help. Highly recommend!
Photos: Fuller Photo Co"
Dahazee Flores
"We had our wedding here and it was perfect. The size was ideal for 120 guests, and people kept raving about how amazing the space was. The indoor/outdoor combo of beautiful historic mansion plus sweeping lawn was intoxicating. It truly felt like we were in another world. The staff was kind, helpful, and easy to work with. Amazing experience!"
Harry and Marisa
"I chose this venue because of its historic charm and unique character, and while it is beautiful, the amount of stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights it caused was honestly not worth it.
To start, they are extremely rigid with their list of “preferred vendors,” and despite claiming to have great relationships with them, it quickly became clear those relationships are more about kickbacks than quality coordination. The tent vendor situation was particularly frustrating. I was pushed to use their recommended provider, only to find out — too late — that the venue had no clue about that vendor’s logistical requirements. Despite repeatedly telling them that I was planning an outdoor reception, they gave me a laughably short two-hour setup window, expecting a tent, full décor, catering, and everything else to be ready in that time. Totally unrealistic. They eventually allowed just the tent to be set up earlier.
Worse, the staff seemed to have no shared understanding of the venue’s rules. I have emails where different team members contradict each other — on major things like setup times and allowed equipment. And don’t get me started on the DJ and music restrictions. They stressed everything had to be battery-operated, yet still managed to ban battery-operated sparklers for being a fire hazard? It just didn’t make any sense.
Communication was also a nightmare. I called multiple times about different issues such as renting heaters — no answer. I would try to call during work hours. Emails are the only form of communication they respond to. Then on the day of the wedding, they emailed me saying they turned the heaters away.
During the event, things only got worse. We had a mariachi singer (not a full band) performing at 6 p.m. on Memorial Day weekend, and were repeatedly harassed by staff about noise complaints — even during speeches. Yes, the manager literally came up to me, the bride, mid-speech, to tell me neighbors were threatening to call the police. I kept wondering, is this their first wedding ever? The mic wasn’t even loud.
The venue could be great — but only for small, intimate weddings, maybe under 60 guests. Anything larger becomes way too complicated. The interior lacks a proper dance floor, and their “ideal flow” of food inside/dancing outside doesn’t really work. You’ll spend the whole night shuffling people and plates.
Constructive feedback: Train your staff consistently so they all understand — and communicate — the same rules. Be upfront about what’s feasible for outdoor events. And if you’re going to force couples into using preferred vendors, at least be informed about what those vendors need.
In short: gorgeous place, but unless your wedding is small and you’re okay following their every (often unclear) rule, be prepared for a bumpy ride.
I did love my wedding, but be mindful it costs me way more (outside vendors, additional hours) to put it together. I lost lots of items in their lightning speed clean up requirement."
Ivonne Jazmin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cheney Mansion is located in Oak Park, Illinois. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options include the CTA Green Line train to the Oak Park station, followed by a short bus ride or walk.
Yes, parking is available at Cheney Mansion. It's recommended to confirm parking arrangements with your event coordinator or when booking your visit, especially for larger events.
The grounds are generally open to the public until dusk, except during private events. Free tours are available by appointment only.
For events, consider ride-sharing services or carpooling to ease parking. If driving, allow extra time for potential traffic, especially on weekends.
While the historic nature of the mansion presents some challenges, efforts are made to accommodate visitors. It's best to contact the venue directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For general visits to the grounds, no tickets are typically required outside of private events. However, tours are by appointment only and may have specific booking procedures.
Visiting the grounds is generally free. For events, rental fees apply. It's noted as being 'ridiculously cheap' for events due to its ownership by Oak Park.
The grounds are open to the public until dusk. However, the mansion itself is often closed for private events, so it's crucial to check their schedule before visiting.
Yes, free tours are available by appointment only. Contact the venue directly to schedule your visit and learn more about what the tours entail.
Entry is restricted during private events. It's always advisable to check the Cheney Mansion's official calendar or contact them directly to confirm public access.
📸 📸 Photography & Videography
Yes, Cheney Mansion is a popular spot for photography, especially for weddings and engagement shoots. A photo permit is often required for professional shoots.
Absolutely! The historic architecture, elegant interiors, and beautiful grounds, including the greenhouse, provide a stunning backdrop for wedding photography.
While generally accommodating, it's wise to confirm any specific restrictions on equipment, especially for professional shoots, when booking your permit or visit.
Similar to photography, filming may require prior arrangement or a permit. Contact the venue to discuss your videography needs.
The greenhouse, the sweeping lawns with mature trees, and the various reception rooms offer diverse and beautiful settings for memorable photos.
🎫 💍 Weddings & Events
Yes, Cheney Mansion is a highly recommended wedding venue, praised for its historic charm, beautiful indoor/outdoor spaces, and affordability.
The venue is ideal for events around 120 guests, offering a good indoor/outdoor flow. However, some reviews suggest it might be better suited for smaller, more intimate weddings.
Rentals typically include access to the mansion and grounds. It's important to clarify what specific amenities, setup times, and vendor inclusions are part of your package.
Cheney Mansion has a list of 'preferred vendors,' and some reviews indicate rigidity around this. It's crucial to discuss your vendor choices and their requirements with the venue early on.
Some guests have reported noise complaints during events, even with moderate music. It's advisable to confirm specific sound policies and discuss them with the venue management.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families considering the mansion for an event like a wedding or anniversary, it offers a unique and memorable setting. The outdoor spaces are particularly appealing for younger guests to explore in a safe environment, and the picturesque surroundings make for wonderful family photos.
💍 Couples Planning a Wedding
While the venue is generally well-regarded, couples should proactively clarify vendor policies and communication protocols with the venue management. Addressing these details early can help ensure a seamless planning process and a stress-free wedding day. The venue's unique character and beautiful scenery promise unforgettable wedding photos and guest experiences.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
To maximize your shoot, consider booking a photo permit in advance. This ensures you have access to the best spots and can capture the mansion's essence without interruption. The variety of settings, from manicured gardens to elegant interiors, makes it ideal for diverse photography projects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
Visitors can explore the elegantly designed reception rooms, which retain much of their original character. These spaces offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the era and provide a sophisticated setting for events. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship and design makes Cheney Mansion a significant example of residential architecture from its period.
Event Planning Considerations
However, potential renters should be aware of certain planning nuances. While the venue is praised for its affordability, some past guests have noted challenges with vendor coordination and communication. It's essential to have clear discussions about setup times, preferred vendor lists, and any specific venue rules to ensure a smooth event. The venue's staff is generally responsive via email, but confirming details in writing is recommended.
Despite these considerations, many couples have had wonderful experiences, highlighting the venue's stunning aesthetics and the helpfulness of the day-of coordinators. The combination of the historic mansion and the expansive grounds creates a truly memorable atmosphere for any special occasion.
Photography Opportunities
The iconic white iron greenhouse is a particularly sought-after spot, offering a romantic and ethereal atmosphere for wedding and engagement photos. Inside, the mansion's elegantly designed reception rooms provide sophisticated interiors, adding a touch of classic glamour to any photoshoot.
For those planning a wedding or professional photoshoot, securing a photo permit is recommended. The staff has been noted as being very accommodating in allowing access to various rooms and grounds, ensuring you can capture a wide range of stunning images that highlight the unique beauty of Cheney Mansion.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit