What is the rental time included in the wedding package?
Full use of the venue from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
What time does the wedding end?
Weddings end at 11 p.m. All music must be turned off by 11 p.m. to adhere with our sound permit from the Village of North Aurora.
Our marriage license asks for the county we were married in. What county is The Wilds in?
Kane County, Illinois
When are the payments due?
The deposit is due at booking, 50% is due 3 months prior to the wedding and the final payment is due 14 days prior to the wedding.
What is the cancellation policy?
In the event the renter cancels the wedding, all fees paid up until the date of cancellation are not refundable. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Cash, check and credit/debit cards are accepted. We do not accept American Express. Credit/debit payments can be made online, over the phone or in person by appointment. Cash and check payments are not accepted at The Wilds. Please make an appointment with your venue coordinator to discuss cash and check payments.
How does additional decorating time work?
Up to 2 hours of additional decorating time can be added on the day of your wedding or added to the day before if The Wilds is available. Additional decorating time added to the day of the wedding must be booked by the 3-month meeting and can only be added to the rental start time. Additional decorating time added to the day before the wedding can only be booked at the Final Walkthrough Meeting.
Can I drop off my decorations the night before?
Personal items are not allowed on the property outside your contracted rental time.
What wedding planning support does The Wilds provide?
The Rental and Wedding Coordinator will work with you to answer your questions leading up to the big day. The Wilds offers two in-person planning meetings. Additional meetings are offered on a remote platform. On your wedding day, staff will serve the venue, assist with the ceremony, and help with vendor check-in. At the end of the night, staff will take out garbage and ensure all guests have exited.
What is the cleanup policy?
All personal decorations and food/beverage service items must be cleared out by the end of the rental time. Wedding staff will provide trash bags and remove items in trash cans to the dumpster. All alcohol must be removed from the premises at the end of the night. Alcohol left in the venue will be disposed of promptly after the end of the rental time. The Wilds staff will break down venue furniture and supplies including table linens, tables, and chairs.
Can guests leave their cars parked in the parking lot overnight?
Yes! Any vehicle left overnight is subject to the risk of the owner. The parking lot is not locked or monitored.
Where can I load?
Vehicles can be parked in the loading zone in the parking lot. After loading, please move all vehicles to the parking lot.
How many parking spots are available?
There are approximately 100 parking spots available.
How many weddings will be booked the day of my wedding?
Just yours! Your wedding will be the only one held at the property that day.
What is the maximum number of guests.
130 guests.
Do you allow tents?
Pop-up tents are allowed on the patio with prior approval. Tents that need to be staked into the ground are not permitted.
Are there hidden costs, cleaning, and gratuity fees?
No. All prices are listed in the contract.
Do you have in-house vendors such as catering, bartending and DJ?
The Wilds provides only the space and time. You will need to hire vendors to service your wedding.
Must I use a vendor on your list?
You are welcome to use your own vendors at no additional cost. We ask that vendors provide a Certificate of Insurance (if required) 30 days prior to arriving.
Does The Wilds have audio/visual equipment?
Yes! The Wilds has a TVs, speakers and 2 microphones. The TV has one HDMI connection. The HDMI cord and adapters are provided. We ask that all AV equipment be tested to our system at the Final Meeting.
Does the venue provide heaters or umbrellas for the outdoor spaces?
The Wilds does not offer heaters or umbrellas. You may bring in rented or your own propane heaters for the outdoor areas only.
Is there an inventory of décor we can borrow from?
Yes. You can borrow décor from The Wilds. We ask that it is returned at the end of the night.
Does The Wilds provide plates, silverware, glassware, and napkins?
No. These items would have to be brought in by you or a vendor.
What’s the weather contingency (backup) plan for outdoor spaces?
Ceremonies that cannot be held outside due to weather are held inside the venue. Guests will remain at their tables and the arch will be placed inside The Wilds.
Is there signage or other aids to direct guests to my event?
Yes, wedding staff will post signs directing guests to the ceremony/reception site. We suggest the couple plan to have ushers to help as well.
Who provides the wood for the fireplace?
Wedding staff will provide the wood, start, and maintain your fire per your contract.
Is there a kitchen?
The Wilds does not have a kitchen or sink. There is a deep freezer and refrigerator for you to use during your wedding. The deep freezer holds 15-20 bags of ice.
Is the floor plan customizable?
Yes! The Wedding & Rental Coordinator will assist with your floor plan. We can offer what we think works best in our venue based on your head count and we are open to your ideas! The bar is typically not moved during rentals.
Do you provide s’mores supplies?
No. All food and food supplies must be provided by you or your vendors. We will set up a table for your s’cmores. We do not provide roasting sticks, marshmallows, graham crackers or chocolate. We recommend purchasing long wood bamboo sticks that can easily be tossed into the fire pit after use.
What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding?
Vendors should arrive no earlier than the contracted start time. Coordinate with your vendors about how much time they will need to set up.
How much time is allocated for the rehearsal?
Rehearsals (additional fee) are booked 90 days prior to the wedding based on availability and last one hour.
Can we host our rehearsal dinner here?
We do not offer a space to host rehearsal dinners.
Can I get ready at The Wilds?
No. The Wilds does not have additional space for getting ready.
Can we throw confetti?
Confetti is prohibited. Organic materials are allowed to be tossed.
Is smoking allowed?
By the direction of the Executive Director, smoking is permitted at The Wilds in conjunction with a private rental. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the venue; all other areas in the park are smoke-free and strictly prohibited. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all park areas or in the interior of the venue.
Can we do shots?
Shots are not permitted and will not be provided by your bar service vendor. To keep our liquor license, we must adhere to alcohol rules.
How far in advance do you need the head count?
Your head count is due at the Final Walkthrough Meeting. We will finalize the number of tables and chairs and the configuration. Chairs can be added or removed on the day-of.
Does The Wilds have heat and air conditioning?
No. You may bring in propane outdoor heaters for the patio and fans.
How many restrooms do you have?
There are two public restrooms attached to the outside of the venue. The restrooms are ADA compliant. The public is allowed access to the restrooms during your rental. The area is accessible to the public from dawn to dusk.
Can we have real candles?
Yes, they need to be in a glass container. Tapered candles or candles lit without a base are not allowed.
Can we have sparklers?
Sparklers are permitted with advance notice. The couple must provide sparklers and lighters. Wedding staff will provide a water bucket only and will not assist with coordinating or lighting sparklers for a sendoff.
Can our pet come to the wedding?
The Wilds allows service animals only. No other type of animals are allowed.
Do you offer non-wedding packages?
Yes! Please visit the Red Oak Nature Center website for more information.
Can I come take a tour?
Absolutely! To schedule a tour, please email thewilds@fvpd.net, click inquire now, or call 630-701-9669. Tours are scheduled by appointment only.
