The Wagner House, located in the historic Wagner Print Building, is a three-story industrial warehouse in downtown Freeport, Illinois. The building was built in 1903 and was one of the first buildings that had electricity in Freeport. Established in 1853 and incorporated on March 9, 1912, the Wagner Building was home to the German-born Wagner Family who, like Freeport, has a long and interesting history. The Wagner House also served as an industrial manufacturing spot for textiles and fashion. For four generations, the business did not change hands, and the present Wagner company pledged to continue their record of quality printing and letterpress and are still in business today. In 2013, The Wagner building was sold to Bill Green to redevelop and re-imagine it, creating a wine bar, business incubator, and beautiful event space.

The Ellwood House Museum is an historic estate that offers three unique rental spaces on ten acres of gardens and grounds. These include the first floor and terraces of elegant Ellcourt, an historic Tudar Revival house built in 1899. It is available from March through mid-November and is our only venue where alcohol service is permissible. Ellcourt has an hourly rate of $350. The grounds also offer a choice of three garden spaces for wedding ceremonies. Garden rentals are available mid-May to mid-October and include an inclement weather backup location in the Hearthside Room of the Visitor Center. The rental rate is a flat fee of $500. The third venue is our more casual space, the Hearthside Room, which includes access to the galleries. It is available March through mid-November, and the rental rate is $75 per hour. All venues are limited to 80 people, and both indoor venues have full kitchens.

A three-story Victorian Mansion built in 1915 and once the home to Emerson Keith, founder of Keith Country Day School. The two available stories include two large studio spaces, galley kitchen, sun porch, and professional office, with options to add on massage suite, esthetics suite, and hair salon. The building's integrity has remained intact, simply allowing for updated paint and decoration. An incredibly versatile space for intimate events, bridal suite, showers, rehearsal dinners, photography, media stages, video, and meetings.

The Funderburg House is a unique and historic venue that allows you to completely immersive. This 3-story, 1906 mansion is sure to keep your guests talking. It is a romantic spot that is perfect for any happy couple to celebrate their big day!

Our breathtaking 20 acre vineyard and gorgeous winery create a beautiful and unique backdrop for your special day. Our attention to detail, knowledgeable staff and delicious food will help to ensure a perfect event. Each wedding has exclusive use of the vineyard and our winery and can fit up to 230 guests comfortably. Our Events Manager will help guide you through the planning process, tailoring your event to your own individual needs and creating a flawless wedding day.

IF YOU VALUE FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIP AND DON’T BELIEVE IN OBLIGATORY INVITES, A WEDDING EXPERIENCE AT THE HOMESTEAD 1854 IS DESIGNED FOR YOU! Offering the ideal combination of elegance and tradition, the organic beauty of our Midwestern setting serves as an enchanting backdrop for your wedding day. Located less than 60 miles from downtown Chicago in Plano, Illinois, our accommodating team, recognized for their professionalism and creative flair, works beside you to make your intimate wedding an unforgettable experience. It’s our job to make your wedding day stress-free! Whether your wedding calls for grandeur or simple elegance, The Homestead 1854’s wedding packages provide for most of the essential elements of your wedding day, while still offering you the opportunity to select your own Caterer, Photographer, Florist, D.J., Coordinator, and Hair/Make-Up Artists.