Midway Village's 1905 Barn (pictured above)
Frequently Asked Questions
• What does it cost to have my wedding at Midway in 2023 and 2024?
There are a few options here. April through November we are happy to host your ceremony for $795 if you’re having your reception somewhere else. We rent beautiful white wedding chairs for $3.60 each that includes installation and removal so you don’t lift a finger. Ceremonies and receptions in our Lakeview Rooms are available for a reduced fee based upon day of the week and season. These rooms are located at the Main Museum Center and offer a view of Lake Severin. Our quaint church in the village is available for a discounted rental rate of $375 December through March. We offer a wedding package price April – November that ranges in pricing from $2995 - $3995. This package price includes our wedding suite or our Chamberlain Hotel for the day, your choice spot for the ceremony, and your wedding reception in our 1905 Red Barn or Lakeview Rooms. Linens, rehearsal time and additional amenities are included as outlined in the wedding brochure. Generous discounts are offered for weddings held on Fridays and Sundays and for weddings held in months other than September and October.
• Can I bring in my own Food & Beverages?
You may bring in your own cake/cupcakes/dessert and bottled waters. All other food and beverages, including alcohol, must be provided by one of our nine local approved caterers. These experienced caterers are familiar with our property and have all the licensing and insurance policies required by the Rockford Park District and Winnebago County Health Department. They offer a wide range of pricing and menu offerings so whether you want a simple, picnic buffet or a plated, gourmet dinner, you have options here.
• Does Midway have more than one wedding per day?
During the most popular wedding months, we occasionally have up to two weddings per Saturday but they are generally held on opposite ends of our campus or held at different times of the day. With over 148 lush acres, our expansive grounds give the feeling of seclusion.
• What is required to reserve the date?
To reserve your special day, we require half of the rental fee and half of the $200 damage deposit fee. If you are only having your ceremony here, half of the ceremony chair rental is due at booking. This chair number may be increased or decreased two weeks before the wedding. The balance of the rental fee is due one month before the wedding. We accept cash, checks and credit cards for payment. Deposits are nonrefundable in the event of cancellation or postponement.
• What if it rains?
For peace of mind, we offer an indoor rain back-up plan on your wedding day with the location dependent upon your guest final guest count. Options include the Grey barn, church, red barn or Lakeview Rooms. We allow you six hours before your ceremony time to move indoors if necessary.
• Can we take pictures on the grounds?
Absolutely. You can arrange to have your save the date/engagement photos taken on our beautiful grounds as well as full use on the day of your wedding. With nine lush gardens and 26 historical buildings, you’ll never run out of beautiful backdrops. Just let us know a few days before so we can schedule it.
• When can we get in to decorate and rehearse?
Whenever possible, we allow you to decorate beginning at 1pm the day before as well as rehearse at 5pm or earlier. If the space is rented the day before, you can still rehearse before or after that rental time and decorate as early as 9am the following day.
• What does the Event Host do?
The Event Host arrives two hours before your ceremony to ensure that everything on our end is on time and in place. The host also assists your guests to the ceremony site and to the reception location and will transport guests who may have difficulty navigating the grounds with a six-passenger golf cart. We do have maintenance staff on hand throughout the event to remove garbage and lend any assistance needed.
• Can we come and see the property?
Yes of course. We do offer private tours during the week, just call ahead for an appointment. We also offer 3D virtual tours on weddingwire.com or you can take a self-guided tour during normal museum hours of operation.
Please check us out on https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/midway-village-museum-rockford/5f1a1a717d574893.html
*Pricing quoted is for 2023/2024.
For additional details or to view the facilities, call Lisa Beardsworth, Rentals Manager, at 815-397-9112, ext. 114 or lisa.beardsworth@midwayvillage.com.