Are you attending a Wedding at Bluestem Farm?
Here are many frequently asked questions for wedding guests
1. Where are you located? Any special directions I need to know?
We are located at 9316 IL RTE 173 in Hebron, IL. Our main entrance is off of a side road, Lange Rd. So please watch for this northbound Rd when you are coming down Rte. 173. Once you turn down Lange Rd, you will find the main parking lot entrance at the north end of the property- it’s the last entrance to the farm! We do place a temporary sign facing east on the corner of Lange Rd and Rte 173 to help visibility.
2. What kind of parking do you have?
We have two (2) handicap parking spaces and some additional paved parking. Most of our parking lot is located in our grassy lot. Please plan shoes accordingly. The grassy lot is very close to the entrance of the barn and ceremony area so there will not be any long walks involved. We have a total of 60-70 parking spaces. So carpooling is encouraged. Street parking is not allowed and vehicles will be towed at the owners expense. If you are driving a vehicle that you are concerned about parking on the grass, you are encouraged to arrive early (at least 30 min) to ensure you get a parking spot in the paved lot. After the paved lot is full, there is ONLY grass parking available.
3. Are there Uber/Lyft options near Bluestem Farm?
Yes! We encourage the use of ride sharing or carpooling with family and friends. We recommend ordering an Uber or Lyft about 20 min before you want to leave at the end of the night as many drivers come from Lake Geneva or Woodstock area on the weekends.
4. Can I leave my car overnight?
Yes, if you need to leave your car and hop a ride with someone else, we understand. All vehicles must be cleared from the lot by 10am the next day.
5. Can I bring in my own alcohol? Is tailgating allowed?
NO carry in alcohol or tailgating is allowed. If any guests are seen with their own alcohol on the property they will be asked to stop immediately. All weddings are open bar so please enjoy the beer, wine, and spirits the Bride & Groom have provided for you!
6. How far away is the ceremony site? What shoes should I wear to the ceremony?
Our ceremony site is about 150 feet from the barn and from the parking area. The whole ceremony site is located in the grass so please wear appropriate shoes. The couple will choose either an outdoor or indoor ceremony and sometimes even in extreme temperatures so please plan on being outside. Planned outdoor ceremonies are always brought inside if it’s raining or thunderstorms are in the area. We do not have any paved pathways to the ceremony but the grass is very level.
7. Is the barn ADA compliant?
Yes! We have two (2) ADA parking spaces, Wheelchair accessible bathrooms, a paved patio area, and an elevator!
8. Do you have Air Conditioning or Heat?
We do have both air conditioning and heat in the barn. The HVAC system is upstairs in the reception space only and will keep the temperature around 10-15 degrees cooler or 15-25 degrees warmer than the outside. The lower level has radiant floor heating for cooler days only. We do keep the fans on upstairs and the air conditioner set to a low temperature so if you are prone to getting chilly under these conditions, plan on bringing something to help keep you warmer.
9. What can I expect for dinner? What am I going to eat?
Bluestem Farm allows the wedding couple to choose their vendors, including their caterer. So each wedding is different in terms of menu and service. We encourage you to ask the couple if you are concerned about what you are going to eat or if you have any dietary requirements.
10. Is this a smoke friendly venue?
We don’t allow smoking or vaping in the barn but we do provide a few different areas outside for smoking and provide receptacles for disposal of your butts and cigars. No illegal drugs or marijuana/THC vaping is allowed anywhere on the property.
11. What is your concealed carry and gun policy?
No guns, knifes, or any weapons of any sort are allowed anywhere on the property, even if you have a concealed carry permit.
12. What are the closest hotels?
We have several options for overnight stays. Inquire about staying our luxury vacation rental located in Hebron, IL- The Farmhouse, great for groups and families. There is a Baymont Inn in Richmond, IL (5 min away) as well as about a dozen hotel options in Lake Geneva, WI (15 min away). There are also a few hotels in the Woodstock and McHenry area (20-30 min away).
13. What time does the Wedding end?
Bar close is 10:30pm and the wedding ends at 11pm.
14. I have other questions, who should I contact?
Venue related questions can be directed to Bluestem Farm at: kelly@bluestemfarmandevents.com