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About Us

a 46 year tradition

About 46 years ago, Oak Hill became part of our family. It was purchased as a weekend home but quickly became much more as my parents poured their hearts and souls into restoring the property to its original state. Along the way, they fell in love with collecting antiques and preserving the rich history of the farm.

For 23 years, my mother Sandy and late father, Duane, transformed the 19th century, crumbling farm into a gathering place for their family and friends that rivaled no other.  Their eye for detail and love for the natural surroundings enabled them to retain the charm and grace of the estate.

In 1996, my father Duane passed away rather suddenly and his wish was to rest on the property which he adored. Our family’s goal was to create a family cemetery on our farm but the county initially denied us that option. Soon after, a rumor spread that what we needed to gain approval for our cemetery was to have a church on site. It wasn’t long before a knock came to the door and a member of a neighboring church, St. John’s, told us their country church needed a home. The congregation had built a new church and could no longer afford to keep up the old one. Their suggestion was to “take the church and answer all our prayers”.

Our dream was becoming a reality and the county ultimately issued us a permit for our family cemetery. We moved St. John’s church to Oak Hill and placed my father in his final resting ground. My husband Doug and I were the first to be married in the newly restored church and from there we’ve invited many to share in our joy and experience Oak Hill for themselves. The last 20 years of our lives have been touched by the many couples who have been captivated by the magic of Oak Hill. We invite you to do the same. –Becky Riedl

Interested in learning more about our story? Head to Amazon for a copy of our book, The Farm.

Our Family Manifesto

We believe…

Details make all the difference

Kindness feeds the soul

Compassion brings happiness

Good things take time

Life is about the people you meet and the ideas you create with them

Live your dream and wear your passion

Open your mind & heart to new things

Help the next one in line

Be brave – find your way and believe in it

Respect nature, others and yourself

Ambition and determination lead to success

 

The Knot Best of Weddings - 2022 Pick

 

meet

BECKY

From what was once my childhood weekend home to what is now Oak Hill, I have spent my life loving this farm. I couldn’t be happier raising my children, growing a business and sharing Oak Hill with others. You’ll find me drinking coffee (and wine), hiking with our kids & dogs, and organizing weddings. Simply put, I am so grateful to live a life where I can give love and laugh lots.

meet

DOUG

Doug is my husband and love of my life. Doug is from upstate New York and we met in Chicago while working at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Doug immediately loved the farm and starting a wedding business was actually his idea! Doug is a beer fanatic, excellent cook and raises Belgian draft horses as a hobby. You’ll find him driving the antique Model A or the horse-drawn carriage during weddings and kicking back on the porch in the evenings.

meet

SANDY

Sandy is the farm matriarch and my mother! She is the sweetest and most hard working person in the world. She loves this farm with all her heart and it gives her great joy to share it with others. You may notice her gardening at Oak Hill, caring for the farm animals and marrying many of our wedding couples!

THE VENUE

SPREAD THE LOVE

We want to thank you for helping us make our wedding day the most memorable event ever. Everyone was amazed by the beautiful setting that made our day so unique.We have received endless compliments - it's been unbelievable! On our first visit to your estate that personal connection that we were looking for was captured. Your assistance with planning and decorating before the wedding was appreciated greatly. We couldn't have done it without you! The warmth you shared with our wedding party and guests go without question. You truly have a special place that is not only special to us but many others as well.
Kevin and Jenny
My husband and I were married at Oak Hill 3 years ago, and we wish we could go back and get married again and again! Becky was a pleasure to work with; she made everything so easy for us. The venue is gorgeous, and you get a lot for the price you pay. I have recommended the place to several people who were looking into Galena area weddings, and they have all been astonished when they viewed it!
Loretta D.
My husband and I got married at Oak Hill in August and everything was absolutely perfect. Becky and her team were fantastic and every single detail was carefully thought in advance and executed. The whole day went even more perfectly that I could have ever imagined. The entire property was manicured and everything was above and beyond expectations. My dress even broke right before the ceremony and Becky brought out a sewing kit to help put it back together. Thank you so much!
Megan H.
This venue is BEAUTIFUL! My sister had her wedding here, and it was breathtaking. The staff was so relaxed and extremely helpful. There are so many places to explore, and many experiences for guest to enjoy from the historical school house to the friendly donkeys roaming the property. Beautiful location for any event.
Lisa R.
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LET’S BE FRIENDS@OAKHILLFARMGALENA
8044 GABEL LANEAPPLE RIVER, ILLINOIS 61001 815.541.2348INFO@OAKHILLWEDDINGS.COM
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