Tucked away in the Galena, Illinois countryside, Oak Hill Farm is a breathtaking venue with hidden wedding photography gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re planning a romantic first look, an intimate vow exchange, or timeless bride and groom portraits, these secret spots will make your wedding photos unforgettable.

 

The Bridge

Wander across the charming bridge leading to our chapel, a picture-perfect spot for capturing quiet, romantic moments. Lined with wildflowers and shaded archways, this serene pathway is an ideal retreat for newlyweds right after the ceremony.

 

The Garden

With string lights twinkling overhead, vibrant seating, and a rustic countryside ambiance, our garden offers a storybook setting for wedding photos. The bluffs in the background and the warm glow of sunset bring this enchanting space to life.

 

The Rock Wall

Behind the barn, you’ll find a beautiful limestone rock wall—a textured treasure for wedding portraits. This secluded spot provides a rustic yet elegant backdrop for capturing intimate moments.

 

 

The Oak Tree

Just a short stroll down the hill stands our majestic Oak Tree, a stunning setting for first looks and private vow exchanges. Its grandeur and natural beauty create an awe-inspiring backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos.

The Pond

Whether you’re posing on the dock at sunset, rowing a boat across the glistening water, or strolling along the grassy banks, our serene pond offers endless possibilities for wedding photography.

Find Your Perfect Photography Spot at Oak Hill Farm

Do you have a favorite wedding photo location at Oak Hill Farm? From hidden garden corners to sunset reflections on the water, our venue is full of picture-perfect settings.

Schedule a tour today and explore these breathtaking spots for yourself!

Your wedding day is about you. It should showcase your unique personalities, stories, and love. But how do you make your wedding stand out in a trendy industry?

Every invitation, color scheme, and plated dinner can begin to look the same during the planning process. Don’t let your wedding get lost in a sea of generic bridal chic. Make it original and stand out with some of our favorite personalized touches that you can add at Oak Hill Farm.

 

Handwritten Touches

Even in modern times, there is nothing quite as special as receiving a handwritten note in the mail. Sharing a written welcome with your guests is one small touch that will make your loved ones feel seen and appreciated instantly. Our go-to location for these notes is the chalkboard in our School House. This is the perfect place to display your favorite photos, notes, and memories with your guests that highlight your uniqueness. Want to level up your handwritten touches? Place cards are a great way to add simple ‘I love you’ moments to your wedding day.

 

Photo By: Keridan Skye Photography

Standout Portraits

Couple portraits are some of our favorite photos captured on wedding days at Oak Hill. Each one captures a joyous moment in time that you will treasure forever. But how do you make a portrait stand out? Location! At Oak Hill Farm, we have an endless selection of one-of-a-kind settings to create memorable photos. Here are two of our favorite spots to sneak away to…

The Pond: A quiet and serene space by the water as the golden hour sun reflects off the surface. Paddling a rowboat, sitting on the dock, or just frolicking in the grass. Talk about a moment!

The Horses: These regal creatures, full of character, add such a spark to the rolling hills backdrop at Oak Hill Farm. Let them graze in the background, or pet and play in the sunshine with our horses. Without a doubt, it’s a photo you’ll want to print and hang on the wall.

Photo By: Orange Anchor Photography

Customizable Vintage Decor

One of the easiest ways to make a wedding original is to make it feel homey. Welcome your guests into a space that feels like your home, the life you are building, and the family you are creating. Rugs, couches, framed photos, and accent lighting—these tiny details make a house feel like a home, and they’re all part of our customizable vintage décor offerings at Oak Hill Farm. From glowing lanterns and cozy chairs to a rowdy game of cornhole in the back, we’ve got all the components to make your wedding day feel like home.

 

Photo By: T&E Photography 

Micro Weddings

Sometimes bigger isn’t always better. Scaled-down micro weddings allow for all the personal touches. Want to sit by the fire, roast marshmallows, and have long chats with your family? Looking for nothing but fun, with a cocktail party and an ice cream truck? Or perhaps an intimate ceremony with only your nearest and dearest? At Oak Hill Farm, we’re ready to make those small moments the most memorable ones.

 

Inspired to make your wedding day uniquely yours? At Oak Hill Farm, we are ready to bring that vision to life.

 

Featured Photo By: My Whole Heart Co

Wedding season is upon us, and planning these magnificent events is filled with creativity and new trends. A few standout themes for the 2025 season speak to the very essence of Oak Hill Farm near Galena, Illinois.

 

Midwest Hospitality

The guest experience is taking center stage this year.

Couples are prioritizing treating their loved ones to a memorable and thoughtful experience. From personalized invitations to parking and venue transportation, couples are aiming to make their guests feel as stress-free as possible. At Oak Hill Farm, we are committed to this vision! We are here to guide you through all the details to make your day as seamless as possible for you and your family. As a family business, taking care of our own is something we’ve been doing at Oak Hill Farm for three generations. 

 

Vintage and Nostalgic

Family photos, vintage décor, and reclaimed rustic spaces are high on the priority list for couples this year.

For many, quaint, charming, and nostalgic are top-tier words to describe their ideal venue. The same is true for us at Oak Hill Farm. Every unique setting on our farm is filled with family history, ready for your personal touch. Our Chapel is where it all began when we moved St. John’s Church to our farm as my father’s final resting place. Add to that the schoolhouse, barn, country store, and farmhouse—each winding path at Oak Hill leads you to a piece of historic beauty.

 

One-of-a-Kind Moments

Gone are the days of the formulaic ceremony, dinner, dance, and done.

Couples in 2025 are looking for more unique and memorable experiences on their wedding day. Some are opting for multi-day wedding weekends, while others are choosing small details that make a big impact. At Oak Hill Farm, one of our biggest assets is that we are a true farm with animals. Our miniature roaming donkeys, Earl and JoJo, are the stars of our staff. Their goofy and charming selves are waiting to greet you and your guests with selfie-ready smiles. Plus in the Spring of 2025, we are welcoming some new babies to the farm, two miniature donkeys! Our more regal creatures wait for you in the pasture. Our horses make unforgettable companions for swoon-worthy sunsets. Talk about a picture-perfect Midwestern moment.

 

Gardens, Nature, and All Things Green

The number one trend for weddings over the last decade has, without fail, been outdoor venues—especially those immersed in nature.

In 2025, this trend couldn’t be more accurate. Garden parties and woodland escapes offer the perfect way to disconnect and be fully immersed in the wedding ceremony. Nothing takes your breath away quite like our Path of Pines or Woodland Forest. We are tucked away in the quiet, rolling hills of rural Illinois, where you and your guests will be surrounded by the natural, awe-inspiring beauty of Oak Hill Farm.

 

Do these trends sound like your ideal wedding day? Oak Hill Farm might just be the venue for you!

 

Photography By: Sarah Monson