Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Rustic Wedding Venue in Northwest Illinois
At Livengood's Barn, we have dedicated ourselves to creating unforgettable event experiences since 2014. Our property in Northwest Illinois features two meticulously renovated climate-controlled barns and expansive outdoor spaces centered around a picturesque pond. The Brown Barn offers a charming bridal suite and flexible seating arrangements for ceremonies and receptions, while The Shed provides twice the square footage for larger celebrations. Our family-owned venue combines rustic charm with modern amenities, including private bathrooms, temperature control, and accessibility features. We pride ourselves on offering customizable packages that empower couples to design their perfect day, whether through our Premium Package with included essentials or fully tailored Ultimate Package.With 20 acres of rolling hills and pastoral scenery, we provide a backdrop that transforms special moments into lasting memories. Our commitment to quality service extends to every detail, from our in-house DJ services to our partnerships with licensed caterers and vendors. As stewards of this working farm, we maintain the natural beauty of our grounds while ensuring every event meets our high standards of comfort and functionality.
Services
Event Venue Rental
Barn Weddings
Outdoor Ceremonies
DJ Services
Catering Coordination
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Family-owned venue with dedicated event coordination since 2014
- Customizable packages for weddings of various sizes and budgets
- Climate-controlled barns with modern amenities in rustic settings
- Scenic outdoor spaces featuring a pond and pastoral landscapes
- Flexible vendor policies with recommended local service providers
Services
Event Venue Rental
Our 20-acre property offers multiple spaces for special events. The Brown Barn accommodates up to 200 guests for ceremonies or 150 for receptions, while The Shed provides space for up to 240 guests. Both climate-controlled barns feature modern amenities including private bathrooms and accessibility features. Outdoor spaces include a pond with dock and scenic pastoral landscapes for ceremonies and photography.
Barn Weddings
We specialize in creating memorable wedding experiences in our renovated barns. The Brown Barn's second level preserves original beams and barn boards for rustic charm, while The Shed offers expansive space for receptions. Both venues include white folding chairs, table rentals, and optional chair covers. Our bridal suite provides a dedicated space for wedding day preparations with convenient access to event spaces.
Outdoor Ceremonies
Our property features multiple outdoor ceremony options surrounded by natural beauty. The pond with dock creates a romantic backdrop, while the open lawn with wood beam arbor offers flexible seating arrangements. Bales with planks provide rustic seating options, and our scenic grounds include a swing set and slide for family-friendly events. Professional photography opportunities abound with country sunsets and pastoral landscapes.
DJ Services
We provide professional DJ services for your event as part of our Premium Package. Our sound system accommodates both barn spaces with appropriate volume control. For Ultimate Package clients, we offer coordination with preferred local DJs or support bringing your own entertainment. Our climate-controlled spaces ensure optimal audio quality regardless of weather conditions.
Catering Coordination
We offer flexible catering options to suit various preferences and budgets. Clients may bring their own licensed caterer with proper insurance or select from our recommended vendors. Our facilities include preparation spaces with refrigeration and serving areas. We provide coordination support for food service logistics while maintaining our rustic atmosphere and natural surroundings.
People
Ed Livengood
Co-Owner
Ed Livengood co-founded Livengood's Barn with his wife Kali in 2014. Their vision transformed their family farm into a premier event venue while maintaining its rustic charm. Ed oversees operations and facility maintenance, ensuring every event meets their high standards.
Kali Livengood
Co-Owner
Kali Livengood brings her passion for event planning to Livengood's Barn. As co-owner, she focuses on client relations and package development. Her background in hospitality helps create personalized experiences that combine the property's natural beauty with modern event requirements.
Questions
What wedding packages do you offer?
We offer three packages: Premium Package ($6,500) includes barn access and basic amenities. Ultimate Package provides customizable options with vendor coordination. Ceremony-Only packages are also available for single-day events.
What are your venue capacities?
The Brown Barn seats 100-200 guests depending on configuration. The Shed accommodates up to 240 guests. Outdoor spaces can host ceremonies with flexible seating arrangements using provided bales and planks.
Can we use our own vendors?
Yes, we allow outside vendors including caterers, photographers, and DJs. We provide recommended local vendors but do not require specific providers. All caterers must have proper insurance documentation.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, Venmo, and credit cards. Credit card and Venmo payments include a 3% processing fee. Payment plans vary by package with deposits due at signing and prior to the event.
Are decorations included?
Basic white lights remain in the barn for every event. We do not provide additional decorations, but our rustic spaces offer natural beauty that complements various themes and personal touches.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, both barns are climate-controlled and handicap accessible. The Brown Barn includes an elevator connecting floors, and both venues feature private bathrooms on multiple levels for guest convenience.