Wedding Blog
At Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, we believe there's something truly magical about a wedding. It's a celebration of love, a gathering of the people who matter most, and the beginning of an unforgettable new chapter. And for our team, there's nothing we love more than helping couples bring that day to life.
With decades of combined wedding and event experience, our team understands that no two love stories are alike—and no two weddings should be, either. There is no right way to plan a wedding. There is only your way, and we're here to help make it everything you imagined.
Perhaps you're dreaming of an intimate autumn celebration surrounded by the brilliant colors of the Galena countryside. Maybe it's an elegant lakeside ceremony overlooking Lake Galena, a romantic outdoor reception, or a beautifully styled indoor celebration filled with family and friends. Whatever you envision, our experienced wedding team will work closely with you to personalize our distinctive venues, thoughtful details, and resort experiences to create a celebration that feels uniquely yours.
And because planning the day should be part of the joy, too, we created our Magical Midwest Wedding Blog as a place for inspiration, ideas, and a little insider expertise.
Here, we'll share wedding planning advice from our experienced team, helpful tips for both the planning process and the big day itself, the latest wedding trends, and inspiration from celebrations right here at Eagle Ridge. We'll also take you behind the scenes and introduce you to some of the wonderful couples who have chosen to begin their next chapter with us.
Most of all, we hope this becomes a place you can return to throughout your wedding journey—for beautiful ideas, practical guidance, real wedding inspiration, and a glimpse of what your own celebration at Eagle Ridge could look like.
We invite you to explore our Magical Midwest Wedding Blog, dream a little, and imagine your day with us.
Wishing you a happily ever after,
Your Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa Wedding Team
A Romantic Fall Wedding
June 2026We sat down with Deanna and Matt, who shared what made their romantic fall wedding at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa so meaningful — from quiet moments among the rolling hills to the people who helped make the weekend unforgettable.
Why Eagle Ridge Felt Like the Perfect Place to Say “I Do” Read More

Sam & Garett's Magical Lakeside Wedding
Real Wedding in Galena, Illinois: Sam & Garett’s Magical Lakeside Wedding
Looking for Galena wedding venues or planning a Midwest destination wedding near Chicago? See how Sam and Garett celebrated their unforgettable wedding weekend at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. Read More
Why Couples Choose Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Lakeside views. A full-service spa. Prime 2026 wedding dates still available.
If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of a Midwest destination wedding, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa offers everything you need in one unforgettable setting—without the long flight.
Read More

Alec & Marissa's Unforgettable Summer Wedding
Fall 2025
Every wedding at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is unique — but there’s something extra special about hearing the story straight from the couple themselves. For this edition of our Magical Midwest Weddings blog, we’re featuring a real Eagle Ridge love story. Read More

Three Wedding Trends You'll Love!
Summer 2025
3 Wedding Trends You’ll Love — Including Why Winter Weddings Are Hot
Weddings remain timeless, but the trends? They’re evolving fast. Based on recent data and planning experience, here are three standout trends for 2025. From winter wonderlands to wellness weekends, these ideas are making weddings more personal, practical, and unforgettable. Read More

The Allure of Saying "I Do"
The Allure of Saying 'I Do' on Unconventional Days at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Are you dreaming of a wedding that breaks away from tradition and captivates your guests with its unique charm? Consider the allure of saying 'I Do' on unconventional days, like weekdays or holidays, at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in the Forever Original Galena, Illinois.Read More

From Traditional To Trendsetting
December Wedding Styles
When it comes to December weddings, there's a certain magic in the air that makes every moment feel like a fairytale. It's a season of warmth, love, and the promise of new beginnings. Read More

Enchanting Neptuials
Enchanting Nuptials
As the leaves change their hues and the crisp autumn breeze sets in, October emerges as a captivating canvas for couples seeking to tie the knot in style. Read More

Lights, Camera, Action!
Lights, camera, action! Capture your big day in these unique ways
Weddings are one of the most special occasions in a couple's life, and capturing these moments through is essential to preserving memories that will last a lifetime.
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Hosting Your Wedding At A Resort
Benefits of Hosting Your Wedding at a Resort
You just booked your wedding venue at a beautiful resort, and now is when the real fun of wedding planning can begin!
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Eco Friendly Weddings
Simple Ways To Make Your Wedding More Eco-Friendly
Wedding days can also accumulate some of the most waste / one-time-use waste, however..... Read More
Have You Considered A May Wedding?
Considering a May Wedding? Start Planning NowMay is one of the best months to get married. The weather is mild, nature is coming into bloom, there are few holidays, and you’re ahead of the summer wedding rush.
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Going Wild
How to Incorporate Forest-like Elements into Your Big Day
Plants are the latest craze, and more and more we’re seeing couples incorporating greenery into their weddings in unique ways. However, not all greenery is treated equal, as some couples are going all-out with wild themes, such as ‘rainforest’ for their big days.Read More


Unique Trends
2022 Wedding Season is here!
Wedding season 2022 is in full force, and we are already seeing some unique trends pop-up – from vintage jewelry to the comeback of lavish cakes, to trendy dopamine dresses – there’s no shortage of ideas for couples and traditional brides this year. Read More
wedding Trends 2022
Top Wedding Trends of 2022 Read More

Vintage Decor'
Setting Your Wedding Apart with Vintage Décor Read More

Reshaping Wedding Receptions
How The 2020 Pandemic Has Reshaped Our Receptions and More Read More

Post-Pandemic Catering Trends for Your Next Event or Wedding
Food is the cornerstone to many events large or small!
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Everything You Need to Know About Micro Weddings
Though 2020 has presented its fare share of obstacles, hardships, and frustrations, one thing is for sure – love always wins; and love and happiness are our focus at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. Read More
Seasonal Wedding Flowers and How To Utilize Them During Peak Season
If you’re like us, you love flowers. However, when choosing flowers for your wedding, it can be overwhelming – trust us, we’ve been there. That’s why this month, we’re sharing our best wedding flower knowledge with you, including peak seasons that certain flowers are available and unique ways to utilize flowers during your wedding, aside from the obvious bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpiece. Read More
Unique Ways To Incorporate Nature and Bold Colors Into Your Wedding
Just engaged? Congratulations! We’re sure you’re very excited and overwhelmed, and weunderstand. However, we’re here to help and want to give you the best wedding ideas and insider
tips we can. So, let’s start with colors and natural surroundings. Read More
