The Olde Wicks Factory | Highland IL Wedding Venue Review

Olde Wicks West Hall | Photo: Bryson B Photo

Have Your Dream Wedding At The Olde Wicks Factory

Nestled just outside of St. Louis in Highland, Illinois, The Olde Wicks Factory stands as a quintessential destination for those dreaming of a stunning, timeless wedding day with every amenity you’d expect from a top-notch venue. As a St. Louis photographer, making beautiful photos and capturing important moments at Olde Wicks is simple. I point my camera lens somewhere, and the venue just sets up gorgeous image after gorgeous image! This sprawling 80,000-square-foot venue, with its capacity to host up to 500 guests, is not just a venue space - it truly is a canvas for a vibrant, classy, memorable wedding. The Olde Wicks Factory, with its varied spaces, abundant natural light, and timeless styling, is a fantastic setting for every important moment of your wedding day.

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LOCATION: 1100 5th St, Highland, IL 62249
MAX GUEST COUNT: 500

Table of Contents

  1. Wedding Day Prep and Where To Get Ready

  2. Reception, Cocktail Hour, and Ceremony Spaces

  3. Wedding Day Amenities at Olde Wicks Factory

  4. What Does a Wedding Cost At Olde Wicks Factory?

  5. Olde Wicks Factory Photo Opportunities

  6. Olde Wicks Factory Wedding Photographer

Preparing for the Big Day: The Perfect Spaces to Get Ready

Groom Getting Ready at Olde Wicks Factory

Bridal Getting Ready Room at Olde Wicks Factory

The Olde Wicks Factory takes pride in its thoughtfully designed getting-ready spaces. The first prep area, bathed in natural light, features five hair and makeup stations, comfortable seating, a breakfast bar, and a secluded room for some final preparations. On the other side, the secondary prep room has subtle warmth with its cozy wood tones, and is equipped with a TV, pub table, and private bathrooms. Each distinct prep area makes it easy to relax, enjoy your friends and family, and down a couple of mimosas while you’re at it!

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Versatile and Elegant Event Spaces At Olde Wicks

Spread across Olde Wicks’ 80,000 square feet of space are 6 main spaces that play host so many amazing weddings at this venue! Let’s break them down.

The Grand Hall

Wedding Ceremony in The Grand Hall at Olde Wicks

If you’ve seen wedding photos from Olde Wicks, you’ve likely seen the Grand Hall. The Grand hall is a shining example of how light, airy spaces can still feel comforting and elegant. This massive room is adorned with crystal chandeliers, skylights, and a grand 16’ stone fireplace. It comfortably seats 350 guests for meals and up to 400 for ceremonies, making it a perfect choice for both.

The West Hall 

Reception Decor | West Hall

Wedding Party in Olde Wick’s West Hall

Stepping into the West Hall is like taking a walk through history. Built in 1906, its historic charm is immediately evident in the immaculately restored original exposed brick, curved rafters, and century-old hardwood floors. The expansive dance floor is calling for your uncle to get out there and shake it, while the Mill Room Bar and adjacent West Hall Courtyard provide perfect spots for taking a short break from the party. This space, accommodating up to 350 guests, is tailor-made for receptions that blend its historic charm with modern touches.

The Gatsby Room 

The Gatsby Room | Olde Wicks Factory

The Gatsby Room is a testament to the hard work that the team at Olde Wicks has done to restore the venue. Here, turn-of-the-century aesthetics add to the cozy, almost “speakeasy” ambiance. The room's stained glass windows, exposed brick and rafters, and ample seating arrangements, make the Gatsby Room ideal for intimate cocktail hours. With seating for 70 and room for 200 standing guests, the Gatsby Room serves as a versatile space nestled between the Grand and West Halls.

The North Patio 

The North Patio is Olde Wicks’ answer to outdoor weddings, offering a serene escape with its open-air garden and natural wooded surroundings. The stamped concrete and arbor, coupled with a cozy gas fire pit and atmospheric outdoor lighting, create the perfect setting for springtime dinners or outdoor ceremonies. This space can comfortably seat up to 200 for dinner or 300 for a ceremony. I love the North Patio for sunset and night photos, specifically because of the beautiful string lights and the surrounding woods.

Sunset Photos | North Patio

The Main Hall

The Main Hall is the product of the latest renovation project at The Olde Wicks Factory, characterized by its industrial chic design. This spacious hall, with its capacity to host up to 500 guests, is adorned with contemporary touches and is a veritable blank canvas for some awesome wedding decor. The two bars and huge dance floor are perfect if you’re having live music at the reception or are just planning to create some epic reception moments.

The Stained Glass Hall

Originally part of a Pipe Organ showroom, the Stained Glass Hall is a space rich in history and versatility. The stained glass windows cast colorful reflections, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. This room, with its exposed brick and spacious layout, is ideal for smaller, more intimate weddings or banquets. Seating 120 for meals and 150 for ceremonies, it offers a cozy, yet elegant option within the Olde Wicks Factory.

Wedding Day Amenities at The Olde Wicks Factory

Each distinct space at The Olde Wicks Factory includes essential amenities: various table options, white folding chairs or Champagne Gold Chiavari Chairs, bartenders, and a dedicated venue coordinator. Additional offerings include the previously mentioned on-site wedding prep quarters, options for indoor or outdoor ceremonies, and spaces for rehearsal dinners or bridal showers.

What Does a Wedding Cost At The Olde Wicks Factory?

The Olde Wicks Factory offers transparent pricing with its all-inclusive packages. According to their website, 2025 pricing ranges from $6,400 for Fridays and Sundays to $7,400 for Saturdays, with additional options for progressive weddings. For smaller events, hourly rates apply, ensuring affordability and flexibility. As always, contact the venue directly for the most accurate quote for your specific wedding!

Unmatched Photo Opportunities

One the best things about The Olde Wicks Factory is that it provides so many photo opportunities in every corner and amazing light at any time of day, and especially when it gets close to sunset. The garden around the patio, the West Hall Courtyard, the surrounding woods, and the various venue buildings themselves offer endless chances for your photographer to get creative and make some stunning images. Want to amp up the quality of your wedding photos at The Olde Wicks factory? Let your photographer take you out for sunset photos and night photos to really add some gorgeous light and spice up your final gallery!

Olde Wicks Factory Wedding Photographer

The Olde Wicks Factory in Highland, Illinois is so much more than just a wedding venue; it's a place where your dreams for your wedding are realized, and memories are made. Its combination of beauty, versatility, functionality, and top-notch service makes it an outstanding choice for your special day. Whether planning a grand event or an intimate affair, Olde Wicks promises an experience that is nothing short of magical.

If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer, especially one who knows this venue, get in touch with me below!

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