Newly Engaged? How to Start Planning Your Wedding at Camp Aramoni
Hi there! I’m Sam Masini, the Venue Manager of the Bricks & Stones event venue here at Camp Aramoni in Tonica, IL. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re newly engaged – congratulations! You’re about to begin one of the most exciting journeys of your life, and I’m here to help guide you through it step by step! Planning a wedding can be super exciting, emotional, and sometimes a little overwhelming, especially for newly engaged couples.
One of the very first decisions you’ll make is choosing your venue. This choice sets the tone for almost everything that follows, from your guest count to your budget, and even the overall feel of your wedding day. If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of a wedding that feels elevated, refined, and deeply connected to nature, Camp Aramoni is the perfect place to start.
Why Your Venue Matters
Before diving into color palettes, florals, or table settings, it’s important for newly engaged couples to understand why the venue is such an important decision. Your venue influences your guest list, budget, vendor options, and the overall flow of the day. It can shape whether your event feels formal or relaxed, intimate or grand, and can even affect how much coordination will be required behind the scenes.
Camp Aramoni offers an immersive environment designed for connection, celebration, and ease of planning. Surrounded by native prairies, wildflower beds, and a breathtaking view of the Vermilion River, the natural beauty of our property provides a built-in backdrop for your wedding. That means you can spend less time stressing over décor and more time creating meaningful moments with your loved ones.
History of Camp Aramoni
Camp Aramoni has a rich history that sets it apart from other wedding venues. Located near Starved Rock State Park, the grounds were once home to a 19th-century brickyard known as the Ristokrat Clay Products Company. The brickyard operated from 1870 to 1981 and employed hundreds of men and women during its years of operation. Today, we take great pride in honoring that history and weaving it into everything we do at Camp Aramoni.
As you explore the property, you can still see some of the original brick kilns standing proudly, a reminder of the craftsmanship and hard work that is still a strong value here. Even the tables in our event space carry a piece of this story, as they were hand-crafted by our team using salvaged wood and steel. The history of Camp Aramoni is an inspiration for how we create meaningful, memorable experiences for every couple who celebrates here. I encourage you to read more about the history of Camp Aramoni as it truly drives the heart of everything we do.
A Cohesive Experience
Many couples love Camp Aramoni because it allows them to host multiple events in one seamless setting. From welcome gatherings and rehearsal dinners to cocktail hours, ceremonies, receptions, and post-wedding brunches, everything can happen on-site. This convenience helps guests feel relaxed and present while giving couples more time to enjoy their special day without it feeling rushed. When you choose Camp Aramoni, you’re not just booking a ceremony and reception space – you’re creating a wedding experience that will last a lifetime.
Something that truly sets Camp Aramoni apart from other venues is our Day-of Coordination Service. When you book your wedding with us, you’re not just reserving a beautiful 15-hour venue rental. You’re also gaining access to professional coordination designed to make your wedding day run as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team works closely with you leading up to your wedding to create a detailed timeline and will handle event execution from start to finish. From decor setup and tear-down to managing vendors, guiding your guests, and keeping the schedule on track, our coordination team is there to handle the details so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating with your family and friends.
A One-Stop Shop for Ease of Planning
Camp Aramoni aims to be a one-stop shop for newly engaged couples who want their wedding planning process to feel seamless, intentional, and truly enjoyable from start to finish. One of the biggest perks of hosting your wedding at Camp Aramoni is our wide range of in-house services, all working together to create a cohesive and stress-free experience for you and your guests. From dining to lodging and even on-site decor rentals, Camp Aramoni has it all right here on the property.
In addition to our coordination services, Camp Aramoni also offers in house catering, which is truly a cornerstone of the Camp Aramoni experience. All events are required to use Camp Aramoni catering. Our culinary team provides a wide range of menu options geared towards complementing your vision, guest count, and overall vibe. Couples can choose from beautiful grazing tables and appetizers, casual-yet-elevated dinner buffets, elegant plated meals, and even fun, interactive dessert packages. At the heart of our culinary program is Chef Carson Barger, who is classically trained in Lebanese cuisine and known for crafting upscale rustic menus that feel intentional, elevated, and thoughtfully tailored to each event.
If you still aren’t convinced and are looking for another reason to schedule a tour today, Camp Aramoni also offers on site lodging for up to 50 guests in our Luxury Boutique Campground. As the first boutique camping experience in Illinois, we pride ourselves on offering unforgettable experiences and memories that we hope will last a lifetime. So how does this tie into your wedding? Camp Aramoni’s boutique campground features 11 safari-style tents surrounded by woodlands, prairie grasses, and views of the Vermillion River. We have five family style tents that sleep up to six guests each, four standard tents that sleep up to four guests each, and two honeymoon suites that sleep two.
If you decide to book a stay with us during your wedding weekend, you as the wedding couple will receive 20% off of your Honeymoon Suite! Having you and your guests stay on site completely changes the rhythm of a wedding weekend. Guests can arrive early, settle in, and start celebrating right away. Welcome drinks, casual dinners, late night fireside conversations, and quiet morning coffee all become part of the celebration. There’s no pressure to rush off at the end of the night or worry about transportation. Everyone is already home for the weekend. Camp Aramoni also offers a Shuttle Service for any guests needing transportation back and forth from the venue and the campground, so you truly don’t have to lift a finger!
What to Expect on the Day Of
For many newly engaged couples, one of the hardest parts of wedding planning is imagining how the day will actually flow. You may have a vision in your head, but it can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Because our venue rental includes 15 hours of access, couples are able to arrive on-site as early as 9:00am, leaving you plenty of time to settle in, get ready, and soak in the excitement of the day ahead. We offer an exclusive Bridal Suite with its own private restroom so you can get ready on-site in a relaxed setting. As you’re getting ready, your Day Of Wedding Coordinator (yours truly!) is hard at work setting decor, welcoming vendors, and ensuring the timeline is on track. When it’s time for your ceremony to begin, Camp Aramoni staff will help guide guests to their seats and assist in lining the wedding party up for the ceremony. We offer multiple beautiful ceremony locations (both indoor and outdoor) and seating for up to 80 guests, perfect for intimate celebrations.
Following the ceremony, guests transition effortlessly into cocktail hour. This is often when couples realize how convenient it is to have everything in one location. There’s no need to rush, travel, or worry about logistics, as everything is on-site. As the evening unfolds, your reception becomes the heart of the celebration. From the first dance and heartfelt toasts to dinner and an open dance floor, Camp Aramoni will keep the evening moving along while remaining flexible so the night never feels forced or overly structured. If any guests are staying off-site at nearby hotels, we also offer a shuttle service for easy transportation. You won’t find any Ubers in this rural area!
For newly engaged couples looking for a wedding day that feels effortless, immersive, and thoughtfully guided from start to finish, Camp Aramoni offers an experience that goes far beyond a traditional venue. It’s a place where every moment is designed to be remembered.
FAQs About Booking
“How far in advance should we book?”
You are welcome to book as far in advance as you’d like! So long as your date is available, we are happy to help you secure a date!
“Can we tour before we’re engaged?”
Yes! We totally understand that finding the right venue takes time, and are happy to accommodate a tour for you whenever you’re ready to jump in.
“What if we’re deciding between venues?”
That’s totally fine! I always recommend seeing the space in person, regardless of if you have other options. Seeing photos is helpful, but walking through a space and imagining what your wedding could look like there is key! Take the time to make an informed decision and know that you are welcome to tour the space more than once if needed!
“Do you offer Friday and Sunday weddings?”
Yes! We absolutely offer Friday and Sunday weddings and still have availability for the 2026 season! Check out our Events Calendar to browse our open dates!
“Can we bring our own food?”
We require all events to hire Camp Aramoni for catering. We will work with you to create a menu that fits your vision and budget!
“Do we have to use preferred vendors?”
Camp Aramoni does offer an exclusive list of preferred vendors to all booked wedding couples; however, you are not required to use vendors from this list. If you have an outside vendor you’d like to secure, you may do so as long as that vendor carries insurance and signs our Vendor Agreement Form prior to the wedding date.
“Can we bring in outside dessert?”
Yes! While Camp Aramoni does offer some dessert packages priced at $8 per person, you are welcome to bring your own desserts so long as they are not temperature sensitive.
Booking Your Date
Our booking process is simple and straightforward, especially for newly engaged couples navigating wedding planning for the first time:
Event Detail Proposal: After the venue contract, we begin working on your Event Detail Proposal, which covers food, beverages, and rentals. Payments are due 90, 30, and 14 days before the wedding date, with the final guest count and payment due two weeks before your big day.
Date Retainer Contract: A $300 retainer secures your wedding date. Payment is due 14 days after receiving the contract.
Wedding Venue Rental Contract: Once the retainer is complete, we send the full Venue Rental Contract. This is split into two payments: 50% due 14 days after receiving the contract, and 50% due 60 days after receiving the contract.
Let’s Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality
If you’re newly engaged and looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding experience, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me at events@camparamoni.com to set up an appointment and start planning the wedding you’ve always wanted. Or, fill out our Event Inquiry Form!
I look forward to connecting with newly engaged couples to help make your wedding day everything you hope for and more. Be sure to check back for my monthly blogs, packed with tips, tricks, and all things “Wedding” at Camp Aramoni.
Warmly,
Sam Masini
Venue Manager
