Elegance awaits, your fairytale begins here
Greater Chicago Area
Service area
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Deals
Custom discountExpires on 4/29/2026
NON -PEAK SEASON - January through April
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AWARD WINNER (15X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Makray Memorial Golf Club, inspired by the majestic Scottish castles, is nothing short of a fairy tale wedding venue. Nestled in a tranquil landscape, our venue showcases classic castle architecture with its imposing stone walls, arched doorways and lush ivy which exudes an aura of ancient splendor and romance. Our venue is surrounded by our prestige 18 hole golf course, beautifully manicured with areas filled with vibrant flowers, tranquil water features and idyllic spots for those stunning photo memories. The Oak Terrace Grille is our on-site restaurant that compliments this luxurious venue with our award winning executive chef, a great option for hosting a rehearsal dinner.
Facilities and Capacity:
The interiors are adorned with period inspired furnishings to enhance the historical charm, while modern amenities ensure comfort and convenience. We offer three distinct on-site ceremony sites at our venue, each with a unique backdrop allowing you to choose your perfect setting to say 'I DO.' Our exquisite grand ballroom accomodates up to 240 people and the large windows and French doors keeps the space open and airy. As the sun sets, an overhead chandelier lights the room with a romantic and cozy glow. We have a beautiful wrap around veranda connected to the ballroom that overlooks the golf course and is private for you and your wedding guests.
Services Offered:
The staff at this country club make couples feel as welcome and taken care of as possible. They do this by offering the following services:
Event Coordinator
Bridal suite
Cake
Chairs
Linen
Centerpieces
Photos on the golf course
Cleanup
Three ceremony sites
Event rentals
Liability insurance
Parking
Setup
Tables
Coat check
Food tasting
Valet
History:
Makray Memorial Golf Club is a privately owned, public golf course. Formerly known as Thunderbird Country Club since 1962, the course was closed in June 2002 for complete renovation. The revamped course opened in spring 2004 and a magnificent new clubhouse followed with its completion one year later. Upon re-opening, the course was renamed in honor of Paul Makray, the owner until his passing.
To give you some background on the building, the light fixtures around the building range from 1798 to 1930. The majority of the light fixtures were originally gas burning, but have now been converted to electric. Many of the fixtures come from various areas in Kentucky. However, the copper lights in the corridor on the main level are from the New York Subway 1920. The iron gates that you see in the Golf Shoppe and in the Grille are from the Old Burnt Tavern in Garrad County, Kentucky circa 1798. The beautiful faux finish paint in the corridors throughout was created by Painted Illusions located in Lexington, Kentucky. It is a very unique process using two different colors of paint.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Liability Insurance
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Ballroom
Country Club
Restaurant
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Packages
Destination Wedding Planning
Food & Catering
Planning
Destination Wedding Planning
Rentals & Equipment
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 3
- Laurie HudakWedding Sales ManagerI’m proud to be part of the team at Makray. I began my career in the hotel industry before moving into the corporate world as a meeting planner. In 2006, I transitioned to the wedding team at Makray, where I’ve found my passion in helping couples bring their special day to life. With years of experience in planning and coordination, I’m known for my ability to multitask, stay organized, and provide exceptional customer service. I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and take the time to understand each client’s unique vision with care and compassion. I feel incredibly lucky to work with a team that feels like family and to be part of creating memorable, joyful moments for others. Born and raised in Chicago, I love spending my free time cooking, entertaining, decorating, shopping, meeting friends for a cappuccino, or relaxing with a good movie.
- Leeza GrosvenorWedding Sales ManagerI joined the Makray team in April 2015 as the Assistant Banquet Manager, where I gained valuable experience in event setup and execution. In July 2017, I transitioned into the Wedding Department alongside Laurie, shifting my focus to the finer details of all things “wedding” and I’ve loved every minute of it. When I’m not coordinating special moments, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three children. Whether we’re watching sitcoms, going on road trips, or playing board games. You’ll often find me unwinding in the garden with a good book and the company of our chickens.
- Stacie WojtkowskiWedding CoordinatorI’m the Wedding Coordinator and Social Media Coordinator at Makray, and I truly LOVE what I do! Being a part of the Makray wedding team has been amazing! Every “I do” is a chance to help make dreams come true. It’s a bit like magic (with a well-planned timeline, of course). I studied Marketing and Promotions at Northwestern Business College and worked as a Promotions Coordinator before discovering my true calling: weddings, sparkles, and love stories. When I’m not fluffing dresses or straightening centerpieces, I’m embracing the beautiful chaos of life with my amazing husband, our three wonderful kids, and two very energetic dogs. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s full of love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Reviews
4.9
out of 5.0175 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Makray Memorial Golf Course receives glowing reviews from couples who had their weddings there. The venue is praised for its picturesque setting and immaculate facilities, with guests commending the responsive and professional staff, especially Laurie, Leeza, Stacie, and Chef John. The team's attention to detail, kindness, and flexibility in accommodating various requests are highlighted. The Southern-inspired menu curated by Chef John receives high praise, while the seamless communication and stress-free planning process contribute to an exceptional wedding experience. The staff's dedication to making each wedding unique and memorable is a standout feature, making Makray a highly recommended choice for couples seeking a beautiful and personalized wedding venue.Review photos
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Jillian J
5.0
2/06/2026
Finding Makray Memorial Golf Course was the answer to our prayers. After getting engaged in the South, we dreamed of a "Lowcountry Elegance" wedding, complete with a Southern-inspi...
red menu and lush, verdant surroundings.
From the moment we approached the property and saw the beautifully manicured greens against the ivy-clad, English cottage-style architecture, we knew we had found a special place.
The interior is equally breathtaking; the dark wood accents and floor-to-ceiling ballroom windows bring the outside in, perfectly echoing the atmosphere of Palmetto Bluff - the place we were engaged. It provided a rare sense of intimacy for our 150 guests while maintaining a grand, storybook feel.
As luxury hospitality professionals ourselves, we have exceptionally high standards for service and organization. The "Dream Team"—Laurie, Leeza, Stacie, and Chef John—exceeded every one of them. They operate with a "family-feel" synergy, providing impeccable follow-through and seamless communication that is hard to find. They didn't just listen to our vision; they embraced it. Chef John even curated a bespoke Southern menu just for us, hitting every mark from the crab cakes to the jalapeño cornbread. (A testament to his talent: our Southern Georgia Peach Caprese salad even made it to the official menu at the Oak Terrace Grill—it is a must-try!)
Planning a wedding is inherently stressful, but working with a team this organized and genuinely kind gave us a profound sense of relief. We knew that every detail was being handled with extreme care and professional precision.
While there are many beautiful venues to choose from, it is the people who set Makray apart. If you want a seamless planning experience, world-class cuisine, and a team that treats your wedding as if it were their own, choose Makray. You will leave with a thousand priceless memories and a full and happy heart.
Alexandra L
5.0
12/17/2025
From start to finish, our experience with this venue was exceptional. Planning our wedding from out of state should have been more stressful, but the entire team made it surprising...
ly easy. Communication was seamless, and they were always extremely responsive over email, which gave us so much peace of mind throughout the planning process. A special shoutout to Leeza, who was an absolute joy to work with. She was so cheerful, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our day perfect. Her customer service and attention to detail were top-notch.
One thing to highlight that was incredibly personal and thoughtful was the tasting day. The food was outstanding and exceeded our expectations. We love Chef John!
On the wedding day, the staff was so professional, kind, and everything ran on time to the minute. Everyone enjoyed the night and guests were able to enjoy themselves, which meant a lot to us. We are so grateful we chose to have our wedding at Makray. We couldn’t recommend this team, and venue more. A very unforgettable day.
Any questions?
Karen W
5.0
12/01/2025
We had our wedding and reception at Makray earlier this year, and we could not be happier with our choice in wedding venue! Laurie, Leeza, and Stacie are true professionals and wer...
e so wonderful to work with. They readily answered all questions we had during the planning process and went above and beyond to help us turn the space into exactly what we dreamed of for the wedding. When I wanted a somewhat nontraditional signature cocktail (strawberry basil Tom Collins), they even talked to their chef and came up with a way to make it happen. The three of them also have such an incredible eye for detail. On the wedding day, they were always there when we needed them but were never in the way. It was truly impressive! I appreciated all the instructions they gave to the wedding party at the rehearsal, and their ability to keep things well coordinated on the day of wedding. They were so thoughtful at the wedding, from saving a plate of hors d'oeuvres for us from cocktail hour to making sure my chair decorations from the ceremony didn't go to waste by repurposing them as staircase decorations during the reception, something I hadn't even thought of doing with them! They were also very flexible. We made several last minute changes, and they handled them smoothly. The weather was a little iffy on the days leading up to the wedding, and they even let us wait until the morning of the wedding to make the final decision to hold the ceremony indoors vs outdoors, which saved so much stress.
In addition to Laurie, Leeza, and Stacie, Chef John is also absolutely wonderful! We were able to sample a large variety of foods at our tasting, and the food on the wedding day tasted identical to the tasting. It was absolutely phenomenal and definitely miles above standard wedding food! The servings are also very generous. No one left our wedding hungry, that's for sure! We received tons of complements on the food after the wedding. We were also incredibly impressed with the flexibility and adaptability to a wide variety of dietary needs. From Halal, to vegan, to a variety of food allergies, Chef John was able to make fabulous meals for all of our guests, which was something that was very important to us when choosing a wedding venue.
I'm sure there are more great things I'm missing, but if you're considering this venue at all, I would highly recommend setting up a tour and checking them out for yourself! As a perfectionist and foodie, this venue checked all the boxes for me. All of the staff members are incredibly professional and experienced, and they helped alleviate so much stress from the wedding! I recommend them with highest praise!
Anthony P
5.0
11/30/2025
Makray Memorial Golf Club left us with no regrets as our wedding venue. We were highly pleased by the venue itself plus amazing staff that was tentative throughout the planning pro...
cess. We felt prepared for our big day and were delighted to see our vision become a reality. Our families are still raving about our wedding reception, many proclaiming it is the best food they have had at a wedding.
Matthew M
5.0
11/28/2025
We can't say enough wonderful things about Makray. The entire team truly treats you like family and has a passion for making your wedding day everything you always wished it would ...
be. Their kindness, and attention to detail, is next level. The food is delicious, and their preferred vendors are just as wonderful. Thank you Laurie, Leeza ,and Stacie for all you did for us. We appreciate you more than you know.
Anna R
5.0
11/26/2025
We had our wedding at Makray in October of 2025 and it was a dream! Leeza and her team are absolutely phenomenal. They are on top of everything and made the whole process run so sm...
oothly. Every detail was taken care of on the wedding day, and I did not have to worry about a thing. Their attention to detail is unmatched. They are responsive, helpful, and so fun to work with. I cannot recommend them enough for your wedding!! Makray is a gorgeous venue, and the fall colors on the course looked amazing! 20/10 recommend!
Beth Z
5.0
11/21/2025
Planning a wedding requires great attention to detail and a lengthy and continuous process of paying attention to infinite details. The team of Laurie, Leeza and Chef Hennessy wer...
e tremendous partners during this process, and we cannot thank them enough for all their help and support. They were all OUTSTANDING!
In addition, no matter how much planning you do there are always things that occur on the day of the wedding that are unforeseen. All our last-minute adjustments were handled efficiently, effectively and with great care! THANK YOU.
The ceremony was outside on the lawn, and we loved the set-up and the space. The pictures from the ceremony really came out well and the ease of moving to the space upstairs was tremendously convenient. The room set-up was incredibly impressive with plenty of room for the dance floor, the coffee station, a kids table with activities and the cake cutting. The access to the outside patio was a real bonus for people to get a breath of fresh air and to enjoy the view overlooking the golf course.
Finally, a big “hats-off” to the Chef and his team. The meal presentation and quality were great, and we would highly recommend the dessert station with ICE CREAM and the late- night snack option. The food was FABULOUS from start to finish.
As the bride and groom, we were extremely pleased with the event from start to finish and were not surprised by the significant number of COMPLIMENTS we received from the attendees. Our favorite was the comment “You have now ruined it for every wedding I attend in the future, because this one was so good!”
Courtney A
5.0
10/29/2025
I cannot say enough amazing things about the team here at Makray! From the moment I saw Makray and met Leeza, I knew that this venue is where I wanted to get married. Not only is t...
he venue absolutely stunning, Leeza had amazing communication throughout the entire process, was accommodating with all of our requests, and helped make my wedding day a literal dream! When we dropped off our deposit, my husband and I sat in the office with Leeza & Laurie for over an hour and got to know one another better. It truly showed us how much they cared about getting to know us, how passionate they are about their jobs, and how committed they were to giving us the best wedding day possible. While wedding planning can be overwhelming and stressful, Leeza + her team made it such a fun and enjoyable experience. We received so many compliments about how great the food was, how beautiful the venue was, and how amazing the guest experience was. I cannot say THANK YOU enough to the team here, they are simply just the best!!
Mary M
5.0
9/11/2025
We were so lucky to be able to celebrate our wedding reception at Makray. From the very beginning, event coordinators Laurie and Leeza impressed us with their kindness, professiona...
lism, and attention to detail. We chose Makray over other available venues because everyone at Makray was so kind, and it was reassuring to feel that they were personally invested in making our wedding day go well and our guests feel comfortable. Their team went above and beyond to make sure everything came together, working seamlessly with our other vendors to keep the day running smoothly. They were also so easy to work with in the months leading up to the big day.
Chef John was especially kind as well, and the food was plentiful, beautifully presented, and delicious. We had several guests with dietary restrictions and allergies, and the staff made sure everyone was accommodated without a single worry on our end. Our guests commented not only on enjoying the food, but also on how well cared for they felt throughout the evening.
Makray was also a beautiful backdrop for our wedding photos, and staff was so kind when taking us and our photographer out on the course for photos. We are so grateful to the entire team for making our wedding day so memorable and for creating such a wonderful experience for us and our guests! Highly highly recommend choosing Makray for your wedding! We have already recommended it to other couples!
Kelly Wuich W
5.0
8/28/2025
Our day was flawless thanks to the lovely coordinators at Makray. They made everything so easy and were there for us from the moment we went on the first tour to days after the wed...
ding when we had to pick up items left behind. The food was incredible and the facility was immaculate. All of our guests were impressed.
Rachel G
5.0
1/08/2025
I was just about sold on another venue at the time that we toured Makray...it was the final venue we looked at and I'm so glad we did because they changed my mind so quickly and it...
was the perfect location for our wedding! Laurie, Leeza, and Stacie are all very hands on with the different aspects of planning and they all made sure our day came together as smoothly as possible. The site is picturesque and they kept up all the holiday decorations, at our request, for a more festive feel for our December wedding.
I know they do a lot of weddings every year but I never felt like "just another couple"--the entire team was determined to make sure we had the best experience at each step of the way. Even if there were little snags, they worked hard to alleviate the stress and find workarounds for any issues that we encountered.
Chef John was phenomenal to work with as well! One of the dishes we were most intrigued by was a macadamia nut encrusted chicken, but we had opted to remove all nuts from the menu due to a family allergy. He didn't even bat an eye and created a delicious nut-free alternative for us to serve. He easily accommodated for every dietary restriction we threw at him and we received tons of compliments on the food from our wedding guests. And I can't forget the berry salad!!
You cannot go wrong with choosing this for your wedding venue. There's a reason they've won so many awards! I would give 10 stars if I could.
Lawrence B
5.0
11/11/2024
Best first decision is where to have reception. Makray is it. Understated elegance, classically beautiful. Warmth and charm. With a balcony view. Many many compliments from fami...
ly and guests. Staff is outstanding. Chef and food amazing. Danced the night away. Five star location. Many memories made. Celebration for the ages.
Morgan S
5.0
11/11/2024
I have known for YEARS that I wanted to get married at Makray. I fell in love with the building and the grounds before I even got engaged. The building is absolutely gorgeous with ...
its crawling ivy, immaculate landscapes, scenic lookouts, and overall charm. The surrounding golf course area is also nothing short of pristine, as you would expect of this caliber golf course. We went to officially look at this venue a WEEK after we got engaged, a full year before our wedding, just to make sure that we would get our desired date. From the start, the whole team at Makray was extraordinary. Laurie is the sweetest person and you can tell she truly loves her job and loves helping couples bring their dreams and visions to life. Not only did we have our ceremony and reception at Makray, but also our rehearsal dinner and hosted next day brunch for our guests as well. The other main reason we chose Makray? THE FOOD. Chef John is one of the most passionate people that I have ever met. You can tell how much he loves doing what he does not only through talking with him for 5 minutes, but in every dish he makes. I have alway been told that people remember only a handful of things about weddings, but the biggest one is the food. And ALL of our guests raved about the food. We even made sure that we had a special plate made for us to ensure we got some of the amazing appetizers before they were gone! The lengths that everyone went to to accommodate our wishes were boundless. Leeza was amazing in helping us plan our menu and timeline and thought of things that I hadn’t even considered. Her, Stacy, and Laurie truly made the whole thing run so smoothly attending to every detail and answering every question and making sure that we were happy! Our wedding day was perfection and I truly mean that. We couldn’t have picked a better venue or better people to work with. Thank you for bringing my fairytale dream wedding to life.
Samantha C
5.0
11/04/2024
Everyone was so wonderful to work with! They accommodated every want and need I had! My wedding day was absolutely perfect and exactly what I envisioned! Definitely recommend them!
Kelsey V
5.0
11/01/2024
My wedding at Makray was truly the best day of my life. The Dream Team, as I call them, helped make my wedding dreams come true. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I married ...
my best friend, and fulfilled my childhood wish of being married at that golf course. Thank you to the team at Makray so much for everything. I couldn’t be more appreciative or speak any higher of them.
Elizabeth T
5.0
10/31/2024
The quality of service at Makray Memorial Golf Club is unbeatable. Our wedding experience was nothing short of perfection. The staff went above and beyond at every turn, limiting s...
tress, keeping us organized, and facilitating everything we needed for a memorable wedding day. The Makray team is detail-oriented, flexible, dependable, and communicative. The team helped us formulate a curated experience through thoughtful time spent on various quotes, menus, floor plans, and table settings. They are both patient and enthusiastic. With the support of the wonderful Makray team the event possibilities are endless. I would recommend Makray to all and would most definitely do it all over again!
Anonymous
5.0
10/25/2024
We had an absolutely wonderful experience hosting our wedding at Makray Golf Club! The venue itself is stunning, with beautiful views that created the perfect backdrop for our spec...
ial day. From the start, the coordinators, Leeza and Laurie, were incredibly helpful and attentive. They went above and beyond to make the planning process stress-free and enjoyable, and they gladly worked alongside our own wedding planner, whom we hired for the day. This collaboration made everything seamless. On the big day, everything went smoothly, and we felt so at ease knowing everything was in good hands. We could truly focus on celebrating with our loved ones. We highly recommend Makray Golf Club to anyone looking for a gorgeous venue with an amazing team behind it!
Emily S
5.0
10/25/2024
We only have positive things to say about working with the incredible team at Makray! Laurie, Leeza, and Stacie are a great team and were so helpful and supportive throughout the p...
lanning process. They are so organized, patient, and helped us with all decisions. It was like having 3 fairy godmothers who helped make everything come to fruition. They truly want you to enjoy every moment of your big day.
Chef John was a delight to work with - again very personable and cares about his work. People raved about the food at our wedding. We have a family member who is a personal chef and said it was the best vegetarian meal she’s ever had at a wedding. Also the pretzel late night snack blew people away - I still sometimes dream about them :)
Everything was very customizable! The tasting experience was incredible - so fun!!
Loved that the package includes a cake - it was delicious and turned out beautiful!
The golf course and ivy-covered building were the cherry on top. We got some amazing photos that we’ll cherish forever! Also, I loved that during our tour, they had photos to show the building and outdoor aesthetic in every season - very helpful and just another example of their great attention to detail!
It’s very clear that the whole team at Makray is passionate about their work and making your day special and low stress!
Amanda S
5.0
10/24/2024
Makray Memorial Golf Club is absolutely stunning! We couldn’t have picked a better venue to celebrate our special day. The wedding coordinators - Leeza, Laurie and Stacie were the...
BEST. They were so easy to work with, always available, and happy to walk us through any detail, no matter how big or small. The chef is AMAZING as well. Our guests raved about how delicious the food was! We still enjoy coming back to the venue for dinner dates. If you are looking for somewhere reliable with exceptional service this is your place!! I cannot recommend this venue, and all of it’s staff, enough. I wish we could host more events there! A million thanks to Leeza, Laurie and Stacie for giving us an unbelievable day, and memories we will cherish for a lifetime!
Jennifer T
5.0
10/17/2024
Makray Memorial Golf Club was an absolute dream venue for our wedding. From the thorough and professional communication leading up to the big day, to the gorgeous, spacious, and im...
maculately clean event spaces, the team at Makray truly went above and beyond to ensure our wedding was perfect. They handled all of the decor setup seamlessly, and even provided helpful day-of extras that made the entire experience stress-free. We are so grateful to have celebrated our special day at Makray Memorial Golf Club and would highly recommend them to any couple looking for a stunning and well-run wedding venue.
Paige S
5.0
5/09/2024
We had our wedding at Makray on October 7, 2023. This was nothing short of spectacular all around. Leeza and Laurie are top notch and a big part of the reason we decided to go with...
Makray. They are informative, professional, and will do just about anything to ensure your day is special. They went above and beyond in all aspects.
We had 180 people attend which was a little tight in the space but gave an intimate feeling. They were able to effectively communicate with all vendors leading up to the day of the wedding and the wedding day as well. If you are looking for somewhere reliable with exceptional service this is your place.
The food is not just your typical wedding food either. All plates were warm when served and the options were vast and all delicious. The chef is amazing and caters to all food restrictions and allergies. Our guests RAVED about how good the food was. We decided on a split plate in order to not stress about options and it was the right move as it was delicious.
I could go on and on about how wonderful the team is at Makray, truly. They made our wedding so memorable and we would recommend to any couple looking for a beautiful space and venue along with top tier employees / service from start to finish.
Meghan M
5.0
1/02/2024
Laurie and Leeza were amazing. The venue and service were fantastic. We received many compliments from our guests. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Jamie D
5.0
10/12/2023
With emerald green courses and lush gardens, Makray is the perfect venue for weddings! We love how many elegant backdrops there are for timeless photos. The architecture and modern...
clubhouse make this place perfect any season of the year! https://twaphoto.com
Skylar S
5.0
10/10/2023
Leeza and Laurie at Makray were truly wonderful to work with! The whole staff really helped make sure that our wedding day was absolutely perfect. They were very kind, patient, and...
attentive to detail. The venue was gorgeous and the food was amazing. We are so glad that we chose Makray for our wedding!
Holly M
5.0
10/03/2023
I cannot say enough good things about Makray and all of the staff there. Laurie, Leeza, and Stacie were extremely helpful throughout the entire planning process and made our weddin...
g day flow seamlessly. They are so talented and exceptional at what they do. Chef also did a fabulous job - our guests were raving about all of the food. The venue itself is absolutely stunning and provided us with endless gorgeous photo opportunities. We are beyond thrilled with how our wedding day turned out and cannot thank Makray enough for making our day so special and beautiful. I strongly recommend Makray as a wedding venue, or any special event venue. So amazing!
lindsay c
5.0
9/22/2023
Everything about my wedding at Makray was fantastic. The food was amazing! The entire staff from the waiters to the coordinators were so nice and helpful. They truly went above and...
beyond for me.
Ashley K
5.0
8/07/2023
So many wonderful things to say about Makray and the amazing staff who work there! First, Makray is such a beautiful venue for a wedding. We got married on July 8, 2023, and the iv...
y and landscaping was so green and picture perfect. We did our ceremony outside on the lawn, and it was truly perfect. Laurie and Leeza are also an AMAZING team to work with! They are friendly, organized, and truly care. They always put our worries at ease and made our wedding planning process much smoother. We truly loved having our wedding at Makray and would highly recommend this venue for a wedding! We are still on cloud 9!
Steven G
5.0
8/01/2023
Bernadette and I are extremely happy and pleased that we chose to have our wedding at the Makray Memorial Golf Club on the morning of July 1st, 2023. Everyone involved, especially ...
Laurie, made our special day wonderful as they were so accomodating. The venue looked spectacular and once the morning drizzle subsided we got back on track and had a fantastic ceremony with Pastor Dave Angle and then buffet lunch enjoying all the food Chef John made for us finally followed by an afternoon of dancing singing and celebrating under the guidance of Oliver the DJ & MC.
Your Club house is fantastic and provided a very upscale regal & classy venue and setting for our desired wedding leaving everyone telling us that our wedding at Makray will be the topic of conversations for years to come. Thank You.
Emily L
5.0
7/21/2023
This location is not only stunning but there are not enough good things I can say about the staff and Laurie and Leeza!! If you are inbetween which venue to go with-- this is your ...
venue.
Samantha Y
5.0
6/12/2023
Makray delivered the best wedding experience we could have asked for. Laurie & Leeza are so easy to work with & super helpful. They help you all the way through the process & mak...
e sure nothing falls through the cracks. They are also there the day of to make sure the timeline is going to plan. They are super experienced, friendly, positive, professional, & overall top notch at what they do.
Makray itself is a beautiful venue & exceeded our expectations. We did an outdoor ceremony next to the patio & it was perfect. All the food for cocktail hour & dinner was phenomenal. The service staff was friendly, attentive, & delivered drinks quickly upon requests.
We would recommend getting married at Makray to anyone!
M H
5.0
12/27/2022
The easiest staff to deal with and excellent too. You know you are in great hands. They handled everything with such care at my son and daughter in law's wedding planning. ...
The food was excellent and served so incredibly hot. We were invited to a private tasting for the food and cake to make the best choice for our guests. I can't say enough about Makray. It is the best and so beautiful. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Nicole S
5.0
12/23/2022
We celebrated our marriage with friends and family at Makray Memorial Golf Club on October 1, 2022 and it was an absolute dream! Our theme was “Autumn in the Mountains;” commemorat...
ing where my husband and I met, lived, adventured, and fell in love out West in Colorado. I highly, highly, highly recommend this amazing venue with its impeccable service, exquisite food, gorgeous surroundings, and the creation of memories that will last a lifetime.
Jackie K
5.0
10/22/2022
We could not be happier with Makray as our chosen wedding venue! From the start Laurie gave us so much information on our initial tour, compared to some venues that simply gave us ...
a folder and said to reach out with any questions. Then at our food tasting she was so patient and helpful going through everything from menu choices to napkin colors to signature drink options... Both Laurie and Leeza were very responsive to all our questions throughout the planning process. On the day before and of the wedding Laurie, Leeza, and Audrea made sure every detail was discussed and that everything would run smoothly, even when we had to move the rehearsal inside due to rain and when we started our ceremony late due to a transportation hiccup. The ballroom looked incredible, the food was amazing, and we received so many compliments on what a beautiful wedding it turned out to be. 10/10 I would recommend Makray to anyone who asks.
Stephanie P
5.0
10/15/2022
The staff at Makray is absolutely incredible! Laurie and Leeza are your wedding coordinators for the day and you do not have to work about a thing! We have been getting messages al...
l day about how wonderful the event staff was. Everyone raves about the food! Also the building itself is just gorgeous. Thank you to everyone at Makray!
Diane R
5.0
10/14/2022
The absolute best venue to have a Wedding reception! Leeza and Laurie were a joy to work with and stayed on top of everything for a perfect evening. The food was cooked to perfecti...
on and the service was exceptionally good.
Kylie S
4.0
9/19/2022
Such a beautiful venue for a wedding! We worked with Leeza and Laurie and they were amazing throughout the entire planning process. Their communication and attention to detail were...
very much appreciated for a type A bride like me :) The food was also a big hit! If you're looking for in-house catering that provides you with majority of everything you need for a wedding - look no further!
The reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the slight logistical nightmare on wedding day. The dinner service was so delayed (that was the ONE thing I didn't want to happen esp when selecting a venue)..so delayed that my husband and I were so rushed and didn't even get a bite of our wedding cake. The lady who runs the operational piece of the night was not helpful and was extremely rude. She kept blaming other people and never once took ownership (or really showed any empathy). Not to mention, there was a new head chef who must have been recently hired right before our wedding as it was a different person from our tasting a few months before. Not sure if the hiccup stemmed from the top down or what. Minus the dinner service delay - we had a great time and highly recommend Leeza, Laurie, and Makray!
Allie S
5.0
8/19/2022
Laurie, Leeza, and their team over at Makray made our wedding absolutely perfect! This was the first venue we went to tour and we couldn't get it out of our minds. Laurie spent lot...
s of time with us explaining all the different options/features of Makray. We fell in love with everything! Being a teacher, I am very detailed oriented and have many list/spreadsheets, I was super impressed with how easy Laurie and Leeza made the planning process. Their documents were detailed and easy to use. I also tend to ask many questions and they made sure to answer them quickly. Again, absolutely amazing! When it came to the big day, we didn't have to lift a finger. The team at Makray made sure that every single detail we talked about went off without a hitch. The ceremony took place outside at their lake location and couldn't have been more breathtaking. I wanted to make a grand entrance, so Leeza made sure that I was hidden from not only the guests, but my husband. Our photographs on the grounds turned out perfect and really showed off the beauty of Makray. Every part of the reception went off without a single problem. All the guests had an amazing time and have been talking about our wedding since! The food was amazing and the wait staff made sure to take care of the wedding party and immediate family. At the end of the night they made sure all of our decorations were packed up with care and we were able to pick it all up the next morning. Honestly, I wish every couple could get married at Makray! They truly made our day the best beginning of this next chapter in our lives!
Katie A
5.0
8/19/2022
Makray was absolutely amazing ! The food was phenomenal, staff were courteous and lovely! It is a truly beautiful venue.
Natalie C
5.0
8/08/2022
Everything from start to finish at the Makray was a great experience! Laurie & Leeza were phenomenal in helping me bring my vision to life; they truly enjoy their jobs & went above...
& beyond in answering every question I had to reassure me that my vision would turn out perfect. The venue itself is great not only in terms of the ambiance, but also has wonderful photo opportunities. Lastly, the food was delicious! Our guests couldn't stop raving about how tasty the food was, the generous portion sizes & how it was some of the best wedding food they've had...we couldn't agree more!
I'd highly recommend the Makray to anyone; all the staff is wonderful & the service is top notch. When I say top notch, I'm referring to the fact we had a couple show up late for dinner & instead of the servers just serving them whatever course the rest of the room was on, the servers made sure to bring them out every course they missed on top of the course the rest of the room was on so they wouldn't miss out/be hungry.
I can't wait to plan my next event at the Makray, truly a wonderful experience!
Colleen V
5.0
7/21/2022
My husband and I could not have picked a better place to have our wedding. We knew right away that Makray was going to be our venue. We toured the place in September along with 3 o...
ther venues. Makray was the most prepared and memorable out of all those places we toured. We worked with Laurie, Leeza, and Andrea and they were extremely accommodating the entire time. All 3 ladies made themselves available to us for any questions. They even helped us stay organized by providing checklists and time lines. The food was incredible and the room was spacious enough for our 130 guests. I would HIGHLY recommend this venue to anyone who wants their wedding to be perfect!
Taylor B
5.0
7/11/2022
My husband and I couldn't be more thrilled to have had our wedding at the beautiful Makray Memorial Golf Club. Our guests kept coming up to us saying how stunning the building itse...
lf is, and that it felt like we were in Italy or Ireland with the green Ivy all around the exterior. Simply jaw-dropping! Working with Laurie and Leeza also made wedding planning very easy, and took a load of stress off of my shoulders as the bride. They were always quick to respond, and were very easy going about answering any questions I had. If I wanted to change something after the fact, they was no hesitation and my request was easily changed. Overall beautiful location for a wedding and great staff to work with. The only downfall we had was the food we tasted during the food tasting didn't taste the same the day of at the wedding, so we were a little bit disappointed in that regard. But other then that, overall a 10/10! I would highly recommend!
Julia M
5.0
7/03/2022
We were in love with our venue. Makray was not only amazing in looks, but the wedding team was so attentive, kind, and accommodating. Laurie, Leeza, and Audrea are AMAZING to work ...
with, and I still cannot thank them enough for being excellent communicators for the 18 months leading up to the weddings, and such amazing support the day of. They are number 1 for a reason! You will not find a better group to work with, and we had so many comments from guests about how stunning the grounds were.
We cannot recommend this venue enough!
Cindy D
5.0
6/29/2022
There are no words to describe our experience at Makray Golf Club for our wedding day other than PERFECT! Leeza and Laurie went above and beyond to help us with every aspect of the...
day. We couldn't of done it without them. My guests raved about the food and exceptional service. I couldn't of asked for anything better. If it were possible to add more stars, I would
Dominique P
5.0
4/15/2022
We had the most perfect wedding at Makray! Everything was seamless and turned out better than I could ever imagine. We can’t say enough nice things about the entire experience from...
start to finish! All our guests loved the food and had a blast. Leeza and Laurie are a dream to work with and would recommend any bride to check out this venue. You won’t be disappointed!
Julia M
5.0
3/24/2022
We had our wedding at Makray and it was an absolute dream. Laurie and Leeza made a great team and helped everything to run smoothly. I was planning a wedding all the way from San D...
iego and didn't even have to hire a separate coordinator. They were both punctual, organized, positive, friendly and everything you would want in a vendor for your wedding. The whole process was so much fun. The food was amazing and the space was gorgeous. Makray makes a spring/winter (cold) wedding in Illinois look so beautiful. My photos turned out great. I highly recommend Makray. Amazing team and venue.
Sarah K
5.0
12/30/2021
We worked with Makray for our wedding/vow renewal reception (ceremony was at a local church) in Sept 2021. Our wedding was initially scheduled for April 2020, and Laurie, Leeza, an...
d team were incredibly flexible, helpful, and responsive as we rescheduled the reception twice. They promptly replied to many questions and were accommodating as we had some last minute guest list changes due to covid. It was very clear what was needed when in terms of details, decoration drop offs, pick ups, payments, etc, which made it easy for us to stay organized. We were a little nervous about the food after the tasting, but the food at the reception was fantastic – we had multiple people comment unprompted on how good it was & we thought so too. The evening of the reception was beautiful and there were no hiccups (at least that we knew of!). Our decorations were set up exactly as requested, the food and bar were GREAT (which is seemingly unusual for a reception these days!), and the staff made sure everything flowed seamlessly. The venue is great if you want to have your own space vs sharing with other events that are happening at the same time – a private 2nd floor space, comfortable/locked bridal suite, foyer/dining area/balcony, and 2 bars with bartenders who kept the lines very short. Our only complaint is that they were not flexible with speeding up meal service – it was one of the longer dinners at a reception that we have been a part of.
Trinda S
5.0
12/13/2021
We could not have hoped for a more beautiful eventt! The staff at the MaKray made it easy, elegant, and a fantastic event for all involved. From food to staff to fabulous decor a...
nd details--we would recommend this venue to anyone looking for a setting for a wedding with an intimate feeling (150 guests) and sense that each person attending was that special guest. The bride and groom were able to shine all night long knowing their day was in great hands! As the parents of the bride we could not have hoped for the day to be in better hands..its all in the details and the details were perfect!
Wendy L
5.0
9/14/2021
Laurie, I wanted you to know that the bridal shower that I held this Saturday 9/11/21 was absolutely wonderful and even better than I’d imagined. Mark was wonderful in helping me ...
bring in flowers, and the room was perfect! I want to do a special shout out to the young lady, (and I can’t remember her name ☹) who took care of the party. SHE WAS FANTASTIC, and I had advised both her and Mark that there were some guests that had ‘special menu requests', and she assured them that there would be no problem with this. I really hope you both thank her for all of her help, and send me her name Mark, so I can make sure to tell her again how much I appreciated all of her help! Side note, everyone there told me how fantastic the food was!!!!! So thanks to both of you again, and I will definitely be recommending your facility to my friends and work associates!!!!!
Nicole V
5.0
8/28/2021
Laurie & Leeza were amazing to work with! Our wedding was originally supposedly to be August 2020, however, they made our entire postponement process a breeze! They thought of ev...
ery detail and were a huge support system to us for the entire process. I’ve had a lot of friends who also had to postpone their weddings, and our experience was the easiest. Our wedding day turned out to be absolutely perfect. We had so many compliments from our guests on the beauty of the venue, as well as the food. Everyone’s steak was cooked perfectly and the chicken was extremely tasty. Thank you again Laurie & Leeza for making our wedding day perfect!
Lynn S
5.0
7/10/2021
I hired this venue for my son's brunch reception which was supposed to take place in June of 2020. Because of Covid it was first moved to December of 2020 and then rescheduled for...
June 26, 2021. EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING was perfect! The food was delicious: We had the full breakfast buffet, plus one chicken dish and one beef dish and an omelet station. The sweets for the sweet table were all incredible and bountiful. I cannot say enough about the support of the entire staff there, starting with Audrea who I worked with from the beginning. She was supportive, helpful, informative and there for me not matter what I threw at her last minute, including seating changes as well as asking for valet service the day before the ceremony (which she did get!) The prices she quoted were accurate, no hidden surprises at the end and I thought very reasonable. The rest of the staff who helped on the day of the event and the night before (Audrea was there the entire time, too) were also so helpful, starting with Laurie and Leeza, Maria, and all the wait staff, who even helped me set up some of my decorations in the morning. The room looked beautiful! I would highly recommend this venue for a wedding, shower, or any other occasion.
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Makray Memorial Golf Club
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