Application & Details for Free Wedding Giveaway
Valley Ridge Bar & Grill is honored to introduce our Free Wedding Giveaway, offering one deserving couple a complete wedding experience valued at $40,000+ for a 2026 or 2027 celebration at The Pavilion at Valley Ridge. This initiative was created not only to showcase our beautiful venue and trusted vendor partners but to celebrate real love stories within our community and provide a truly meaningful opportunity for one couple to begin their next chapter surrounded by family and friends.
While one couple will be selected to receive the full wedding experience, every couple who enters becomes part of something special—gaining access to exclusive perks and becoming connected with the Valley Ridge family.
If you’re ready to share your story, we would love to hear it. Complete the application below, explore our generous vendor partners contributing to the giveaway, or review the FAQs for full details on eligibility, the timeline, and the voting process.
Local Vendors for Valley Ridge Free Wedding Giveaway
We are incredibly grateful for the talented local vendors who have partnered with Valley Ridge to make this Free Wedding Giveaway truly extraordinary. Each contributing vendor has generously provided thoughtfully curated services and packages to help create a seamless, beautiful, and unforgettable celebration for our winning couple.
We invite you to view the generous vendors below and click on their logos to learn more about the incredible professionals helping bring this wedding to life.
Our package includes a four-hour open bar, two cocktail hour appetizers, and a buffet-style dinner to create a seamless and memorable guest experience. It also provides a day-of wedding coordinator, essential rental items (tables, chairs, linens, arch), and thoughtfully curated décor such as card boxes, candles, centerpieces, table numbers, easels, and much more to beautifully complete your celebration.
The Cottages on Petite Lake is offering a rehearsal dinner package that includes private access to the rooftop deck overlooking Petite Lake, along with tables, chairs, linens, planning support, optional décor setup, a licensed bartender as needed, and a three-hour event window with additional setup and teardown time. With nine onsite cottages just five minutes from Valley Ridge, you can reserve a room block and enjoy a seamless wedding weekend in one beautiful, central location.
The Modern Orchid is providing a floral package that includes a bridal bouquet, four bridesmaids’ bouquets, a groom boutonniere, four groomsmen boutonnieres, two father boutonnieres, and two mother corsages to beautifully outfit your wedding party. It also features a statement ceremony arch or pair of floral pillars, along with ten table centerpieces to elevate your reception décor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Free Wedding Giveaway
1. What should our submission video be about?
Your video is your opportunity to introduce yourselves and share your love story in your own words. We want to understand who you are as a couple, what makes your relationship unique, and why this opportunity would be meaningful to you. There is no “right” way to tell your story. It can be heartfelt, funny, creative, simple, or emotional—what matters most is that it feels genuine and true to you.
Your video should be 60–90 seconds in length. Professional production is not required.
2. Do we need professional video equipment?
No. Recording on your phone is perfectly fine. We care far more about your story and authenticity than production quality.
3. What kinds of photos should we submit?
Please submit 3–5 photos that represent your relationship. These might include early dating moments, your engagement, time with your pet, family milestones, vacations, or meaningful everyday memories.
Professional photos are not required—phone photos are completely acceptable.
4. Is there any cost to enter or participate?
No. There is absolutely no cost to enter, and the core wedding package is completely free.
The giveaway includes a wedding for up to 100 guests, including the venue and base vendor packages. The venue fee will remain entirely waived. Couples may choose to add additional guests or optional upgrades such as expanded food and beverage selections, rentals, or vendor enhancements.
There is no obligation to add anything beyond what is included.
5. Are there any vendors not included in the giveaway?
All primary wedding vendors are included, with one exception.
The officiant is not included, as we believe this is a deeply personal decision and couples should choose someone meaningful to them. All other core vendors are included with base packages at no cost.
View participating vendors and their packages.
6. What is the wedding date?
The winning couple may select a wedding date in 2026 or 2027, based on venue availability. We will work closely with the couple to choose a date that aligns with their vision and our event calendar.
7. Will the wedding be customizable, or is everything pre-selected?
The wedding will absolutely be customizable. The winning couple will work directly with Valley Ridge and participating vendors through planning meetings and coordination sessions to create a celebration that reflects their personalities, preferences, and overall vision.
8. What happens if a vendor is unavailable on our selected date?
Our vendor partners will do their very best to accommodate the selected date, and many have additional team members available. If a vendor is unavailable, the couple may choose to bring in another vendor at their own expense.
Vendor packages included in the giveaway have no cash value and are non-transferable.
Our goal is to remain flexible while helping create the couple’s dream wedding.
9. Do we need to live locally to enter?
No. Couples may apply from anywhere.
However, you must be willing to host your wedding at Valley Ridge in Antioch, Illinois, as the event will take place at our venue.
10. Can we enter if we’re already engaged?
Yes! Engaged couples are exactly who we encourage to enter.
Whether you recently got engaged or have already begun planning your wedding, we would love to hear your story.
11. Who is eligible to enter?
To be eligible to enter the Free Wedding Giveaway:
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Both individuals must be at least 18 years old
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Both partners must agree to participate
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You must be comfortable sharing your story publicly if selected
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You must be willing to participate in public voting
12. What is the full timeline for the giveaway?
Application/entry period:
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February 14: Applications/entries open
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March 1: Entry deadline ends at 11:59 PM
A panel of Valley Ridge judges will review all submissions and select the Top 10 couples.
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March 8–13: Top 10 Voting
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March 15–20: Top 5 Voting
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March 22–27: Top 2 Voting
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March 28: Winner will be notified privately
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March 29: Winner publicly announced
13. How does voting work?
Voting will take place exclusively on the Valley Ridge website.
Each person is allowed one vote per email address, per day. Friends, family, coworkers, and community members are encouraged to participate and support their couple.
Votes reset between each round.
14. What happens if we’re selected as a Top 10 couple?
Selected couples will be notified directly and invited to move forward into the public voting rounds. They will also be featured as part of the giveaway on our website and social media platforms.
15. How will we know if we weren’t selected?
All couples who submit an entry will receive follow-up communication confirming receipt of their submission, along with additional details and participant perks.
16. What if we’re camera-shy or nervous?
That’s completely normal.
Your video does not need to be perfect or professionally produced. Authenticity matters far more than presentation. Many couples choose to read a letter, film multiple takes, or keep their video simple and natural.
17. Do we receive any perks for submitting, even if we don’t win?
Yes. As a thank you for sharing your story, all couples who submit an entry will receive a Complimentary Celebration Opportunity at Valley Ridge. This allows you to host a special event—such as a bridal shower, engagement party, or baby shower—with the room rental fee completely waived.
Food, beverage, staffing, and additional services are not included and may be customized based on your preferences.
Full details and instructions will be provided in your follow-up email after submission.
18. Will you use our photos and videos publicly?
Yes. This giveaway is designed to celebrate and share love stories. Couples who submit should be comfortable with their story, photos, and video potentially being shared publicly.
If selected as a Top 10 couple, we'll contact you directly to obtain official permission before publicly featuring your content.
Official Terms & Conditions for Valley Ridge Wedding Giveaway
Last Updated: February 14, 2026
These Official Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern participation in the Valley Ridge Free Wedding Giveaway (“Giveaway”), sponsored and administered by Valley Ridge Resort, and affiliated entities located in Antioch, Illinois (“Valley Ridge,” “Sponsor,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
By submitting an entry, participants (“Entrants,” “Couples,” or “Participants”) agree to be legally bound by these Terms in their entirety.
1. Eligibility
1.1 Participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of entry.
1.2 Both individuals entering as a couple must knowingly and voluntarily consent to participate.
1.3 Participants must be legally eligible to marry in the State of Illinois at the time of the wedding, if applicable.
1.4 Participants must be willing and able to host their wedding at Valley Ridge in Antioch, Illinois.
1.5 Participants must be willing to participate in public voting, promotional activities, and planning coordination.
1.6 Valley Ridge reserves the right to verify eligibility and disqualify any entrant at its sole discretion.
2. Entry Requirements
2.1 Participants must submit all required materials, including but not limited to:
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Video submission
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Photos
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Written information
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Identifying details
2.2 Entries must be received by the official deadline. Late, incomplete, or corrupted submissions may be disqualified.
2.3 Submission does not guarantee selection or receipt of any prize.
3. Selection Process, Judging, and Sponsor Discretion
3.1 Valley Ridge reserves the absolute and unrestricted right to select, judge, advance, eliminate, or disqualify participants at its sole and exclusive discretion.
3.2 Selection may be based on any criteria determined by Valley Ridge, including subjective criteria.
3.3 Valley Ridge reserves the right to select any participant regardless of public voting results.
3.4 All decisions made by Valley Ridge are final and binding.
3.5 Valley Ridge reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Giveaway at any time.
4. Prize Description and Limitations
4.1 The Giveaway consists of a wedding experience, including venue access and participating vendor services.
4.2 The Giveaway has no cash value, is non-transferable, and may not be redeemed, exchanged, or substituted.
4.3 Participants may not request cash compensation in place of services.
4.4 Any optional upgrades, additions, or enhancements are the sole financial responsibility of the winning couple.
5. Wedding Date and Location Requirements
5.1 The wedding must take place at Valley Ridge in Antioch, Illinois.
5.2 The wedding must occur during the calendar year 2026 or 2027.
5.3 All dates are subject to venue availability.
5.4 Failure to select a date within a reasonable timeframe may result in forfeiture.
6. Vendor Participation and Availability
6.1 Vendor participation is subject to availability.
6.2 If a vendor is unavailable, that vendor shall have no obligation to provide services.
6.3 Vendor services have no cash value and are non-transferable.
6.4 Replacement vendors, if desired, are the responsibility of the couple.
7. Vendor and Venue Agreement Requirements
7.1 The winning couple must sign and comply with all standard venue and vendor agreements.
7.2 Failure or refusal to sign agreements may result in forfeiture of services.
7.3 Vendors reserve the right to decline services if agreements are not satisfied.
8. Relationship Status and Integrity
8.1 Participants must enter as a genuine couple.
8.2 Valley Ridge reserves the right to verify relationship legitimacy.
8.3 If participants separate or break up prior to the wedding, Valley Ridge may revoke the prize.
8.4 The prize may not be transferred to another individual or partner.
9. Legal Marriage Requirements
9.1 Participants are responsible for obtaining any required marriage licenses.
9.2 Valley Ridge is not responsible for legal marriage compliance.
10. Voting Integrity and Fraud Prevention
10.1 Fraudulent voting is strictly prohibited.
This includes:
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Fake accounts
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Automated voting
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Purchased votes
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Bots or scripts
10.2 Valley Ridge may invalidate suspicious votes.
10.3 Participants may be disqualified for fraudulent voting.
11. Conduct and Behavior
11.1 Participants must behave respectfully toward Valley Ridge and vendors.
11.2 Valley Ridge may disqualify participants for misconduct, harassment, or inappropriate behavior.
11.3 This includes online and social media conduct.
12. Publicity and Media Rights
12.1 Participants grant Valley Ridge the right to use submitted content for promotional purposes.
12.2 This includes video, photos, names, likeness, and story.
12.3 These rights are granted without compensation.
13. Vendor Substitution and Limitations
13.1 Valley Ridge does not guarantee specific vendors or individuals.
13.2 Vendor substitutions may occur if necessary.
14. Force Majeure and Uncontrollable Events
Valley Ridge and vendors shall not be liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to:
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Acts of God
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Natural disasters
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Severe weather
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Pandemic
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Government restrictions
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Business closure
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Illness or injury
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Equipment failure
Valley Ridge may modify, reschedule, or cancel the Giveaway if necessary.
15. No Liability
Participants agree that Valley Ridge and vendors shall not be liable for:
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Injuries
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Losses
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Damages
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Emotional distress
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Financial costs
Participation is voluntary.
16. No Guarantee or Warranty
The Giveaway is provided "as is" without guarantees.
17. Disqualification Rights
Valley Ridge may disqualify participants at any time for any reason.
18. Cancellation or Modification of Giveaway
Valley Ridge may modify, suspend, or cancel the Giveaway at any time.
19. Release of Claims
Participants release Valley Ridge and vendors from all claims related to participation.
20. Technical Errors
Valley Ridge is not responsible for technical failures or lost submissions.
21. Limitation of Liability
Valley Ridge shall not be liable for indirect or consequential damages.
22. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by Illinois law.
23. Sponsor’s Final Authority and Right of Interpretation
Valley Ridge reserves the sole and exclusive right to interpret, enforce, and make determinations regarding these Terms & Conditions.
All interpretations, decisions, and determinations made by Valley Ridge are final and binding.
Valley Ridge reserves the right to resolve any disputes, ambiguities, or unforeseen situations at its sole discretion.
24. Agreement to Terms
By submitting an entry, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
