Great places to get married

SPRINGFIELD
Ballrooms, banquet halls, country clubs and bed-and-breakfasts

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s magnificent Plaza, the center rotunda of the museum, offers a spectacular backdrop for elegant receptions. Catering is available or couples may bring in outside catering for an additional charge. The library and museum are is ideal for wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions, $500-$2,250. 212 N. Sixth Street. 217-558-8873. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.

Arlington’s Upstairs
Built in 1917, 210 Broadway has been reincarnated into a beautiful restaurant and bar, blending the old factory frame with timeless interior design. Arlington’s Upstairs offers a beautiful setting for wedding receptions, ceremonies and rehearsal dinners. The banquet room offers a full bar, stage and custom catering packages. The entire building may be rented for larger parties. Pricing available on request. 210 Broadway. 217-679-6235. arlingtonsspi.com.

Bank of Springfield Center
Bank of Springfield Center, formerly Prairie Capital Convention Center, completed a $16 million upgrade recently and its newly renovated 9,100-square-foot ballroom is suitable to host lavish weddings ranging from 200-700 people. Amenities include a fully remodeled banquet room with modern design, indirect lighting, free Wi-Fi for your guests and built-in audiovisual capabilities. 1 Convention Center Plaza. For date availability and to schedule a tour, contact Jill at 217-788-8800 or check out photos at theboscenter.com.

Columbian Hall Banquet and Conference Center
Large banquet hall and dance floor for large events and small, private rooms for intimate weddings. Accommodates up to 375 guests. $225-$1,100. Small room for intimate occasions with up to 60 guests. Catering by Casey’s Pub. 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road. 217-787-2360.

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Great choice for couples looking for a classic, chic or elegant venue for an opulent wedding. Offering ceremonies and receptions to fit all cultures and lifestyles. Themed rehearsal dinner packages. Complimentary suite for the newlyweds and the Honeymoon on Us promotion can earn qualifying couples a prepaid Visa card. Enjoy a complimentary tasting and champagne toast for all bookings. 3000 South Dirksen Parkway. 217-529-7777.
cpspringfield.com.

Edwards Place
Once a popular site for social and political events in the 19th century, the historic 186-year-old Italianate mansion is perfect for small, elegant ceremonies. Art gallery seats 50 for dinner, 100 for cocktail receptions. $150-$500. 700 N. Fourth Street. 217-523-2631. springfieldart.org.

Erin’s Pavilion
Erin’s Pavilion features a 4,900-square-foot banquet hall to accommodate up to 300 guests and features a charming terrace with panoramic peaceful lakeside view, banquet hall and two dressing areas for the couple. Your preferred caterers are welcome. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second Street.
585-2941. springfieldparks.org.


Firefighters Postal Club
Located on Lake Springfield, the club is perfect for couples wanting to show off their creativity. Seats 300+ guests for banquet-style receptions. $600-$1,300. 940 West Lake Shore Drive. 217-691-6427. firefighterspostal.weebly.com.

Hilton Garden Inn
Choose from eight unique venues that suit occasions of all styles. Enjoy an intimate celebration with close friends and family, or stage a grand affair, complete with dazzling A/V touches, for more than 100 guests in the 3,050-square-foot Presidential Ballroom. Treat guests to delicious culinary creations sure to please all palates. At the end of the night, newlyweds and guests alike can retire to comfortable, modern guest rooms. 3100 S. Dirksen Parkway. 217-529-7171 http://bit.ly/1P0B9D4

Hoogland Center for the Arts
Ornate, old-style theater and balcony offers a unique site for weddings and receptions for up to 270 guests. $350-$850. Catering by Arena Food Services. 420 S. Sixth Street. 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.

Illinois State Fairgrounds
Three beautifully distinct locations for any size wedding and reception.
• Orr Building features water fountain in center of open area and glass windows throughout the site. $925.
• Built in 1898, the Artisans Building features hardwood floors and open floor plan for endless possibilities. $925.
• Illinois Building has three floors, 470-seat theater, covered rooftop with amazing view of the fairgrounds, and plate-glass exhibit windows. Main floor and mezzanine $725. Theater $325. Rooftop $500. 801 E. Sangamon Ave. 217-782-1698. agr.state.il.us-spacerental-facilities.html.

Inn at 835
The Historic Inn at 835 is a premier wedding destination as well as a top-rated bed-and-breakfast in the area. Two luxurious parlors in the main building host events up to 125, while the attached Conservatory event space (and connected, private Caucus Lounge) holds parties of up to 250-300. Garden weddings are available with outdoor seating for up to 150. The Inn at 835 is a completely inclusive wedding venue, with the ability to provide furnishings, linens, tableware, on-site catering, a full bar and full-service staff members attending to everything a remarkable wedding reception could need. $150-$995. 835 S. 2nd Street. 217-523-4466. innat835.com.

Lake Springfield Beach House
Nestled in Center Park, the Beach House sits on beautiful Lake Springfield. The facility has two large rooms connected by a central foyer, fireplaces, large patio and kitchen. Tables and chairs can seat up to 200 guests. Reservations taken year round. Building available April-December. 240 Long Bay Drive. [email protected], 217-757-8660, ext. 1011. www.cwlp.com/LakesParksHome/LakesParksInformation/ParksInformation.aspx

Legacy Theatre
Mid-century-style theater offers a dramatic setting for weddings and receptions. Theater seats 300; the swanky lounge offers reception seating for up to 150. Beautiful outdoor courtyard. No catering restrictions. Starting at $750. 101 East Lawrence Ave. 217-528-9760. AtTheLegacy.com.

Lincoln Memorial Garden
A woodland garden with seasonal wildflowers, colorful fall trees and a view of Lake Springfield accent this outdoor ceremony site for up to 200 guests. Wide trails, mostly shaded by huge trees, crisscross the garden and lead to stone-ringed areas for ceremonies in natural settings. Golf cart rental available. Fees based on number of guests. 2301 East Lake Drive. 217-529-1111. lincolnmemorialgarden.org.

Long Bridge Golf Course
Mid-April to the end of October, hold your ceremony in a climate-controlled tent that seats 275 and has an adjacent courtyard. Large bride’s room, turn-around drive at entrance for convenient drop off and reserved up-close parking for bridal party. 1055 W. Camp Sangamo Road. 217-744-8311. longbridgegc.com.

Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center
Two chandelier-lit ballrooms for ceremonies and receptions with 150-500 guests. Also has space for small, intimate family-style rehearsal dinners. Wedding coordinator can assist you with the smallest of details. Complimentary king Jacuzzi room for bride and groom. 3280 Northfield Drive. 217-523-7900. northfieldinn.com.

Panther Creek Country Club
With two ballrooms and a 1,500-square-foot patio overlooking the golf course, the facility provides the perfect backdrop for weddings and receptions. Both rooms feature built-in dance floors, with the largest space accommodating 250 for plated meals. Indoor and outdoor on-site ceremony options available. 3001 Panther Creek Drive. 217-546-4431, ext. 3028. Panthercreekcc.com.

Pasfield House Inn
Beautiful 1896 Georgian-style home with rich, elegant décor features a front porch veranda, romantic English garden and brick courtyard fountain for small, intimate weddings. Also ideal for engagement parties, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. 100 guests for cocktails, 50 for seated dinners. Outdoor wedding garden for up to 125 guests. 525 Pasfield Street. 217-523-3663. pasfieldhouse.com.


Piper Glen Golf and Social Club
The Grand Tent, with accommodations for up to 300 guests, features a 20-by-20 dance floor, tables, linens and other accessories. The Palmer Room, surrounded by windows overlooking the spectacular golf course, seats 120 guests for quaint and intimate events. 7112 Piper Glen Drive. 217- 483-6537. piperglen.com.

Poe’s Catering
Poe’s Catering provides a memorable space for an outdoor ceremony, overlooking a tranquil pond. For receptions, banquet rooms seat up to 300 guests in 5400 square feet of festive space. 295 East Andrew Road, Springfield, IL 62707. 217-487-7601. Find us on Facebook and poescatering.com.

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield a DoubleTree
by Hilton Hotel
This downtown venue features an award-winning executive chef, a certified wedding professional, elegant newly renovated ballroom with Venetian glass chandeliers, menu tastings and suite accommodations for the bride and groom. 701 E. Adams Street. 217-321-2433. dtspringfieldil.com.

Rail Golf Course
Spectacularly elegant outdoor facility for 300 guests offers breathtaking view of the gorgeous grounds and dance floor. Outdoor patio accommodates up to 60 guests for smaller events. 1400 S. Club House Drive. 217-525-0365. railgolf.com

Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center
Spacious banquet and convention center for weddings and receptions with up to 325 guests. Also offers event planner, large dance floor, linen, china, glassware and silverware included. Complimentary Jacuzzi Suite included for bride and groom. 625 E. Saint Joseph. 217-529-6626. rt66hotel.com

Springfield Park District
Beautiful outdoor weddings and receptions at several locations. Seating from 60-150 guests. $50-$2,000.
• Douglas Park bandshell. MacArthur Blvd and Madison Street.
• Lincoln Greens Golf Club banquet room has large windows with a view of Lake Springfield. Rental fee is for four hours. Room seats approximately 140. 700 E. Lake Drive.
• Lincoln Park bridge or pavilion. The pavilion is perched on a hilltop with a scenic view, large chandeliers and 8-foot windows that light the grand banquet hall. 5th St. and Sangamon Ave.
• Southwind Park terrace, gazebo, butterfly garden, treehouse or Selvaggio arches are options for beautiful outdoor ceremonies.
4965 S. Second Street. 217-585-2941.
• Washington Park’s Botanical Garden annual display beds, rose garden, outdoor gathering plaza and Roman Culture Garden provide stunning, colorful settings for outdoor weddings. 1740 W. Fayette. 217-546-4116.
• Washington Park gazebo or pavilion. The gazebo is a quaint spot within Washington Park to hold a lovely wedding ceremony. The pavilion was built around 1900 and has an elegant cobblestone event lodge complete with a banquet room, kitchen and dining room. S. Grand Ave and MacArthur Blvd.
217-544-1751, unless other number noted. springfieldparkdistrict.org

State House Inn
Large 3,500-square-foot governor’s ballroom for couples looking for a more grand site. Features personal wedding planner, tables, linen and accessories and five-star catering accommodating up to 275 guests. Also offers space for bridal parties and bachelorette parties. 101 W. Adams. 217-528-5100. thestatehouseinn.com.

VFW Post 755
Large dance floor, two bars and catering for weddings and receptions with up to 300 guests. 2211 Old Jacksonville Road.
217-546-9515 or Leslie 217-836-6032.

Wyndham Springfield City Centre
Over 50,000 square feet of event space with elegant, spacious ballrooms seating up to 600 guests, scenic rooms on the 29th floor overlooking the city, and the modern Pinnacle Club Lounge on the 30th floor, known for its panoramic view. Also provides onsite catering, complimentary tasting, complimentary suite for the newlyweds, discounted blocks of rooms for guests, and professional wedding coordinator. 700 E. Adams. 217-789-1530. wyndham.com/hotels/49084.


NEARBY CITIES
Ballrooms, banquet halls, country clubs and bed-and-breakfasts

Delray Reception Hall
Delray Hall is a newly renovated building on north side of Auburn. With plenty of parking, the hall has 3,000 square feet, including a full bar. Ready to host your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception for up to 200. 13575 N. State Route 4, Auburn. 217-652-0924.

Edgewood Golf Club
Edgewood offers a distinctive banquet facility along with the peaceful atmosphere of the golf course. The upper level banquet room overlooks the golf course, offering panoramic views of our tree-lined course. Relax and enjoy a stress-free rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or wedding reception. We have seating accommodations for up to 250 people when including our lower level facilities. Edgewood Golf Club is just a short drive south of Springfield. 16497 Kennedy Road, Auburn. 217-438-6131. GolfEdgewood.com.

Fulgenzi’s Trattoria and Catering
Large banquet room, full-service catering with menu featuring traditional Italian cuisine, Cajun-creole, soul food and more. 214 W. Chestnut, Chatham. 217-483-6133.

Greene Gables Inn Weddings
Offers elegant ceremonies in the garden at the gazebo. Wedding package includes accommodations, rehearsal dinner and day-after wedding brunch. This provides a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, reconnect with family and have time to enjoy being together. Bridal shower afternoon tea has been a celebrated tradition since the Victorian era, and is a timeless tradition perfect for celebrating a bride-to-be. Whether you want to host a small gathering or an elaborate tea for 40, let the staff at the Inn coordinate the details for your special event. 30-200+ guests. Sunday-Saturday. 503 N. Main St., White Hall. 217-374-6000. greenegablesinn.com.

Hamilton’s at 110 North East
South ballroom seats 420, with a 1,023-square-foot dance floor, bridal room and special entrance for the bridal party, $850. Fireside room holds 150, with a 440-square-foot dance floor, $550. Westside room’s capacity is 80, $250. Free Wi-Fi, elevator, ceremonies and receptions, outdoor courtyard for photos, fully customizable meal and bar service, ample parking and TV lounge. 110 N. East Street, Jacksonville, 217-675-2720.

Hill Prairie Winery
Couples can choose from several stunning sites, including next to the vineyard, pond, windmill, rolling hillside or inside a 100-year-old barn. Outdoor ceremonies for up to 400, while inside events seat up to 170. Six caterers to choose from. Also features wedding packages, trolley service and video and photo packages. 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford. 217-635-9900. hillprairiewinery.com.

The Homestead
Rustic rural venue on a working 10-acre farm. Generous indoor and outdoor space for ceremonies and receptions for up to 300 people. Guests will enjoy this natural setting complete with dance floor, fire pit and full kitchen for your choice of caterer. Located northwest of Springfield on I-97 in Tallula. 502-0019. homesteadreceptioncenter.com.

Sangamon Prairie Reception Center
The roomy 8,800-square-foot banquet hall offers an event planner, large hardwood dance floor, cocktail area with full bar, centerpieces, table linens. Accommodates up to 400 guests. 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. 217-483-7999. sangamon-prairie.com.

Scott Outdoor Adventure Retreat
Sprawling 70-acre property creates a dramatic landscape for your special event. With picturesque rolling hills, meadows and lakes, coupled with the rustic elegance of the Juliette Lodge, SOAR can host a myriad of events from intimate gathering to larger scale events. On-site fully furnished lodging available for your overnight needs. Located south of Springfield at 3279 Honey Bend Avenue, Litchfield. 217-372-5221.

The Farm
Nestled on 63 acres of rolling countryside, The Farm has the perfect space for your elegant/rustic wedding. Expansive gardens, charming barn with brick floor, and optional white tent provide space for 150 people. $1,500. Midway between Springfield and Petersburg. 21648 Old Farm Avenue, Petersburg. 217-306-0803. visit-thefarm.com.