Great places to wed

You’ve found your perfect mate. Now it’s time to pick a venue for your big day.

Great places to wed
PHOTO provided by Matt DeBackere Photography
Nora Povse and Stuart Lauer married 8-9-14. They had their ceremony and reception at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel.

SPRINGFIELD

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


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.  The Banquet room offers a full bar, stage and seating up to 140. 210 Broadway, Springfield.  217-679-6235.
www.arlingtonsspi.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

Luxurious and elegant European-style rooms for any size ceremony or reception. Complimentary suite for the newlyweds and the Honeymoon On Us promotion can earn qualifying couples a pre-paid Visa card up to $1,250. Enjoy a complimentary tasting and champagne toast for all  bookings. 3000 South Dirksen Parkway.
217-529-7777. www.cpspringfield.com


Erin’s Pavilion

Erin’s Pavilion has a 4,900-square-foot banquet hall to accommodate 300-plus guests and features a charming terrace with panoramic lakeside view. Smaller rooms available. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second Street. 585-2941. 

www.springfieldparkdistrict.org


Firefighters Postal Club

Located on Lake Springfield, the club is perfect for couples wanting to show off their creativity. Seats 310 guests for banquet-style receptions. $500-$1,200. 940 West Lake Shore Drive. 217-622-0099. 

www.firefighterspostal.weebly.com


Hilton Springfield

Lovely rooms for small weddings and spacious ballrooms with seating for up to 600 guests for larger ceremonies. Also offers an array of services, including a complimentary room for the newlyweds. 700 E. Adams. 217-789-1530. 

www.springfield.hilton.com


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. www.hcfta.org


Illinois State Fairgrounds

Three beautifully distinct locations for any size wedding and reception. 217-782-1698. agr.state.il.us-spacerental-facilities.html

Orr Building features water fountain in center of open area and glass windows throughout the site. $725.

Built in 1898, the Artisans Building, features hardwood floors and open floor plan for endless possibilities. $500.

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 $600. Theater $275. Rooftop $550. 


The Legacy Theatre   

Mid-century style theater offers a unique 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. www.AtTheLegacy.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. 
www.northfieldinn.com


Panther Creek Country Club

A 3,600-square-foot banquet room, 526-square-foot dance floor and 1,500-square-foot patio offers ample space for weddings and receptions. Accommodates 175 guests for plated meals, 145 for buffets. Space for small weddings also available. 3001 Panther Creek Drive. 217-546-4431, ext. 3028.
www.panthercreekcc.com


Prairie Capital Convention Center 

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. For date availability and to schedule a tour, contact Jill at 217-788-8800 or check out photos on their website at www.springfieldpc3.com.

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield a DoubleTree by Hilton

The downtown venue features a certified Executive Chef, a wedding professional, décor and lighting enhancements to compliment wedding colors, menu tastings and presidential accommodations for the bride and groom. 701 E. Adam Street. 217-544-8800, ext. 4000. www.presidentabrahamlincolnspringfield.doubletree.com


Route 66 Hotel and
Conference Center

Spacious banquet and convention center for weddings and receptions with up to 500 guests. Also offers event planner, large dance floor, full-service bar, linen, china, glassware and silverware included.  625 E. Saint Joseph.
217-529-6626.  www.rt66hotel.com


The Inn at 835

Charming bed-and-breakfast features lovely garden setting for beautiful outdoor weddings. Two luxurious parlors for indoor ceremonies with up to 150 guests. The Conservatory and connected Caucus Lounge is ideal for ceremonies and receptions for up to 300 guests. Also provides tableside wine service, champagne, open bar, centerpieces and linens. $125-$950. Conn’s Catering. 835 S. Second Street.
217-523-4466. www.innat835.com


The 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. www.thestatehouseinn.com


VFW Post 755

Large dance floor, two bars and catering for weddings and receptions with up to 300 guests. $400. Catering $9.50 per person and up.
2211 Old Jacksonville Road. 217-546-9515.


Historical

Abraham Lincoln Presidential

Library and Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s 4,500-square-foot glass and stone rotunda offers a spectacular backdrop for elegant receptions. The library is ideal for wedding rehearsal dinners and small receptions. $500-$2,250. 212 N. Sixth Street. 217-558-8873. 

www.illinois.gov/alplm/


Edwards Place

Once a popular site for social and political events, 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. 

www.springfieldart.org


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. www.pasfieldhouse.com


Outdoor

Lake Beach House

Center Park’s charming Beach House has two large rooms connected by a central foyer that offers the feel of a gorgeous beach ceremony while remaining in the capital city. Provides tables and chairs for seating up to 200 guests. Reservations taken year round. Building available April-December. 217-757-8660, ext. 1011. www.cwlp.com/lake/lakeparks/beachhousephotos.html


Lincoln Memorial Garden

Several gardens surrounded by hundreds of flowers and a view of Lake Springfield accent this outdoor ceremony site. 200 guests. Tables and chairs provided. Fees based on number of guests. 2301 East Lake Drive. 217-529-1111.
www.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 dropoff and reserved up-close parking for bridal party. 1055 W. Camp Sangamo Road. 217-744-8311.
www.longbridgegc.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. www.piperglen.com


Springfield Park District

Beautiful outdoor weddings and receptions at several locations. Seating from 60-150 guests. $50-$2,000. 217-544-1751, unless other number noted.
www.springfieldparkdistrict.org

Douglas Park bandshell.

Lincoln Greens Golf Club banquet room has large windows with a view of Lake Springfield. $360 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.

Southwind Park terrace, gazebo, butterfly garden, treehouse or Selvaggio arches are options for beautiful outdoor ceremonies.
4965 S. Second Street. 585-2941.

• Washington Park’s Botanical Garden raised bed, rose park and Roman Culture Garden provide stunning, colorful settings for outdoor weddings. 546-4116.

Washington Park gazebo or Iron Springs.


The 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. www.railgolf.com


NEARBY CITIES

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


Poe’s Catering on the 

Hill Reception Center

4 sizes of banquet rooms to seat 40 to 300 people 295 East Andrew Road, Springfield. 62707. 217-487-7601 Find us on Facebook and at www.poescatering.com 


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 and driving range 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. www.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. 


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. Also, 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


Sangamon Prairie Reception Center

The roomy 8,800-square-foot banquet hall offers an event planner, large parquet dance floor, cocktail area with full bar, centerpieces, table linens and customized ice carvings. Accommodates up to 400 guests. 201 South Main, Chatham. 217-483-7999. 

www.sangamon-prairie.com


The Oaks Bed-and-Breakfast

Built in 1875, the Italianate Victorian mansion overlooking Petersburg and the Sangamon River Valley has stunning gardens that provide a gorgeous backdrop for small, intimate ceremonies and receptions for up to 40 guests. 510 W. Sheridan Road, Petersburg.
217-632-5444. www.theoaksbandb.com


Outdoor

Buena Vista Farms and Resort 

Have a wedding vacation weekend!  Stay in luxury cabins, 2 nights lodging included in packages, with campfire afterglow. Beautiful gardens overlooking a lake offer a lovely setting for weddings. The Lodge for rehearsal dinner & Sunday brunch is included.  A temperature-controlled tent with chiavari chairs for receptions dazzles with lighting. Skilled wedding coordinator can plan your event in as little as two months. Includes linen, centerpieces,unusual decor, ceremony accessories and more. Seats up to 300 indoor, unlimited outdoor. All-inclusive packages $7,500 and up. Jacksonville. 217-243-3290.
www.buenavistafarms.net


Green Gables Inn Weddings

We offer elegant ceremonies in the garden at the gazebo. Our Wedding Stay 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 Tea Party 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. www.greengablesinn.com 217-374-6000


Fraase Farm

Guests enter the ceremony via the old-fashioned covered bridge, while basking in the ambiance of the handsome country gardens, making the farm a unique site for couples to exchange vows. Accommodates up to 120 guests. New Berlin. 

217-546-3091. www.fraasefarm.com


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 seat up to 400, while inside events seat up to 200. Six caterers to choose from. Also features wedding packages, trolley service and video and photo packages. Oakford. 217-635-9900. www.hillprairiewinery.com


Scott Outdoor Adventure Retreat

Our 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. Conveniently located just a short drive south of Springfield at 3279 Honey Bend Avenue, Litchfield. 217-372-5221.

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