You’ve found your perfect mate. Now it’s time to pick a venue for your big day.
SPRINGFIELD
Ballrooms, banquet halls, country clubs and bed-and-breakfasts
Crowne Plaza Hotel Luxurious and elegant European-style rooms for any size ceremony or reception. Comes with packages and amenities, such as free tastings, champagne toasts and complimentary Jacuzzi for the newlyweds. 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
Firefighter’s 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
Fraternal Order of Eagles #437 With rooms accommodating up to 420 guests and several menus starting at $8.95 per person, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is an excellent site for weddings and receptions. 2700 E. Ash Street. 217-544-9849. foe437.org
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.hilton.com-en-hi-hotels-weddings
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.
Knights of Columbus 364 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. $275-$800. Small room for intimate occasions with up to 60 guests. Catering by Casey’s Pub. 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road. 217-787-2360. www.kofc364.com
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
Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center Two chandelier-lit ballrooms for ceremonies and receptions with 150-500 guests. Also has space for small, intimate occasions. 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-dollar 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.springfieldpccc.com.
President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center The downtown venue features certified wedding planner, décor and lighting enhancements to compliment wedding colors, free menu tastings and presidential accommodations for bride and groom. 701 E. Adam Street. 217-544-8800, ext. 4000. www.presidentabrahamlincolnhotel.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. $500-$1500. 625 E. Saint Joseph. 217-529-6626. www.rt66hotel.com
Secret Recipes Reception Center Large banquet facility and full catering services and bar for events up to 400 guests. Hall rental $400-$850. Catering $11.95-$19.95 per person. 3086 Normandy Road. 217-483-9500. www.secretrecipescatering.com
Springfield Jaycees Activity Center Large banquet hall for weddings and receptions up to 200 guests. Full kitchen and your choice of caterer. Also offers china, linen, tables, etc. for rental. 2525 South Street. $450. 217-528-8669. www.springfieldjaycees.org
The Inn at 835 Charming bed-and-breakfast features lovely garden setting for beautiful outdoor weddings. Two luxurious parlors for inside 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 6,000-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 280 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. Union Station presents a unique option for receptions of up to 150 guests.
$500-$2,250. 212 N. Sixth Street. 217-558-8873. www.presidentlincoln.org
Edwards Place Once a popular site for social and political events, the historical 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 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. 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
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 Four sizes of banquet rooms to seat 40 to 300 people. Located five miles north of Springfield’s Capital Airport, just outside of Sherman. 295 E. Andrew Road. 217-487-7601. www.poescatering.com
Edgewood Golf Club You’ll find distinctive banquet facilities along with the peaceful atmosphere of the golf course. The upper-level banquet room overlooks the golf course and driving range with seating up to 250 for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers or wedding reception. 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-squarefoot dance floor, bridal room and special entrance for the bridal party. $750. Fireside room holds 150, with a 440-square-foot dance floor, $425. Westside room’s capacity is 80. $175. 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 Beautiful gardens overlooking a lake offer a lovely setting for weddings and receptions. Four sites to choose from – gazebo, permanent tent, pergola and barn. Skilled wedding coordinator can plan your event in as little as two months. Includes decorations, tables and linen, centerpieces, candles, ring bearer pillow, flower girl basket and more. Seats up to 600. All-inclusive packages $1,500 and up. Jacksonville. 217-243-3290. www.buenavistafarms.net
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 250 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
