9 Large Wedding Venues in Central Illinois That Aren’t Barns

When you think of a wedding in Central Illinois, what image do you see in your mind?

Is it a backyard celebration?

Maybe a big get together at a rustic barn?

While these are both definite realities of Central Illinois, and honestly pretty great in their own right, Central Illinois is actually home to many different wedding venues with a TON of character!

From curated vintage spaces, to historic venues that feel straight out of a time capsule, and even spaces with the most modern amenities imaginable, you can find it all in Central Illinois!

The best thing is that these unique spaces aren’t just for intimate celebrations either. Don’t believe me? Here are 9 of my favorite, large wedding venues in Central Illinois that aren’t barns!

1.  Vintage Opera House turned Venue: The Legacy Building // El Paso, IL // Capacity: 200

First up on the list is The Legacy Building in El Paso, Illinois! A large and historic wedding venue in Central Illinois that is practically bursting at the seams with character, The Legacy Building is on this list for numerous reasons aside from its endless charm!

The venue has ample space for every part of your wedding day, is incredibly accommodating for your vendor team, and offers plenty of portrait opportunities both inside and out! Check out some of the key amenities The Legacy Building offers, and take a look at their photo gallery to see the venue in action.

Amenities at a Glance

• Tables, Chairs, and Linens Included
• Décor Rentals Available
• On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
• Event Staff
• Bar Service
• Residential Wing Available for Rent (Sleeps 18)

2. Former Masonic Temple: The Silver Fox // Streator, IL // Capacity: 200 

The Silver Fox is another large, historic wedding venue in Central Illinois, but this one has a few tricks up its sleeves.

No, literally! Before it became a wedding venue, The Silver Fox was home to a Freemason chapter for over 100 years, so there are hidden rooms throughout the venue for couples to find and enjoy on their wedding day!

The venue has a striking style to it, with an almost regal vibe, and it offers the perfect backdrop for a cinematic wedding experience.

One mile from the Silver Fox is a Weber Gardens– a 2-acre English country-style garden with 10 uniquely styled “rooms,” each bursting with ever-changing plants, flowers, and trees, plus statuaries, sculptures, and fountains, and ornamental features. This is a perfect place for stunning photos before your ceremony.

Amenities at a Glance

• Separate Ceremony and Reception Spaces
• On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
• Tables, Chairs, and Table Settings Included
• Bar Package Options
• Event Staff

3. Charming Vintage Theater: The Orpheum Champaign // Champaign, IL // Capacity: 250

Champaign is home to our next wedding venue, and it’s a special one! The Orpheum Champaign is a large wedding venue in Central Illinois whose beauty is in a league of its own. I’m a sucker for classic theater vibes, so The Orpheum is a literal dream come true wedding venue for me. It was modeled after the Opera House of Versailles!

There’s so much emotion and room for expression in spaces like this, check out the second half of Elaina and Clayton’s engagement session at the Virginia Theatre to see what I mean.

Now imagine this artful and moody experience for your wedding day! There’s really nothing like it! 

Amenities at a Glance

• Vintage Furniture and Décor
• Custom Signage on Marquee
• On-Site Getting Ready Space
• Separate Ceremony and Reception Spaces
• Outdoor Courtyard
• Your Choice of Vendors

4. Allerton Park // Monticello, IL //  Capacity: 80 Indoor, 200+ Outdoor (with Tent)

For couples looking for that garden party vibe for their wedding day, look no further than Allerton Park! Found in Monticello, this Central Illinois wedding venue is large and remarkably breathtaking.

Featuring some of the most pristine, well kept, and vibrant gardens I’ve ever seen, Allerton Park provides a dream space for you to have your wedding in.

You can also choose to have a more intimate reception of 80 guests in the mansion of Allerton Park before having your reception outdoors under the comfort of your tent.

You really can have the best of both worlds here, all in a space that is strikingly beautiful throughout!

Amenities at a Glance

• 9 Outdoor Event Spaces with Capacities Ranging from 75 to 500 Guests
• 5 On Location Lodging Options
• On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
• Preferred Caterers List

5. DESTIHL Brewery // Bloomington, IL // Capacity: 175 

Up next is the incredible Destihl Brewery in Bloomington, Illinois! This brewery provides a wonderfully unique experience for couples looking for a more modern setting for their wedding day.

The Barrel Room of the brewery acts as the perfect ceremony or reception space, and the outdoor patio is ideal for a ceremony or cocktail hour during the warmer months.

Combine that with the classy, rustic yet modern feel of the barrel room, the immensely helpful staff, the DIVINE food, and the large size of the space and it’s easy to see why the Destihl Brewery happens to be a favorite wedding venue of mine in Central Illinois!

For a closer look at Destihl check out Megan and Ethan’s wedding, or my full venue feature piece.

Amenities at a Glance

• Outdoor and Indoor Spaces
• Service Staff
• Tables, Chairs, and Tableware
• On-Site Getting Ready Space
• Private Brewery Tours for Portraits
• In-House Beers and Other Beverages
• Rentals and Audio/Visual Equipment

6. Prairie Glass House // Champaign, IL // Capacity: 70 Indoor, 300+ Outdoor (with Tents)

The Prairie Glass House is a truly unique wedding venue in Champaign, Illinois. This glass house features an exterior that consists exclusively of gentle curves, and has an astounding 94 double glass doors giving it the one of a kind look the house is known for.

This modern house sits amidst a gorgeous forest to provide your wedding day with a setting perfectly balanced between modern amenities and natural wonder!

There’s really nothing like the Prairie Glass House, and if you’re looking for a wedding venue in Central Illinois that’s capable of hosting some insanely large outdoor celebrations then you HAVE to check it out!

Amenities at a Glance

• Package Options Including Indoor Space Rental, Outdoor Space Rental, or Both
• Commercial Kitchen
• On-Site Parking
• Choice of Caterer
• Tons of Rentals Including Tables, Chairs, Tableware, and More

7. The Cannery // Eureka, IL // Capacity: 250

Bringing it back to the historic side of things is our next wonderful wedding venue, The Cannery! The Cannery is a beautiful wedding venue, with exposed wood beams and brick walls giving the space a warm and welcoming environment to celebrate with your loved ones. Built in the late 1800s, the moody, industrial vibe of the space feels alive with the building’s rich history. The Cannery has been updated by its team of dedicated wedding staff though to provide couples with THE best experience possible for their wedding day. It really is the whole package deal!

Amenities at a Glance

• 3 Package Options for Weddings of Various Sizes
• Outdoor Courtyard Space for Ceremonies
• Indoor Spaces for Cocktail Hour, Reception, and Rehearsal Dinners
• On-Site Getting Ready Space
• Choice of Vendors
• On-Site Parking

8. The Gateway Building by Childers // Peoria, IL  // Capacity: 300

One of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Peoria, The Gateway Building by Childers is our next Central Illinois wedding venue, and it’s perfect for large and small celebrations alike!

The Gateway is a historic landmark of Peoria, and as such is carefully maintained to preserve the venue’s staggering beauty. Views of the Illinois River and the Peoria skyline provide a breathtaking backdrop for your outdoor ceremony.

Meanwhile, the interior of the space is chic and elegant, and the abundance of windows provide ample natural lighting for your celebration. The Gateway is quite literally a gem of Peoria, and easily one of the most beautiful wedding venues of Central Illinois!

Amenities at a Glance

• On-Site Getting Ready Space
• Insane Portrait Opportunities
• Top of the Line Audio/Visual Technology
• On-Site Parking
• The Option to Light the Murray Baker Bridge in Your Wedding Colors
• Exclusive In-House Catering and Beverage Service

9. Arlington’s Catering & Historic Venue // Springfield, IL // Capacity: 375

Last on our list is none other than Arlington’s in Springfield, Illinois, which you may recognize from my blog about Nicole and Conner’s wedding! While Nicole and Conner had an intimate wedding reception here, the Central Illinois wedding venue can actually host some pretty large celebrations as well!

The venue features two floors, which when completely bought out can host a whopping 375 guests. Arlington’s is a venue with a rich history of over 100 years and several businesses passing through.

The vintage style of the venue is what always captivates me, as well as the many couples who have chosen to celebrate their day here.

Amenities at a Glance

• Event Staff and Coordinator
• Custom In-House Catering and Beverage Menus
• Modern Sound System
• Tables, Chairs, Tableware, and Other Supplies
• Elevator Access
• Portrait Opportunities in Downtown Springfield

Bonus!  Artisans Building at the IL State Fairgrounds // Springfield, IL // Capacity: 450

Gotcha! We actually have a 10th BONUS wedding venue on the list today, the Artisans Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds!

This one is for all my couples that LOVE to DIY. The Artisans Building is a true ‘Blank Slate’ wedding venue.

Aside from candles and fog machines not being allowed within the building, you have complete control over how you want the Artisans Building to look and feel for your celebration.

With plenty of space to work with, portrait opportunities abound, and all the creative freedom you could ever ask for, the Artisans Building just couldn’t be left off this list!

Amenities at a Glance

• Chairs and Tables Included
• ADA Accessible
• On-Site Parking

That covers 10 of my favorite non-barn wedding venues in Central Illinois that are perfect for hosting large weddings! As you can see there’s a lot more to Central Illinois than you might have thought!

Check out some of the galleries linked throughout the blog to see these stellar venues in action, and if you’re ready to book me to document your wedding be sure to inquire with me ASAP!