You’re searching for wedding venues in the central Illinois area and not much has been popping up— until now. Introducing the newest wedding venue to Illinois— Chapter II Events.

This new venue is tucked away in Jacksonville, IL. 35 minutes from the Springfield, and 1 hour & 40 from the St. Louis area.

Historically this building was the Henry Pfieffer Library at MacMurray College. Sadly the college closed in 2020. But the Library was bought by Kayla & Eric Jokisch in 2024. They were really excited to turn it into an all inclusive wedding venue. 

You’ll want to get married at Chapter II Events if you…

• want the historic charm without the St. Louis or Chicago prices or drive through city traffic
• are looking forward to through a party with 200 of your loved ones
• dreams of an outdoor ceremony AND a beautiful backup plan if it rains on your special day
• plan to spend your wedding day in ONE Central Illinois wedding venue rather than bopping around from hotel to ceremony spot to photo location to reception
• are a book nerd who wants an elegant backdrop and has a dream of getting married in a library (same, I blame “Beauty & the Beast”)

The nitty gritty // the venue

This central Illinois wedding venue has lots of details:

• Large capacity
  • 200 in the Ballroom + 40 in the Cafe
• Friday through Saturday rentals
  • Set up decor on Friday and host your rehearsal
  • No competing Friday weddings
• All-inclusive rental, including:
  • Tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, and flatware
• Two on-site getting ready spaces
  • Basement: moody, low-light leather couch hangout
  • Second floor: cream-colored couch and several salon chairs
• Ceremony options
  • Outdoor lawn ceremony with indoor reception
  • Indoor ceremony and reception
  • Optional ceremony in the Chapel
• Cocktail hour indoors or on the lawn

The nitty gritty // amenities

• Accessibility: ramp to enter the building, no elevator to the second or third floor
• Restrictions: no open flame
• In-house day-of venue coordinator who…
  • works with your vendors
  • dismisses tables for buffet dinner
  • will FaceTime to help you with your day of schedule
• Varying bar packages— signature cocktails for the couple is possible!
• Optional private dinner
  • Don’t want to have all your wedding guests watch you & your new spouse eat?? Staff will set up a private dining space for you two to eat before heading up to socialize for the reception.

This Central Illinois wedding is so gorgeous, I wanted to give you a tour. Here are is a walk through of the building!

A Walkthrough of Chapter II Events

First view of the inside is the bar! This used to be the checkout desk of the library. Now you can check out the wine, sodas, and liquors. **wink wink**

To the left a room meant for gifts. The telephone box in the corner is a popular place for the telephone guest book.

Another room is the Cafe! Exit the gift room and turn left. This space works perfectly for serving cake or giving guests a little break from the dance floor.

Plus, if you’re planning something smaller, Chapter II Events is a great spot for wedding showers, baby showers, graduation parties, and more.

Towards the bathroom is a room for nursing parents, and doubles as a playroom for kids.

But you’re probably here to see the “piest de resistance” – the grand ballroom!

Once you enter into Chapter II turn right to see these gorgeous arches.

Chapter II Event’s Grand Ballroom

Unlike any other central Illinois wedding venue is this grand ballroom. There are large windows, shelves with thrifted wood frames, candlesticks, antique books & vintage frames. It’s full of charm and honesty you can’t help but look through them when hanging out during the reception.

Additionally these chandeliers are special-imported from Europe and were on the set of Disney’s Cruella. (see photo 9 here)

Getting Ready Spaces at Chapter II Events

Whether you’re a bride & groom or an LGBTQ+ couple, there are two different spots to get ready at!

Downstairs: the moody speakeasy. Upstairs: a light & airy salon.

First let’s look at the moody speakeasy.

Here you’ll find leather chairs, a pool table, vintage details on the walls. Very cozy for folks hanging out while getting ready. 

This is where couples can have a private dinner before joining their reception guests!

Upstairs you’ll find windows providing natural light with cozy couches & a minimalist design.

Don’t forget the large mirrors and salon chairs to get ready for the big day!

And there you have it! If you’re interested in getting married at Chapter II Events, fill out their contact form & tell them you found my blog!

When you start looking for a photographer, I would love to be there with you & your boo! Check out what weddings with me look like, and fill out my wedding inquiry form!