There are so many incredible places to get married in this area, and I love discovering new favorites when my couples get married somewhere unique! Whether you’re looking for an elegant, outdoor garden feel, an elegant mansion feel, or a beautiful barn, I think you’ll find a southern Illinois wedding venue on my list that you’ll love! I must admit, I enjoy traveling for my couples, but there’s no place like home (clicking my ruby red shoes)!
When you’re looking for a wedding photographer, it’s super important that they know the area you’re getting married. Their expertise is SO important when planning your wedding day. I mean, I’ve had times when I’ve arrived at a wedding venue and I know more about it than the wedding planner! That’s why it’s so important to have vendors who are comfortable with your venue, so there are no surprises! Since I’m from the Southern Illinois area, and I’ve lived here pretty much my whole life, I know the area quite well. I’m so excited to share some of my favorite southern Illinois wedding venues with you! Let’s go!
Dragonfly Wedding Venue
Located just outside of Herrin, IL, Dragonfly Wedding Venue is a dreamy little getaway, ideal for every type of wedding! I know, it’s hard to believe that one spot could accommodate any wedding style, but I really mean it with Dragonfly! They have 36 acres of manicured land, and you have access to all of it on your big day. From a pond, a little waterfall, a barn, a special groom’s room, the Wonder Woods and even a Boho Tiny House, they’ve truly thought of everything! They offer chair and table rentals to make your life a little easier. All of their packages include a one or two-night stay at their cottage, too! I’d like to make a special mention to Ana, the venue coordinator! She is one-of-a-kind and has been so helpful every time I shoot a wedding at Dragonfly!
Pricing: Depends on the month and day of the week, ranging from $2,950-$8,450
Availability: Year-round
Guest Count: Up to 250
Havisham House
I absolutely love Havisham House! From the beautiful wedding pavilion to the sweet houses on the property, this is a wonderful wedding venue! Havisham House has that perfect vintage feel, so if you’re looking for a romantic, antique-y wedding, this one’s for you! One of my favorite things is that they welcome all vendors with open arms, which can be rare in the wedding world! Did I mention they have a little carriage house that’s perfect for your groom to get ready with his groomsmen?! Could this place get any more perfect? Actually, it can! The owners of Havisham House are opening up a Bourbon Bar right next to the venue!
Pricing: Packages range from $2,500-$5,950
Guest Count: Up to 200
Availability: Year-round
A Pocket Full of Sunshine
If you’re searching for the perfect barn venue for your Southern Illinois wedding, this is it! A Pocket Full of Sunshine, in Mt. Vernon, IL, is an absolutely lovely indoor/outdoor wedding venue space. They have several ceremony locations to choose from! Their main area features a picturesque white barn with incredible rustic wood tables, and a lovely pond around the side! The barn is fully climate-controlled year-round so you don’t need to worry about that, and their bride/groom suites are huge! One of the things I love most about A Pocket Full of Sunshine is the incredible story behind the venue. Talia, the venue owner, and her late fiancé, had plans of opening a wedding venue. After Talia’s fiancé died unexpectedly, he left Talia and their son. While the road to opening the venue was challenging, Talia persevered and has been running this successful venue for 4 years! I love the heart and soul that goes into this venue, and it really shows when you visit! Talia does incredible in-house decorating, which means one less thing for you to worry about.
Pricing: Inquire with the venue, but a military discount is available!
Availability: Year-round
The Wedding Garden
The Wedding Garden is really centrally located near Carbondale, but still feels very private and secluded! I love The Wedding Garden‘s beautiful pergola, reclaimed wood bar in their reception space, and the beautiful gardens surrounding the entire area! They actually have three different wedding locations, so couples can have options to choose the space that fits best for them. This is the perfect venue if you’re looking for a natural, lush, green wedding style! With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it is perfect for any time of year.
Pricing: Inquire with the venue
Guest Count: Up to 250
The Historic Bell Hill
Another perfect venue if you’re wanting a vintage wedding feel, The Historic Bell Hill is an exquisite Southern Illinois wedding venue in Union County, with some of the best views in the area! You can feel the history this venue has when you step foot on the property, it’s absolutely amazing! Perfect for a smaller wedding party, Bell Hill has a bed and breakfast on the property with many beautiful, historic rooms. Their venue spaces include both indoor and outdoor areas like the Barn and the Mansion Home! They welcome outside vendors, which I love!
Pricing: Packages range from $3,500-$6,500
Planning your Southern Illinois wedding?
If you’re planning your Southern Illinois wedding and are looking for a photographer, I’m ready to hear from you! Click here to inquire with your dates, and then we can schedule a coffee call to chat all about your big day! I can’t wait! And in the meantime, I think it would be really helpful to check out why I only offer full-day wedding photography packages for my brides!
[…] If you’re planning your outdoor wedding in the Southern or Central Illinois areas, I’d love to chat with you! Click here to inquire with your dates, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! In the meantime, check out my favorite Southern Illinois wedding venues here! […]