Bloomington, Illinois is a wonderful city to consider for your wedding ceremony. Not only is it a splendid mix of historic charm and modern extravagance, but it’s also full of gorgeous, ornate architecture.
Whether you’re in the market for century-old barns, elegant mansions, or even chic, hotel spaces, Bloomington has a little something for everyone.
But that’s not even the very best part! That honor belongs to the average wedding cost, which according to Wedding Report, ran the average couple $25,809 on their 2021 wedding—far below the national average.
If we’ve sold you so far, then keep reading, because the best is yet to come! Here are 10 of the best wedding venues in Bloomington, Illinois.
Vrooman Mansion
if you’ve always wanted to experience the extravagance of mansion living, without shelling out millions of dollars, then consider Vrooman Mansion as your wedding venue. Constructed in 1869, this Italianate-style home is a perfect mix of historic charm and modern luxury, and offers you several spaces for all of your wedding activities.
You can start your day my taking photos with your wedding photographer at the home’s entrance, as the home’s terra cotta embellishments act as a charming backdrop.
Most couples wed on the lawn, surrounded by the property’s fairytale surroundings. For your reception, you can take advantage of the home’s banquet room, which can be dressed up or down.
Price Range: Contact the vendor for a quote.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests.
Find Vrooman Mansion at Vrooman Mansion or check out Facebook or Instagram.
1912 Barn
The 1912 Barn is perfect for couples who want to embrace a simpler time. This historic barn sits just outside of Bloomington, offering couples a rustic setting to hose their nuptials.
Start your day off by taking wedding photos in front of the barn’s striking white interior. When it’s time for you to exchange your vows, you and your love can say “I do” inside the restored barn, under a flower-adorned pergola, as minimal decor accents the space.
As far as the reception goes, many couples take things outside and host their festivities underneath elegant white tents, which will grant you and your guests views of the gorgeous property, while shielding everyone from the elements.
Price Range: $100 – $300 per hour, depending on the number of guests.
Capacity: 50 – 200 guests.
Find 1912 Barn at 1912 Barn or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Bloomington Chateau Hotel & Conference Center
The Bloomington Chateau Hotel & Conference Center is a great option for couples who want their wedding to be the event of the year. This French-inspired venue provides couples with over 7,000 square feet of venue options for their wedding.
For smaller ceremonies, you might take advantage of the indoor amphitheater. For grand events, consider one of its ornate ballrooms for a memorable event.
The best part about this venue is the fact that they only host one wedding per day, guaranteeing that your wedding will get the respect it deserves. Plus, the hotel can obviously accommodate any out-of-town guests you may have.
Price Range: Contact venue for rental quote; $3,500 – $8,000 food and beverage minimum.
Capacity: Up to 350 guests.
Find Bloomington Chateau Hotel & Conference Room at Bloomington Hotel and Conference Center or check out Facebook.
Ewing Cultural Center
The Ewing Cultural Center, which is located at Illinois State University, was generously donated to the university by the former owner, Hazel Buck Ewing. A manor, surrounded by a collection of gardens, this venue serves as a meeting space for splendidly whimsical weddings, offering couples numerous places to hold all of their festivities.
Of course, you should start your day by taking photos along a stone-lined path, as lush lawns and towering trees surround you.
For your wedding ceremony and reception, you should probably consider the Genevieve Green Gardens—the most popular venue, marked by gorgeous flowers, verdant green lawns, and the added splendor of the Ewing Manor just feet away.
Price Range: $4,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Find Ewing Manor at Ewing Manor or check Facebook or Instagram.
Valley Lakes Center
The Valley Lakes Center is a family country club, nestled against towering trees, water frontage, and a mountain range. Given that the Valley Lakes Center hosts weddings in their downtime, it makes it a great option for adventurous couples who value proximity to nature.
Sitting on 40 acres, this property boasts plentiful space to host all of your wedding activities; however, most couples host their weddings inside the main hall, which can be decorated according to the vision you want for your big moment.
Of course, you can also have a waterfront wedding, on one of the property’s four bodies of water. As for the rest of the property, it’s prime for outdoor activities, such, as hiking, fishing, and swimming, meaning you and your wedding party will be thoroughly entertained.
Price Range: Contact the vendor for a quote.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests.
Find Valley Lakes Center at Valley Lakes Center or check Facebook.
Pear Tree Estate
The Pear Tree Estate is a perfect venue for couples who value elegance and fine dining. This dreamy estate sits on 10 acres and offers over 3500 square feet of event space for your wedding activities.
You should start your day off by taking wedding photos at numerous locations around the property. For your actual ceremony, you’ll head to the indoor banquet space, which features wood trusses, high ceilings, fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Rentals include access to the ceremony and reception spaces, deluxe wedding supplies (such as Chiavari chairs, guest linens, and hand-crafted farm tables), and wedding planning services. You can also purchase extras, such as special lighting, luminaries, and ceiling draperies.
Price Range: $5,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests.
Find Pear Tree Estate at Pear Tree Estate or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Lakeside Country Club
The Lakeside Country Club is the perfect wedding venue for couples who value hospitality and 5-star service. Given that this country club has been operating since 196, they’ve certainly had enough time to perfect the art of customer service!
Here, you and your guests can enjoy a serene getaway, nestled against a scenic lake.
Most couples host their weddings in the banquet hall, which spans 1800 square feet and offers couples plenty of room for dining and dancing. Of course, you should also carve out time to take wedding photos along the property’s dreamy natural landscape.
Price Range: $5,000 and up.
Capacity: 150 – 250 guests.
Find Lakeside Country Club at Lakeside Country Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Epiphany Farm
Epiphany Farms is the place where rustic charm and modern elegance meet, making this venue perfect for couples who’d like to experience the best of both worlds.
You can start your big day by taking your wedding photos in the expansive fields outside of the main farm. When it’s time for you to say “I do,” you can have your setup here, as natural beauty surrounds you, and your guests watch on in awe.
As far as the reception goes, most couples head inside the large, sprawling barn, equipped with high ceilings and plenty of space for dining and dancing.
Price Range: Contact the venue for a quote.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests.
Find Epiphany Farm at Epiphany Farm or check out Instagram.
Reality On Monroe
Reality On Monroe is a charming modern venue with a rich and storied history. In 1908, it was the source of a fire that decimated a large portion of Bloomington, Indiana; however, it’s definitely risen from the ashes and prospered ever since.
Here, weddings exuded a rustic, elegant arm and aura, benefiting from the venue’s open layout, high ceilings, and exposed brick walls.
The best part about this space is that you can lean wholly into the venue’s rustic edge, by using minimal decor. Or, you can dress the place up, transforming it into whatever your vision for a perfect wedding is. Ahh, gotta love the versatility.
Price Range: $500 – $1500 for venue rental, depending on the day of the week; add-ons extra.
Capacity: Up to 120 guests.
Find Reality on Monroe at Reality on Monroe or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Decatur Conference Center and Hotel
No matter how other venues may trend, hotel venues will never go out of style. And if you’re in the market for a wedding in or near Bloomington, Illinois, it only makes sense to consider the Decatur Conference Center and hotel.
Here, your wedding will be an absolutely stately affair, benefiting from the hotel’s several conference and event spaces.
A favorite of couples appears to be the MLK ballroom, a 4,000-square feet space that boasts high ceilings and elegant embellishments. if you rather have an outdoor ceremony or reception, consider their Outdoor Venue Space, which features water features, lush lawns, and whimsical foliage.
Price Range: $2,800 and up.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests, depending on the venue.
Find Decatur Conference Center and Hotel at Decatur Conference Center and Hotel or check out Facebook or Instagram.
