The Best Small Wedding Venues in Columbia, IL

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Columbia, IL

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2 Wedding Venues in Columbia, IL

Industrial spaces
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
GemHidden gem
Atelier 1879 

5.0

St. Louis, MO
  • Up to 25 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,000

Atelier 1879 is located in historic Benton Park. This 3,200 sq feet venue provides large open space with bar and 3 other separate spaces that offer unique photo opportunities or anything else if privacy is needed. Atelier 1879 is one of the most unique venues in St. Louis that radiates timeless charm and elegance with breathtaking indoor/outdoor space magic. In addition to the physical space, Atelier 1879 provides photo props that include: 1976 Porsche 911, 1969 BMW 2002, and 1979 BMW R75 Café racer.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Has an intimate feel for a small guest list
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • Additional event staff required
Atelier 1879 was an absolutely wonderful venue for our wedding. From the very first interaction, the team was easy, helpful, and honest in their communication, guiding us through the planning process with care. The venue itself is a beautiful, rustic, and intimate space that perfectly captured the atmosphere we were going for. We loved everything about our experience at Atelier 1879 - the stunning setting, the loving atmosphere, and the incredible service provided by the staff. Our wedding day was made even more special thanks to this incredible venue. I would highly recommend Atelier 1879 to any couple looking for a truly magical wedding experience.
Brandy C., 7 months ago
Mad Art Gallery 

5.0

Saint Louis, MO
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $8,000

Mad Art Gallery is housed in the former Third District Police Station, a wonderfully renovated example of 1930s Art Deco architecture nested in the historic neighborhood of Soulard. The gallery is an award winning venue boats 17,000 square feet of terrazzo floors and marble hallways. The former squad car garage is now a stunning 3,800 sq feet gallery space equipped with state of the art lighting. Everything that made this space a working police station still lives at Mad Art. The bronze sergeant's desk now serves as a bar, and the jail cells are not only conversation pieces but conversation places! Mad art provides everything you would need to make your event as easy and enjoyable as possible. Mad Art provides in house catering. Our award winning chef provides an extensive and unique menu that caters to any dietary preferences and any dietary needs!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Provides event staff
  • Offers convenient lodging options

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
  • Best for events with big guest lists
Our October wedding held it's reception at the beautiful indoor/outdoor space at Mad Art. We had 140 guests in attendance and the space more than accommodated dining and dancing. Kelsey and Ron are awesome! They provided a personal, curated service from our first visit to view the space to our incredible tasting to some last minute decorating hours before the reception. This old jail has rustic and modern character, great art displays, and a staff that provides a royal treatment. Definitely consider Mad Art as an elite venue for your event hosting needs!
Samuel S., 2 years ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Columbia, IL

About wedding venues in Columbia, IL

Planning your Illinois wedding opens up a world of venue options from The Seville's all-inclusive elegance in Streamwood to the industrial-chic vibes at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield. You'll find perfect spaces for everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations throughout the state.

What Makes Illinois Wedding Venues Special?

Illinois offers remarkable regional diversity in wedding settings. Downtown Chicago venues like The Gwen and Private Dining by Sepia treat you to stunning skyline views and sophisticated urban atmospheres. Head to the suburbs and you'll discover spots like Itasca Country Club with picturesque golf course backdrops. Central Illinois charms with converted barns and historic properties while Southern Illinois tempts with vineyard settings and lakefront locations.

Venue costs in Illinois typically range between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns well with the national average of $6,500-$12,000 (representing about 25% of your total wedding budget).

How Much Should You Budget for Your Illinois Wedding?

Your guest count dramatically impacts your overall budget:

Guest CountTotal Budget
50 guests$24,093
100 guests$40,625
150 guests$56,164
200 guests$70,046
250 guests$83,928
300 guests$97,810

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in Illinois?

If accessibility matters to you Illinois delivers several excellent options. Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton offers wheelchair accessibility while hosting up to 275 guests in naturally elegant surroundings. Loft on Lake in Chicago's West Loop combines wheelchair accessibility with industrial-chic style featuring exposed brick and timber beams. Need space for a larger crowd? Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville accommodates around 600 guests with full accessibility and air-conditioning.

Which Illinois Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Food can make your wedding truly memorable. The Seville in the Chicagoland area features an award-winning chef who creates show-stopping flaming desserts as part of their comprehensive packages. For an urban setting Salvatore's in Chicago's Lincoln Park consistently earns praise for exceptional cuisine with guests particularly recommending their Tortellini and Tiramisu.

What Are the Cost Breakdowns for a 150-Guest Wedding in Illinois?

For a typical 150-guest wedding totaling $56,164 your budget will likely break down as:

  • Venue: $10,665 (19%)
  • Catering: $8,532 (15%)
  • Florists: $7,466 (13%)
  • Bar Services: $6,826 (12%)
  • Photographers: $4,835 (9%)
  • Videographers: $4,408 (8%)
  • Planners: $3,851 (7%)
  • Bands/DJs: $1,750 (3%)
  • Cakes/Desserts: $668 (1%)
  • Hair & Makeup: $400 (1%)

How Can You Maximize Value at Illinois Wedding Venues?

September stands as Illinois' most popular wedding month so you'll need to book well in advance. Most venues are secured about 15 months (457 days) ahead with venue inquiries typically representing couples' first wedding planning step.

Look for venues offering comprehensive packages that include essentials like tables chairs and audio equipment. This approach often delivers better value than piecing services together separately.

Can Illinois Venues Accommodate Remote Wedding Participants?

While traditional venues might not explicitly advertise advanced remote participation many can adapt for hybrid events. Consider working with places like Cheney Mansion Starved Rock Lodge or Mt. Zion Convention Center to implement interactive elements beyond basic streaming. You could incorporate virtual reality experiences or live polls to keep remote guests fully engaged in your celebration.

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