Where we would have our own event, in Springfield, IL.

Timeless Venues & Trusted Catering in Central Illinois

We have seen a surge of inquiries regarding baby showers, graduation parties, birthday dinners. And it’s bittersweet when someone asks for a date that’s already booked. As grateful as I am that I am booked, it’s still letting down the person asking about a date.
When this happens, I do like to have other options available. There are lots that we can choose from, but these are the ones that I have either been to personally or have developed great relationships with the owners.
Central Illinois is home to some truly special event spaces — places where history, hospitality, and celebration come together. These four venues and services stand out for their charm, flexibility, and reputation. From grand historic mansions to full-service catering experts, here’s a closer look at what makes each one shine.

The Brinkerhoff Mansion

Springfield, Illinois
🌐 https://www.thebrinkerhoffmansion.com

The Brinkerhoff Mansion is a true Central Illinois gem. Built in 1869, this Italianate-style mansion offers an intimate, elegant setting filled with historic character. Ornate woodwork, tall ceilings, original fireplaces, and thoughtfully restored rooms create a warm yet refined atmosphere that feels straight out of another era.

This venue is ideal for smaller weddings, bridal and baby showers, luncheons, and corporate gatherings. With several distinct rooms and a charming outdoor garden, events can feel both personal and memorable. One of the biggest perks is flexibility — outside catering is allowed, giving hosts the freedom to customize their event exactly how they envision it.

If you’re drawn to timeless architecture, rich history, and a cozy yet elevated ambiance, The Brinkerhoff Mansion offers a beautiful backdrop for meaningful moments. Tammy is wonderful to work with and is always waiting with a smile!

Pasfield House

Springfield, Illinois
🌐 https://pasfieldhouse.com

For those looking to blend historic elegance with boutique luxury, the Pasfield House delivers an exceptional experience. Originally built in 1896, this stately mansion has been meticulously restored and now serves as both a boutique hotel and an upscale event venue.

The Pasfield House is especially popular for weddings and elegant receptions, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including courtyards and a picturesque gazebo. One standout feature is the on-site lodging — couples and guests can stay overnight in beautifully appointed suites, turning an event into a full weekend experience.

With personalized service, refined décor, and a location just minutes from downtown Springfield, the Pasfield House is perfect for hosts who want a polished, all-in-one celebration that feels both luxurious and welcoming.

Molly and I both became venue owners just about the same time and met right away. I find her to be sincere and delightful.

Arlington’s Catering & Historic Venue

Springfield, Illinois
🌐 http://www.arlingtonsspi.com

Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Arlington’s offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern event functionality. Housed in a beautifully restored 1917 building, the venue features exposed brick, high ceilings, and flexible floor plans that can accommodate both intimate gatherings and large celebrations.

Arlington’s is known for its convenience — it combines venue space, in-house catering, full bar service, and audio/visual capabilities under one roof. This makes it a favorite for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and large social gatherings. With multiple event floors and a team experienced in hosting everything from elegant receptions to lively parties, Arlington’s is designed to handle events with ease.

If you want a seamless, full-service experience, Arlington’s is a must. We have fantastic relationships with The Reilly Family and all of their staff. We highly recommend them for any event!

Hamilton’s Catering

Serving Central Illinois
🌐 https://hamiltonscatering.com

With roots dating back to 1913, Hamilton’s Catering is one of Central Illinois’ most trusted names in food service. What began as a small confectionery has grown into a full-service catering company that has served generations of weddings, corporate events, and community celebrations.

One of their strengths lies in their ability to bring high-quality food and professional service to nearly any location. From elegantly plated dinners to casual buffets and large-scale events, their team is known for consistency, attention to detail, and hospitality.
Hamilton’s Catering offers reliability, flexibility, and over a century of experience. I have never heard a negative review about this company from any one, ever. And working with them as often as we do, I can attest to their professionalism.
This is a wonderful company, a beautiful venue and a great family.

Each of these venues brings something unique to the table. The Brinkerhoff Mansion and Pasfield House offer historic elegance and intimate charm, Arlington’s provides a versatile, all-inclusive event space, and Hamilton’s Catering delivers time-tested culinary excellence wherever it’s needed.

Pole Barn Chic is locally owned and operated. We hope to encourage engaged couples to consider choosing a locally owned wedding venue. We go to great lengths to exceed expectations, and you will find that locally owned wedding venues have far less turnover and that leads to better communication! We love shouting out and supporting our locally owned wedding venue and wedding business colleagues. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues across the US:

Lake Front Acres: https://lakefrontacres.com

Heartland Farms Event Center: www.heartlandfarmeventcenter.com

Carolina Country Weddings: www.carolinacountryweddings.com

Willow Creek Farm Georgia: www.willowcreekfarmga.com

Chapman Hill: www.chapmanhillevents.com