Nestled amongst the verdant wilderness of the Shawnee National Forest, Havisham House is a historic wedding location in Alto Pass, Illinois. The aged beauty of the household is complemented by the stunning nature of its surroundings, presenting couples with a breathtaking backdrop for their big day. Respectfully renovated with tasteful décor and modern amenities, the manor and its attendant carriage-house welcome wedding parties for an elegant and memorable celebration.
Facilities and Capacity
With a history stretching back to the late 19th-century, Havisham House is a pristine Neo-Georgian property. Its charming red-brick facade is elevated by tall arched window fixtures, broken by an expansive portico in which guests may relax. Inside couples will find an interior at once tastefully luxurious and pastoral. Rustic, welcoming materials meet hardwood floors, accentuated by a refined color-palette for stately effect. The property’s expansive grounds welcome a celebration of up to 200 guests. From 2020, the property will include a courtyard pavilion, purpose-built for weddings, with an open-plan design. After the festivities have ended, a close group of family and friends can avail of the comfortable and well-appointed rooms of the manor. The smaller carriage-house, in turn, provides a more private retreat, which can also be adapted as a get-ready suite. There is parking available on-site for those in attendance.
Services Offered
Havisham House proposes inclusive wedding packages which include rental of the entire property for a long weekend of celebrations. The property’s staff are happy to welcome outside vendors of your choice for the event. As Havisham House is located in Southern Illinois’ wine country, the venue staff encourages and is happy to recommend local vineyards to supply your reception.
Location
Surrounded by some of the nation’s most spectacular views, Havisham House is a nature-lovers dream. Undulating hills embrace the property, with craggy precipices and wide, sweeping valleys framing the many nearby hiking trails. Local sights include Bald Knob Cross, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, and the meandering Cache River.
Havisham House in the FallHavisham HouseAwaiting the ceremonyHere comes the brideWe doNighttime under the archRomantic lightingThe dressWe doThe dressDramatic entrance to pavilionCourtyardWedding decorThe dressForeverThe brideIn the gardenIn the wildsThe brideGetting readyMain houseStately interiorReady for the ceremonyThe carriage houseFirst lookPicturesque beautyManicured lawnsThe dressA peaceful momentExcited for the big dayA grand entranceWalking the grounds togetherLove in the wildernessRiding in with her fatherFire pit areaAntique side buffet displayFall wedding receptionFall wedding receptionFall wedding receptionWhiskey barrel decorStunning chandelierFireplace mantleFarmhouse tableStone archPreacher's BiblePavilion in OctoberAsk about our alcohol packagesBird Girl GardenSeasonal decorA moment's reflectionStone arch entryBeautiful photo opportunitiesFamiliesA bride and her best friendsAlanna Milby PhotographyAlanna Milby PhotographyBeautiful interior stone wallAlanna Milby PhotographyAlanna Milby PhotographyHavisham House in the FallHavisham HouseAwaiting the ceremony
If you looking for an outdoor venue, consider Havisham House!
An absolutely beautiful wedding venue! The main house and carriage house are decorated beautifully and have everything you need to feel at home. The pavilion is versatile whether you're having 30 guests or 200 guests.
The owner was so accommodating and delightful to work with. Nothing was ever too much to ask and our questions were answered within hours! The venue exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend it. Thank you for making our day extra special!
Sent on 01/01/2021
Hannah R.
· Married on 05/09/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
The perfect day
The Havisham House was a DREAM. It was exactly the style that we were going for. Miss. Jerri is so generous and such a hard worker. She made our day so wonderful. I felt at such peace knowing that my Miss.Jerri would take care of our venue and that was one less thing on my checklist! If you want somewhere elegant for a great price, with tables and linens and chairs, and a house to stay in - this is THE place! The Havisham House truly is a special place.
Sent on 01/05/2021
Emily D.
· Married on 12/10/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
The Havisham House was PERFECT!
The Havisham House was absolutely incredible! The value, uniqueness and history behind the home pushed the venue over the top. Mrs. Shaefer whom we dealt with, took care of our every want and need without hesitation. Two of our favorite aspects of the venue is having both homes accessible to our bridal party. We had the men stay in one (Carriage House) and the women in the other which worked perfectly for the evening before the wedding. Being in the heart of Southern Illinois wine country our wedding guests got to experience some great wineries and food outside of the wedding festivities. The beauty of The Havisham House, inside and out, made for a perfect setting for our wedding photos.
The Havisham homes really made our wedding weekend extra special and it will always hold a special place in our hearts.
-Joe and Emily Davidson
Sent on 11/25/2019
Havisham House's reply:
Emily thank you for the amazing review! I am in love with your wedding photos and wish all of God's blessings on your marriage to Joe.
Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?
Yes
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?
$ 1995
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?
$ 1995
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
Yes
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
$ 1995
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
$ 1995
Which of the following are included in starting site fee?
Bridal Suite
Parking
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
1
Describe your venue:
Historic Building
Inn/B&B
What kind of settings are available?
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor
Scenic Views
Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?
Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner
What event services do you offer?
Accommodations
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi
What event items are available?
Altar/Arch
Chairs
Tables
What food and beverage items are available?
Linens
What transportation and access is available?
Parking
What months are included in your peak season?
June
July
August
September
October
November
What months are included in your off-peak season?
January
February
March
April
May
December
1 Wedding Deal & Discount
July 2021 Wedding Discount
Getting married in July 2021? Receive a 10% discount on your wedding package at Havisham House! (A $300 savings)
Team of Havisham House
Alison Hardison
Event Coordinator
Please meet Alison, our event coordinator at Havisham House. Alison grew up in Mississippi and has a degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing from Delta State University. Her duties include meeting with brides, giving tours of our historic homes, outdoor pavilion and courtyard, assisting with set-up on event days, and much more. Alison has fresh, fabulous marketing ideas, and we know you will love working with her!
