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Weddings

About

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 themselves 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.

  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

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?

$7,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$4,500

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?

$7,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$4,500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Parking

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$250

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Liquor
Open Bar

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

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 bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

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?

September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
December

Reviews of Havisham House

Alexis
Alexis Sent on 01/03/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful!

Absolutely gorgeous! It was perfect for our smaller rustic wedding! Highly recommend!! The owner Jerri was a sweetheart, very responsive and accommodating to make sure our day was perfect!
M
Maddy Sent on 04/10/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Havisham House is the venue to use!

I’m so thankful we stumbled upon Havisham House as the venue for our wedding. From the first meeting, Jerri had been the absolute best to work with. At the time, the pavilion was still a thought, but I knew I was able to trust her in believing it would be completed in time for my wedding. She kept me up to date with pictures and sketches of what it would look like which was so cool to see and be apart of but also calmed the nerves of a bride planning her wedding. With COVID, we had to postpone our wedding and she was nothing short of understanding and flexible with changing the date. The day of our reception, it was raining all day and the pavilion turned out to be perfect. The house is absolutely beautiful and a photographers dream. There is furniture she keeps down at the pavilion to be able to use as decor pieces as well. A few months down the road, we received a gift from Jerri that was a photo album of Havisham House that included pictures of our wedding that was such a sweet and thoughtful gift! Overall, I had such a great experience working with Jerri and having our reception at Havisham House. It is always the first venue I recommend!
K
Kaitlin Sent on 04/04/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Awesome stay

We had an amazing time at my bachelorette party at the HH! Plenty of room and beautiful area! Will be back in the future.
Hannah
Hannah Sent on 01/05/2021
5 out of 5 rating

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.
A
Akami Sent on 01/01/2021
5 out of 5 rating

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!
Emily
Emily Sent on 11/25/2019
5 out of 5 rating

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


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