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Weddings

About

Gillespie Conference Center, located in South Bend, IN, is an elegant wedding venue. The team here understands that every celebration is unique, and pays close attention to every last detail. They have years of experience in the events industry and are ready to provide as much support as to-be-weds need. In addition to ceremonies and receptions, this event space welcomes engagement parties, showers, and rehearsal dinners. Couples are also invited to host an intimate elopement here.

Facilities and Capacity

Gillespie Conference Center has 13 event spaces to choose from, depending on each couple's unique vision for their big day. The day can begin in the Terrace Garden, which sits beside the ballroom. This outdoor space covers 2,500 square feet and features a built-in aisle, water fountains, and a romantic white pergola. The garden can also be used for picturesque cocktail receptions. The Fleur de Lis Ballroom, meanwhile, offers 8,400 square feet of classic elegance. It can comfortably accommodate up to 840 people, and also features a pre-function area for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The ballroom features a neutral color scheme and can be adapted to suit the color palette of your event. Guests who want to stay overnight will enjoy the convenience of the nearby Hilton Garden Inn and Inn at Saint Mary's.

Services Offered

Gillespie Conference Center has a dedicated special events manager, Allison Lewis, on hand to support couples throughout their time at the venue. This can include helping them to choose the right vendor and designing a floor plan. Allison is also happy to work with your chosen vendors to help the day run smoothly. There is an in-house culinary team who can create a bespoke menu, alongside a bartending team who is happy to design a signature drink. A range of all-inclusive packages are on offer for couples to choose from, depending on their needs and budget. Tables, chairs, and a dance floor are all provided by the venue, alongside a selection of barware, tableware, and linens.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

No

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?

$750

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

$750

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$30

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

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

Reviews of Gillespie Conference Center

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.7 out of 5 rating
4.7 out of 5 rating
22 reviews
95% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
Greta
Greta Sent on 09/06/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Welcoming, beautiful, and fun

Noor and Bobby and Chef Josh created an environment that was welcoming, beautiful and fun. They were careful and safe (zero reports of illness, 4 weeks later), flexible and responsive to our many different special requests. The food was delicious, the space was wonderful - including the patio, and the bartenders and waitstaff couldn't be more helpful and accommodating. It all exceeded our expectations in every way - just a wonderful day and evening.
Joanne
Joanne Sent on 01/26/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Wedding Reception Vendor with incredible food, expert wedding planning help, and convenient connected hotel

The Gillespie Center was the perfect vendor for our daughter's wedding! With help from Noor, LeAnn, and their staff, the day was incredible! They helped with every step of the reception planning, and did everything that needed to be done for setup and tear-down on the wedding day, including staying for most of the reception to help. The food was spectacular! The appetizers were amazing, as well as the half beef and half chicken plated dinner. Servers were timely, accommodating, and friendly. To have the hotel accommodations available to our guests in the same building and offered at a very reasonable rate was very nice, also. We were extremely pleased with the Gillespie Center and would recommend them to anyone planning an event.
Amanda
Amanda Sent on 06/25/2012
5 out of 5 rating
The venue was wonderful. We held our ceremony in the graden area, along with the cocktail hour and reception inside. Katie was such a pleasure to work with she went above and beyond. It was like you had a personal assistant. The food was amazing from the cocktail hour food to the dinner to the late night snacks. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect place and staff.

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Matthew Whitlock Photography Matthew Whitlock Photography Wedding Photographers

Every time I have photographed an event at the Gillespie, I have been extremely impressed. The staff does a wonderful job taking care of the guests, the venue itself is beautiful and the food is amazing.

Preferred Vendors
ProShow Professional DJ Service
4.9 out of 5 rating , 48 reviews
· Wedding DJs

Map

Gillespie Conference Center frequently asked questions

Gillespie Conference Center includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
Gillespie Conference Center includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Gillespie Conference Center includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • Champagne Toast
  • House Beer
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Premium Liquor
  • Signature Drink
  • Specialty Beer
  • Specialty Wine
Gillespie Conference Center is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in flexibility, 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.7 in value and 4.5 in average response time.

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