Allerton Wedding/Event FAQs

General

1. When should I reserve my event date at Allerton?
   Special event, wedding, and reception sites are often booked up to a year or more in advance. Reserve your chosen Allerton location and date as soon as possible to ensure your top choice.
2. Can we use both indoor and outdoor facilities for our event?
   Yes. With several indoor and outdoor locations, the options are endless. You can have your ceremony outside in the Formal Gardens with a charming reception in the Mansion. Or, you can have your ceremony in the Mansion with an outdoor reception in a formal tent, complete with chandelier lighting. Or have them both indoors or both outdoors … the choice is yours.
3. Can you host our rehearsal dinner?
   Yes. We can host private, elegant rehearsal dinners either indoors or out. Our Dining Room with large windows offers a beautiful view of the Park and accommodates up to 100 people. The outdoor Library Terrace provides a unique and intimate location that accommodates up to 75 people. There are several menu and theme options, from a cookout to a formal plated dinner.
4. Can Allerton accommodate a small, simple wedding?
   Allerton is perfect for couples that want more than a courthouse ceremony, but less than the traditionally large church ceremony. Call us for availability for small, yet elegant ceremonies.
5. How do we obtain a marriage license?
   If you’re planning an Allerton wedding, you will need to acquire a Piatt County marriage license at the Office of the Piatt County Clerk, 217-762-9487.
6. Can I set up a tour of Allerton to see the grounds and Mansion areas?
   The Formal Gardens and other outdoor Park locations are open to the public; therefore a formal tour does not need to be set up. To view a map of our garden/park areas, please click here. To tour the Mansion for ceremonies and/or receptions, please call to book an appointment. Tours are by appointment only on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
7. What time should I list my Allerton wedding ceremony on my invitation?
   One half-hour after your rental time begins. This allows time for guests to arrive and be seated for the ceremony. For example, if your rental time begins at 1 PM, then your invitation should list your ceremony at 1:30 PM. Guests should begin to arrive at 1 PM.
8. Does Allerton offer overnight accommodations?
   Allerton Retreat Center can house up to 70 guests in the charming bedrooms in the Mansion, House in the Woods, Gate House, and Evergreen Lodge. The additional lodges are only a short walk from the Mansion by way of paved and lighted pathways. Please call for overnight availability for your event.
9. What activities can our guests enjoy on the Allerton estate?
   Allerton offers a variety of activities for guests such as guided Formal Garden or Mansion tours, trail hikes, wildflower hikes, stargazing, and bird watching. Our wedding coordinator can give you a complete list of activities that you can coordinate for your guests.
10. What if I have questions on the day of my event?
    You will approve a coordinated timeline for your event a couple weeks prior. At your Mansion event, a coordinating supervisor makes sure that everything runs smoothly and according to plan. For events in the Formal Gardens, a contact person is on-call the day of your event, should you need any last minute assistance.

Indoor Events

1. What are the room dimensions in the Allerton Mansion?
   Mansion floor plans coming soon.
2. Is the Mansion fully air conditioned in the summer? Heated during the winter?
   The Mansion is fully equipped with heating and cooling units. Most individual guest rooms on the estate also have climate control units.

Outdoor Events

1. Are there rehearsals for weddings in the Formal Gardens?
   The week of the wedding, our wedding coordinator goes over everything about the wedding day with the bride via telephone. You may reserve a one hour time slot to hold an on-site rehearsal with your officiant. Chairs and rental items will not be set up during that time.
2. How many simultaneous events could be taking place in the Park?
   There are 11 Formal Garden ceremony locations. However, when you book one of these locations, you have it exclusively for the duration of your three- or six-hour time slot.
3. What if it rains? Do I get a refund?
   We offer the option of renting the Allerton Mansion or a tent, if available. Should you decide not to rent either, you will need to have a weather contingency plan. There are no refunds of deposits; please refer to your contract for more details.
4. What if it is really hot?
   Summers in Illinois tend to be hot and humid. Should hot weather be a concern, consider umbrellas, fans, or other cooling devices to keep guests comfortable. Also, you may consider providing ice cold water, lemonade, or other chilled beverages for your guests at a nominal fee. Please check with our wedding coordinator for complete pricing.
5. What can you do about insects?
   To help manage insects, our Special Events set up crew puts an organic citronella powder on the ground where your event will take place. We cannot completely eliminate insects on the estate; however, the product we use works very well.
6. Can we release butterflies, birds, etc?
   Butterflies native to the area, such as Monarchs and Swallowtails, are allowed. Fresh flower petals, birdseed, and bubbles are also permitted. Doves, or any other living animals, are not permitted. Anything unnatural (balloons, confetti, etc.) is not permitted, with the exception of bubbles.

Logistics & Setup

1. When can weddings begin at Allerton?
   In the Formal Gardens, ceremonies can take place in any one of our designated three-hour time slots: 9 AM–12 PM | 1–4 PM | 5–8 PM. If more than three hours are needed, an additional three-hour slot must be reserved and paid for. The Mansion may be reserved in any three- or six-hour time slot.
2. How early can we arrive?
   Arrivals for Formal Garden events may begin at the designated rental time, for pictures, decorating, or use of the restroom facilities in the Visitor Center. Arrivals for Mansion events are permitted two hours prior to an event with dressing suites reserved for the bridal party.
3. Is valet parking necessary for events at Allerton?
   We have plenty of free and convenient on-site parking, making valet parking unnecessary.
4. Is Allerton ADA accessible?
   Yes. Many of the paths that lead to the gardens are paved or accessible with wheelchairs or ADA carts.
5. Which side does each family sit on at the ceremony?
   Traditionally, the bride’s family sits on the left side and the groom’s family sits on the right. However, many families opt to have open seating.

Food & Beverage

1. Can I use my own caterer? Is it ok to bring outside food and beverage to my event?
   Allerton has a full service Catering Department that caters all events, providing food, beverage, and alcohol service. Food and beverage brought or delivered from other vendors is not permitted and is subject to fines. Any unused quantities of food or alcohol remain the property of Allerton due to state health safety codes.
2. Do we have to use a predetermined menu or can we create our own?
   The Special Events Menu offers several preset packages, however it also offers you the flexibility to choose items à la carte.
3. Can I have food and drink in the Formal Gardens after a ceremony?
   Yes. Our caterer provides all food, beverage, and alcohol service for all events, whether indoors or out.
4. Are kosher food services available?
   Presently, our Catering Department does not have the capability to prepare and serve kosher meals. However, they will work with a pre-approved vendor to make arrangements for the kosher meals needed for your event.

Vendors

1. Can I bring my own officiant (minister, reverend, etc.)?
   Yes. You will need to make arrangements for your own officiant as Allerton does not provide one.
2. Can I bring my own photographer, videographer, florist, cake artist, entertainment?
   Yes. Outside photographers, videographers, florists, cake artists, and DJs are permitted. If they have not provided services to Allerton in the past, they will be required to schedule a meeting with a member of Allerton staff at least 30 days prior to an event in order to become acquainted with and properly prepared to use the facility. Allerton reserves the right to approve or disapprove any entertainment offered.
3. What about vendor deliveries?
   All vendor deliveries must be coordinated with Allerton staff at least seven days before an event. All vendors will be required to follow the prescribed load-in and load-out procedures at Allerton.

Rental Items

1. What if I need a tent, archway, or columns?
   We have a full line of rental items that can be reserved for your event. All rental items must be reserved six weeks prior to an event and are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. The rental and setup of a tent cannot be outsourced and must be secured through Allerton. All rental items secured after the designated contract date are subject to an 18% late fee.
2. Can I bring my own archway or decorations?
   We have a full line of rental items such as archways, podiums, and plant stands, but we do permit you to bring and set up your own items or decorations. Should our staff need to assist in set up, a $50/hour decorating and set up fee will be charged.
3. Is there electrical power available at outdoor locations?
   No. A generator must be rented from Allerton if electrical power is required at any of the outdoor locations. We use commercial generators that are quiet and do not over power musicians or speakers. Outside generators are not permitted due to potential fire hazards.
4. Is a microphone needed?
   We typically do not suggest the use of a microphone, but do have them available for rent if desired.
5. Does Allerton provide a runner for the aisle?
   We typically do not recommend aisle runners for either indoor or outdoor events because there is no good way to secure them once in place. A beautiful alternative is a fresh flower path.

Pricing

1. What is Allerton’s event pricing structure?
   Each event is unique, resulting in a customized usage fee based on the specific location/space being utilized and the amount of time needed.
2. Is there a minimum charge?
   For Mansion events, a minimum purchase of $8,000 applies to all Saturday rentals and $4,000 for rentals on all other days of the week. This minimum can be met by a combination of facility rental fees and Food & Beverage costs. There are no minimums for outdoor events.
3. What does the facility rental fee include for the Ceremony Package?
   This facility rental includes:
   • Designated site rented for chosen time frame
   • Coordination with our on-site wedding coordinator
   • Use of Allerton chairs for the ceremony
   • All setup and cleanup of Allerton items and items rented through Allerton
   • Parking
4. What does the facility rental fee include for the Ceremony and Reception Package?
   This facility rental includes:
   • Designated site rented for chosen time frame
   • Three planning meetings and coordination with our on-site wedding coordinator
   • Complimentary food tasting during menu selection for up to four guests
   • Use of Allerton round tables, chairs, and white or ivory table linens (colored linens available for a nominal fee)
   • All setup and cleanup of Allerton items and items rented through Allerton
   • Parking
   • Use of Allerton, china, flatware, and drinkware
   • Tables to be used for the guest book, gift table, and head table
   • Tea light candles on guest tables
   • DVD player and full-size projector screen (Mansion events only)
   • Separate bride and groom dressing suites (Mansion events only)
   • One complimentary overnight stay in the Bridal Suite for the bride and groom when a block of 20 guest rooms are booked (Mansion events only)
5. What are the main costs I can expect for my event?
   The easiest way to consider the cost of an Allerton event is to add facility rental fees, catering costs, and additional rental items.
6. What is the deposit and final payment schedule?
   Allerton will hold a tentative reservation for a single event date for two weeks. After two weeks, a deposit and signed reservation agreement are required to confirm space. Deposits are equal to the cost of the facility rental fees. Payment of the estimated final cost is due three weeks prior to an event.
7. How much tax and additional charges are added to a bill?
   All food and beverage is subject to a 6.25% state tax and an 18% service charge. Overnight stays are subject to a 6% state tax. All rental items secured after the designated contract date are subject to an 18% late fee.
8. How do I pay for events?
   A deposit equal to all applicable facility rental fees is required to hold your reservation. It is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Mail your deposit to:
   
   Allerton Retreat Center
   ATTENTION: Wedding Coordinator
   515 Old Timber Road
   Monticello, IL 61856

   Or you can call 217-333-3287 to pay with a credit card. Please have the event date and location ready when you call. Payment in full is required.

For more information, contact:
Cassie Fifer-Yoder, Wedding and Special Events Coordinator.
217-333-3287 x 135 | AllertonWeddings@uiuc.edu