Wedding FAQs

Can we use both indoor and outdoor facilities for our event?
Yes. We offer several indoor and outdoor options. You can have your ceremony outside in the Formal Gardens, inside the Barn, or inside the Mansion. Mansion receptions are offered November – April.

Can you host our rehearsal dinner?
Yes. We can host private, elegant rehearsal dinners inside and out. Our Carriage House accommodates up to 80 people and has large windows that offer a beautiful view of the Park. The outdoor Library Terrace provides a unique and intimate location that accommodates up to 72 people. 

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.

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 (101 West Washington Street, Monticello, IL; 217-762-9487).

Can I set up a tour of Allerton to see the grounds, Mansion, and Music Barn?
The Formal Gardens and other outdoor Park locations are open to the public; therefore you don’t need to set-up a formal tour. To view a Park map, please click here. To tour the Mansion or Barn for ceremonies and/or receptions, please call our Sales Team at 217-333-3287 to book an appointment. Tours are by appointment only.

Does Allerton offer overnight accommodations?
There are 33 guest rooms on the estate. These charming bedrooms in the Mansion, House in the Woods, Gate House, and Evergreen Lodge can house up to 104 guests. The Gate House and Evergreen Lodge are a short walk from the Mansion by way of paved and lighted pathways. The House in the Woods is located near the Sunken Garden, about 1/4 mile from the Mansion.

Check-in is 3PM and check-out is 11AM the following day. Please ask our Sales Team about the availability of guest rooms for your event.

What if I have questions on the day of my event?
During your Mansion event, an event manager will be on-site to make sure that everything runs smoothly and according to plan. For events in the Formal Gardens, a coordinator will be available to field your questions should you need any last minute assistance.

Is space for a rehearsal included in my rental of the Mansion?
If your ceremony is in the Mansion, space will be provided for your rehearsal. However, your actual event site cannot be guaranteed for your rehearsal due to the possibility of other events taking place at your desired rehearsal day/time. If your event site is not available, your rehearsal can take place at another location on the premises. Chairs and rental items will not be set-up for rehearsals.

May my pet participate in my indoor ceremony or reception?
Except for registered service animals, Allerton prohibits animals in the Mansion. Pets are welcome to participate in outdoor events as long as they are leashed.

How many guests will the Mansion accommodate for a meal?
The Allerton Mansion can seat up to 80 people for a sit-down dinner.

Are there rehearsals for weddings in the Formal Gardens?
You may reserve a one hour time slot to hold an on-site rehearsal with your officiant by contacting our Sales Team at least 14 days in advance. However, your actual event site cannot be guaranteed for your rehearsal due to the possibility of other events taking place at your desired rehearsal day/time. If your event site is not available, your rehearsal can take place at another location on the premises. Chairs and rental items are not guaranteed to be set-up for rehearsals.

Will my wedding/event be the only event at Allerton that day?
On any given day, there may be multiple events going on at the Park. While it is likely that there will be other events taking place, you are guaranteed the exclusive use of your space during your reservation time.

What if it rains? Do I get a refund?
We offer the option of renting a tent in the Meadow as a back-up site in case of inclement weather. If you decide not to rent a tent, please make arrangements for a weather contingency plan. There are no refunds of deposits; please refer to the Reservation Policy for more details.

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 chilled beverages to keep guests comfortable. Ask our Sales Team for complete pricing on beverages.

What can you do about insects?
To help manage insects, our Park staff 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.

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. The release of doves or any other living animals is not permitted. The release or dispersal of any man-made items (balloons, confetti, etc.) is not permitted, with the exception of bubbles.

May my pet participate in my outdoor ceremony?
Dogs and cats on a leash of no more than 6 feet in length are welcome to participate in outdoor ceremonies. Other pets such as reptiles, livestock, and exotic animals are prohibited throughout the Park.

Is there a place available in the Park for my wedding party to dress?
You are welcome to rent one of our guest rooms. Please speak with our Sales Team about availability and rental of these facilities.

When can garden weddings begin at Allerton?
In the Formal Gardens, ceremonies can take place in any one of our designated three-hour time slots: 9am–12pm, 1–4pm, or 5–8pm. If more than three hours are needed, an additional three-hour slot must be reserved.

How early can we arrive for a Formal Garden rental?
Formal Garden events will begin at your designated rental time, including pictures and decorating.

How early can we arrive for a Mansion rental?
If you have reserved a block of rooms with us the evening prior to your event, you may arrive at 3PM the afternoon before your ceremony/reception. For those events that do not utilize guest rooms the night before, arrival for decorating, pictures, cake delivery, and musician set-up is noon on the day of the event.

Is Allerton ADA accessible?
Many of the paths that lead to the gardens are paved or accessible with wheelchairs or ADA carts. However, the Fu Dog Garden and Meadow are not ADA accessible. The first floor of the Allerton Mansion and three guest rooms are ADA accessible as well.

Can I use my own caterer?
Allerton has a list of approved caterers that you are welcome to choose from. Please ask our sales staff for a list of those vendors. Any bar packages would be provided through Allerton.

Can I have food and drink in the Formal Gardens after a ceremony?
Food may not be served outdoors in the Formal Gardens. Champagne toasts served by our Allerton Staff are the only possibility within the Formal Gardens.

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.

Can I bring my own photographer, videographer, florist, cake artist, entertainment?
Yes. Outside photographers, videographers, florists, cake artists, bands and DJ’s are permitted.

What about vendor deliveries?
All vendor deliveries must be coordinated with our Sales Team before an event. All vendors will be required to follow the prescribed load-in and load-out procedures.

What if I need an archway or columns?
We do have a limited amount of rental items, you can find a complete list with pricing here.

Can I bring my own archway or decorations?
You are welcome to bring and set up your own items, as long as they don’t do any damage to the facility. Should our staff need to assist in the transportation and set up of items or decorations for your event, a $75/hour decorating and set-up fee will be charged. A one-hour minimum will apply.

Is there electrical power available at outdoor locations?
Yes, most of our outdoor locations have electricity available.

Is a microphone needed?
We typically do not suggest the use of a microphone. Please see our list of rental items for pricing.

What are the main costs I can expect for my event?
The main costs associated with holding an event at Allerton are the facility rental fee(s), bar costs, and additional items such as rentals.

What is the deposit and final payment schedule?
We are happy to hold a tentative reservation for a single date for two weeks. After two weeks, a deposit and signed agreement are required to confirm your reservation.  Deposits are equal to the cost of the facility rental fees. Payment of the final balance is due 14 days prior to your event.

How much tax and additional charges are added to my bill?
All bar packages are subject to an 18% service charge. All food is subject to a 10% service charge. Guest rooms are subject to a 6% state tax.

How do I pay for events?
Allerton accepts payment in the form of cash, checks made payable to ‘Allerton Park’, or credit cards. Payments are accepted at the Mansion front desk, Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.

Check payments are also accepted by mail and should be mailed to:

Allerton Park & Retreat Center
ATTN: Sales Team
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 prior to your event.