Ewing Cultural Center: Weddings

Photo of the wedding party. The lovely grounds and regal manor house at Ewing Cultural Center are a perfect setting for weddings. Ewing Cultural Center can be the site for both wedding ceremonies and receptions outside on the lawns, within the courtyard, or inside the house. Because of the limited number of dates available for weddings, it is wise to contact Ewing Cultural Center as early as possible in the planning process. There are restrictions on the size of weddings that can be accommodated, particularly inside the house. Please make an appointment with the director to inspect the property and discuss possible wedding arrangements.

Ewing Manor is a historic house. Every attempt shall be made to accommodate the needs of renters, but preservation of the site must be the first priority. Every regulation has been crafted because an occasion required it. Please respect the policies for use of Ewing Cultural Center and provide them to your caterer and family. A complete list of rules and regulations is contained in the wedding packet, which can be downloaded from this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I reserve the date?
Weekends in the spring and September are most in demand, and usually require a reservation one year in advance. Ewing Cultural Center is the home of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, which takes place from the second week in June and goes through the second week in August; the site is not available for weddings during the Festival. Please call the director to inquire about availability.

How many guests can be accommodated at Ewing Cultural Center?
The maximum number of participants is set at 150, including the wedding party. No more than 90 people can be seated inside to witness a ceremony. Dinners for more than 75 must be outside rain or shine. If you are planning a stand-up reception, all guests can be accommodated inside the house in case of inclement weather.

Can alcohol be served at Ewing Cultural Center?
Yes, alcohol can be served based on State and local regulations. A licensed and insured vendor must pour the alcohol (usually the caterer can provide this service). Proof of liquor liability insurance is required.

Am I required to use a designated caterer?
You may use the caterer of your choice. If the caterer you select has not worked at Ewing Manor, we do ask that they meet with the director at least 30 days in advance of your event. The staff at Ewing will be happy to offer any guidance you require in selecting a caterer.

Photo of the wedding party. What is provided as part of the facility rental fee?
For the most part, your fee is for the use of the facility only. Tables and chairs inside the house are included in your fee. Food and beverage service, equipment for outdoors (tables, chairs, PA equipment, tents, dance floors, etc.) must be arranged for by the renter. Ewing can provide electric power to most areas of the site; in some cases it may be necessary for the renter to provide drop cords.

Can I decorate at Ewing before my event?
You set your rental time (5 hours minimum) and your fee is determined by it. You will not have access to the house prior to that time. You may do set up and decorating outside the day before or earlier in the day of your event. However, Ewing cannot assume responsibility for the security of your property and rented equipment.

Where do my guests park?
Ewing Cultural Center has an arrangement with St. John's Lutheran Church across from Ewing to the south. There is ample parking on the north, west, and south parking lots. A lighted walkway leads from Emerson Street across the lawn to Ewing Manor. No parking is allowed on the driveways at Ewing Cultural Center.

Is Ewing Cultural Center accessible?
Many parts are accessible to persons with disabilities, however, some areas do involve stairs and uneven surfaces. Please contact the director if you need an accommodation.

How do I arrange a tour of Ewing Cultural Center?
The grounds at Ewing Cultural Center are open during the day, subject to prior rental. To view the inside of Ewing Manor, we suggest that you view the video and the virtual tour elsewhere at this web site. If you are interested in renting Ewing for your event, please call the director and schedule an appointment to tour the facility.

If I cancel my reservation, will I get my money back?
Payments are made in phases prior to the wedding and become non-refundable as the date of the wedding nears. If you cancel more than 6 months prior to your wedding and we are able to book the date to another wedding client, your $400 deposit will be returned to you. Similarly, each $500 payment becomes non-refundable. The reason for this is that, because of the amount of planning required, it is very difficult to fill a wedding date just 3 months or even 6 months out. Keep in mind that this date has been held for you over many months. The revenue generated by weddings and receptions is very important to the operations at Ewing Cultural Center and a late cancellation impacts negatively on our income. We will cheerfully refund your payments if it is possible to rebook a wedding or reception on your date.

Click here to download our wedding packet, containing our policies, forms, and a list of venders.