Receptions
Illinois Wesleyan University's beautiful event spaces are available to the general public for rental. The Young Main Lounge and the Hansen Center Court are our two leading spaces for wedding receptions. We also offer some smaller, non-traditional reception and event venues.
For further information about weddings and receptions at IWU, you are welcome to email us at weddings@iwu.edu or call us at 309-556-3035. We're looking forward to bringing your wedding vision to life!
Reception Spaces:
Located in our Memorial Student Center, the Young Main Lounge is a traditional ballroom
that can accommodate up to 270 guests. It features high ceilings and beautiful hardwood
floors.
Attached to the east is the Joslin Atrium, a space perfect for your cocktail hour! Joslin has floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking our campus quad.
Rental of the Young Main Lounge includes the use of the Joslin Atrium as well as two additional private rooms in the building.
Reception Rental Fees - Young Main Lounge
Affiliated: $860
Not affiliated: $1,320
Once our campus's gymnasium, the Hansen Center Court is a unique, modern choice for
your reception. The main floor can seat up to 180, with more seating available on
the balcony. It includes one private room and Tommy's on the lower level for a pre
reception function.
Rental of the Hansen Center Court for weddings -or social gatherings- is only available during the summer months of June and July.
Reception Rental Fees - Hansen Center Court
Affiliated: $1,215
Not affiliated: $1,870
The rental fee is determined by the couple's affiliation with Illinois Wesleyan University. Affiliate status is granted when at least one member of the couple is an IWU alumnus, staff or faculty member, or current student. Additionally, any children of the before mentioned IWU community members will also be considered affiliates.
The rental of reception spaces at IWU includes the space reserved from 9am-midnight, the use of all the in-stock banquet furniture (standard round tables, 8ft rectangular tables, chairs) that reside in the same building, the normal setup and tear-down of said furniture, and the A/V technology incorporated into the rooms.
All food and beverage to accompany an event must be supplied by our exclusive caterer, with the exception of a wedding cake. They can accommodate all dietary needs and work to fit your budget.
Illinois Wesleyan University welcomes external vendors for decoration and entertainment; however, all decorations that are suspended from the ceiling or room fixtures must be approved in advance by Illinois Wesleyan University.
Ample free parking is available at Illinois Wesleyan University, though specific lots are not reservable. Please see our Visitor Information page for a map of campus and its parking lots.
