The Bourbon Ballroom
Nestled amidst 125 acres in the rolling hills of Monroe County, Illinois, our distillery event venue offers a unique blend of charm, elegance, and tradition. Step into our world, where the art of crafting fine spirits meets the allure of unforgettable gatherings. From intimate weddings to corporate celebrations our versatile spaces set the stage for your most memorable occasions.
About the Bourbon Ballroom
weddings
We blend timeless charm with modern elegance to create unforgettable weddings. From saying “I do” in the enchanting Bourbon Ballroom to sipping handcrafted cocktails with your guests, every detail is infused with the spirit of celebration.
corporate events
Host a corporate event that stands out in our Bourbon Ballroom. We provide a refined yet inviting setting perfect for meetings, team-building retreats, client celebrations, and more. With customizable layouts and exceptional service, your event will be as productive as it is memorable
social gatherings
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, reunion, or holiday party, our Bourbon Ballroom offers a warm and inviting space with timeless charm. Pair your event with our handcrafted cocktails and welcoming atmosphere to create an experience your guests will talk about for years to come.
everything you need for a flawless event!
The Bourbon Ballroom is a light, bright, and versatile space designed to effortlessly complement any occasion. With its timeless elegance and modern touches, the room exudes warmth and charm, creating the perfect backdrop for everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. The open, airy design allows for endless possibilities, making it a space that can be customized to suit your unique style while maintaining a sense of classic sophistication.
Why The Bourbon Ballroom?
- Accommodates up to 350 guests
- 14 hour access to the venue including our on-site suites for your preparations
- Outdoor/Indoor ceremony sites
- Large private patio
- Tables & chairs
- Access to the distillery and 125 acres of private property for photos
- Access to a lower-level speakeasy inspired venue for cocktail hour
- Venue event manager
- On-site catering kitchen (see exclusive list of catering partners)
- And so much more!
From vision to reality, the Bourbon Ballroom is everything we imagined and more!
Leave the drinks to us—after all, we don’t just serve whiskey, we make it!
Our Essential and Luxury Bar Packages are designed to elevate your event with options to suit every taste and style.
Gallery
For even more event inspiration, follow us on social media to view additional photos, videos, and memorable moments from celebrations at Bourbon Ballroom.
Catering Partners
Exclusive Catering Partners for Your Perfect Event
Championship
Sugarfire
Russo’s
HollyBerry
Ces & Judy’s
We’ve carefully selected our exclusive caterers—trusted professionals who share our commitment to quality, reliability, and exceptional service. With our preferred caterers, you can rest assured that every dish will be as memorable as the celebration itself, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a tour?
We would love to show you around! Tours are offered throughout the week, as most of our events take place on weekends. You can submit an inquiry directly through our website, and a member of our team will be in touch to coordinate a time that works best.
Please note that all tours are by appointment only to ensure we can provide you with a personalized experience.
How do events work with your public Cocktail Lounge area?
Our Cocktail Lounge is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday; however, it is completely separate from our private event spaces.
The Bourbon Ballroom features its own private entrance, and our team is intentional about maintaining a clear distinction between public and private areas. When you host your event with us, your celebration remains exclusive to you and your guests!
Are there accommodations on-site or nearby?
Yes! There are two hotels located approximately 10 minutes away in Columbia, IL. The Principal Hotel and The Hampton Inn.
There are also several Airbnb options available in Columbia and nearby Waterloo, offering additional flexibility for your guests.
What time can we access the venue on the morning of our event?
Our Bourbon Ballroom rental includes 14 hours of access from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM on the day of your event! Your rental also includes access to our Speakeasy for cocktail hour, creating a seamless guest experience throughout the evening. All guests and vendors must exit the venue by 12:00 AM.
What time can we access the suites on the morning of our event?
Access to our wedding suite areas begins at 10 AM! Additional time in our Wedding Suites may be added on for an additional cost.
Can we bring in our own catering?
Old Monroe Distilling Co. is committed to delivering an exceptional experience for every event hosted in our space. To ensure the highest level of quality, service, and consistency, we require clients to select from our curated list of preferred caterers.
We proudly partner with five outstanding catering teams who align with our service standards and venue operations. This approach allows us to maintain a seamless planning process while ensuring an elevated dining experience for you and your guests.
Please note: Dessert and specialty sweets are not required to be provided by one of our exclusive caterers. You are welcome to bring in a licensed bakery or dessert vendor of your choice.
Can we bring in our own vendors?
We believe in giving our clients flexibility while maintaining a cohesive and high-quality experience!
For dance floors, we partner exclusively with a trusted rental provider to offer curated options that complement our space. While a dance floor is not required, it can beautifully define your reception layout and create a dedicated space for guests to celebrate well into the evening. Our team is happy to provide additional details and pricing.
Outside of dance floor rentals, you are welcome to bring in your own vendors, including DJs, photographers, florists, and other event professionals! We do require that all vendors are properly licensed and insured and coordinate with our team in advance of your event.
Is there a sound system available?
Yes, we do have microphones and a large speaker available for ceremonies. However, we often recommend having your DJ or musicians provide and manage the sound setup, as they are typically better equipped to tailor the audio needs to your event size and specific setup.
Are rehearsals included?
Yes! A one-hour rehearsal is included with your room rental. Rehearsals are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and based on our availability. They are typically held on Thursdays at 4:30 PM or 6:00 PM. Sunday event rentals include a Wednesday evening rehearsal.
If you’re searching for the perfect space to host your rehearsal dinner, be sure to inquire about reserving our Speakeasy for an intimate and unique experience!
What is required to book the venue and secure my date?
We are unable to place tentative holds on dates. To officially secure your event date and details, we require a signed contract along with a 20% deposit of your estimated total investment. This estimate includes your venue rental, projected bar service, and all applicable taxes and fees.
Our payment schedule is as follows:
- An additional 40% is due four months prior to your event date
- The remaining balance is due three weeks prior to your event
Once your contract and deposit are received, your date is exclusively reserved for you.
BOOK A VENUE TOUR FOR YOUR EVENT!
Please note: This inquiry form is for Bourbon Ballroom & Speakeasy private events only.
For patio or cocktail lounge reservation questions, please email [email protected] or call 618-281-7733 ext. 5. Thank you!