Future brides and grooms looking to book a place for a wedding reception don’t have to look very far.
Fairbury’s Walton Centre in the historic downtown area is an ideal wedding venue and apparently others feel the same way. The facility received an award from a Central Illinois magazine and was voted by readers as the best place to host a reception. Walton Centre also received Best of Weddings through “The Knot” which is a wedding site where brides go to choose vendors.
“There were 366 venues listed in Central Illinois and we are one of six that received that award,” explained Rick Wilson, owner of Walton Centre.
Wilson attributes the honors to plenty of hard work as he and the staff strive to make sure anyone who uses the facility has the best experience possible, making sure everything is decorated nicely and clean.
“It’s just a fun and unique place,” Wilson admits.
One of the building’s main features is the Cinderella staircase which wraps around with beautiful oak woodwork.
“We can seat up to 450. It has hard wood floors and we have a beautiful backdrop.”
Those using the facility for a wedding will be the only ones there since no multiple weddings take place at once in separate rooms like at some places. Rental is for the entire day, not per hour. Other highlights include a unique bar with lounge area and kitchen facility.
“We have everything available that would help make a bride’s perfect day,” added Wilson.
Brides often want to have their wedding photos taken against the backdrop of downtown Fairbury which includes numerous historic buildings. Walton Centre works closely with a number of local vendors such as florists, cake decorators, disk jockeys and caterers.
“You can choose your own caterer,” Wilson said. “We do have a preferred caterer that we use which is Bernardi’s II in Pontiac but you can use any caterer.”
The Walton Centre is teaming up with the Fairbury Area Chamber of Commerce to hold the 2020 Bridal Show Sunday, Jan. 26 from 1-4 p.m. Visitors will have the chance to meet premier wedding professionals ready to help plan a dream wedding. Prizes are included from each vendor and there is free admission.
More information can be found online at www.waltonc.com or look for “Walton Centre” on Facebook.
