Broadview, the 1906 22-room home of the Bird and Margaret Van Leer, is available for rent for small, intimate weddings and receptions indoors. Tents can be placed on our spacious grounds to host small to medium sized groups. The mansion, bell tower and spacious grounds combine to create an atmosphere of natural beauty and uniqueness to make your day extra special.

Wedding, Wedding Reception, and Wedding Photography Questions / Answers

1. How large of a wedding can be booked at Broadview Mansion?

The inside of Broadview Mansion works best for small, intimate weddings.

For a wedding ceremony, we have the capacity to seat 60-65 chairs in rows in both the dining room and living rooms, to face the center entry area, which is where the ceremony can take place.

For smaller weddings, we can place 25-30 chairs in rows, and the ceremony can take place in front of the beautiful fireplace in the living room.

For reception dinners, Broadview Mansion has seating capacity for dinner of 40 on the main level (24 in the dining room, 16 in the living room) and 40 in the lowest level (32 at one continuous table.)

In spring, summer, and fall, the ceremony can take place outdoors. For groups of 50 or less, chairs can be set up in front of our bell tower. Larger groups can be set up on 2 other flat spaces on our lawn, including the front lawn and the space north of the bell tower. If the wedding takes place on the front lawn, the bride and groom can be standing on the front porch, up the stairs, during the ceremony, while the attendants can stand on the stairs up to the home. (note: outdoor weddings will need to consider renting a tent for coverage in case of wet weather.)

2. What is your cost to rent Broadview Mansion?

We have 3 wedding packages for you to choose, which offer 3, 4, or 5 hours of mansion use.  Call us for details.

3. If I’m renting Broadview Mansion for an indoor wedding, what part of the mansion do we get to use?

Renting Broadview Mansion for an indoor wedding or reception gives you and your guests the use of the entire main level (dining room, living room, sunroom, den, front porch in good weather, and kitchen), 2 bathrooms, a bridal dressing room upstairs (the master bedroom), and a groom dressing room upstairs.

4. If I’m renting your grounds for an outdoor wedding, what part of Broadview Mansion do we get to use?

Renting Broadview Mansion for an outdoor wedding or reception gives you and your family / bridal party (those people preparing before the wedding guests arrive) the use of the entire main level (dining room, living room, sunroom, den, front porch in good weather, and kitchen), 2 bathrooms, a bridal dressing room upstairs (the master bedroom), and a groom dressing room upstairs.

You have use of the entire outdoor grounds, including the front and side porch, the bell tower area, and all the lawn area, for your guests as they come to attend the wedding.

If your invitees are more than 50 for an outdoor event, you will need to rent a portable toilet for the grounds, so restroom needs can be met.

5. May I bring in our own caterer or food, or am I required to use your catering services?

You may bring in your own food, or hire your own caterer. We have a list of suggested caterers you may use, as well.

6. May I serve alcohol at my wedding ceremony or reception?

Yes, wine and champagne may be served (no beer or hard liquor.) If the party has minors attending, the alcohol must be served by a licensed caterer.

7. May I have a reception outdoors with music?

We would need to work with you on this request. Broadview Mansion is in a neighborhood, and we have to control the sound level of any music that is played. By positioning of your speakers and tent opening, we can help make this happen.

6. Do you rent tents and chairs for outdoors?

No, but we are happy to give you tent rental company suggestions.

7. Do you provide the tables and chairs for indoor events?

Yes, we provide tables and chairs for indoor weddings or receptions. We provide tablecloths as a part of the rental fee.

8. Do you have a list of ministers or celebrants we can use?

Yes, we have a list of ministers and judges we’d be happy to offer to you.

9. What about my rehearsal dinner, or simply ceremony rehearsal, the evening before?

When you book Broadview Mansion for your wedding, your rehearsal (1 hour) the day or evening before is included.  Extra time may be scheduled for a reasonable fee.

10. What lead time do you need for a wedding ceremony rental?

If the ceremony is small, and our calendar is clear, we can usually have the home ready with 48 hours notice. Don’t hesitate to call us – we are set up inside for small groups and as long as our calendar is clear and we have a staff member who can help you, we welcome your inquiry. Consider a Friday night for your ceremony, as well. Evenings at Broadview Mansion are enchanting.

11. What about my pictures? When can I have them taken at Broadview Mansion?

You are welcome to take your pictures on your wedding date by simply using some of the time you have contracted with us. If you need to extend your Broadview Mansion use, you can do so by the hour. Our home provides many beautiful, turn of the century photo opportunities, both inside and out (see our wedding gallery on this website for examples.)

12. What if I just want pictures taken at Broadview Mansion?

If you need to book your wedding pictures on a day separate from your wedding, or simply have your photos taken here (your wedding and reception elsewhere), the fee is $200 for 3 hours. We have a separate contract for photography alone at Broadview Mansion.

13. I’d like to tour Broadview Mansion – how do I schedule a time?

Call our office and ask to talk with Jan. Our phone number is: 309-452-6710. Or, email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . She will be happy to walk you through the entire house and discuss options with you, at no obligation.

Weddings Photo Gallery

Photographs by Mark Romine