Weddings

The Ewing Cultural Center includes three entities located at 48 Sunset Road in Bloomington, Illinois. These entities are the Ewing Manor, the Theatre at Ewing, and the Genevieve Green Gardens. All three properties are privately owned by the Illinois State University Foundation.

Hazle Buck Ewing left Ewing Manor to the ISU Foundation through an estate gift at the time of her death in 1969. The facility is a host to many different types of events throughout the year. The Theatre at Ewing was built in 2000 as a permanent home to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. The Genevieve Green Gardens were completed in 2007. The gardens were created from a generous estate gift from Bruce Green to the ISU Foundation to build a garden to honor his beloved wife, Genevieve.

To reserve your wedding date contact Ewing Cultural Center at (309) 438-6333. It is recommended that you contact the Ewing staff as early as possible, as spring and fall dates tend to fill quickly. Ewing Cultural Center is home to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, the facility is available for weddings May – June and mid-August – October.

Receptions in the courtyard can accommodate 150 guests, receptions on the south lawn can accommodate up to 200 guests.

All weddings may use the Ewing property from Noon - 11:30 p.m. Catering staff, musicians, DJ, florist etc. may begin setting up at noon the day of the wedding. Music must end at 10:30 p.m. The wedding party and guest must be off the Ewing property by 11:30 p.m.

Ewing Cultural Center is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable venue for educational, public, cultural, entertainment, and social events. Individuals who choose to consume alcohol are responsible for their behavior and for following Illinois State University procedures and policies.

Alcohol may be served according to state and local, Bloomington, IL, regulations. A licensed and insured vendor must pour all alcohol. The vendor must provide a copy of their liquor license, insurance and BASSET certificates of those pouring.

Guests may not provide or bring alcohol to the Ewing property. The bar service must be set-up outside by the reception area. No alcohol is allowed in the Manor.

If alcoholic beverages are being served or consumed by anyone in attendance during the event, you are required to have a host liability insurance. The insurance carried by the Illinois State University Foundation is for its protection and does not cover you or your guests. Your insurance carrier may be able to provide you with this coverage. Or, you may apply for it through Van Gundy Agency, Inc. in Normal, IL which is the Foundation’s insurance provider.

A list of both caterers and vendors is available upon request, however, you may use any providers of your choice. Caterers and vendors not on the list are required to meet with the Ewing staff in advance of signing contracts to make sure they understand the unique facilities and to provide their certificates of insurance. Ewing staff has the right to refuse an unapproved vendor if they do not meet the standards required to serve on the property.

Your fee provides you access to the Manor's main floor & lower level, and the Genevieve Green Gardens on the day of your event. Weddings have access to the restrooms on the lower level of the Manor as well as the outdoor restroom facility. When the reception begins, access into the manor is limited to the wedding party and caterer. A two-bay garage located just off the courtyard is available for use, as is a covered rotunda and archway. Electrical boxes are available to provide power needs for the north lawn, south lawn and courtyard areas (extension cords are not included). All tents, tables and chairs, linens, catering, dishes, PA equipment, and other equipment for outdoor events must be contracted with the vendor of the renter's choice. Inside the Manor, tables and chairs are provided. Ceremony rehearsal can be accommodated at an agreed upon time with Ewing staff.

All decor ideas must be coordinated with the Ewing staff prior to confirming arrangements. For example, rice, bird seed, confetti, and open flames are not allowed. Access to outdoor areas is available on the day of your event. Please remember that the Genevieve Green Gardens are open to the public, and Ewing does not assume responsibility for the security of equipment or other items. Access to the Manor, including restrooms begins at noon.

As you think about decor, keep in mind the Manor and the Gardens/Courtyard should be left in the same condition as prior to your event. Everything you bring must be removed.

Parking for everyone is at St. John's Lutheran Church just across the street from the pedestrian entrance of Ewing Manor at the corner of Emerson Street and Towanda Avenue (it is unsafe for guests to cross Emerson Street at any other location). You should inform your guests the Church's street address for electronic directional assistance-- 1617 Emerson Street, Bloomington, IL 61701.

Persons with disabilities have access to handicapped parking at St John's Lutheran Church. If they wish, they may be dropped off in the driveway of Ewing Cultural Center located at 48 Sunset Road. The drive is located on the east side of Sunset Road. Once the party is dropped off, the car can be parked across the street until pick-up is needed. If handicap access is needed by the driver, they may park in the courtyard or driveway if those areas are not being used for the event. If those areas are being used, arrangements can be made with the Ewing Cultural Center staff.

The outdoor restrooms are accessible. There are steps involved to enter the Manor as well as to reach the indoor restrooms. As with many properties of this age, there are many uneven surfaces and steps. Please inquire if any specific accommodations are needed.

In planning your event, the Ewing staff will ask for a rain contingency plan. Some couples who are planning a wedding on the North Lawn will either have a tent put up for the ceremony or move to the reception tent. It is recommended that you reserve sides for your tent.

Yes, all Ewing properties are smoke-free, including the Genevieve Green Gardens and the Courtyard. This includes smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

The flat fee for wedding ceremonies and/or receptions is $4,000. This allows access to the Ewing property from noon - 11:30 p.m. the day of the event.

If the wedding is cancelled nine months or less prior to the wedding date, we will retain the initial payment and the retainer fee. If the date needs to be changed, Ewing Cultural Center staff will attempt to transfer the reservation to a new date. If the new date is not available, clients can choose to keep the initial date or cancel the reservation. All changes in date and cancellations must be made in writing by the client.

You are welcome to visit the Genevieve Green Gardens at your convenience; the grounds are open to the public daily. After you have reviewed the information on our website and are familiar with our policies, please call (309) 438-6333 or email Ewing@ilstu.edu to schedule an appointment. Our business hours are from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday.