Event Planning Guide

VENUES

Indoor and outdoor locations for any event.

Big Cedar Lodge

190 Top of The Rock Rd., Ridgedale, MO | 417-335-2777

Located right in the heart of the Ozarks is a world-class destination that has been named the #1 Resort in the Midwest for three consecutive years by Travel and Leisure magazine. 

Big Cedar Lodge is a remote haven of natural beauty, showcasing some of the most captivating views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozarks landscape. If the setting isn’t enough to win you over, the resort’s offerings will. Big Cedar is home to alluring accommodations, ranging from private cabins tucked into the hillside to rooms in a rustic lodge overlooking the lake. This is a great feature for guests who are visiting from out of town or just want to get away, but most of the resort’s many offerings are also available to non-overnight guests. 

From small board rooms fit for ten to a grand ballroom that can host up to 1,000, the Grandview Conference Center has over 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. For less conventional gatherings, rent a 62-foot luxury yacht or an outdoor chuckwagon site. 

Big Cedar is a dream destination for brides to be. With four wedding chapels and multiple reception venues to choose from, there is something for every bride. A full-service catering department and six on-site restaurants make for an even more convenient event. 

If you’re looking for a team-building activity or just a little added fun, this premier wilderness resort features a long list of unbelievable attractions: 50,000-square-foot activity center, four golf courses, 10,000-acre nature park, cave and nature trail tours, full-service marina, natural history museum and more. 

Need help putting it all together? Big Cedar’s team of experienced event coordinators can help you plan every detail of your event.

Branson Dream Weddings

Branson, MO | 417-243-3419

Say “I do” at a one-of-a-kind venue with the finest accommodations. How? With Branson Dream Weddings, of course! Branson Dream Weddings is your one-stop location for the wedding or event of your dreams. They have the spectacular wedding venues you’re looking for. Tie the knot in front of the Branson Landing’s $7.5 million fountain show, as the fountains shoot 120 feet into the air to celebrate your first kiss as a married couple. Or be whisked away by the breathtaking views at Branson Hills Golf Club, ranked the No. 1 golf course in Missouri by Golfweek since 2012. Superb photo opportunities abound in both of these striking settings! 

Book your block of rooms at the Hiltons of Branson, located on the Branson Landing and attached to the Branson Convention Center in historic downtown. And enjoy the most delicious food from Level 2 Steakhouse. The options are truly endless, with everything you need from wedding venue and reception venue to lodging for your family and guests. In addition, Branson Dream Weddings has a dreamy list of preferred vendors to put the finishing touches on your special day. 

Branson Dream Weddings has special package options for weddings of every size, including elopements. Call today to start planning yours!

Chateau on the Lake

No matter the season, an Ozark Mountain wedding at Chateau on the Lake offers a beautifully unique backdrop to make your celebration both distinctive and memorable. Exchanging your vows high atop the Ozarks will be a breathtaking experience few wedding destinations can deliver. Imagine exchanging wedding vows on a lush garden terrace, with spectacular sunsets over Table Rock Lake. Dance the night away in our elegant ballroom as waiters serve delicious gourmet cuisine. It’s all possible at AAA Four-Diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, also known as the Castle in the Ozarks. 

A lake-view wedding celebration you'll never forget is indeed possible at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa. Their event planning professionals will help with every Chateau logistical detail, from catering, seating arrangements and high-tech sound systems to unique downtime and group activities. Be creative with a variety of space choices as Chateau on the Lake features 43,000 square feet of function space including their 32,000-square-foot Great Hall, 301 well-appointed rooms, Chateau marina for rentals, parties at Spa Chateau, complete wedding venue, for all components of the weddings. They also offer outdoor venues for anywhere from 50 to 250 guests. Give them a call. They're ready to assist in hosting your dream destination wedding celebration.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center

Experience one of Springfield’s newest venues—the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center. The newly added conference center offers modern design, uniquely personalized service and an award-winning culinary experience, all while enjoying Hilton rewards and benefits. Guests can enjoy the small touches that signify each person’s individual style and inspiration. With 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, this venue can accommodate a variety of events, big or small. Whether you’re planning for your next board meeting, sales training, company conference, gala or wedding, the DoubleTree by Hilton can ensure your event is simply a success!

Downstream Casino Resort

When you're winning at life, celebrate with Downstream Casino Resort! With incredible indoor and outdoor spaces, they're the perfect place to host your picture-perfect wedding, fundraiser, office party or other event, grand or intimate. Their versatile venues can be tailored to fit your vision, so your event can exceed all expectations. 

Impress your guests in one of Downstream's upscale meeting rooms or gather around the oversized fireplace and marvel at the 25-foot cathedral-peaked cedar ceilings in their beautiful Pavilion. Enjoy more than 25,000 square feet of multi-functional meeting spaces that transform into up to nine smaller sections to best suit your specific conference or event needs. Conveniently sized meeting and event spaces can be customized to perfectly accommodate any party, large or small.

University Plaza Hotel & Tower Club

Planning every detail of your upcoming event is complicated enough. Let the experienced team at The Tower Club and University Plaza Hotel do the hard work for you and flawlessly execute your vision. They have everything you need in one place—39,000 square feet of event space, rooms for your guests, an on-site restaurant, lounge and more. Plus, The Tower Club offers the only skyline view of Springfield, with a beautiful sunset and starry night. They partner with dozens of local vendors to help you customize every detail, so you don’t have to deal with countless rentals.

With multiple event spaces, University Plaza Hotel can accommodate up to 1,500 guests. That means more flexibility for you when choosing your date and venue.

Let University Plaza Hotel take the stress out of planning. They have everything you need to make your occasion memorable. All that’s left for you to do is enjoy!

425 Downtown

Located in the historical heart of Springfield, 425 Downtown is the perfect venue for anyone who loves the restored beauty of the Queen City’s downtown. Customers can hold a top-notch corporate event, reunion or flawless party in a well known local location.  In addition to its beautiful, brick-interior atmosphere, 425 Downtown offers all-inclusive packages that include catering, bar service, tables, chairs and linens. Looking for a little extra? You always have the option to add on services to make your life easier and your event extravagant, like valet, professional waiter service, coat check and table and chair setup.  425 Downtown’s spacious banquet hall allows for the complete customization of your event. The team at 425 Downtown has thought of everything to make your downtown event experience as perfect as possible, including having their own dedicated parking lot for you and your guests.  Since its doors opened 10 years ago, 425 Downtown has sought to be the go-to location for 417-landers seeking the perfect venue. Owner Matt Krupa and his well trained staff work to make every event, big or small, a success. Their goal is to give customers the experience of a lifetime with hassle-free planning and an end result that all guests will rave about.

Bridge View Coffee Bar

Bridge View Coffee Bar offers so much more than just amazing coffee. Their fantastic location in Kimberling City is situated right on Table Rock Lake, perfect for hosting your wedding, family reunion, anniversary party, baby shower or any other event! 

With breathtaking views of the lake, their gorgeous patio area is a stunning location for your event. Bridge View also offers indoor seating and can cater food for your event as well. 

Call or visit today, and they can put together a custom package to meet your specific event needs. 

The Gaderian

Host your next event on the rooftop patio of The Gaderian, on the historic Carthage square. Your guests will enjoy breathtaking views with striking photo opportunities, including sweeping views of the city’s seasonal foliage, sunsets and the castle-like Carthage courthouse. Inside The Gaderian is 5,000 square feet that can host up to 200 guests, with a vintage feel and impeccable attention to detail. Owners Becky Andrews and Cassandra Calliotte invite you to host your next event at The Gaderian. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party, reunion, prom or even tying the knot—they can accommodate you with an incredible venue! 

Haseltine Estate

Located on 10 acres just five miles west of the Springfield Public Square, Haseltine Estate is a unique venue that combines past and present, bridging history and the making of new moments. 

Once a stunning private estate, Haseltine Estate is a charming oasis where guests can gather in a relaxed, secluded setting. Contact them to schedule a tour and be wowed by the natural elegance and beauty that is Haseltine Estate. 

Heritage Chapel & Reception Venue

Built in 1887, historic Heritage Chapel & Reception Venue offers a beautiful and unique location for your wedding day. With your wedding and reception in one location, Heritage Chapel offers all-in-one convenience for you and  your guests. The venue features the historic chapel in addition to a beautiful banquet room with crystal chandeliers and cedar beams. The venue also features a private courtyard for outdoor ceremonies or a space for outdoor activities. Brides will love the spacious, beautifully appointed bride’s room with multiple vanities and mirrors galore. Use the caterer of your choice, or self-cater in our full catering kitchen. Alcohol permitted. 

Hotel Vandivort

Hotel Vandivort’s iconic location has hosted special events for over a century and maintains its historic charm with modern design elements incorporated throughout the building. The venue can accommodate up to 160 seated guests in its fourth-floor ballroom, featuring oversized windows, 16-foot coffered ceilings and chevron hardwood floors. With a dedicated chef heading up their catering, they offer custom options that many venues in the area can’t offer, and include the basics, like tables, chairs, audio visual equipment and limited linens and décor at no additional cost to you. It’s easy to plan every detail of your big event at Hotel Vandivort! 

The Keeter Center

Located in the scenic Ozark Mountains on the tranquil campus of College of the Ozarks, The Keeter Center is home to award-winning event space. Well-appointed meeting rooms offer custom furnishings, state-of-the-art audio-visual services, and flexible event arrangements set in a rustic-elegant atmosphere. Unparalleled catering selections feature farm-to-fork cuisine with offerings from the campus dairy, hog farm, mill, gardens and greenhouses. House-made desserts and premium home-made ice cream are just a few of the many enticing selections that you can experience at your next event. Your guests will be delighted by the professional event staff and students from College of the Ozarks. 

The Loft at Keith Farms

The Loft at Keith Farms is the perfect place for your perfect event. Timber-frame structure, seven oversized chandeliers, a massive 35-foot-tall stone fireplace and sliding glass doors that open up to a courtyard with market lights strung overhead are just a few of the details that make this place absolutely amazing. For over a decade the Keith family has owned and operated one of the top entertainment companies in the 417 area. Offering DJ services, photography, chocolate fountain, photo booth and more allows them to put together some amazing package deals that will set your next event up for success! 

Missouri Spirits

Host your special event at Springfield’s first and only distillery—Missouri Spirits! Located in the Brewery District downtown, Missouri Spirits’ style reflects the history and legacy of the spirits they create, with an eclectic blend of rustic and industrial. Picture exposed brick and steel with aged wood, lots of whiskey barrels and an elegant, muted color scheme. Better yet… see it for yourself! They’re ready to host your event for full or partial bookings with a catering menu, full bar and a stage plus full-wall projecting capabilities. Raise a glass, raise your spirits and raise the standard for your next event at Missouri Spirits. 

Oasis Hotel & Convention Center

The state-of-the-art convention center at Oasis Hotel & Convention Center features everything you need to have a successful event in an unconventional setting. Full-service catering, a built-in stage with theatrical lighting, top-of-the-line audio visual, drop-down screens and high speed Wi-Fi are a few of the features you can take advantage of when renting their space. Their meeting rooms can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 1,500 guests comfortably, and with over 30,000 square feet of meeting space available, you are bound to find exactly what you are looking for. Oasis transforms your event from good to unforgettable. 

Pointe Royale Golf Village

Set in the heart of the stunning Ozark Mountains, The Pointe Venues at Pointe Royale in Branson offers four unique indoor and outdoor event spaces in the scenic, rolling hills, drawing you and your guests in for a beautiful event experience you’ll never forget. 

The professional staff at The Pointe Venues alleviate the stress of event planning and transform the experience with expertise. They provide competitive pricing on full packages that include room rental, tables and chairs, linens, decorations and exclusive catering, plus AV and bar capabilities.  Have your dreams turn into a reality at The Pointe Venues! 

The Parks

Looking for the perfect nature venue for a private retreat or event? See the many affordable locations the Springfield-Greene County Park Board has to offer in a beautiful park setting. They have the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, Lake Springfield Boathouse, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, Northview Center in Historic Doling Park, Jordan Valley Park and the Davis House in South Springfield. 

Venue on Brick

Owners Jon and Lisa Lane restored a nearly-100 year old Ozark building into an event venue full of character and rich history. She describes its style as “rustic elegance,” with original brick, beautiful wood beams, high ceilings, gorgeous light fixtures and natural light pouring in through a multitude of windows. 

Venue on Brick is happy to provide what you need for your event, including tables and chairs, sound system, bar service, real plates and cutlery and an inventory of decor for you to choose from. You can also use an outside caterer or take advantage of their full menu catering and dinner service. 

Aviary Cafe

The Aviary Cafe serves traditional French-inspired entrees with stellar wines, beer and cocktails. Their dishes utilize premium ingredients, seasonal vegetables and their very own baked goods.

Come enjoy an order of delicious hand-cut Pommes Frites, and encounter a unique dining experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Farmer’s Park and Downtown Springfield.

The Aviary Cafe is the perfect destination for your next girls’ night out. Enjoy a signature cocktail, and be sure to pair it with one of their incredible dessert crepes.

Visit aviarycafe.com to see their full menu, and call to inquire about room rentals for your special event.

Wheeler Gardens Venue at the Farm

Nestled in the farm where Wheeler Gardens grows its plants and flowers, Venue at the Farm showcases seasonal colors and lush natural beauty. With landscaping designed by the experts at Wheeler Gardens, Venue at the Farm is the perfect backdrop for your intimate outdoor event, business meeting or family reunion. Elegant white seating under a gorgeous pergola can accommodate 100 guests, while wrought-iron tables accommodate 80 guests for seated dining al fresco.

Extras don’t cost extra at the Venue! Enjoy a tranquil fountain area, a suite for pre-event preparations and a farm-style cottage for cooking and serving. Outside catering and alcohol are welcomed, so you can craft the event of your dreams at the Venue. 

EVENT SERVICES

Experts in food, entertainment, photography, decor and more.

Elevate Entertainment

No single service has a greater impact on the experience of an event than the entertainment. It’s one of the things guests remember the most from an event. Don’t look for a DJ who simply presses "play" on a set list. Invest in a DJ who can not only powerfully engage and entertain, but take your vision for your event and bring it to life.

Recently named 2019 Missouri’s Best DJ by Missouri Magazine, Elevate Entertainment offers custom emcee, DJ and event hosting services for corporate events, weddings, fundraisers and other special occasions. Owner and Lead DJ Broc Barton and his team of event hosts strive to craft incredible event experiences that are uniquely personal, never cookie cutter and always extraordinary. Every event is custom tailored and individualized for each client, whether they want epic or energetic or cool and classy. Well-known for their professional, high-energy personalities and ultra-engaging creative strategies for drawing guests into the experience, Elevate DJs are dedicated to the innovation and perfection of their craft.

In addition to premium DJ services, Elevate also offers custom uplighting capabilities, DJ + Band hybrid experience and a uniquely interactive photo booth service through sister brand Selfie Mirror Springfield. 

Simply Delicious Catering

Voted 417 Magazine’s Best Caterer 2013 through 2019, Simply Delicious Catering is exceptional in their industry. The professional staff provides outstanding service; fresh, customized menus; unique presentation and creative displays. If brides have a family recipe that is special to them, the chef incorporates it into their menu. 

It is important to Simply Delicious Catering to make sure the food selection fits the bride and groom and is based on what is important to them. They guide you through the process and make it worry-free. Between the exceptional food and top-notch service, they leave a lasting impression. Events to remember—that’s their passion. 

Dickens Carolers of Branson

Looking to pull out all the stops? Add some festivity to your holiday event with the Dickens Carolers of Branson! This professional caroling ensemble is the perfect addition that all of your guests will be talking about. They spend extensive time rehearsing, so they arrive to your event polished and in period costumes! And you can choose the performance options that are right for you, whether you’d like background music or a featured presentation, acapella or guitars and keyboard, traditional songs or carols in German and Japanese! Clients typically hire them again and again for large Christmas parties, corporate gatherings, retirement home holiday entertainment, atmosphere music for hotel lobbies, background music for come-and-go receptions and more!

And while you’re preparing for the holidays, be sure to visit Kringle’s Christmas Shop in the Grand Village Shopping Center. You’ll feel the magic and wonder of Christmas as soon as you walk through the doors of Kringle’s!

Dickens Carolers are available for hire year round for all of your event entertainment needs. 

Elegant Linens & Rentals

Looking to add a touch of elegance to your special moment? Elegant Linens & Rentals is a premium event rental company whose high-quality products can bring your event to life. Elegant Linens & Rentals offers a wide variety of table linens, napkins and napkin rings, chair covers, plate chargers and other accessories for your event. Whether you have your color scheme nailed down or need help from the experts, Elegant Linens & Rentals can work with you to create the look you’ve dreamed of. They also provide delivery, setup and tear-down service, so you can enjoy your special day without worrying about any of the logistics. If you hire Elegant Linens for your wedding, you get discounted linens for life through our Elegant Brides discount program! Learn more today. 

Infused Catering

Hy-Vee