Make your union historic when you host it at President Lincoln’s Cottage. With only one event per day, we work to make a truly personal experience and make sure your guests feel at home. Ample, free on-site parking is available and are fully handicap-accessible.
Built in 1842 by George Washington Riggs, this 34-room Gothic Revival-style mansion is a perfect backdrop for your special day. Abraham Lincoln, who lived at the home for thirteen months of his presidency, made some of his most nation-changing decisions at this scenic sanctuary. Your guests can gather in the same rooms where Lincoln welcomed friends and dignitaries.
This inspiring home features handsome woodwork, marble fireplaces, an inviting veranda, and expansive lawns bordered by impressive trees, including a large Osage orange and magnolia. Our spaces can easily accommodate intimate nuptials as well as large receptions.
Unlike other venues, we offer personal site visits and only one wedding per day. Enjoy a personal experience made just for you with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to actualize your vision.
The Exclusive Experience
This option will provide your group with EXCLUSIVE use of the historic site for the day. Get ready in the Cottage, have brunch on the grounds, and ensure your vendors have plenty of time to set up for your special day.
After a picturesque ceremony on the South Lawn, guests may enjoy cocktails on both floors of President Lincoln’s Cottage. Following cocktails, enjoy an evening reception on any one of our tented lawns. The Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center and its exhibit galleries will also be open for the duration of the event.
Capacity: North Lawn 100 Guests / Visitor Center Lawn 350 Guests/ South Lawn 1,000 Guests
Special limited-time pricing: $15,000 for an 16-hour rental
Tent to be reserved separately through our exclusive tenting provider, Sugarplum Tents
Cottage Cocktails and Lawn – Our most popular option!
After a seated ceremony on the serene South Lawn of President Lincoln’s Cottage, guests will enjoy sipping cocktails throughout the first floor of this historic home.
Your guests will then be invited to an evening of an outdoor dinner and dancing under a tent on one of our lawns.
Capacity: North Lawn 100 Guests / Visitor Center Lawn 350 Guests
Special limited-time pricing: $7,500 for an 8-hour rental
Full Cottage
This option includes both floors of President Lincoln’s Cottage and the surrounding lawns. After a seated ceremony on the expansive South Lawn, guests may enjoy a cocktail reception on the First Floor followed by a seated dinner on the Second Floor.
After dinner, the reception will continue to the First Floor — a perfect spot for cake cutting and a first dance.
Capacity: 350 Reception / 200 Seated Dinner (note – not all seating will be in one room)
For seated dinner with full room sightlines, maximum of 100 guests.
Special limited-time pricing: $8,500 for an 8-hour rental
Cottage First Floor
Ideal for receptions of up to 200 guests and seated dinners of up to 120 guests, the First Floor features an elegant drawing room, dining room, parlor, library, veranda, and adjoining outdoor spaces. The mature magnolia, beautiful landscaping, and vista provide a setting of which even the discerning Mary Lincoln would approve.
Following a seated ceremony on the expansive South Lawn, guests may enjoy drinks from an outdoor bar, roam the rooms and gardens of this historic house, and enjoy an enchanting dinner inside or under the stars.
Capacity: 200 Reception / 120 Seated Dinner (note – not all seating will be in one room)
For seated dinner with full room sightlines, maximum of 100 guests.
Special limited-time pricing for an 8-hour rental: $6,500
The Visitor Center Lawm
For large outdoor-only events, a tent may be erected on the lawn of our Beaux Arts-style visitor center. The pastoral grounds make for a charming backdrop. Restrooms are conveniently located in the visitor center.
Capacity: 350 Guests
6-hour rental: $4,000
Tent must be reserved separately through Sugarplum Tents.
The North Lawn
For small outdoor-only events, a tent may be erected on the North Lawn adjacent to the Cottage. Having Lincoln and his horse under your tent will enchant guests for the evening. Restrooms are conveniently located in nearby Beaux Arts-style Visitor Education Center.
Capacity: 100 Guests
6-hour rental: $3,000
Tent must be reserved separately through Sugarplum Tents
Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center
Built in 1905 as the administration building for the Solders’ Home, this impressive Beaux Arts-style building features a gracious atrium, beautiful turn of the century tile floors, and hand carved oak woodwork.
This building provides restroom facilities for any weddings utilizing the visitor center lawn and it includes access to the adjoining exhibit galleries.
The Mary Lincoln Room
Located off the Lincoln’s bedroom, this room would have been Mary Lincoln’s dressing room. As the only fully decorated room in the Cottage, this beautiful room – not usually available to the public – is a nod to Mary herself. The Mary Room is often used as a wedding suite for getting ready and photographs.
The Bandstand
This charming structure was built at the turn of the 20th century as a performance space for the Soldiers’ Home band and their weekly concerts. Today, the cast iron bandstand offers a shaded outdoor area with views of our historic campus, perfect for your first look, family portraits, or a quiet space to get away on your big day
Signature Cottage Tour
With our Signature Tour, your guests will not only celebrate your special day at the Cottage, they will also appreciate the inspiration and significance of this remarkable place you chose. The vibrant, multimedia tours provide new perspectives on Lincoln’s life and the relevance of his legacy today. Tour tickets are the perfect addition to any welcome basket or Wedding Party Rehearsal.
Wedding Favors
Our Museum Store offers unique favor options, so your guests will remember your special day and this special place.
From locally-made, custom candles to jumbo pennies, and personalized palm-leaf fans, our Museum Store has the perfect gift to delight your guests.
Ask our events team for additional information.
Come see what everyone is raving about! Email [email protected] to schedule a visit today.
Our dedicated Events Manager, Kyesse Bidzimou, will be there to ensure that you have everything you need for a perfect wedding day.
Interested in learning more? Email [email protected] to schedule your visit with Kyesse today.
