Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Weller.
Hi Brittany, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The idea for Walnut Hall Estate was born out of our own wedding planning struggles back in 2009. I’m from central Illinois, my husband is a Greene County local, and at the time we were living in Godfrey. We searched high and low for a venue that could host a large celebration, was easy for all our guests to reach, and had overnight accommodations nearby. It simply didn’t exist.
Instead, we changed course—hosting our wedding in a cattle pasture and renting everything from the largest tent we could find to the dinnerware and linens. It was beautiful in its own way, but stressful, inconvenient, and far from ideal.
Over the years, we often found ourselves returning to the same conversation: Greene County needed something more refined than the average rental hall, with a place for guests to stay if needed. We kept an eye on real estate listings, dreaming of building a venue and possibly adding cabins, but the right property never came along.
Then, one day while driving into Carrollton, I noticed an open house sign in front of a large property I’d never paid much attention to. Locals knew it well—it once belonged to Henry T. Rainey, Speaker of the House during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. I convinced my husband it was worth a look. He told me to go ahead without him and let him know if it was worth his time.
I made it through the front door of the main house and immediately called him: “You need to come over here.” From that moment, it was a whirlwind of running numbers, convincing the bank—and ourselves—that this was the right move, and diving headfirst into a tremendous amount of hard work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The entire process tested our patience, our relationship, and our bank accounts. We closed on the property in late 2020, right in the heart of COVID, and dove headfirst into renovations. I had given birth to our third child less than a year earlier, and we were hit with supply shortages, shipping delays, and more than a few construction hiccups.
All the while, I was giving tours to couples—selling them nothing but a vision of what the venue could be. We were fortunate enough to book ten weddings for 2021, which gave us just nine months to turn that vision into reality. We put a lot of trust in our contractor, and he and his team delivered beautifully… though we may or may not have been painting a few last-minute details just hours before our first couple checked in.
Now, nearly five years later, it’s been a roller coaster every step of the way. We never expected our idea to take off so quickly, and there’s been a steep learning curve. We’ve weathered everything from unpredictable storms and inflation to ever-changing state regulations and the sudden boom of rustic wedding venues. We’ve learned plenty of hard lessons, made countless adjustments, and continue to grow with each passing year.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Walnut Hall Estate is a family-owned and operated wedding venue tucked away on 12 peaceful acres in Southern Illinois. We offer just one package—because we believe wedding weekends should feel calm and unrushed, not full of pressure and timelines. Every couple who books with Walnut Hall Estate gets the entire property from Friday at noon to Sunday at 10 a.m., giving you ample time for a relaxed setup, meaningful celebrations, and stress-free teardown.
We’ve designed Walnut Hall Estate to be a place where you never have to leave if you don’t want to. Two charming on-site houses accommodate 26+ of your closest family and friends, while separate, thoughtfully designed spaces for the bride and groom provide the perfect places to get ready. For your ceremony, you can choose between our indoor climate-controlled barn or anywhere across our peaceful outdoor grounds. A modern reception barn completes the experience, and with convenient on-site parking, everything you need is right here.
Our customizable bar package is priced per drink—not per person—giving you the flexibility to choose the option that works best for your day and your budget. Whether you’d like a full open bar, a limited open bar, or a cash bar, Walnut Hall Estate will help you find the right fit.
As a family-run venue, we take pride in making Walnut Hall Estate feel like a home away from home. My husband and I each have other careers—he has been in his field for nearly 20 years and is also a full-time farmer, and I was a foster care caseworker before moving into helping run the farm office. We never planned on owning a wedding venue, but here we are—and we love it.
We both grew up in small rural towns and later lived in a metropolitan city, which gives us a unique perspective that’s reflected in Walnut Hall Estate. We started this adventure to benefit our small-town community and serve the county where we got married all those years ago. That quickly grew into something bigger, as couples from all over the Metro East, Springfield, and surrounding counties began booking their weddings with us. We like to think we offer all the amenities of a big-city venue, with the heart and ease of a small town. We treat every couple like they’re local—and hope they leave feeling that way, too.
The property itself is steeped in history. Originally a massive farm in the early 1800s, it later became a home to many. Over the years, we’ve heard countless fond memories from people who lived on, cared for, or visited the estate. Walnut Hall Estate even holds a small place in our nation’s history, with records showing visits from General Stonewall Jackson, an overnight stay from Abraham Lincoln, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt attending the funeral of Henry T. Rainey—Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives during Roosevelt’s presidency—who called this estate home.
Today, Walnut Hall Estate blends historic charm with modern amenities. Couples can marry anywhere on the grounds—outdoors under the open sky or inside the old milk barn. The reception hall is the only newly constructed building on site, designed to complement the existing structures. Two homes are included in the wedding package: the original house, now a honeymoon suite sleeping six, and the main house, which features seven bedrooms, a spacious bridal suite, and separate groom’s quarters. The twelve acres offer endless possibilities for photos and memories, making Walnut Hall Estate a place where wedding weekends are as relaxed as they are unforgettable.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
We’ve learned that flexibility is everything. When we started Walnut Hall Estate, our vision was to create something for our small-town community—but it quickly became clear the demand reached far beyond that. Soon, couples from all over the Metro East, Springfield, and surrounding counties were booking their weddings, and we had to adjust our approach to serve a much wider audience while still holding onto the heart and hospitality of a small-town experience.
We also learned the value of designing a space that serves as a true blank canvas—neutral and versatile enough for couples to make it completely their own, yet still rich with the history and character of the property. That balance allows each wedding to feel personal and unique while still maintaining the charm people fall in love with when they first visit.
Over the years, we’ve discovered that the little things matter just as much as the big picture. From clear communication to anticipating needs before they’re voiced, our goal has always been to make couples feel cared for every step of the way. And no matter where our couples come from, we treat them like locals—so they leave feeling like they were truly at home.
Pricing:
- $8,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.walnuthallestate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walnuthallestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walnuthallestate
- Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/walnut-hall-estate
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Kallie Justine Photography
Additional Photos: Melissa Shelton Photography
