Darrell Best & his wife Lisa are non-denominational ordained ministers — often referred to as licensed wedding officiants — offering affordable and convenient packages to complement and honor your special day. Darrell Best was an over-worked and underappreciated banker and his wife Lisa, a much-appreciated home daycare provider. They took a leap of faith by purchasing a 1942 American LaFrance firetruck to start a business to be called Red Hot Weddings.

Our historic event venue in Springfield has a distinctive and beautiful architectural design which is the perfect balance of vintage character, with an intimate vibe. This unique 2 story building features exposed trusses and wood beams, a huge candelabra chandelier, carved stone fireplace, large circle headed front windows, mezzanine balcony, imported quarry tile, palm modeled plaster walls, and many other original architectural elements.

Hosting your wedding at the Inn at 835 leaves your guests wondering how you had the time to put so many details into your big day, when really, we take care of everything for you, from start to finish. As a full-service event center, we offer several special add-on services to enhance your event, including table side wine service, champagne, an open bar, centerpiece decorations and candles, colored linens, and silver coffee service. Everything you could want, all in one place.

Edwards Place, built in 1833, was a social center of antebellum Springfield. In its gracious parlors Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, Ulysses S. Grant, and other Illinois luminaries gathered at elegant parties and balls. You, too, can have your special day in the same rooms where Abraham and Mary Lincoln were guests more than 150 years ago, now meticulously restored to the grandeur of their antebellum days. Edwards Place is available to rent for showers, weddings, and receptions – the perfect choice for a distinctive event in a historically significant setting. You can even include extra services for your event, such as the use of a piano often heard by Abraham Lincoln (and possibly played at his wedding!). Our rental space has three areas of possibility - the historic house museum, the grounds in front of Edwards Place, and the M.G. Nelson Gallery, a part of our parent organization, the Springfield Art Association, and directly attached by a doorway to historic Edwards Place.