Country Celebrations offers a destination events center within city limits

Wait, 2025? Don't we mean 2024?

"No, outside a couple of random dates, every weekend in 2025 already has something in the books," Ellison, who runs Country Celebrations with her husband Todd, explained. "We work way ahead and so do our clients."

Since it opened in 2016, Country Celebrations -- located inside a 13,500-square-foot rustic building with modern amenities -- has become the go-to destination for weddings, graduations and business meetings.

The 5606 Hamilton Blvd. event center sits on 130 acres of wooded land that has been in Todd's family for more than 150 years. Indeed, Todd's great-great grandfather George D. Perkins, the founder of the Sioux City Journal, reportedly purchased the land from a railroad company before 1870.

Now, the land is home to the Ellisons as well as other members of the family, including daughter Erica Antrim, who helps to run Country Celebrations with her parents.

In addition to always being a working farm, the land was also used for a driving range and minigolf business the Ellisons ran for more than two decades.

"The driving range was fun but it meant that we spent 20 years of summer without taking a day off," Ellison said. "We were all ready for a change."

That's when the family developed the concept for Country Celebrations.

Todd Ellison, who is also a contractor, built much of the facility, which can accommodate events for up to 500 people. 

While the decor is, in fact, rustic, it is also elegant. Though it has a country aesthetic, the setting is neutral enough for any type of event.

Which is why Erica Antrim said Country Celebrations was an instant hit with prospective brides.

"We have a destination wedding location but we're in the city," she explained. "When you're here, you're out in nature."

This is certainly the case with Country Celebrations' new indoor wedding chapel that has large windows, looking out into a beautiful garden.

"We added on the chapel a few years ago and it has been a big success," Ellison said. "I think we have a 50/50 split, with some clients wanting their weddings inside the chapel while others prefer it in our outdoor space."   

Antrim acknowledged weddings and, even, pre-nuptial parties are becoming more elaborate.

"Weddings are now big parties where you want everyone to have a good time," she said. 

To assist with the party mood, Country Celebrations has a large banquet hall, a large catering kitchen, a roomy serving area and a well-stocked bar.

In addition, there are separate bride and groom dressing rooms as well as a play area for kids.

"We always knew the facility would lend itself to weddings and parties," Ellison noted. "I was personally surprised that Country Celebrations has also seen its fair share of celebration of life ceremonies."

She said that is due to the event center's tranquil setting as well as the warmth of the family.

"Country Celebrations is truly a family owned and operated business," Ellison said. "We treat every client and guest as if they're a member of our family."