FAQs
How much function space do you have?
The newly renovated Elara Convention Center at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake features 20,000 square feet of event space with 21 meeting rooms.
How many guests can you accommodate?
The Elara Convention Center’s 11,200 square foot ballroom will accommodate Chicagoland events with up to 1,200 guests.
What events does your venue service?
The flexibility of the Elara Convention Center will accommodate weddings, conferences, conventions, trade shows, social events to name a few!
What kind of settings are available for events?
Host your Elara event in the newly renovated ballroom, in one of our several breakout rooms, in the restaurant, or on the outdoor Sunset Deck with views of Lake Acron.
What event services do you offer?
The Elara Convention Center in Crystal Lake offers state-of-the-art AV rentals with built in projection.
What catering services do you offer?
The Elara Convention Center features on-site catering to accommodate breakfast or brunch, meeting breaks, brunches, buffets, cocktail receptions, stations and gala dinners. Pretty much anything you can dream up!
Do you allow outside Catering?
The Elara Convention Center provides on-site catering for your convenience, so we do not allow outside caterers at this time.
What bar services do you provide?
At the Elara Convention Center, we have bartenders available and we feature cash bar, host bar, or open bar with house or premium liquors, champagne toast, house liquor or wine and signature drinks!
What event items are available?
Choose from chair covers, centerpieces, and decor to compliment your tables, chairs, and dance floor set up and select from necessary Audio equipment when you book an event at the Elara Convention Center.
What food & beverage items are available?
The Elara Convention Center provides china, barware, glassware, flatware, and linens to compliment your event decor.
What transportation and access is available?
The Elara Convention Center at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake is wheelchair accessible and provides complimentary parking in our large surface lot as well as complimentary local shuttle service. Hertz rental car company is located right on site as well.
Do you have guest accommodations?
The Elara Convention Center is attached to the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake providing 197 newly renovated guest rooms and suites. Guest rooms include microwaves, refrigerators, complimentary wi-fi, and Keurig coffee makers in each room.
What wedding events do you service?
Plan your engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and wedding reception all in the flexible function space at the Elara Convention Center.
What is included in the cost of wedding catering?
Your wedding package at the Elara Convention Center will include the cost of your wedding cake, the cake cutting service, as well as servers for your wedding reception.
Do you have an event planner?
Rest assured our professional event planner at the Elara Convention Center will assist you with every last detail to create a memorable event.
Is there a coat check?
The coat check in the Elara Convention Center is right off the Elara Ballroom Foyer for the convenience of your event guest arriving from off property.
Do you have outdoor event space?
At the Elara Convention Center, we have an expansive Sunset Deck overlooking tranquil Lake Acorn as well as Lakeview patio for events.
How do I secure my event date?
Complete the REQUEST INFORMATION form on our website and one of our event planners will reach out to you to confirm availability.
Do you offer discounts?
We are pleased to offer a 10% discount for Friday and Sunday weddings at the Elara Convention Center, excluding holiday weekends.
What are the service fees and tax?
All prices are subject to a taxable 20% service fee and prevailing tax (currently 7.75%) when you book an event at the Elara Convention Center in Crystal Lake, IL.
How do I pay for my deposit?
An initial deposit of $1,500 is required to book the Elara Convention Center. Six months prior to the event, a second deposit of 50% of the estimated Food and Beverage minimum is due. The remaining balance is due seven days prior to the event. All deposits are non-refundable.