Welcome to The Life 'O Riley Venue

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting development in Wedding and Event Planning in Jackson County! The Life ‘O Riley is a quiet venue located just a stone’s throw from Kinkaid Lake on Ava Road. We believe this scenic venue represents what couples are looking for as they embark on a new journey toward sharing their lives with the one they love. Something unique and refreshing. This venue provides many amenities for families as they plan for their special day. It’s also the perfect get away for a weekend reunion, retreat, or other special event.

As you journey through the woods, over the trickling creek, and across the dam of the pond, you will hear the sounds of the chirping birds, possibly see a few deer who seek refuge there, and certainly see and hear the friendly chatter of the family of ducks and geese that reside on the premises. As you make the sharp turn toward the venue, you will drive down a road through a canopy of trees. The road is actually the old “Mudline Railroad,” which years ago, was the vehicle to transport many trains delivering supplies and goods across our region. You may still find a rock or two from the railroad bed if you walk along the road. At the first blush of spring, the woods is a harbor for May apples and spring flowers. You can smell the sweet smell of honeysuckle if you open the window and take in the fragrance. After a rain, the fresh smell of the woods reminds you of the importance of taking care of our environment and protecting “Mother Nature”. This is why we want to share this with you. The trees along the driveway are bursting with blooms as the promise of spring arrives. In summer, you can walk across the bridge to the island, or across “Lauren’s Baby Creek,” to see if you can spot a fish or two swimming along the ponds edge. Put on a pair of boots and wade through the creek. It will bring back those childhood memories or help you create new ones. Pick up a fishing pole and cast out a line. You better have a second person to take off the fish though, because you get a bite as quickly as you cast your rod. The fall leaves bring a blanket of color, the enjoyment of the fall harvest, and the opportunity to reflect on the wonders that the year has provided.

No matter the season, there is always something new to experience. We call it the “Life O’ Riley.” The Estate is easily accessed from Ava Road, and is only minutes from Carbondale. Many people over the years have enjoyed the beauty of what God has helped Frank and Di to create. Give us the opportunity to share it with you.

There are several locations on the Estate which could be the setting for a beautiful outdoor wedding, and more areas are in the planning stage. If you choose to exchange your vows at the site across from the island, at the bridge, the breathtaking view will remind you that you are in concert with nature and confirm the fact that a higher power is responsible for this beauty. For smaller, more intimate weddings, choose the location around the Estate home, with the large outdoor pool and pavilion. Picture the bride walking down one of the two sets of curved stairs coming from each side down to the focal point of the area. It’s just like Cinderella! The ambiance of the candles floating on the water and the reflection of all of the seasonal flowers make you take a second glance, thinking you were in a resort. In Southern Illinois?

However, if you choose a smaller, inside location on the premises, we can accommodate that too, as well as parties, reunions, and weekday or weekend lodging accommodations.

We are booking events now, following state restrictions for, 2020. Give us a call, we’ll be happy to discuss your needs and we would love to show you around. We have a variety of packages and can accommodate larger groups as well as smaller ones. Especially during the pandemic, our focus is to provide you with an environment that is SAFE, following the Health Department and CDC guidelines, while resulting in a memorable experience you can treasure a lifetime. You too can experience “The Life ‘O Riley.”