20 Best Chicago Wedding Venues
My pick of best Chicago wedding venues pack elegance, variety, and character into a relatively small geographic area. After photographing weddings in Chicago for over 11 years, I have quite the insider's look at what makes this city such a great place to say, "I do” (not to mention, amazing backdrops for gorgeous photos). The lake, that skyline, those downtown vibes... Take a read and get dreaming. Where can you imagine your wedding?
If you already have a particular style in mind click on one of these 4 categories featured below to jump straight to it:
Unique Chicago Wedding Venues
Cookie-cutter has never been your style. So why would your wedding be any different? Chicago has so much to offer for the couple looking to host their celebration in a distinctive locale. Here are my favorite unique wedding venues in Chicago.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Rooms + Capacity: The Great Hall seats 250 / 500 for a reception
Style: Historic meets natural
Café Brauer gives you a distinctly Chicago experience without the logistics of downtown. As unique wedding venues go, this one is hard to beat, with a picture-perfect Lincoln Park setting and the prairie-style architecture made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright. (This isn’t a Frank Lloyd Wright design, but is definitely inspired by his incredible style.)
I love that Café Brauer shows off the skyline, yet you’re surrounded by greenery. You and your wedding party can stroll the grounds for photos without having to fight traffic and get on a trolley. Truly, it’s the best of both worlds.
Here’s an insider tip: When given the option, most definitely hang the candles from the stunning ceiling to accentuate the architecture.
Why is it a favorite? You’ll soon see many of my favorite venues are ones that have a second level where we photographers can capture an interesting “aerial” angle of all your events.
The Rookery
Neighborhood: Financial District
Rooms + Capacity: The Light Court seats 200 / 400 for a reception
Style: Light, bright & iconic
When I first started photographing weddings in Chicago more than 10 years ago, The Rookery was first on my list of “I cannot wait until I get to photograph there!” A decade later, it still doesn’t disappoint. I could spend every weekend inside this space and not get tired of it.
So what makes The Rookery stand out amid the unique wedding venues of Chicago? This iconic, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building features a stunning two-story atrium topped with an architectural glass ceiling that fills the lobby with light. The winding Oriel staircase is a photographer's dream for dramatic, romantic photos. I love The Rookery for its elegance, ambiance, and icon status.
Why is it a favorite? One word: ARCHITECTURE.
Neighborhood: Bridgeport
Rooms + Capacity: Bridgeport Art Center offers two spaces. The Skyline Loft can seat 600 / 900 for receptions. The Sculpture Garden can seat 550 / 900 for receptions
Style: A clean edit to the casual loft vibe.
The Bridgeport Art Center encapsulates urban elegance. If you’re looking for a mood, this might just be it! Housed within a historic 1911 building, the space was refurbished with an eye toward a modern industrial feel that is still sophisticated.
The enormous spaces are raw—exposed brick, natural wood, bare metal—but that means you can take the space and make it utterly yours. The Skyline Loft is on the top floor and boasts views of the Chicago skyline you’d never expect. On the ground floor, the Sculpture Garden offers an indoor/outdoor space with gorgeous light and dramatic draping.
Why is it a favorite? You get a loft feel yet with elegant refinement. This space is made to feel raw, and for some couples, it may feel a bit too unfinished. But for others looking to balance relaxed comfort with sophistication, this is your solution!
Neighborhood: The Suburbs (Glencoe, IL)
Rooms + Capacity: There are several locations of varying size available throughout the gardens. Seated up to 500 / receptions up to 1,500
Style: Natural beauty indoors & out
Walled gardens, grand lawns, enchanting beauty spread across 385 acres. With a huge variety of indoor and outdoor spaces from which to choose, I love how the Chicago Botanic Gardens allows you to feel like you’ve been transported to a secret English garden for something as romantic as your wedding.
The gardens trade the grandeur of city venues for something softer, but no less dramatic. I mean, imagine saying your vows surrounded by thousands of blooms… Le sigh. The spaces available make a fabulous backdrop for everything from sweet afternoon ceremonies in intimate gardens to evening soirees amid sweeping views.
An insider tip: You may think the Chicago Botanic Gardens are only available during warmer months, but every season offers something new. Yes, even winter. You can take advantage of the spectacular winter light displays for an unforgettable event!
Why is it a favorite? It’s like taking the drama of the architecture downtown and building architecture with organic floral and trees. If you’re looking for a space that’s a bit more soft romantic rather than urban romantic, you can’t go wrong here.
Neighborhood: Ravenswood
Rooms + Capacity: Five spaces available, including an outdoor courtyard. Up to 300 seated / 500 for a reception
Style: Relaxed & warm
The space at Artifact Events makes for a wonderfully unique Chicago wedding venue that is still easy to access. The Northside location means easy parking—not always simple in Chicago!
The vibe here is relaxed yet historic, with exposed brick and beams that feels natural and unfussy. There’s a wonderful mix of spaces, from a light-filled atrium to an intimate loft to a tucked-away courtyard complete with historic columns.
Why is it a favorite? Being in a completely different part of the city means it’s easier to take advantage of gorgeous portrait locations like Winnemac Park.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Rooms + Capacity: The Historic Lobby can seat up to 800 / receptions up to 1,400
Style: 1920s grandeur
This is for you trendsetters, you early adopters. One of the newest unique venues in Chicago is The Old Post Office.
The soaring, two-story lobby is like stepping back a hundred years into the Roaring ‘20s. It boasts floor-to-ceiling white marble walls, brass revolving doors—imagine your entrance!—and stunning Art Deco details. You need to see this place!
The building is an iconic landmark with views of the Chicago River and is sure to become one of the most sought-after unique venues in the city.
Why is it a favorite? It’s a brand new venue reopened after a thoughtful and extensive renovation. We’ve already done a swanky engagement session here and I cannot wait to see all of its historical grandeur come to life for something as climatic as a wedding.
Downtown Chicago Wedding Venues
There’s something so electric about downtown Chicago, an energy that can make your wedding totally unforgettable. For many of our couples, if they are going to get married in Chicago, then they are going to treat their guests to a downtown Chicago experience. If that’s you, these are the wedding venues you should definitely consider.
Neighborhood: Across from Millennium Park
Rooms + Capacity: Four distinct spaces offered, including the famous rotunda. Up to 420 seated / 800 reception
Style: Historic opulence
The dome. The mosaics. The location. When it comes to a downtown Chicago wedding venue, you’d be hard pressed to find somewhere more iconic than the Cultural Center.
There is so much to say about the Cultural Center, from the historic Tiffany stained glass dome and the elegant, curving details to the location directly across the street from Millennium Park. You could take all of your couple portraits inside the “People’s Palace” with no need to venture elsewhere. The staircase alone offers so many amazing options!
Insider tip: Since this is a government building, the rental fees actually go toward free community programming! Giving back to this amazing city with your wedding. Now that’s iconic.
Why is it a favorite? I mean, that dome… Need I say more?. But beyond that, the color scheme is unique yet also neutral. You get this elegant background for all of your once-in-a-lifetime candid moments sure to unfold on your wedding day, while also firmly rooting your story amidst a larger picture of Chicago history.
Ivy Room
Neighborhood: River North
Rooms + Capacity: The courtyard and a ballroom offer the perfect indoor/outdoor combination. Capacity is 200 seated.
Style: Secret oasis
From the street, you’d never guess what awaits you through the doors at Ivy Room. You’ll find yourself transported to an oasis of tall brick walls covered in vibrant green ivy. This courtyard is that perfect mix of urban and natural, truly a spectacular surprise in the middle of downtown Chicago.
While there is a tastefully elegant indoor space at this event center, it’s the outdoors that really shines at the Ivy Room. Imagine saying your vows in front of a wall of living green, a gorgeous brick walkway under your feet and a real sense of intimacy from the surrounding brick buildings. If you’re looking for the convenience of downtown, but wishing for a quiet escape, there’s no better solution.
Why is it a favorite? Because you’d never expect it. One moment, you’re out on the busy streets of downtown, the next, you’re in the middle of a hidden garden. You can barely hear the sounds of the city. It’s magical, and I imagine there’s no way your guests will ever see it coming.
The Drake Hotel
Neighborhood: The Magnificent Mile
Rooms + Capacity: Two available ballrooms. Up to 500 seated / 900 for a reception
Style: Historic elegance
Mention The Drake, and you’re bound to conjure up images of history, celebrity, and sophistication. Today, this downtown Chicago wedding venue and hotel is a luxurious option with two stunning ballrooms on offer.
The aptly named Gold Coast Ballroom overlooks Lake Michigan and, for a bit of high-end trivia, is about the same size as the ballroom at Buckingham Palace. (Yes, that Buckingham Palace.) The Grand Ballroom was built to ring in the New Year in 1920.
Why is it a favorite? If you’re looking to place your wedding day inside of a larger story in history, to stand in rooms where dignitaries and princesses have once stood, then there really is no other option.
Luxury Chicago Wedding Venues
These locations are the epitome of style and elegance. And, because these are some of the most sought-after hotels in Chicago, they also offer the ease of planning. Room blocks, catering, everything is taken care of in one place. Here are my favorite luxury wedding venues in Chicago…
The Langham
Neighborhood: The Magnificent Mile
Rooms + Capacity: Ballroom capacity is 312
Style: Polished & modern
This isn’t your standard hotel ballroom. The Langham is sleek and luxurious, with enormous windows and wonderful views of the Chicago River. The décor is tasteful and modern without being overwhelming, so you can still make the space yours.
Sneaky insider tip: The Langham has one of my favorite spots for a sleek, modern aesthetic. It’s even perfect for an outdoor First Look that is still mostly protected from the elements.
Why is it a favorite? You don’t get voted one of the best hotels in the country, multiple years in a row, for nothing! The Langham is by far my favorite lobby of any hotel, ever. And if Mother Nature doesn’t play nice on your wedding day, the interiors of your hotel room blocks or venue(s) are the fastest locations for Plan B when you need to stay inside.
Neighborhood: Water Tower Place
Rooms + Capacity: Offerings include the Grand Ballroom, Lakeside Room, and a rooftop bar for cocktails. Seating up to 450 / reception up to 850
Style: Traditional with a skyhigh view
Getting married at Fourth Presbyterian? Enjoy a few minutes to soak in the city as a newly married couple by simply walking from your ceremony to your cocktails, just like one of our RMP couples did!
This location, in the heart of Chicago’s shopping mecca and with amazing views overlooking the lake, makes it a hard-to-top choice for luxury Chicago wedding venues. The convenience for your guests truly can’t be beat. Out of town guests can experience Michigan Ave shopping in the morning and easily walk to your ceremony that afternoon.
Why is it a favorite? While so many think of the Grand Ballroom, the Lakeside Room is a sneaky favorite. Bonus points if you’re getting married during the summer—you just might be able to sneak a peek at the fireworks set off from Navy Pier.
The Peninsula Chicago
Neighborhood: The Magnificent Mile
Rooms + Capacity: A Grand Ballroom and Terrace gives you two great options. Seating for up to 320 / reception up to 550
Style: Far East Sophistication
Inside the Grand Ballroom at The Peninsula Hotel, you’ll find warm blond wood walls and tall windows that look out over the bustle of downtown Chicago. It’s a sumptuous, luxurious space with the bonus of a fabulous location.
I wouldn’t skip the Terrace either. It’s perfect for a cocktail reception and is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets, with outstanding views of the skyline at night.
Why is it a favorite? The view of the city from the Grand Ballroom, not to mention an outdoor view available from the Terrace.
Four Seasons
Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Rooms + Capacity: The Grand Ballroom seats 560 / 750 for a reception
Style: Neutral luxury
Exceptional service sets the Four Seasons apart as a luxury location anywhere in the world, but especially as a wedding venue in Chicago.
The Grand Ballroom’s simple décor can be transformed into a sophisticated venue, or opt for the more intimate Lakeview space for unbeatable views of Lake Michigan. The main theme here, though, is subtle luxury blended with attentive service.
Why is it a favorite? A neutral backdrop and understated art means a blank canvas for your own vision. And the service is top-notch.
Waldorf Astoria
Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Rooms + Capacity: Three distinct spaces with capacity up to 160 inside / 350 outside
Style: European touches
The name alone brings to mind impeccable style, and the Chicago Waldorf Astoria delivers. There are three lovely options within the hotel, all offering something distinct. The Sinclair Ballroom is the largest space indoors and offers jeweled chandeliers and walls draped in silk. Outside, the courtyard is modeled on a French chateau, complete with a central fountain.
Why is it a favorite? Just standing at the entrance feels like an escape to Europe. And by now, you know I’m a sucker for Europe...
Chicago Wedding Venues With a View
That view, thoUGH. Chicago has such a distinctive skyline, not to mention that killer shoreline, and these venues show off all the city’s best angles. Imagine how dramatic your photos will look against these stunning backdrops! Here are my favorite picks for Chicago wedding venues with a view.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Rooms + Capacity: The Morse Genius Chicago Room seats up to 300 / 350 for a reception
Style: Scenic & historic
History meets views at the Chicago History Museum. Though not necessarily a spot you’d think of as having a great view, the combo of the Lincoln Park location paired with skyline views—in particular the Hancock Building—really can't be beat.
Plus, when else can you say your vows amidst gorgeous Georgian architecture then sip a cocktail next to one of Chicago’s first L cars?
Why is it a favorite? The Chicago History Museum gives good “background.” Hear me out. The details that can sometimes be overlooked when considering a space—the walls, floor, ceiling—can be incredibly distracting in photos! You have no idea how many fire exit signs I’ve photoshopped out of First Dance moments. But I LOVE the black and white checked floor of the Morse Genius Chicago Room or the framed stained glass along the back walls for a unique background.
Adler Planetarium
Neighborhood: Museum Campus
Rooms + Capacity: Several indoor and outdoor options. Seated capacity up to 300.
Style: Stars & skyline
The lake, the skyline … what more could you ask for if you’re looking for a Chicago wedding venue with a view? Okay, okay, let’s get this pun out of the way right now. Weddings at the Adler Planetarium are out of this world. :)
Oftentimes, so many of our couples are excited to document a view of Chicago on their wedding day, but sometimes those favorite views can be a 45 minute trolley trip through traffic. Solution? Just get married there!
Adler Planetarium has a great variety of spaces for your wedding, from the Rainbow Lobby where prismatic doors refract afternoon light to the glass-roofed Solarium and adjacent terraces with magnificent city skyline views.
Why is it a favorite? Food for Thought is one of my favorite caterers in the city, and lucky you, they are at your service at Adler!
Field Museum
Neighborhood: Museum Campus
Rooms + Capacity: Several iconic spaces with seating in the Stanley Field Hall up to 1,500
Style: Neoclassical with a dino plus-one
The grandeur of the architecture, the history contained within the walls—celebrating your wedding at Chicago’s Field Museum is the sort of event people will never forget. Where else can you dance under a dinosaur and wander exhibition halls between the cocktails and dinner courses? Your guests will not suffer from the “what do we do now?” wait between main events.
The Field Museum offers many expansive spaces, including the iconic Stanley Field Hall, East Atrium, and a terrace with drop-dead gorgeous views of the city. Plus, the indoor/outdoor options mean you have equally perfect rain plans.
Why is it a favorite? The history of the famous 1893 Chicago World’s Fair surrounds you in the architectural details.
Neighborhood: Navy Pier
Rooms + Capacity: The Grand Ballroom is enormous, seating 1,100
Style: Soaring curves straight out of history
Jutting out into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier captures the buoyant energy of the city, with fireworks at night and the famous Ferris Wheel slowly spinning.
Near the end of the pier, the fantastically enormous Aon Grand Ballroom is a domed marvel of steel. It’s theatrical, opulent, and unforgettable. If you’re searching for the ultimate Chicago wedding venue with a view, be sure to check this space out!
Why is it a favorite? Every time we photograph an event in this amazing structure, I keep waiting for Gatsby himself to appear on the stage.
Ready to chat about your Chicago wedding day photography needs?
That was a really long blog post, so if you’ve made it all the way here, Congrats! I know wedding planning can be overwhelming. BUT this should be an incredible time in your life, and I want you to be able to celebrate every moment, from today until the very last dance at your reception, rather than fret over the to-do list.
I take care of my couples. Period.
It’s how you get the photos you adore and have fun creating them. Let’s set a time to chat and see if I’m the right fit for you.
