On the hunt for that dream Chicago wedding venue? We’ve got you covered with our hand-picked list of the top 36 spots, neatly organized by category to simplify your decision-making process. From the urban elegance of downtown lofts to the serene beauty of outdoor gardens, our guide is your treasure map to the city’s finest. Each entry is packed with essential details: links, addresses, guest capacities, aesthetics, photos, and our fresh takes from recent adventures.
As your dedicated Chicago wedding photographers, we’re with you every step of the wayโfrom the moment you decide to pop the question to your grand newlywed exit. Curious about a venue or need the scoop on making your day picture-perfect? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to ensure your journey to “I do” is as seamless and spectacular as the Chicago skyline!
* DISCLAIMER: The details in this blog post are believed to be accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change. Please verify with the venue or service provider for the most current information.
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Types of Venues
industrial WEDDING VENUES IN CHICAGO
The Arbory
Aesthetic: Greenhouse meets polished warehouse in this unique and sophisticated venue. The Arbory has brought in hundreds of trees and plants to set the warm and inviting tone (the living wall is one of our favorite touches). With five gorgeous murals and seven massive skylights, this flexible venue is bright and intriguingโan excellent space for both intimate and large weddings.
Capacity: 300
Type of Venue: ร la carte; however, rentals are included, and the greenery provides built-in dรฉcor and design. The venue offers videography, video booths, and custom-designed invitations that match the venue murals.
Fairlie
Capacity: 250 (400 cocktail-style)
Type of Venue: ร la Carte; a wedding planner or designer is recommended.
Artifact Events
Capacity: 515 for the largest room, or you can combine spaces for more.
Type of Venue: All-inclusive (including dรฉcor and lighting) with preferred caterers and entertainment.
Ovation
Aesthetic: Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, this modern industrial Chicago wedding venue is tucked on a corner in Fulton. Although the venue feels private and exclusive, they prioritize inclusivity and creativity. The slightly dark and moody design, sleek lines, candles, and large, modern windows make this space feel intimate, romantic, and elevated. On display are a 1959 Rolls Royce and a beautiful grand piano (both available for use).
Capacity: 200
Type of Venue: ร la Carte; wedding packages include rentals, A/V equipment, DJ services, and lounge furniture. They have an open catering list and BYOB options (only pay for what you consume through a drop-off/pickup service like Prestige.
LM Studio Chicago
Capacity: 350
Type of Venue: All-inclusive, excluding floral and design. You may use outside catering if you prefer.
The Joinery
Capacity: 160
Type of Venue: ร la Carte; they have a wide selection of fantastic furniture and rentals available, including arches, a donut wall, display options, tables, and chairs. They also offer accommodations for the wedding party or couples at their 2-bedroom apartment or a house that sleeps 12 (The Millhouse & Hideout).
Salvage One
Aesthetic: As the name suggests, this unique venue hosts an antique shop and vintage-industrial event venue. The renovated warehouse with antique chandeliers makes the event feel intimate, somewhat like a family-style dinner (but nicer). Think: exposed brick, wood floors, and vintage furniture. Plus, we can get some quirky portraits around the shopโhanging carousel horses, anyone? We can use some of their whimsical setups and backdrops for your pictures. They have a green outdoor courtyard as well.
Capacity: 250
Type of Venue: ร la Carte with preferred vendors. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
Morgan Manufacturing
Capacity: Varies depending on the space and event setup. Up to 650 seated.
Type of Venue: Industrial event space offering a la carte rentals and a list of preferred vendors. While an onsite team can assist with logistics, clients may opt for their own event planner for detailed coordination.
City View Loft
Capacity: 150 seated, 220 cocktail reception
Type of Venue: Loft-style event space, offering in-house catering and bar services. Couples are allowed to bring in their own vendors for other needs, such as floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended.
Greenhouse Loft
Aesthetic: The Greenhouse loft is a gorgeous blank-canvas glasshouse with towering ceilings and views of the sky garden (also available, weather permitting). Greenhouse Loft is a sister venue of Ovation and Sarabande.
Capacity: 50-175
Type of Venue: ร la Carte; wedding packages include rentals, A/V equipment, DJ services, and lounge furniture. They have an open catering list and BYOB options (only pay for what you consume through a drop-off/pickup service like Prestige.
Lacuna Lofts
Capacity: Not listed; the flexible event spaces can accommodate most guest lists.
Type of Venue: ร la Carte. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
view a recent wedding at lacuna lofts
Homestead on the Roof
Capacity:
Inside: 80
Outside: 100
Type of Venue: ร la Carte. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
Loft Lucia
Aesthetic: Loft Lucia features a sleek, contemporary aesthetic with an emphasis on industrial chic. The venueโs spacious open layout is highlighted by exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. Modern fixtures, clean lines, and minimalistic decor create a sophisticated yet versatile backdrop, making it an ideal setting for stylish, urban events with a touch of elegance.
Capacity: 120 guests for a formal seated dinner with a smaller dance floor and 160 for a standing cocktail reception
Type of Venue: All-inclusive (excluding florals and design) or a-la-carte packages both offered.
chicago’s most unique VENUES IN CHICAGO
The Ivy Room
Aesthetic: This venue has the best of both worlds: classic, blank canvas spaces with light walls, hardwood floors, and large windows with the convenience of full-service packages. Their planners, caterers, and event staff will help you achieve your wedding vision. Outside, the towering ivy walls, red-brick walkways, and vintage street lamps cater to the romantic ambiance (perfect for incredible portraits!)
Capacity: 200
Type of Venue: Full-service; Customizable
Big Delicious Planet
Capacity: Can host groups of 16-42 guests for seated events and up to 65 guests with cocktail-style service
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral/design.
Galleria Marchetti
Capacity: 450
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding florals, design, and cake. A wedding planner is recommended.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Aesthetic: From the Fern Room to the Desert House, this glasshouse venue overflowing with vibrant greenery will always be one of our favorite Chicago wedding venues. It feels like youโve escaped to a tropical paradise any time of year. The grounds reflect the beauty within the unique greenhouse rooms for a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
Capacity: 400
Type of Venue: ร la Carte with preferred vendors. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
Firehouse Chicago
Capacity: 100
Type of Venue: ร la Carte; wedding packages include rentals, vintage furniture, and some dรฉcor. All other vendors are up to you.
Room 1520
Capacity: 150 (seated with dance floor)
Type of Venue: ร la Carte; tables, chairs, and A/V equipment available through the venue.
The Dawson
Capacity: Varies depending on the space and setup. Contact the venue for specific details.
Type of Venue: In-house catering, offering both indoor and outdoor options. It’s recommended to collaborate with a wedding planner.
historic WEDDING VENUES IN CHICAGO
The Drake
Aesthetic: The Drake is a Hilton Hotel & Resort and home of the famous Palm Court, where Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana had tea. This luxury hotel is bright, spacious, and modern, with lavish touches and ornate crown molding. We especially love this because most event spaces have walls of windows overlooking the city and Lake Michigan.
Capacity: 1000+
Type of Venue: Full-service, except for design/florals; a wedding planner is recommended.
Revel Motor Row
Capacity: 300 seated, 500 cocktail
Type of Venue: All-inclusive, with design and florals by Revel Dรฉcor and Catering by Limelight (another one of their venues).
St. Ignatius College Prep
Capacity: Varies based on specific event spaces and setups within the school.
Type of Venue: A historic and prestigious educational institution with rich architectural details, offering select spaces for events and gatherings.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Aesthetic: As part of the World of Hyatt collection, you can expect nothing but the best from this historic Venetian Gothic hotel next to Millennium Park and views of Lake Michigan. Reserve one of their traditional ballrooms, or host our reception in Stagg Court or The Tank to incorporate the sporty history infused throughout the building (they have a Top Golf suite and other sports-related entertainment rooms, too).
Capacity: 350
Type of Venue: Full-service wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended.
Quadrangle Club at The University of Chicago
Capacity: 50-200
Type of Venue: The ultimate all-inclusive, customizable packages, including florals and dรฉcor.
The Rookery
Capacity: 200 seated; 400 cocktail
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended. BYOB is allowed.
Warwick Allerton Hotel – Tip Top Tap Ballroom
Aesthetic: Centrally located in Chicagoโs City Centre, this landmark hotel is also home to the iconic Tip Top Tap sign indicating the swanky, legendary lounge on the top floor that was bustling in the 40s and 50s. The bar is gone, but you can still have brunch and mimosas in the historic sky-high lounge (fun for a bridal party!) You can also dance the night away in the historic Tip Top Tap Ballroom located behind the sign. The hotel still exudes the luxurious, bold Jazz-Age sophistication and style with plenty of windows to flood event spaces with soft natural light.
Capacity: 300
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended. BYOB is allowed.
The University Club of Chicago
Capacity: Not Listed
Type of Venue: Full-service wedding packages, excluding floral and design.
Cafรจ Brauer
Capacity: Reception 400, Seated 250
Type of Venue: A full-service catering and venue management company.
The Old Post Office
Aesthetic: As the prettiest post office youโve ever seen, this brilliant art-deco postal headquarters has been transformed into a fabulous event venue with a variety of spaces, dining areas, and a rooftop garden!
Capacity: 1400+
Type of Venue: ร la Carte; they have a beautifully organized list of preferred vendors in every category.
Morgan’s on Fulton
Capacity: 250
Type of Venue: Full-service except for design & floral elements.
luxury wedding VENUES IN CHICAGO
The Blackstone Hotel
Aesthetic: As far as Chicago wedding venues go, youโll know this one when you see it. Put simply: extravagant in the best wayโa luxury hotel that is both trendy and well-versed in hospitality. The colors inside this downtown hotel are a perfect balance of fresh, bright neutrals and rich, warm wooden accents. An eclectic mix of modern furniture and dรฉcor takes the trendiness up a notch. They are an exclusive member of Best of the Best Modern Luxury Weddings.
Capacity: 4 event spaces with a maximum capacity of 225
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral/design. A wedding planner is recommended.
The Ritz Carlton
Capacity: 1200
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral/design. A wedding planner is recommended.
The Palmer House Hilton
Capacity: Any size (The Grand/State Ballroom can host up to 1,653 guests!)
Type of Venue: Full-service wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended.
Waldorf Astoria
Aesthetic: The entrance to this luxury downtown Chicago hotel looks like a hรดtel particulier, complete with fireplaces, private terraces, and elegant events spaces. For an intimate wedding, choose from one of their regal salons and lounges named after classic authorsโFitzgerald, Thoreau, Hemmingway, and more.
Capacity: 230
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended.
Intercontinental
Capacity: 450
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended.
London House
Capacity: Up to 350
Type of Venue: Luxury hotel offering sophisticated event spaces with in-house catering and top-tier amenities. Collaborating with an event planner is advised to maximize the venue’s offerings.
Union League Club of Chicago
Aesthetic: This classy, historic social club was established to fight corruption and unite the city. Now, they offer a variety of refined event spaces, including traditional ballrooms and a variety of stylishly curated club rooms.
Capacity: 500
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended.
The Kimpton Gray
Capacity: 280
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended.
Four Seasons Chicago
Capacity: 1150
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral/design. A wedding planner is recommended.
The Wellsley
Aesthetic: The Wellsley in Chicago exudes luxury, blending grandeur with charm in its versatile event spaces. Located in River North, it features elegant dining areas and a plush private cocktail bar, perfect for any celebratory occasion. The decor, marked by opulent touches and a timeless aesthetic, provides a stunning backdrop for weddings and events. The Wellsley collaborates with renowned Boka Catering Group, ensuring exceptional culinary experiences led by Michelin-starred Chef Giuseppe Tentori. Every detail is meticulously crafted to create unforgettable moments in this sophisticated venue.
Capacity:
- Main Hall: Up to 300 guests for reception, 150 seated with dance floor.
- Atrium: Up to 110 guests for reception, 90 seated.
- Lounge: Up to 75 guests for receptions.
- Full Buyout: Total capacity up to 300 guests across 7,700 sq. ft. of space
Type of Venue: All-inclusive wedding packages, excluding floral and design. A wedding planner is recommended.
museum
WEDDING VENUES IN CHICAGO
The Chicago History Museum
Aesthetic: This classic venue with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces is ideal for large, elegant weddings. The Chicago History Museum is a top pick for many couples in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Floor-to-ceiling window views and Georgian-style architecture make the Chicago Room the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding experience.
Capacity: 350
Type of Venue: ร la Carte. Wedding packages with preferred vendors. Rentals available. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
The Field Museum of Natural History
Capacity: 1000+
Type of Venue: ร la Carte. Wedding packages with preferred vendors. Rentals available. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
Adler Planetarium
Capacity: 50-1200
Type of Venue: ร la Carte with preferred vendors. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
The Chicago Cultural Center
Aesthetic: This historical Chicago landmark is famous for hosting receptions for global royalty, diplomats, and local leaders. The distinctive stained-glass domes, ornate walls, and neoclassical architecture attract visitors worldwide. If youโre going for extravagance, the Chicago Cultural Center wonโt disappoint for intimate and large weddings alike. (Event spaces include the galleries, halls, rotunda, and the theater.)
Capacity: 80-800
Type of Venue: ร la Carte. Wedding packages with preferred vendors. Rentals available. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Capacity: Not listed (but the venue can accommodate most guest counts)
Type of Venue: ร la Carte with preferred vendors. A wedding planner or designer is recommended.
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