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Updated Oct 14, 2024The Top 15 Chicago Wedding Venues to Check Out Now
These Windy City wedding venues are sure to impress.
If you're planning a wedding in the Windy City, but still haven't nailed down your venue, look no further. In this round-up, we did the research for you. This list has so many magical Chicago wedding venues, it may actually be difficult to choose—and who doesn't love having options?
Whether you are looking for a venue that feels like you've stepped through a time portal, want to tie the knot in a dreamy garden oasis (without having to leave the city), or are simply after a location that's convenient for your guests, these venues are sure to make your heart sing. By the end of reading through this list, we feel confident that you'll find a location that makes you say "I do"...to the best Chicago wedding venue! And if you're still looking, be sure to check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find even more venues near you.
Stan Mansion in Chicago, Illinois
Looking for an event space with traditional, historic charm? Then, you have to check out the Stan Mansion. Built in 1920, the unique venue has maintained the same look and feel for over a century. With high ceilings, a breathtaking ballroom, and luxurious chandelier lighting, this stunning Windy City location will transport your guests to another time. Located in Logan Square, one of Chicago's oldest, most charming neighborhoods, the Stan Mansion can accommodate up to 300 guests for a sit-down event—and up to 400 for a cocktail hour event. If you want to host your wedding ceremony and reception at the same place, you can do so at Stan Mansion, according to their website. With so many rave reviews from satisfied guests, this time capsule of a venue is a must-see when checking out spaces for your big day.
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Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois
Your guests will be absolutely wowed with an event at the Field Museum, a totally unique Chicago wedding venue. Host your ceremony on the terrace overlooking the Chicago skyline, with cocktail hour in the Rice Native Plant Gardens. And once you head indoors for the reception, you'll find high ceilings, grand staircases, gorgeous columns and more—plus, the unique artifacts and Máximo the Titanosaur will make truly special backdrops for your wedding portraits. This venue can host weddings and events of up to 1,000 guests.
The Langham in Chicago, Illinois
If you're looking for a luxurious wedding venue that truly has it all, The Langham is an ideal Chicago wedding venue. There are three event spaces to choose from, including the elegant and spacious Devonshire Ballroom (capacity: 250), with its high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views of the city. The Chelsea and the Cambridge event spaces are perfect for more intimate events. And if you're hosting out-of-town guests, they can all stay on site for the perfect Windy City weekend. Packages start at $310 per person.
The Old Post Office in Chicago, Illinois
For a venue that's sure to wow your guests, consider The Old Post Office, one of Chicago's historic landmarks. Formerly one of the world's largest post offices, this private event space, which recently underwent an $800 million renovation, has a two-story lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows, white marble walls, and luxurious gold accents. In its modern wedding reception rooms, there are east-facing views of the Chicago River. And if you plan to host a larger wedding, this space can accommodate over 300 guests. One look at this grand location, and you'll see why this Art Deco-inspired venue will be the perfect backdrop for your special day.
The Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago, Illinois
The Kimpton Gray Hotel, a venue that prides itself on offering each couple a unique wedding experience, is a spectacular place to celebrate your happily ever after. Located in The Loop, Chicago's central business district, this event space can accommodate up to 200 guests—and it has indoor and outdoor spaces available for your celebration. What's the aesthetic of this space? Inside, you'll find white marble accents on the floors, ceilings, and walls, lace-inspired carpeting, grand staircases, and an expansive, retractable skylight on the fifteenth floor to let in plenty of natural light. On the outside, there's an Art Deco exterior that will impress guests upon arrival. For a fairytale wedding right in the heart of Chicago, the Kimpton Gray may just be your perfect place to say "I do."
South Branch in Chicago, Illinois
Not sure if you want to host an indoor or outdoor wedding? Choose the South Branch in Downtown Chicago — and you'll have the option to go with either. For an outdoor ceremony, the South Branch offers a stunning riverside space, with views of the Chicago skyline in the background. As for your reception, the South Branch can accommodate up to 150 guests for seated dinners or up to 300 guests for a private cocktail-style reception. The best part? The Stock Branch offers all-inclusive wedding packages. With these offers, you won't have to do all of the wedding planning on your own. Instead, you'll get to work alongside the venue's team of experienced wedding coordinators and caterers who will help you to plan every detail of the day.
Ace Hotel in Chicago, Illinois
If your guests will be traveling from out of town, consider the Ace Hotel for your wedding day. We know how stressful it can be to ask your friends and family to travel from far and wide to celebrate your big day. But if you book your wedding with Ace, they'll offer a friendly rate on hotel rooms, so that everyone can save a bit of money and stay together. As for the actual wedding festivities, the Ace Hotel doesn't disappoint. Those who've stayed at an Ace Hotel location know how chic and swanky this boutique hotel chain is. With trendy decor and top-notch service, you and your guests will get a luxury experience. Couples will also get ample help with wedding planning. The Ace Hotel Chicago offers assistance with catering, finding local vendors, and flexible event spaces that can be transformed to suit your style and decor choices.
Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, Illinois
When many think of Chicago, they think of Michigan Avenue—with all of its fabulous shopping, historical architecture, and notable landmarks. Also located on Michigan Avenue is the next venue on our list: the Congress Plaza Hotel. Known for both its iconic location and rich history, the Congress Plaza Hotel, which doubles as an event and convention center, hosted its first wedding in 1893. Since then, the venue's palace-like ceremony and reception rooms have kept couples coming back to say their vows year after year. The Gold Room, one of the hotel's most popular grand ballrooms, is known for its high, elegantly painted ceilings—and it can accommodate up to 400 guests or up to 290 for seated dinners. Other available services include: wedding planning assistance, a complimentary cake and menu tasting, full catering services, and discounted group rates on hotel rooms.
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Galleria Marchetti in Chicago, Illinois
A "secret garden" vibe with lots of natural light—located in the heart of Chicago. Does it sound too good to be true? While it may surprise you, this is exactly what the Galleria Marchetti, an Italian-inspired wedding venue, has to offer. In addition to being a dreamy space, this wedding venue can suit most any wedding size. For larger weddings, the Pavilion can seat up to 480 guests under a tented roof. And if you want to host a more intimate wedding, the La Pergola offers a bright open-air space, which can seat up to 160 guests. Whether you're looking for indoor, outdoor, or an open-air space, this venue won't disappoint with its picturesque views overlooking the venue's garden and an environment that transports you out of the city into a dreamy fairytale.
Carnivale in Chicago, Illinois
Not every wedding has to be white, airy, or traditional. At Carnivale, a unique wedding venue located in Chicago's West Loop, you'll get to give your guests a taste of Latin America, while celebrating in a colorful, fun, and unique environment. Since opening in 2005, Carnivale is recognized as one of Chicago's premier dining locations. Its cuisine and culture are inspired by Mexico, South America, and Central America—which can only mean one thing: Any wedding hosted at Carnivale is bound to be tons of fun. Not sure if you're prepared to create a globally-inspired wedding menu? Don't worry! The staff at Carnivale have a wide variety of options ready and can help you to create the wedding menu of your dreams. Finally, Carnivale can accommodate weddings ranging from 10 to 300 guests. So, no need to worry too much about space limitations. This is about to be one festive party.
Cafe Brauer in Chicago, Illinois
For another stunning venue that will definitely impress your guests, check out Cafe Brauer. Located in Lincoln Park at the south end of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Cafe Brauer is anything but a quaint cafe—as its name might suggest. On your wedding day, you'll get to enjoy the entire Great Hall (with Prairie School architecture), a sky-lit roof, glass chandeliers, stained glass windows, and decorative tile mosaics. In other words, this place is spacious—and has a lot of character. In addition to all that awaits inside, this venue also overlooks Nature Boardwalk, a lively park and pond ecosystem. It also features stunning city skyline views from the Great Hall. Recognized as a Chicago landmark since 2003, Cafe Brauer—which can accommodate up to 250 seated guests—is a must-see when scouting out locations.
The Arbory in Chicago, Illinois
This list of top Chicago venues wouldn't be complete without one that exudes some serious rustic, industrial charm. The Arbory offers a gorgeous warehouse space with all the amenities needed to throw a great wedding. With over 8,000 square feet, this event space offers enough room to host both your ceremony and the reception. Next, there's the style and aesthetic of this location. It's the perfect mix of old-school industrial and contemporary flair. With brick walls, rustic features, and artistic murals on the walls, it's a space that's full of character—but that can still be easily adjusted to suit your color scheme and decor. Finally, let's talk about the skylights—because this place has not one, not two...but six massive skylights to let in plenty of natural light. As for guest count, you can invite up to 175 of your closest friends and family to enjoy a seated dinner and after-party.
The Metropolitan in Chicago, Illinois
If you've always dreamed of having a wedding in the sky with incredible views, the Metropolitan may just be the wedding venue of your dreams. Because this exclusive venue is located in the Willis Tower, your guests will have prime views of the city skyline and lake as they mingle and dance the night away. As for quality, the Metropolitan staff makes sure you're taken care of every step of the way. They work with only the best wedding vendors to be sure your day goes just as you imagined—from the food to the decor and everything in between. Finally, whether you'd like a larger wedding (of up to 240 seated guests) or a more intimate gathering, the Metropolitan can accommodate either wedding size.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in Chicago, Illinois
If you're a big fan of The Great Gatsby, you'll love this wedding venue. The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel offers the swankiest of affairs with proper ballrooms, massive chandeliers, monumental fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and so much more. Located directly across from Millennium Park, this Venetian Gothic 1893 boutique hotel was restored and reopened its doors in 2015 to the public. It embodies more than a century of classic Chicago style, making it the perfect place to get married in serious style. Depending on which ballroom you choose, you can host up to 230 seated guests in the White City Ballroom or 150 seated guests in the Madison Ballroom. More room is available for cocktail hour-style receptions.
Chicago History Museum in Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago History Museum is a stunningly classic venue located in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. What's great about this venue is that there are three available packages, depending on what you envision for your big day and guest count. First, there's the "Seated dinner with DJ" package, which can accommodate up to 300 guests. Next, there's the "Seated dinner with orchestra" package, which allows you to host up to 260 guests. And finally, there's the "Strolling reception," which fits 350 people. With these options so clearly outlined — and the promise of a stunning venue with even better views — considering the Chicago History Museum among your list of top choices is a no-brainer.
