12 Small Wedding Venues in Chicago for Any Style and Budget

Are you and your partner looking for small wedding venues in Chicago? If you're planning an intimate wedding, check out these amazing spots handpicked by our editors. From renovated firehouses and historic homes to rooftop gardens and boutique hotels, there's a venue to fit your wedding vision.

Choosing a small wedding venue means your party won't feel overwhelmed in a space meant for 200. Cozy vibes, intimate seating arrangements and quality time with your favorite people are where it's at when you're hosting a small wedding. Thankfully, there are many options for you in the city if your guest list is fewer than 100. No matter your wedding budget or style, you're sure to love one of these small reception venues Chicago has to offer. And if you end up wanting even more ideas, take a peek at all the Chicago wedding venues available on The Knot Marketplace—there are plenty of excellent options. P.S. Learn more about the average wedding cost in Chicago, plus download our free wedding planning spreadsheet to stay organized.

Firehouse Chicago

Firehouse Chicago

Located in the lovely Edgewater neighborhood, this gorgeous small wedding venue in Chicago is a piece of the city's rich history. Built in 1906 for Chicago's Engine Company 70, Firehouse Chicago was renovated to maintain its unique beauty. The high tin ceilings, antique doors and white glazed brick are all part of its original design.

The venue's vintage style, lush green garden and rustic style can welcome up to 100 of your closest friends and family. Pose for photos on the balcony overlooking the garden or on the chic vintage furniture. Perks also include several wedding arch options, a 48-space parking lot, a reclaimed wood bar and oak bourbon barrels.

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• Guest Capacity: 51 to 100
• Reviews: "Sarah and Teddy and the whole team were absolutely AMAZING. They made our big day so special and not to mention such a fun group. Super organized and so great with communication, which I needed! They truly put their heart and soul into what they do and it really shows. Not to mention the venue is absolutely gorgeous. We still get compliments on our big day. I couldn't have asked for a better venue to say I do in. Thank you Firehouse!"
  

Colvin House

Colvin House

Designed in 1909, Colvin House boasts sweeping views of Lake Michigan, lush gardens and a vintage mansion rich with intricate details. Inside the home, you'll find a striking black marble fireplace, an oak grand staircase, crystal chandelier, ornate columns and a sweet baby grand piano. Host your reception or ceremony inside or move either celebration outdoors to the brick courtyard with gorgeous gardens.

Colvin House can accommodate up to 100 guests. The venue also includes an outdoor coach house with bespoke art, vintage furniture and a built-in bar. Two dressing rooms are available for the couple – the Lake View Suite and the Something Blue room. Head down to the basement to find a 1920s speakeasy with plush seating and an additional bar.

• Guest Capacity: Up to 100
• Reviews: "We cannot say enough great things about Colvin House! Sarah and her staff were amazing to work with, they brought our entire wedding vision to life! She was great with working around our budget and suggesting things we didn't even think of. The food, cake, and atmosphere was spectacular. The venue itself is beautiful and charming, and not what you would expect for being in the city. I'm so happy we chose Colvin House for our wedding!!!"

Nomad Chicago

Nomad Chicago

Aptly named as a sanctuary for the wandering soul, Nomad Chicago is a delightful small wedding space for up to 34 guests. This modern and relaxed location has a bright and airy feel with lots of natural lighting. Curated décor, eclectic furniture, white brick walls and stunning artwork can be found throughout.

Located in the River North neighborhood of the city, Nomad Chicago is an affordable wedding venue with a fun and unique atmosphere for a micro wedding. Couples can bring their own food, alcohol and décor for an event that reflects their tastes and style.

• Guest Capacity: Up to 34
• Reviews: "We loved hosting our event at Nomad's beautiful private event space! Nomad's event planning lead was wonderful to work with and was professional, responsive and helpful during the planning process. The on-site staff was also helpful and attentive during set up and throughout the event. The space was perfect for our seated lunch for 24 guests, providing ample room for a buffet table and mingling space for cocktails. I would happily host another event there!"

Homestead on the Roof

Homestead on the Roof

Host your small wedding at this stunning rooftop garden in West Town. Homestead on the Roof is a cozy hidden gem surrounded by lush gardens and a rustic vibe. Hold your wedding reception or ceremony on the rooftop patio with a view of the 1,000-square-foot garden, which is home to a variety of flowers and vertical hanging gardens. The patio boasts seating for up to 100 guests. A decorative brick fireplace and Edison string lights create a warm and inviting feeling when the sun goes down. Inside you'll find a full bar, natural birch wallpaper and seating for up to 80. Natural lighting and intricate terrariums bring the garden feel inside.

• Guest Capacity: 51 to 100
• Reviews: "We had our wedding here this weekend and it was perfect for our family-only 65-person brunch and rooftop ceremony. It's a space that is quaint and lovely enough that we felt happy with minimal decorations. The staff was welcoming and helpful at all times. Our families loved the event and food."

Villa D' Citta

Villa D' Citta

Hiding behind the exterior of a simple Chicago greystone is a luxurious bed and breakfast venue that invokes old-world glamor. With Italian-inspired architecture throughout, Villa D' Citta has two event halls, each with rich wooden décor. Hold your ceremony or cocktail hour in the peaceful courtyard, also inspired by Italian design. The venue can host up to 100 guests.

Spend your entire wedding weekend at Villa D' Citta from your rehearsal dinner to your farewell brunch. The small Chicago wedding venue is home to several suites and guest rooms for the newlyweds and close loved ones.

• Guest Capacity: 51 to 100
• Reviews: "I recently attended an engagement party at the Villa, and it was absolutely amazing! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere and vibes were incredible, especially with the music setting the perfect tone. The mansion's architectural layout added to the overall experience, making it even more special. I highly recommend this venue to anyone staying in Chicago—it's in a fantastic neighborhood, too!"

The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection

The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection

This downtown Chicago small wedding venue provides a regal atmosphere with luxurious touches throughout. Perched on the 22nd floor of the historic landmark building, the Lasalle Ballroom shows off a stunning view of the city from its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. Black marble walls, 14-foot ceilings and gold draping complete the elegant space that accommodates up to 100 guests. Pose for photos on the grand monumental staircase leading up to the ballroom.

The LaSalle Chicago is also home to stylish on-site accommodations to keep all of your guests together in one location. Get ready spaces, on-site catering and event planning are just a few of the services offered at this boutique hotel.

• Guest Capacity: Up to 120
• Reviews: "This modern marble penthouse hosted our 85 guest wedding. The atmosphere was warm and intimate without being cramped. Our ceremony was held in the celarium, cocktails in the function space off the marble hallway, and the seated dinner and dancing was in the grand-ballroom. The service from valet to waiter was polite, welcoming, and efficient creating a very guest friendly night. The event coordinator made organizing the three segments of the evening simple so we didn't have to think about the orchestration."

Private Dining by Sepia

Sepia Chicago

Treat yourself and your guests to a Michelin-starred experience at Private Dining by Sepia. Built from an 1890 print shop, Sepia is a fantastic restaurant wedding venue for small weddings in Chicago. With room for up to 100 guests, this venue is decorated with deep, neutral tones, stylish sunburst light fixtures and a walnut and pewter bar.

In addition to the warm and inviting space is exceptional American cuisine by Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman. Menus are created using natural ingredients, with chutneys, jams and pasta made from scratch. As much as possible, seasonal ingredients are sourced from local farmers.

• Guest Capacity: Up to 100
• Reviews: "Kali, Stephanie, and the entire Private Dining team at Sepia did an absolutely incredible job hosting our semi-intimate wedding of 58 people. The food and drinks were incredible and our guests were so impressed with their entrees and the elegance of the entire event."

Celeste

Celeste

Nestled in the River North neighborhood of Chicago is the stylish wedding venue Celeste. The multi-story historic building has several private event options to choose from, each with chic lounge-style furniture. Host your celebration for 60 or fewer guests in the beautiful Roof Garden.

Located on the fourth floor, the room features a retractable glass rooftop, tropical greenery and vine-covered walls. Or choose the cozy Deco room, decorated with turn-of-the-century Chicago architecture in mind. Celeste is also known for its innovative cocktails and extensive menu options to complete your experience.

• Guest Capacity: Up to 100
• Reviews: "My wife and I were married at the beautiful Celeste venue in river north Chicago. We had looked far and wide for a wedding venue with a different vibe and Celeste was just that. We kept our wedding small at around 26 people and this was the perfect accommodation for the event. What drew us to this venue was the use of multiple floors for each section of our wedding. We had our ceremony and dinner on the outdoor rooftop, while our cocktail hour was in Deco on the 2nd floor, and reception dancing ended in Disco! We loved every minute of it."

LM Studio

LM Studio

Modern glamor meets stunning vistas at LM Studio. This two-floor atelier features open floor plans, custom bars and luxurious lounge seating. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Michigan Avenue and Grant Park provide a breathtaking view of the city. For an intimate wedding, book the Atrium on the fifth floor. This space is versatile for any small party. Host a celebration of up to 80 guests at several round tables or bring your group of 40 together at rectangular tables for a family-style feel.

All meals are crafted by the culinary team at LM Studio. Work with the chefs to create a custom reception menu for your guests using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

• Guest Capacity: Up to 150
• Reviews: "We had our wedding at LM Studio this month and had the best experience! Everyone raved about the beauty of the venue, the views, the food (which they cater in-house through LM catering) and Paulette was so nice to work with. She and her team are pros and she was flexible, responsive, and helpful in answering our millions of questions. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a downtown wedding!"

Viceroy Chicago

Viceroy Chicago

For a sophisticated, small wedding in Chicago, Viceroy Chicago in the historic Gold Coast area offers a stylish setting. With dramatic event spaces like the Cedar Ballroom, which has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago skyline, it's a picture-perfect choice.

There are several options when it comes to reception spaces, including intimate rooms like the Regatta Room and Upper Deck. These areas offer cozy options that work well for smaller celebrations. Meanwhile, the Clubhouse on the second level fits 130 seated guests and is fully equipped with its own bar, lounging spots and balcony areas.

• Guest Capacity: 20 to 200 (there are a several spaces available with various capacities)
• Reviews: "We hosted our September wedding at the Viceroy Hotel in Chicago and could not have had a better experience! The entire staff there are so incredibly kind, accommodating, patient and helpful, from the coordinators we worked with to plan the event (Emily and Michelle) to the fantastic service and bar staff during the evening. The event could not have gone more smoothly and could not have been more beautiful, and the team at the Viceroy was on hand the entire night (and the day leading up to it!) to ensure that everything we had discussed was in place and the event flowed smoothly and stuck to our timeline."

Twenty Six Chicago

Twenty Six Chicago

Twenty Six Chicago offers a stylish, rooftop wedding venue in River North, ideal for couples looking to host a small wedding in Chicago. The 4,000-square-foot indoor space offers flexible options to suit your wedding vision. It comfortably seats up to 50 guests for dinner with room for a dance floor, but can expand to host up to 180 guests for a cocktail-style reception when the patio is included.

With floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the city, the space is equipped with two bars—one inside and one on the terrace—which can help the flow of things during your cocktail hour. Plus, their in-house catering by LM Catering & Events offers customizable menus and beverage packages, ensuring a unique dining experience for every guest.

• Guest Capacity: 50 to 180
• Reviews: "Twenty Six Chicago made everything happen for us on our wedding day—and then some. This is a true gem of a space that checked all the boxes on everything we wanted: wow factor, stunning views, indoor-outdoor space, amazing food from LM Catering, incredibly hard-working staff, perfect flow, and most importantly, a truly special and memorable "feel"."

The Robey Chicago

The Robey Chicago

The Robey Chicago offers a variety of versatile spaces perfect for hosting small weddings. Located in a historic 1929 Art Deco building in Chicago's vibrant Wicker Park, the venue combines urban sophistication with stunning 180-degree views of the city skyline. For a seated function, options like The Robey Hall can accommodate up to 55 guests, offering a stylish and adaptable setting complete with catering options like plated meals, family-style dining and passed appetizers.

Other unique spaces, like The Up Room rooftop or the Mediterranean-inspired Cabana Club, provide breathtaking views and modern vibes for couples seeking something extra special. Each space is customizable to fit your vision, whether you're looking for a chic indoor setup or a rooftop celebration under the city lights.

Guest Capacity: 13 to 220.

• Reviews: "We got married at The Robey in July 2020 during COVID-19 and they made our day so special. We appreciated their flexibility in constantly changing guidelines and that they took it very seriously (spaced out chairs, hand sanitizer stations, mask enforcement, handling of food, etc.) They were more flexible with deposits than other vendors and we didn't ever feel they were taking advantage of the situation. Their packages were very affordable for a downtown Chicago wedding and the ceremony views on the rooftop could not be beat! They were patient with multiple calls and walkthroughs, and also seemed so genuinely excited for us which meant a lot during a nerve wracking time."

More Chicago Wedding Venues and Vendor Ideas

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these recommendations from our editors for couples planning a Chicago wedding.

• Affordable Wedding Venues in Chicago
• Outdoor Wedding Venues in Chicago
• Wedding Venues in the Chicago Suburbs
• Winter Wedding Venues in Chicago
• Chicago Wedding Transportation Services

Bonus: Browse The Knot Marketplace for even more Chicago venues and vendors including wedding photographers, florists, cake designers and more!

Additional reporting by Brittany Barber.