About this venue
Natalie Poulos
MANAGER
Typically responds within 24h
At The Wade Hotel, couples celebrate their wedding surrounded by the energy of downtown Chicago and the beauty of Lake Michigan. Located in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, The Wade offers a modern luxury wedding experience where skyline views, waterfront moments, and elevated design come together high above the city.
From intimate ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions, The Wade creates unforgettable celebrations with panoramic views of Chicago’s iconic skyline and Lake Michigan. Couples can exchange vows on the hotel’s sixth-floor outdoor deck or host an elegant indoor ceremony before continuing the celebration thirty-three floors above the city in the breathtaking Altitude Ballroom. Framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, Altitude delivers dramatic skyline views, sparkling city lights, and an unforgettable backdrop for dinner, dancing, and late-night celebrations.
Designed with a sophisticated blend of contemporary styling, natural textures, and refined industrial influences, The Wade offers a chic and stylish atmosphere that feels distinctly Chicago. The hotel’s lakeside location places guests moments from Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach, the Magnificent Mile, and some of the city’s most celebrated dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions, making it ideal for destination weddings and immersive wedding weekend experiences.
From the moment guests arrive, weddings at The Wade feel vibrant, elevated, and deeply connected to the city itself. Imagine a golden-hour first look overlooking Lake Michigan, cocktails as the skyline begins to glow at sunset, and a packed dance floor suspended above the sparkling lights of Chicago. Every space throughout the hotel is designed to create a sense of movement, romance, and occasion, delivering a wedding experience that feels sophisticated, cinematic, and unforgettable.
The Wade is more than a wedding venue. It becomes the backdrop to an entire wedding weekend experience. Guests can spend the day exploring the lakefront, shopping along the Magnificent Mile, relaxing at nearby beaches, or enjoying Chicago’s acclaimed dining and nightlife before returning to celebrate together high above the city.
Couples working with The Wade receive personalized service from an experienced team of Marriott-certified wedding professionals dedicated to creating seamless and meaningful celebrations. From customized catering menus and floorplan design to guest accommodations and wedding weekend experiences, every detail is thoughtfully curated to reflect each couple’s vision and style.
Whether planning a romantic rooftop ceremony, a glamorous skyline reception, or a modern Chicago wedding weekend by the lake, The Wade offers an elevated experience where unforgettable moments meet the city’s most iconic views.
Meet the team
Melissa Smith
Complex Senior Catering Sales Manager
With a passion for creating unforgettable celebrations and a deep appreciation for the moments that bring people together, Melissa approaches every wedding with warmth, creativity, and genuine care. As Senior Catering Sales Manager at The Midland Hotel, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, she believes a wedding is more than an event — it is the beginning of a legacy, a reflection of each couple’s story, and a memory that should feel effortless, meaningful, and deeply personal.
Known for her calm presence, attention to detail, and ability to transform ideas into beautifully executed experiences, Melissa guides couples through every step of the planning journey with confidence and heart. From intimate ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions, she takes the time to understand each couple’s vision, style, traditions, and priorities to create a celebration that feels authentic to them.
Couples value Melissa not only for her expertise and organization, but for the relationships she builds along the way. She understands that behind every timeline, floral arrangement, and menu tasting are real emotions, family traditions, and once-in-a-lifetime moments that deserve thoughtful care. Her goal is to make couples feel supported, excited, and fully present throughout the entire experience.
Working alongside the experienced hospitality and culinary teams at The Midland Hotel, Melissa helps bring wedding weekends to life through personalized service, curated experiences, and seamless coordination from the first tour to the final dance. Whether planning an elegant downtown Chicago ballroom wedding, a multicultural celebration, or a romantic candlelit ceremony, Melissa is dedicated to creating celebrations that guests will remember long after the evening ends.
For Melissa, the greatest compliment is hearing couples say they were able to truly enjoy their wedding day because they knew every detail was in caring hands.
Start the convo
*=Required
Use this secure form to reach out and share your wedding vision.
The Wade
Natalie Poulos
|
Manager
Typically responds within 24h
Wedding vendors in Chicago
Why use The Knot to message vendors?
Messaging our verified vendors on The Knot is free, safe and secure. Conveniently track vendor messages and planning details all in one place. Our mobile apps make it easy to stay in touch with vendors while you're on‑the‑go. For personalized pricing and package details, sending the vendor a message is the fastest way to get info.