Walden

ding planning service included in the venue cost was truly unmatched, and it was the only place we found in Chicago that offered this. Our wedding planners made the entire experience seamless and completely stress-free. We never once felt overwhelmed or rushed. They created a clear timeline, guided us every step of the way, and helped make our day absolutely perfect. Their recommendations for vendors in the city were invaluable, especially in a city as large and overwhelming as Chicago. One of the highlights of our entire wedding experience was getting to know our planners and having their support throughout the process. We will forever be grateful for their dedication, care, and effort. Shoutout to Briscel, Ally and Kalila. They went above and beyond to ensure our cultures were respected and honored. One side of our family came from Puerto Rico, and they made sure this was reflected beautifully — from Puerto Rican beer from the island to tropical cocktails that brought an island feel to our celebration. The food was phenomenal — we received countless compliments saying it was the best wedding food guests had ever had. Everything came out hot, cocktail hour appetizers were elevated, and the bar service was incredible with so many bartenders that no one ever had to wait for a drink. The staff was kind, organized, and attentive, and the entire day flowed seamlessly without a single hiccup. We could not imagine a better venue or team.

rs as I was planning from Los Angeles, so them being able to share vendor recommendations and being super flexible and easy to work with made the (long distance) planning process easy and smooth. Helen was our day-of coordinator and she was able to keep us all on track before and during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. I also have to highlight our fantastic opener Imani and closer Ally. The planning team is top notch and were super clutch in ensuring that our day went as we imagined it. On to the food/bar service. I cannot say enough about the food, waitstaff and bar staff! The food was incredible - two months later and I still have guests telling me about how great the food was. One guest described it as "unreal" and I have to agree! My one regret was not asking the waitstaff to pack up the remainder of my meal to take with me at the end of the night. The bar staff were attentive and I consider them angels on earth for sharing THE most effective tip for getting rid of the taste of Malort (iykyk). The venue itself is stunning! If you are looking for an elevated loft/industrial look and feel, with space for skyline photos this is the place. I can't say enough about the bridal suite; it was the perfect place to prep for a long day and provided a lovely backdrop for getting ready photos with my attendants. The suite is spacious, comfortable, and calming in the midst of everything that comes with a wedding day. I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend Walden as a venue. I almost missed out on seeing it (I was on a serious time crunch between dress shopping and venue touring) and I am so glad that I made the time because I could not imagine our wedding taking place at a different venue. Hands down, one of the best decisions I made in the planning process was choosing Walden as the venue.

hey helped us think through every detail of the full wedding weekend and were invaluable when it came to hiring and coordinating vendors, managing our budget, and bringing our decor vision to life. The venue itself is absolutely stunning and thoughtfully designed. On the wedding day, everything ran perfectly, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy every moment. We cannot recommend The Walden enough! They exceeded our expectations in every way.

ng relationships with but also allowing us to bring in vendors we knew, too. The structured “to do” lists via their planning portal kept us organized and on track, ensuring no details fell through the cracks! Our day of team (Sydni, Jenny, and Alyssa) were absolute rockstars and we felt really taken care of all day. The food and beverage programs at Walden were a highlight that lived up to the hype. We prioritized having good food at our wedding, and Walden did not disappoint — our guests are still talking about how good dinner was! We also asked for some more unique drinks and the Walden team was happy to accommodate us! The space itself is well thought out and lends itself to a seamless experience and flow from getting ready all the way through to reception. The bridal suite is roomy and bright for getting ready, the ceremony space is beautiful with so many windows (would absolutely still recommend for a late fall wedding when it’s darker like ours) and the reception space downstairs was transformed to feel very intimate for us despite it being such a large space. Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would absolutely recommend Walden for future couples!

your perfect match with Walden! We toured Walden in June 2024 and we couldn't help but compare every other venue we looked at to Walden because Walden was - simply put - the BEST! Even before we officially signed with Walden, we felt very taken care of by Maria who gave us our tour and she assured us we'd feel that way with our planners and day-of coordinators, which she was spot on about! We were super impressed by the physical space (the tall ceilings! brick walls! gorgeous ceremony and getting ready space!) and by the bartender-to-guest ratio (highly recommend asking about this at venues if you have a lively guest list like we did!), but our Walden planners are what made our day SO special and truly stress-free. Krystle and Katie Rose (our wedding planners) were thoughtful, professional, encouraging, creative and fun throughout the entire process. I remember them saying "we like to have our couples in a bubble on the day of" meaning they would be around to coordinate everything from steaming dresses, to making sure the bus knew where to park, to ensuring all of us ate, and more! Krystle and Katie Rose provided helpful deadlines, documents (like a "details" check list) and vendor recommendations to us throughout the planning process, and I appreciated their honesty when it came to vendors we were inquiring about. They truly are experts in their craft and were such a joy to work with. I don't think I ever waited more than 24 hours for a response from either of them. Day of, there were several coordinators at all times, so we felt very taken care of. The food and drinks were out of this world. We got so many compliments from guests about the appetizers, the flow of dinner, and the kind bartenders. Another perk of Walden is that it hosts an incredible, unique tasting for couples. Walden hosts several couples and their guests at the same time, so you can see what the space looks like when it's full, you can see how accommodating the catering and bar staff are, and you can sample the delicious food and drinks. The location can't be beat, especially for guests staying downtown and if you want to take photos in the city with your wedding party. We know we'll be back at Walden for future weddings since so many of our friends were SO impressed by the venue and staff. Thanks, Walden!!!

. Alyssa (our wedding coordinator) and Hannah (our planner) were amazing to work with. From our very first meeting, they made us feel genuinely cared for - like we weren’t just another wedding on the calendar, but a couple with a vision they were fully invested in bringing to life. They were so personable, kind, and full of excitement, which made us feel just as excited and at ease throughout the entire process. Their guidance was invaluable. They were patient with every single question (and we had a lot!), nailed every detail, and coordinated flawlessly with all of our vendors. Thanks to them and the amazing team at the Walden, we were able to actually enjoy our wedding day instead of stressing over logistics. They took care of EVERYTHING - from steaming bridesmaid dresses to setting up breakfast, making sure every little detail was perfect. The food and drinks were next level. The bar and kitchen staff truly gave a five star restaurant experience. We’re still hearing rave reviews from our guests - everything was delicious, beautifully presented, and the service was impeccable! The day flowed so smoothly, it honestly felt effortless - which is a testament to how much care and intention went on behind the scenes. Every step of the planning process became a core memory for us, not just the wedding day itself. Choosing Walden and their full-service planning was hands-down one of the best decisions we made. We truly cannot imagine how we would have done it without them. If you’re considering The Walden - do it. You will be in the best hands, and you’ll have the most unforgettable, stress-free, and joy-filled celebration.

ter, and Rockwell on the River, some very beautiful locations however for us it was an easy decision on The Walden. The location was accessible and easy, the venue was gorgeous and dramatic and highly customizable, the planning team was knowledgeable beyond words, and the amenities were top notch. But the part that made the investment so worth it, were the intangibles. Every person in our lives who got married always told us the same thing “your day flies by, enjoy every minute you can.” And that was the intangible that The Walden provided. The Walden provided a day for us to soak up every minute, every detail, every happy moment, without a worry in the world. Our coordinators and planners, shoutout to Alyssa, Kalila and Hannah, for helping us plan the most fun day ever. They made planning so easy and bearable. They strategically spaced out all the To Dos so it was not overwhelming and truly made planning so much fun. I always joked with friends and family that wedding planning was the easiest part of my 2024-2025 year. During the day of our wedding I did not worry about a SINGLE thing. We had a coordinator and planner throughout the entire event, who knew every detail, where every vendor needed to be, when they needed to arrive, who needed to be where and the list goes on. My husband and I were able to soak up all the happy vibes the whole day. We both got to soak up the morning with our people, enjoy every laugh and joke throughout the whole day. When it was time for our 1st look, we had the ability to live in that moment and truly enjoyed getting married that day. We both were able to soak up each other’s time as well as spending it with our guests. Every second, every detail, was carried out exactly how me and my husband envisioned it. They brought our vision to life. The intangibles that The Walden provided for me and my husband and our entire wedding is what makes them unlike the other venues. Their team truly cares about you, your vision, your wants, your happiness and everything that comes with your day. Their team was so professional, so precise, so deliberate and just a well oiled machine. They really know what they are doing. The most valuable thing they provided was allowing my husband and I to enjoy our day together and with our people, knowing that our vision was going to be carried out exactly how we hoped. Also side note, the FOOD and DRINK were 20/10. We still get comments today about how delicious their food was and how GOOD their drinks were.

ce on the second floor, cocktail and bar area, and the reception space. We worked with two planners, Ally and Kalila, throughout the entire process and they were incredible. They were extremely responsive - always replying to emails quickly! The Walden team has great vendor recommendations. Many of the vendors work with Walden consistently so they know the space really well. Working with planners who work at the venue made the process so easy. For catering - the food is so delicious and the meal service was seamless because the staff is so well trained. The drinks were great too. Walden staffs the bar with enough bartenders that there was never a line to wait for drinks. Walden hosts a tasting party. The tasting party is an event with 15 or so couples whose weddings are around the same time. You get to bring 4 guests, and you have a table. You get to try all the options for the apps, salads, entrees, wine, cocktails. You get to see how the venue operates for an even and see the space decorated and they invite vendors to show off their services and goods. This was an extremely fun night filled with great food and drinks. We could not recommend Walden enough. They have the wedding planning process down. Wedding planning stress was at a minimum because they are the experts – they know all the details you need to account for, the plan out the timeline from day one, and the people are truly wonderful to work with.

Indian-Chinese-American wedding and what it could look like. I couldn’t have done this wedding without our wonderful planners Kalila and Alyssa! They were the best planners ever, working closely with us to help with all the details and helping me put my vision together. They were able to accommodate the different elements to our multi-cultural wedding and were very attentive to detail, responsive, and supportive in all our asks. As a project manager, I really appreciate that the Walden planners use Basecamp to track all of our tasks and keep us on track. We wanted to have a mix of Indian, American, and Chinese cuisines so the amazing chef Nick and the entire catering team were able to put together a mixed menu. All the guests raved about our food - including very picky older guests who said it was one of the best wedding meals they’ve had! We also asked the bar manager Matt to recreate one of our favorite cocktails from a restaurant and he was able to recreate it perfectly! We couldn’t have asked for a better venue to help put together the best day of our lives. Thank you to the Walden and I’d 100000% recommend them for your wedding. You won’t regret it!!

existent the wait for a drink was. I've never heard of a bride and groom getting so many compliments about the staff at their wedding. We were initially attracted to Walden because of their transparency and how comprehensive their package is. In a wedding landscape where every price hides behind an inquiry, it was refreshing to have so many details spelled out. After touring with Maria, we never looked at another venue. Aside from the actual marriage, Guest Experience and having a day that felt like "us" were my top priorities in planning our wedding. Our planning team, Kalila Harris and Ally Alford were beyond fantastic. Planning was a creative, professional, and collaborative process. The platform Basecamp was just a huge help in sharing ideas, keeping on track with our to-do list, and giving us a way to communicate that didn't feel like we were bombarding each other with calls and emails. They ran with all of my ideas, helped find the right vendors to execute them, and we worked together to shape how I wanted people to feel into an aesthetic. Day-off, Ally and Kalila were our fairy god-sisters, doing everything from making our ceremony and reception space perfect, to tying my husband's bowtie, to putting my vows in my book when I hadn't finish handwriting them three minutes before our ceremony. We wanted to give our combined families an amazing party and Walden did just that. The drinks, food, and excellent hospitality really set this venue apart. Worth every penny. 20/10- Would get married here again.

hem and helps figure out what you need and by when. They make the process so EASY! Everyone I have met from Walden has been a pleasure, even their door security and coat check staff was such a delight. They really know what they are doing. No problems came to my attention day of with vendors, etc.... it was all handled. Made my day go smooth. Kalila and Alyssa G are your dream team! They just get it and I feel like I have been friends with them For years. I was sad when it was all over because I felt I would never talk to them again. Walden has phenomenal food and the drinks were definitely worth it all. Kalila, Alyssa G, Walden.... thank you truly.

ose. From start to finish, they were super friendly, incredibly professional, and amazingly organized. What truly stood out was how seamlessly they navigated our interfaith and intercultural celebration (Indian/Hindu + Western/Christian). It’s not easy to blend traditions in a way that feels authentic but also fun and modern — but Kalila and Katie absolutely nailed it. They knew their stuff, worked closely with us to understand our vision, and in many cases, actually helped us realize what we wanted before we even had the words for it. Their attention to detail and cultural fluency made both sides of our families feel seen and celebrated. The venue itself was stunning, and the way they orchestrated the entire event — from the ceremony transitions to the reception — was smooth and elegant. And let’s talk about the food and drinks — absolutely phenomenal. Our guests are still raving about the dinner and signature cocktails!! Five stars to the incredibly talented kitchen and bar teams. If you're looking for a team that can bring heart, skill, and cultural understanding to your wedding — and do it with warmth and grace — look no further than Walden. We’re forever grateful.

were incredibly organized, helpful, and truly cared about making every single detail we envisioned come to life. From coordinating and calming me down before I walked down the aisle with my dad at the church, to making sure every vendor was on the same page, they handled it all with ease and grace. Every step of the planning process was actually fun because of them, and they took so much stress off of us throughout our entire engagement. It was the most beautiful day of our lives. And the food and drinks? Unreal. We’re still getting texts about the cocktails (people asking for recipes!) and guests are raving that it was the best wedding food they’ve ever had—no exaggeration. No one waited in line for anything, and the service was flawless. Briscel, Alyssa, and Hannah (as well as the entire Walden staff and team)—words can’t describe how grateful we are for you. You’re insanely talented at what you do and made us feel supported, celebrated, and so beyond special. Watching it all come to life was an actual dream. We love you and would recommend Walden again and again to anyone getting married. Love, Paige and Jack ❤️

hen/bar staff, and especially our unbelievable planners Kalila & Alyssa. They supported us from beginning to end and not only helped us make decisions when needed, they stood up for us when needed. It is so nice to have people who have your back during this process. We could not speak more highly of Kalila & Alyssa's professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. Our guests continue to rave about the food and drinks!!! People have told us it is the best wedding they have ever been to and the best wedding food they have ever had. Coming from many NJ & NY guests... that means a lot! We could not be more happy with the service provided by Walden, the planners they provided us with, the WOW factor food/drinks, and the overall class and style. This will be a day we will always remember in the absolute BEST way.