Chicago, with its iconic landmarks, breathtaking skylines, and picturesque landscapes, is one of the most sought-after cities for couples to get married. From elegant outdoor spaces to grandiose ballrooms replete with intricate architectural appeal, and minimal contemporary venues, there are a myriad of options to suit every wedding vision.
As an experienced wedding planner in Chicago, having organized many heartwarming wedding events throughout the city, we have solid insider knowledge about the best wedding vistas in the windy city. As an engaged couple scouting for good locations, finding the perfect space in which to marry your significant other can be an overwhelming task.
That is why we have put together an updated list of the top 10 wedding venues in Chicago. This comprehensive curation includes venues of all sizes and styles, to fit any vibe you envision.
The Langham
The Langham is a top-rated luxury wedding venue located in the Magnificent Mile. With a capacity to host up to 312 guests, its ballroom offers the most stylish and modern space for a contemporary wedding. One of its core highlights is the sleek floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the majestic Chicago River – the perfect background against which to hold your ceremony. The interiors of the hotel feature tasteful décor and minimal aesthetics that appeal to the modern couple, with beautiful Victorian-inspired details; there are ample scenic elements in its courtyard as well. Voted the best hotel in the country multiple years in a row, The Langham is a popular choice for couples looking to have elegant and sophisticated weddings in the city.
Ivy Room
The Ivy Room is a unique wedding venue in the heart of the city offering a secret urban oasis appeal. It features an indoor as well as an outdoor venue – a courtyard and a ballroom, both of which provide an elegant mix of modern and natural elements. The courtyard presents an exquisite ambiance that will transport you into a spectacular dimension with its tall ivy-covered walls and rustic architectural elements. While the venue offers an equally beautiful indoor venue with elegant décor, it is the outdoor space that primarily attracts couples. The vibrant green hues put together with the earthy tones of the brick buildings, provide a lovely escape into a tranquil oasis, right in bustling downtown Chicago. This is why the Ivy Room is one of the top 10 wedding venues in Chicago.
Waldorf Astoria
Waldorf Astoria is an exquisite European-style luxury wedding venue located in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Known for its impeccably stylish architectural details, it features three distinct ceremonial venues with accommodative capacities ranging from 160 guests inside to 350 guests outside. The Sinclair Ballroom is its largest indoor space; featuring gleaming floors, sparkling jeweled chandeliers, high ceilings, and silk-draped walls, it exudes sophisticated elegance. Its outdoor space on the other hand offers a French Chateau adorned with a beautiful central fountain – an ideal frame to hold the ceremony. Overall, the venue acts as a sweet escape to a destination wedding in Europe, and that makes Waldorf Astoria one of our top 10 wedding venues in Chicago.
The Rookery Building
The Rookery Building, located in the Financial District is a one-of-a-kind Chicago wedding venue that offers a rich historic appeal, in addition to being a bright, light, and spacious space. The building designed by the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright, features a lovely two-story atrium adorned by the most beautiful intricate architectural glass ceiling that abundantly fills the lobby with ample natural light. This allows couples to create spectacularly lit wedding portraits and ceremonial photos, making for an amazing collection. The place is also famous for its winding Oriel staircase – another golden element that photographers love to incorporate into their creative romantic portraits. Its overall classic architecture and opulent appeal, unmistakably set the venue apart, making it one of our top 10 wedding venues in Chicago.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a popular choice for couples looking to have a warm and fresh outdoor ceremony. The place features a few options of garden spaces with varying capacities starting from 500 seated guests to 1500 for receptions. Spanning over 385 acres, the venue boasts a variety of walled gardens, lush lawns, trees, and botanicals, transporting you into a unique well-manicured English garden. In contrast to the urban appeal of the city, the garden offers a soft, elegant, yet sophisticated appeal, making your wedding pictures look straight out of an exotic location. Amidst the lush greens and fresh blooms, you will get to have your very own fairytale spring wedding at the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is why it earns the fifth spot on our list of the top 10 wedding venues in Chicago.
Cafe’ Brauer
Café Brauer, located in Lincoln Park is famous for its timeless Chicago architecture. Its unique setting and elegant prairie-style design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright make it a venue that stands out in terms of aesthetics and ambiance. Its high ceilings and brick-clad walls with warm lighting further add to the classic ambiance and make for gorgeous wedding pictures. A core highlight of the venue is that it overlooks the majestic Chicago skyline while being surrounded by lush green gardens, all within its ideal location in the heart of Lincoln Park. Couples love to have more candles and warm lighting suspended from their high ceilings for an elevated appeal. Its unique structure and atmosphere undoubtedly make it one of the top 10 wedding venues in Chicago.
Bridgeport Art Center
The Bridgeport Art Center is one of the most sophisticated, quintessentially urban wedding venues located in the Bridgeport neighborhood. It features a vintage 1911 building remodeled with an industrial urban touch. Two of its most popular spaces are The Skyline Loft which can host up to 900 guests and The Sculpture Garden which can also accommodate up to 900 guests for a reception. While the loft on the top floor boasts the most stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the garden offers a warm indoor + outdoor space adorned with elegant drapes and ambient lighting. It is most known for its raw appeal mirrored in its exposed bricks, bare metal elements, and natural wood. Attracting modern couples looking for unique venues, the Bridgeport Art Center holds the seventh position in our list of the top 10 wedding venues in Chicago.
Morgan Manufacturing
Morgan Manufacturing is a unique wedding venue located in West Town Chicago that defines ‘industrial chic’. Featuring a multi-level loft-inspired space, it exudes a raw, natural appeal with its exposed brickwork, sleek concrete floors, overhead timber beams, and warm skylights. Couples love decorating the place with subtle and minimal elements to accentuate the industrial elegance of the building. Lit warmly, the main event space boasts one of the most dramatic settings for wedding pictures, making it highly popular among modern couples with an eye for artistic and themed portraiture. Its urban and sophisticated charm, put together with a functional and practical amenity-rich space, make it a popular choice among couples, and one of our top 10 wedding venues in Chicago.
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum is a stunning venue in the city where historic richness meets breathtaking views. Located in Lincoln Park, it boasts magnificent skyline views of the windy city, particularly of the Hancock Building, making for iconic Chicago wedding pictures. The Morse Genius Chicago Room within the museum is one of the most popular choices for venues, as it provides an elegant and clean space for ceremonies with its black and white checkered floors, and framed stained glass accents. Its grand façade featuring Georgian architecture is another exquisite frame for portraits. Couples who love to showcase the historic beauty of the windy city typically pick the Chicago History Museum, which earns it a spot in our top 10 wedding venues in Chicago.
City View Loft / Kitchen Chicago
The City View Loft and Kitchen Chicago are two exceptional venues that complement one another in a single building. On the first floor is Kitchen Chicago, which features a minimal bright, sunlit space finished with a loft area and a bridal suite. Primarily a blank canvas, it is perfect for intimate ceremonies, cocktail events, and more. A professional wedding planner in Chicago can help you transform the space into a whole other world.
On the second floor is City View Loft, which features an open floor plan, high ceilings, and colossal windows revealing gorgeous skyline views. The open space proves to be a versatile and flexible option for couples looking to host rich-themed weddings. The industrial loft-like appeal, put together with the bright wash of sunlight during the daytime makes it the perfect place to have a summer wedding.
Wrapping up
Chicago boasts an array of versatile beautiful wedding venues, each one more exquisite than the next. While some exude industrial elegance and historic charm, others lend a soft and fresh appeal, making for a great variety of options to suit multiple themes and visions. Our specially curated list of the top 10 wedding venues in Chicago provides a good mix of different types and styles of venues in the windy city; use this list as a mini guide when scouting for locations to have your dream wedding, and pick one that suits your unique taste.
For more personalized and tailored options curated exclusively for you, contact ForUrEvents – a one-stop wedding planner in Chicago.
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