Your 2024 Guide to Luxury Wedding Venues in Chicago, IL

If you’re looking for the ultimate list of luxury wedding venues for your wedding, you’ve come to the right place! Amidst the bustling streets and iconic skyline, Chicago offers a plethora of enchanting locales to host your dream wedding.  

We unveil the crème de la crème of Chicago wedding venues, meticulously curated to cater to the most sophisticated tastes. Whether you envision an opulent ballroom affair or a chic rooftop soirée, embark on a journey with us as we explore the most exquisite luxury wedding venues that Chicago has to offer. 

Why a Chicago wedding venue?  

Choosing a Chicago wedding venue for your special day offers immense benefits. Firstly, choosing a wedding venue in the city offers city charm and opportunities for photos. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago boasts a diverse array of stunning backdrops like parks and a skyline to create stunning photos and delight your guests. 

In the same way, Chicago is known for its food. Many wedding venues in Chicago offer food packages with some of the best foods in the city. If you’re looking to cater a specific style of food or from a specific restaurant, you’ll have your pick of the litter.  

If you have guests coming from out of town for your wedding, the city of Chicago offers a huge amount of lodging options. Some of the best luxury venues in Chicago are hotels themselves like the Ritz Carlton and Hilton. This makes traveling and lodging a snap!  

Now that we’ve convinced you, let’s explore the coolest options for wedding venues in Chicago: 

Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel

Luxury venues for weddings aren’t hard to come by in the city of Chicago. One of the Chicago area wedding venues that stands alone is the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel. Equipped with six options for venues with domed ceilings and rich history.  

As an example, one of the Knickerbockers Hotel’s venues served as Ralph Capone’s speakeasy and lounge! How’s that for a unique wedding venue in Chicago? Here are some more of the highlights: 

Area: 1,056-1,938 sq ft.  

Capacity: 150 – 250 people. 

Good to know: Offers on-site catering, and standard rooms starting at $170.  

Chicago Athletic Association

If you’re a die-hard sports fan, this Chicago venue is for you. Ideal for both small and large weddings, the Chicago Athletic Association has four incredible venues combining athleticism and the glamor and classiness of 19th-century Chicago. 

Whether you have your eye on original stained glass, or you’re looking for a more playful space with vintage basketball floors, you’ll be pleased with what this venue has to offer. If you’re looking for a Chicago Athletic Association wedding, you’ve made an awesome choice. Here are some more highlights: 

Area: Largest space clocking in at 5,910 sq ft.  

Capacity: Reception capacity 150 – 500. Seating capacity 150 – 280. 

Good to know:  

• Chicago’s iconic Millennium Park is right outside the front door.  
• Dedicated culinary team for wedding menu creation.  
• Customized wedding packages with special accommodation rates for your out-of-town guests 
• This location is near seven celebrated eat and drink establishments for rehearsal dinners or weekend celebrations. 

The Field Museum

If you’re a history buff and a dinosaur lover to boot, a wedding at The Field Museum in Chicago is a no-brainer. Filled with natural history, The Field Museum tops the list as one of the most unique wedding venues in Chicago. The Field Museum offers accommodations from 10 – 1,000 guests with a ceremony in the main lobby or a reception in the Rice Native Plant Garden. 

A wedding at The Field Museum offers event customization and the amazing Field Museum team has a suite of approved vendors that help you handle the big stuff so you can focus on the big, “I do”.  

Good to know:  

• The Field Museum provides all non-alcoholic beverages but offers a variety of beverage packages for your guests. 
• Offers photography packages that include two hours of photos for up to 20 participants. 
• The Field Museum is steps away from the shores of Lake Michigan which will make for some awesome photos! 

For square footage and capacity, request a quote here. 

The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

In the heart of Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile,” The Four Seasons adores an eight-floor Grand Ballroom with a beautiful view of the lakefront. In the same way, The Four Seasons Hotel has an additional floor of venues that hold six more spaces in addition to the eight floors seven. 

Best of all, The Four Seasons Chicago comes with a team of dedicated wedding specialists to help you plan for your special day.  

Area: 644 – 10,904 sq ft.  

Capacity: 60 – 1,150 

Good to know:  

• Offers full-scale wedding packages with food and drinks included. 
• Wedding packages offer a full-service bar for four hours. 
• In-house expert culinary team to curate your wedding menu. 

LondonHouse Chicago 

One of Chicago’s most luxurious hotels, the LondonHouse in Chicago is located at North Michigan Ave and Wicker Drive just a stone’s throw away from the Chicago River. From open-air terraces with spectacular skyline views to stunning rooftop cupolas, LondonHouse has space for all party sizes.  

Most importantly of all, has venues for your pre-ceremony and post-reception festivities tri-level rooftop offering a unique indoor and outdoor dining experience, with 452 hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests. If you’re still looking for a wedding venue, A LondonHouse Chicago wedding, should be on your consideration list! 

Area: 281 – 3737 sq ft.  

Capacity: 50 – 500 

Good to know:  

• LondonHouse has 13 flexible spaces offering 25,000 sq. ft. of available space. 

• With floor-to-ceiling windows, column-free event spaces. 

Chicago Cultural Center 

A Chicago Cultural Center wedding offers an unparalleled fusion of elegance, history, and cultural significance, making it a cherished choice for couples seeking a truly extraordinary venue. Housed within a breathtaking Beaux-Arts building, the Chicago Cultural Center stands as a testament to the city’s architectural splendor and artistic heritage.  

With its two magnificent stained glass domes (one of the world’s largest Tiffany domes) and ornate marble staircases, this iconic landmark provides a majestic backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating love.  

Capacity: 220-330 dinner seating. 300 – 320 ceremony seating. 

Good to know:  

• The Preston Bradley Hall houses 25 Tiffany glass chandeliers spaced throughout the room. 
• Both venue halls overlook Millennium Park 
• The Chicago Cultural Center has a list of approved outside catering options for parties to choose from.  

Chicago Botanic Gardens 

Wondering about a Chicago Botanic Garden wedding? Here’s what you can expect! Whether you have an indoor or outdoor preference for your wedding day, the Chicago Botanic Gardens has 11 event rooms for you to choose from. From roses to bonsai trees, each room provides a stunning background to make sure your love grows as large as botanic flowers. 

Capacity: Wedding ceremony: 70 – 275 Reception Dinner: 70-270 

Good to know:  

• Some outdoor wedding venues at the Botanic Gardens are only available for rental from May through October. 
• In case of bad weather, backup spaces for outdoor spaces are always available. 
• The Chicago Botanic Gardens offers open-air ventures with an option of patio seating under a sheltered roof. 

Chicago History Museum

Nestled in the lush gardens of Lincoln Park, having a Chicago History Museum wedding isn’t one to overlook. If you’re looking to enjoy the picturesque skyline of Chicago but want to avoid the busy streets, this venue might be for you as it’s just outside the downtown area. The Chicago History Museum features Georgian-style architecture, high ceilings, and large windows perfect for pictures and breathtaking views. 

Capacity: 260 – 350 

Good to know: 

• This venue offers wedding packages with a seated dinner, DJ, or orchestra. 
• Evening rentals include the use of the Minow Lobby, Robinson Gallery, Morse Genius Chicago Room, plaza, and private wedding suite. 
• All rentals include building security, coat check personnel, and clean-up services. 

Chicago Winery

 

Wine connoisseurs and newlyweds rejoice, yes, you can get married at the Chicago Winery! With room for up to 200 of your nearest and dearest, Chicago Winery makes the perfect backdrop for any kind of wedding event. Located in the River North Neighborhood in Chicago, this venue offers full-service packages that include wines made on-site and food from home-grown ingredients.  

Capacity: 200 

Good to know:  

• This venue includes a four-season rooftop terrace with city views. 
• Venue includes a dedicated event manager who will confirm all wedding details, act as a liaison with vendors, and be present on-site the day of your wedding. 
• Access to a private Wedding Suite with sparkling wine and an antipasti spread for 2 hours before your event. 

Wedding Venues in the Chicago suburbs 

If the city isn’t your thing, there are plenty of wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs for you to choose from. Here are some of our favorite choices: 

1. The Morton Arboretum – Lise, IL: Offering flowers and botanical elements, this beautifully quiet venue is a great choice.  
2. Naper Settlement – Naperville, IL: Offers historic charm and picturesque outdoor venues, including Victorian gazebos and lush gardens. 
3. The Drake Oak Brook – Oak Brook, IL: With its grand ballrooms, and impeccable service, The Drake Oak Brook provides a sophisticated setting for extravagant weddings. 
4. Danada House – Wheaton, IL: Set amid 780 acres of stunning forest preserve, Danada House exudes rustic elegance. 
5. The Armour House Mansion & Gardens – Lake Forest, IL: Steeped in history and surrounded by lush gardens, The Armour House offers a fairy-tale setting for elegant outdoor ceremonies. 
6. Cantigny Park – Wheaton, IL: With its manicured gardens, historic mansion, and scenic outdoor spaces, Cantigny is sure to delight. 
7. The Monte Bello Estate – Lemont, IL: This luxurious estate offers a secluded retreat nestled amidst rolling hills and lush landscapes. 
8. Mesón Sabika – Naperville, IL: Set within a historic mansion surrounded by lush gardens and a great cuisine selection. 

Sustainable wedding tips 

Including eco-friendly practices in your wedding planning can reduce your impact on the environment. It can also make your celebration more meaningful. Consider incorporating these practices no matter where you decide to have your wedding. By embracing eco-conscious choices, you can create a wedding that reflects your values.  

Here are our most helpful tips: 

• Eco-friendly invitations: Use recycled paper or digital invitations to minimize paper waste. Consider using plant-able seed paper or reusable materials for a creative and sustainable touch. 
• Sustainable catering: Select caterers that prioritize locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients to reduce carbon footprint and support local farmers. Consider serving vegetarian or vegan options to minimize environmental impact. 
• Reduce single-use plastics: Avoid disposable plastic items such as straws, cups, and utensils. Opt for biodegradable or compostable alternatives, or choose reusable options for a greener celebration. 
• Consider an Outdoor Wedding: Outdoor weddings help foster a closer connection to nature. 
• Carbon offsetting: Offset the carbon emissions generated by travel. Offer options for carpooling from your ceremony venue to your reception venue. 
• Waste reduction: Implement waste reduction strategies. Consider composting food scraps, donating leftover food to shelters, and providing recycling bins throughout the venue. 

 If you’re planning a wedding in Chicago, you have a ton of venues to choose from! From classy places dripping with American history to amazing architecture, we hope we helped with your decision-making process.