Chicago Wedding Venues

Getting married in Chicago provides many opportunities to host your dream wedding, from lush gardens and historic museums to grand ballrooms. If you and your partner are looking for places to get married in Chicago, you've come to the right spot. Read on for our list of top wedding venue picks in this charming and versatile city!

Wedding Venues in Chicago

No matter your desired setting, wedding style or guest count, you're sure to find the right venue in Chicago to accommodate your big day. Browse this list of dream wedding venues in the iconic Windy City to help you gather some ideas!

1. Chicago Cultural Center

A location that boasts incredible architecture and rich history, it's no surprise that the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most sought-after venues in the Chicago area. Completed in 1897, this building originally served as the city's first central public library. 

The center features not one but two stained-glass domes, one of them being the largest Tiffany dome in the world. You'll also find vintage arches with sparkling mosaics and grand glass chandeliers for a timeless and picturesque wedding scene.

Choose from multiple event spaces when you select this venue. The most popular is Preston Bradley Hall, which accommodates 320 guests for dinner and dancing. Meanwhile, the GAR Hall is more suitable for extra-large parties and seats up to 420 guests.

2. Salvatore's

Salvatore's Wedding and Event Venue is worth looking into if a reception venue with a warm, old-school Italian atmosphere sounds appealing to you and your partner. A hidden gem in the heart of Lincoln Park, this glamorous venue provides full bar service, ample dinner and dancing space, delicious Italian cuisine and both indoor and outdoor settings to create your ideal backdrop. 

Couples can choose from various wedding packages to accommodate their needs and preferences. Salvatore's experienced staff aims to help every client feel comfortable and relaxed on their big day. They expertly handle every detail of wedding day logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. This venue can seat a maximum of 200 guests.

3. Rockwell on the River

Featuring timber bow truss construction, a skylit roof, exposed brick walls and an outdoor deck with a prime view of the Chicago River, Rockwell on the River illuminates a perfectly rustic atmosphere you can't find anywhere else. 

With 16,000 square feet of reconfigurable space, this venue can seat up to 500 guests, making it ideal for exceptionally large weddings. Consider this venue if you're searching for a classy, industrial wedding setting.

4. Stan Mansion

With various locations to choose from, including two beautiful ballrooms and a lounge equipped with a bar, the Stan Mansion in Logan Square is another prime spot to host your dream wedding. Built in 1921 in one of Chicago's oldest neighborhoods, this venue provides a timeless and elegant atmosphere to dance the night away. 

Enjoy a large grand ballroom with high ceilings and a cozy romantic fireplace in the lounge bar area. Both rooms provide excellent space for a ceremony and reception. The main ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests for sit-down events and 400 for cocktail events.

garfield-park-conservatory

5. Garfield Park Conservatory

Longing for a destination wedding but don't want to leave the city? Garfield Park Conservatory may be just the setting you're looking for. Featuring two exhibition halls and six greenhouses with vibrant flowers, lush palm trees and greenery, this venue provides a unique tropical atmosphere to host your dream paradise wedding. 

You can also rent the entire conservatory or a specific room only. Its outdoor space accommodates 100 guests for a ceremony, while its indoor space seats 200, making this venue ideal for both small and large weddings.

6. Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Are you looking for small wedding venues in Chicago to host a more intimate celebration? A stunning hotel with Parisian charm in the downtown district, Waldorf Astoria Chicago may be the ideal spot to host your wedding. It features a gorgeous marbled lobby, stellar indoor event room, picturesque courtyard for wedding photos, comfortable and luxurious lodging and delicious cuisine options.

Waldorf Astoria can seat a maximum of 160 people but offers a small wedding package for 60 guests. If you're planning an elegant modern wedding with a limited guest count, consider adding this venue to your list of possibilities.

7. Café Brauer

If you're making a list of top venues for wedding receptions, you won't want to exclude Café Brauer in downtown Chicago. Part of the beloved Lincoln Park Zoo, this grand cafe boasts rustic brick walls, delectable dishes, covered open-air terraces and plenty of space for dinner and dancing. It overlooks the zoo's beautiful Nature Boardwalk, offering a prime view of the park and city skyline. 

Plan an unforgettable reception when you reserve Café Brauer's lovely event space. This venue seats a maximum of 230 guests.

8. Revel Motor Row

If you're looking for stunning outdoor wedding venues in Chicago, consider Revel Motor Row in downtown Chicago for your ceremony or reception. This event venue resides in a historic 1936 building, which previously housed the Chicago Defender newspaper and the Illinois Automobile Club. 

Revel Motor Row provides 50,000 square feet of space and a beautiful rooftop patio for a stunning view of the city. The venue's outdoor space seats up to 220 for a ceremony, while its indoor space can accommodate a whopping 520 people!

9. Bridgeport Art Center

For a breathtaking and artistic wedding venue, look no further than the Bridgeport Art Center. Located a few miles south of downtown Chicago, this venue features a delicate sculpture garden gallery and a stunning skyline loft for amazing wedding possibilities. Its soaring ceilings, timber construction and rustic exposed brick will provide a unique urban atmosphere for your big day. 

Enjoy unparalleled views of the city and incredible architecture when you book the Bridgeport Art Center for your wedding. This space can accommodate as few as 100 guests or over 500 for sit-down dinners.

Contact Brighter Lights for Wedding Videography

After scanning this list of unique Chicago wedding venues, we hope you've gathered some inspiration for your celebration in the Windy City. While finding your dream venue is crucial, it's equally important to capture your big day with crystal clear footage. 

At Brighter Lights, we provide high-quality wedding videography services so you can remember every lovely detail of your special day. We offer multiple packages to choose from, and we service Chicago and other locations across the U.S.

Let us help you tell your story and highlight every beautiful moment of your wedding day. To book with us or learn more about our wedding videography services, contact Brighter Lights today!

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