The 10 Best Wedding Venues in Chicago
July 18, 2022
If you’re living in Chicago and have just gotten engaged, you’re about to start looking for a wedding venue. There are always so many options for wedding venues, and I want to make it a bit easier for you and your partner. So I’ve collected 10 of the best wedding venues in Chicago that are simply to die for and are perfect for a wedding.
Here are my picks for the best wedding venues in Chicago!
The 10 Best Wedding Venues in Chicago
#1 – Loft Lucia
7 N Carpenter St, Chicago
Loft Lucia is a stunning Chicago event space ready to host your wedding in style. It’s a classy venue that’s a double story with a beautiful outdoor rooftop, terrace, and interior. With oversized industrial windows, endless light, exposed brick, and ample space, you’ll celebrate in comfort and style.
The venue doesn’t offer catering but has a pre-approved list of caterers at your disposal. They will have access to Loft Lucia’s world-class kitchen. There are also bars available, but the bar’s staffing and stocking fall on the wedding party.
Features of Loft Lucia
- Capacity for up to 150 guests
- Indoor and outdoor event space
- Handicap accessible
- State-of-the-art sound system
- Catering from a pre-approved vendor
- 2 Bar tops are available, but stock and service are your responsibility
- Wireless internet
#2 – The Old Post Office
433 W Van Buren St, Chicago
The Old Post Office is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a historic venue in Chicago that was restored. The 1920s art-deco style is present in every aspect of the building. What’s impressive about the Old Post Office as a venue is how many options you get within this singular building.
Inside the Old Post Office are several event spaces to choose from: the Historic Lobby, Marquee Conference Center, The Vault, Telegram, Meadow, and the Library. Some of these are better suited for weddings and other receptions, but depending on your guest list, there are opportunities to use just about any room in the Old Post Office. The Meadow is probably the most incredible part: it’s a sprawling 3.5-acre lush green garden with views of the city on top of the Old Post Office. It’s to die for.
Features of The Old Post Office
- Capacity for up to 1400 guests
- Indoor and outdoor event space
- Handicap accessible
- Catering from a pre-approved vendors list
- Wireless internet
#3 – Chicago Illuminating Company
2110 S Wabash Ave, Chicago
Chicago Illuminating Company is a beautiful venue with an outdoor area that is sure to win over the hearts of guests on your big day. As the name would suggest, it’s filled with countless lights to illuminate you and your partner. In addition, there’s ample space to entertain and dance the night away after a gorgeous ceremony.
Everything at the Chicago Illuminating Company is world-class, from the tables and chairs to the cutlery and crockery. You’ll feel like royalty in what is a unique venue in Chicago.
Features of Chicago Illuminating Company
- Capacity for up to 300 guests
- Indoor event space
- Liability insurance
- Handicap accessible
- Wireless internet
#4 – Cafe Brauer
2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago
Cafe Brauer offers happy couples the chance to get married surrounded by wildlife. This unique venue is one of the best wedding venues in Chicago for a reason. It’s unlike any other on this list. There are an incredible variety of animals at Lincoln Park Zoo, where Cafe Brauer is located, which makes it a fun destination for a wedding.
The venue itself is beautiful. It’s a wide-open space with exposed brick, stunning windows, and green steel, giving it a classy atmosphere. In addition, Cafe Brauer offers their own catering and bartenders to ensure you’ve got just about everything you need out of a venue on your wedding day.
Features of Cafe Brauer
- Capacity for up to 250 guests
- Indoor and outdoor event space
- Liability insurance
- Handicap accessible
- Wireless internet
#5 – Bridgeport Art Center
1200 W 35th St, Chicago
Bridgeport Art Center is yet another contender for one of the best wedding venues in Chicago. The Art Center has two magnificent spaces for you to host a picture-perfect wedding. The first venue is the Skyline Loft. It’s a wide space with immense character thanks to its heavily featured wood elements like the pillars, floor, and roof. The second space is the Sculpture Garden Gallery, it’s an undercover space that’s partially outside and perfect for hosting a sizable wedding.
We’re not the only ones that think this is one of the best wedding venues in Chicago. It’s actually been named one of the best venues by various publications and organizations. With quality service, food, and a craft bar experience, it’s no surprise why they’re so well regarded.
Features of Bridgeport Art Center
- Capacity for up to 500 guests
- Indoor and outdoor event space
- Liability insurance
- Handicap accessible
- Wireless internet
#6 – Stan Mansion
2408 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago
Stan Mansion is a venue unlike any other. It resides in a stunning former masonic temple and oozes elegance and charm. It’s highly regarded as one of the best wedding venues in Chicago by various publications, personalities, and establishments.
There’s so much within Stan Mansion that makes it a wonderful venue for a wedding. From the incredible bar, to the lounging areas, manicured gardens, and of course, the main hall. The venue has teamed up with numerous vendors to ensure everything goes according to plan.
Features of Stan Mansion
- Capacity for up to 400 guests
- Indoor event space
- Liability insurance
- Wireless internet
#7 – Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel
163 E Walton Pl, Chicago
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel is located on the famous Magnificent Mile. This iconic hotel harkens back to the 1920s and 1930s with its opulent style. However, the room that deserves all the attention is the Crystal Ballroom. It’s a sprawling space that’s got some incredible architectural features that make it one-of-a-kind. There are numerous other options if you’re not looking for the spectacle that is the Crystal Ballroom, and they’re all just as worthy of your attention.
The venue provides catering, bar service, and, if necessary, accommodations. This is one of the best wedding venues in Chicago for so many reasons.
Features of Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel
- Capacity for up to 500 guests
- Indoor event space
- Handicap accessible
- Wireless internet
- On-site accommodation
#8 – Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum is one of the best wedding venues in Chicago if you’re looking for impressive skyline views of the city. The views from this venue are beyond words, and the venue itself isn’t too bad either.
Here you’ll get great food, quality service, impeccable decor and set-ups, and just about the best environment you could ask for at your wedding.
Features of Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
- Capacity for up to 300 guests
- Indoor and outdoor event space
- Handicap accessible
#9 – Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St, Chicago
Chicago Cultural Center is one of the best wedding venues in Chicago if you want a venue that’s stunning and historic. The Chicago Cultural Center is a timeless building that is truly something else. Its historical designs are present throughout the building and add a sense of Chicago history that makes it feel more warm and inviting.
The ballroom features a massive glass dome and gold featured in just about every facet of the room. It’s perfect for hosting an elegant wedding. You’ve got a few other options for available spaces to host either the ceremony or reception that are all just as elegant.
Features of Chicago Cultural Center
- Capacity for up to 320 guests
- Indoor event space
- Handicap accessible
#10 – The Ivy Room At Tree Studios
12 E Ohio St # 100, Chicago
The Ivy Room At Tree Studios is a venue covered in green in the heart of River North. It’s got this enchanting European feel to it that makes it one of a kind. The ballroom is a beautiful space perfect for a wedding and hosting a large number of guests.
One of the features I love is their beautiful views of courtyard gardens. They provide catering in-house and have menus to choose from to make it easier for you.
Features of The Ivy Room At Tree Studios
- Capacity for up to 200 guests
- Indoor event space
- Handicap accessible
Final Thoughts
There you have it: 10 of the best wedding venues in Chicago. I think any of these options would be perfect for your wedding. Of course, they’re only a handful of offerings from this large city, but they’re easily the ones that stand out the most. If you want to know what to look for when you’re looking for a wedding venue, check out my blog post all about the process!
The best wedding venues in Chicago need the best photographer to capture everything. First, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mary Shelton, and I’m your photo bestie, ready to take on your wedding with confidence! Check out my portfolio, and let’s chat about how we can make this wedding come alive in pictures that’ll last a lifetime.
