The Top 10 Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Couples get married every day, and each wedding is entirely special and personalized for every bride and groom out there. With the number of choices a couple must make and the number of options available within each choice, no two weddings will ever look exactly like. However, some soon-to-be-wed couples are after something a little more show-stopping and a little less everyday-wedding. Your venue selection is one of the easiest ways to add some unique character to your big day, and these top 10 unique wedding venues in Chicago offer some of the most innovatively rare and exceptional features you can find. Ready to find your perfectly extraordinary venue? Let’s start the countdown.
AND CHECK OUT A *BONUS* VENUE AT THE BOTTOM THAT’S WON 9 DIFFERENT AWARDS! IT’S UNIQUE, FUN AND JUST OUTSIDE OF THE CITY!
10. Firehouse Chicago
Firehouse Chicago is the perfect venue for more intimate gatherings. With a capacity of 100 seated guests, you will be able to make use of the indoor space as well as the outdoor garden for your ceremony, reception, or both. Vintage elements are scattered throughout the facility in combination with a modern bridal suite and private patio to offer the couple some privacy.
Firehouse Chicago was built in 1906 and housed Engine Company 70. There were four horse stables on site and it is one of Chicago’s earliest buildings. This site is even featured on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Annual Tour. There is no better historic site to celebrate YOUR historic moment.
Catering on your big day will not be provided by the Firehouse Chicago staff. They have a preferred list of vendors that you can meet with to find your perfect pairing. All of the alcohol for your event can be provided by the venue, but they also allow it to come with your caterer.
When it comes to uniquely historic wedding venues, it doesn’t get much better than a true-to-form firehouse. If you have a connection to first responders and the history of Chicago, this one-of-a-kind wedding venue is for you. The original firepole, antique doors, white brick, and stunning outdoor garden featuring an ivy wall will make the most inspiring and unique wedding photo collection of all time.
Check out more at their website: https://www.firehousechicago.com/
Firehouse Chicago Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Firehouse Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
9. Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory has a number of spaces available for your event. Horticulture Hall is just under 5000 sq. ft and can accommodate 300 guests in a banquet style and 400 for a cocktail reception. Artist’s Garden is 500 sq. ft and can seat 100 guests or fit 250 standing guests. Jensen Room and Community room are the middle ground with standing room for 150 guests and seating for 100 and 50 guests respectively.
This conservatory first opened in 1908 and has been a leader in the community for education and conservation since its foundation. The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance was formed in 1998 and now
serves as the managing entity of the conservatory.
Garfield Park Conservatory is not an all-inclusive venue, and as such, you will need to bring in an outside vendor for your meal and bar service. The staff will provide you with a list of 15 preferred caterers that you can use for your event, and they must also supply the alcohol and licensed bartender the day of.
In total, the conservatory occupies 2 acres of greenhouse space and 10 acres of outdoor gardens. Not only does this provide almost unlimited space for stunning photo backdrops, but it allows your guests to learn about the power of nature as well. Your indoor event space will even have some plants hanging from the ceiling. It is a true oasis in the city and creates the perfect venue for nature lovers.
Check out more at their website: https://garfieldconservatory.org/about-us/room-rental-information/rental-rates/
Garfield Park Conservatory Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Garfield Park Conservatory
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
8. Chicago Winery
With dazzling indoor and outdoor spaces available for a ceremony, reception, or full wedding package, Chicago Winery is a diverse space that can become any couple’s perfect venue. Seating space for 215 guests ensures that all of the important people in your life have the opportunity to become part of your momentous day.
Chicago Winery is a very new establishment that was just opened in 2022. It is the third winery and event space launched by First Batch Hospitality, who got their start back in 2010. The mission of the co-founders is to innovate the Chicago winery experience with an emphasis on multi-functional spaces and interaction.
Chicago Winery is an all-inclusive venue that provides all of the catering needed for your wedding. With star chef Andrew Graves on staff, you can expect to be wowed by your custom menu. This venue also offers a full bar service with an open bar for the duration of your event. This includes in-house wines and dishes full of seasonal ingredients.
A rooftop terrace with views of Chicago’s skyline and the active winery, a complimentary food, and wine tasting event for you and a handful of your couple friends, and a room full of shelved wine barrels for photos are a few of the most unique and appealing amenities you’ll get to experience at Chicago Winery.
Check out more at their website: https://www.weddings.chiwinery.com/
Chicago Winery Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Chicago Winery
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
7. Beatnik West Town
The Beatnik West Town restaurant is one of the smaller venues on this list, but it is absolutely perfect for couples planning a more intimate wedding. The ceremony capacity maxes out around 60 guests with space for 150 guests for a seated dinner. If you’d rather have a cocktail style reception, you can fit 250 guests with a full buyout of the 6000 sq. ft restaurant.
Beatnik West Town is managed by Bonhomme Hospitality Group, and it has completely revolutionized what Chicago restaurants can look like. Massive crystal chandeliers from 1966, a 1920’s Parisian tile counter, pine cabinets from 1930, restored 1970 streetlights from Chicago itself, and a long list of other décor items from around the globe make this a historically-saturated venue.
All of the catering for private events is performed by the culinary team at Beatnik West Town. No outside
catering vendors are allowed, but you still have the option to personalize your menu. They specialize in multicultural cuisine, so you can feel free to follow your palate wherever it leads you. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s no surprise that every venue on this list is going to have something pretty unique to offer. At Beatnik West Town, you’ll be exposed to one of the most artfully decorated spaces in Chicago with bursting greenery and Mediterranean décor. It is an eclectic space full of character that houses a courtyard with a retractable roof, communal tables, a custom floor mural by a local artist… the list goes on.
Check out more on their website: https://www.beatnikchicago.com/private-dining-events
Beatnik West Town Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Beatnik West Town
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
6. Carnivale
Carnivale has 8 separate rooms on site to host weddings of all sizes. Some rooms are intimate spaces that can seat a maximum of 40 guests, and others are large and open to accommodate as many as 200 guests with ease. You can choose to book one room or multiple to suit your vision for the big day.
Carnivale opened in 2005, and although it is a newer establishment, it has been rocking Chicago’s senses for nearly two decades. Any bride and groom that want a modern, artful, eclectic space to get married will find all of their needs met in this venue.
Choosing Carnivale as your wedding venue means you’ve also chosen your caterer. The Carnivale staff are well-versed in global cuisine, and though they have a prepared menu for weddings and large events, they are highly flexible and will personalize your meal however you’d like. Each room has its own bar and bartender, too.
Until you’ve step foot in Carnivale, you cannot truly appreciate the mastery of the space. Bright, dramatic colors, funky décor, original artwork, exotic cuisine, and a blatant disregard for cohesiveness make this one of the most unforgettable venues in Chicago. If you’re looking to wow your guests and save money on decorating costs, this space is perfectly right for you.
Check out more at their website: https://www.carnivalechicago.com/private-events
Carnivale Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Carnivale
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
5. Ignite Glass Studios
Ignite Glass Studios has three stunning locations to host your ceremony or reception. A 3290 sq. ft indoor event space, 2400 sq. ft Urban Garden, and 3290 sq. ft Rooftop Deck ensure this venue can accommodate both indoor and outdoor weddings with a guest list capping out between 220 and 350 guests depending on your reception style and whether you have a dance floor or not.
For years, Ignite Glass Studios has been welcoming experienced artists and youth novices alike to celebrate the art of glassblowing. With rotating art exhibits, a team of resident artists, a gift shop, and gorgeous event spaces, this venue is only beginning to make its mark on the Chicago community.
This is not an all-inclusive venue, so you will need to coordinate with outside vendors for catering and other necessities. If you aren’t sure where to start, Ignite Glass Studios staff will be happy to offer recommendations. They’ll also help manage everything the day of to ensure you have a low-stress celebration.
Ignite Glass Studios is the only venue in Chicago that offers both a rooftop location and a garden on site: if an outdoor wedding is your dream, this is the perfect location. You can have a ceremony and photo session in front of a wall of hand-blown glass creations and throw a party in their wide-open industrial loft space. You can even observe the glassblowing process firsthand and send guests home with handmade favors.
Check out more on their website: https://igniteglass.com/venue-rental/
Ignite Glass Studios Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Ignite Glass Studios
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
4. WhirlyBall Chicago
WhirlyBall Chicago is a very unique and diverse space that can accommodate wedding sizes as large as 500. With multiple activity areas and a large dining area, all of your guests will be able to find a space and activity that appeals to them. This two-story building is also home to a patio and terrace for guests to enjoy some fresh air.
WhirlyBall Chicago is one of five WhirlyBall locations spread throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado. As a group, they have been around since 1993. If you’re keen on becoming one of the many WhirlyBall fans that have taken a spin on their bumper cars, WhirlyBall Chicago is happy to welcome you and all of your wedding guests.
WhirlyBall Chicago is another venue that has a culinary team on staff excited to help you plan your menu and give it delicious life on the day of your event. Their speciality is elevated American cuisine, so your guests can enjoy all of their hometown favourites. They have a number of beverage packages available as well.
If you and your spouse-to-be are young at heart, you’ll love the fun and games at WhirlyBall Chicago. You and your guests can enjoy bowling, laser tag, pop-up games, and WhirlyBall, a game played on bumper cars that mimics components of basketball and lacrosse. They can also provide a DJ, photographer, and limo/shuttle service. It doesn’t get more all-inclusive than that.
Check out more on their website: https://www.whirlyball.com/chicago
Whirlyball Chicago Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Whirlyball Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
3. International Museum of Surgical Science
As the only museum in North America dedicated to surgical sciences, you can expect the building and housed art collection to be quite large. Ten thousand square feet of gallery space, to be specific. While you will have access to this space for photos, the seating capacity is quite small at only 100 guests. 200 people are permitted for cocktail-style receptions.
Originally designed as a Hall of Fame for the International College of Surgeons, the building did not become the International Museum of Surgical Science until the 1950s. At the same time the conversion took place, the neighboring mansion was acquired to further display the works of the museum. The original architecture of this building has been perfectly maintained to this day.
While this won’t come as much of a surprise considered this venue is, in fact, a functioning museum, this is not an all-inclusive venue. As such, you will have to select one of the preferred vendors from the list provided to you by the museum staff in order to coordinate a meal and bar package for your wedding.
The aesthetic of this museum is one of the most original settings for a wedding you can find in Chicago. Marble floors, original fireplaces, science-centered sculptures and artwork, a waterfront view of Lake Michigan, and a library home to 1000 rare books make this venue one of the most idyllic and uniquely picture-perfect venues to host a wedding.
Check out more on their website: https://imss.org/private-events/
International Museum of Surgical Science Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago International Museum of Surgical Science
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
2. Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo
Café Brauer has also appeared on our Top 10 Wedding Venues in Chicago and Top 10 Outdoor Wedding Venues in Chicago articles, and it is no surprise that this venue is popping up again for Chicago’s most unique venues. Located on the edge of Lincoln Park Zoo, this two-story venue can accommodate 250 seated guests or 500 for a reception.
The Café Brauer building has not always been known by its popular name. In 1908, it was the Lincoln Park South Pond Refectory. Its history serves it well today with high ceilings, glass chandeliers, stained glass windows, and original woodwork.
Café Brauer is one of the most flexible venues when it comes to catering. They do have a team on staff by the name of Tigerlily Events that can handle your catering, but they also have a preferred list of vendors for you to peruse as well. If you have a non-preferred caterer that you’d really like to use instead, the Café Brauer team will welcome them as long as they met certain requirements.
Café Brauer is one of the most extraordinary wedding venues in Chicago for a reason. Open air terraces, a lily pond, Nature Boardwalk, and gorgeous gardens are all accessible to you and your guests. Plus, proceeds from your event actually help support the care of the zoo’s animals. You can even take a stroll and embrace the biodiversity of the enclosures with your most treasured friends and family.
See more here on their website: https://www.lpzoo.org/venue/cafe-brauer/
Cafe Brauer Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Cafe Brauer
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
1. Adler Planetarium
At Adler Planetarium, 60,000 square feet of exhibits can become the backdrop to the most special day of your life. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding with 50 guests or an extravagant celebration of 1200, the Adler Planetarium can make the space work for you.
In 1930, the Adler Planetarium was born. For nearly a century it has served as an education center and a place where people make connections. Research teams, community leaders, schools, and families alike make the Adler Planetarium the center of their universe for a short while. It is one of the most suitable locations for a once-in-a-lifetime event like the wedding of your dreams.
With full event and catering teams on staff, you don’t need to work with outside vendors for very many of the details. With a talented culinary team prepared to cater a menu and bar package to the uniqueness of you as a couple, you will have a full stomach and no regrets.
What makes a more special wedding day than a walkthrough of our literal universe? Not much. At the Adler Planetarium, you will have full access to the exhibits to create a unique wedding album, inspiring views of Chicago’s skyline, and both staff-led and self-directed activities to captivate you and your guests.
See more details on their website: https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/private-events/
Adler Planetarium Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Adler Planetarium
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
*BONUS VENUE* – The Two Brothers Roundhouse
Obviously we’re a little biased, but if you look at our track record, we’ve got the awards to back it up! We’ve won 9 brewery awards, been awarded “Best Of Weddings” badge from The Knot in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and won the “Couples Choice Award” from Wedding Wire almost every year from 2012 – 2020!
Venues don’t win that many awards by luck or chance. That’s the consistent quality and reputation Two Brothers has for hosting weddings!
The Two Brothers Roundhouse property encompasses 70,000 square feet that's home to multiple buildings, gathering areas, and gorgeous landscape. The diversity of our location ensures that your guest list ranging in size from 50 to over 300 can all feel perfectly at home in the space.
Our venue has one of the most interesting stories of all. Built in 1856, the roundhouse served as the storage and maintenance facility for the Chicago and Aurora’s Railroad locomotives. This historic building is the oldest roundhouse in the entire country. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that will surround you in history, there is no better location in Chicago’s suburbs.
As an all-inclusive location, Two Brothers Roundhouse has an exceptionally trained catering staff and bartending service available to design a menu and bar package according to the individual needs of every couple.
See why we’re quickly becoming the top choice for wedding venues in the greater Chicago area. We have more details on our wedding venue banquets page here.
Email us any time at Banquets@TwoBrothersBrewing.com or call us (630) 509-0215
AND CHECK OUT A *BONUS* VENUE AT THE BOTTOM THAT’S WON 9 DIFFERENT AWARDS! IT’S UNIQUE, FUN AND JUST OUTSIDE OF THE CITY!
10. Firehouse Chicago
Firehouse Chicago is the perfect venue for more intimate gatherings. With a capacity of 100 seated guests, you will be able to make use of the indoor space as well as the outdoor garden for your ceremony, reception, or both. Vintage elements are scattered throughout the facility in combination with a modern bridal suite and private patio to offer the couple some privacy.
Firehouse Chicago was built in 1906 and housed Engine Company 70. There were four horse stables on site and it is one of Chicago’s earliest buildings. This site is even featured on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Annual Tour. There is no better historic site to celebrate YOUR historic moment.
Catering on your big day will not be provided by the Firehouse Chicago staff. They have a preferred list of vendors that you can meet with to find your perfect pairing. All of the alcohol for your event can be provided by the venue, but they also allow it to come with your caterer.
When it comes to uniquely historic wedding venues, it doesn’t get much better than a true-to-form firehouse. If you have a connection to first responders and the history of Chicago, this one-of-a-kind wedding venue is for you. The original firepole, antique doors, white brick, and stunning outdoor garden featuring an ivy wall will make the most inspiring and unique wedding photo collection of all time.
Check out more at their website: https://www.firehousechicago.com/
Firehouse Chicago Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Firehouse Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
9. Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory has a number of spaces available for your event. Horticulture Hall is just under 5000 sq. ft and can accommodate 300 guests in a banquet style and 400 for a cocktail reception. Artist’s Garden is 500 sq. ft and can seat 100 guests or fit 250 standing guests. Jensen Room and Community room are the middle ground with standing room for 150 guests and seating for 100 and 50 guests respectively.
This conservatory first opened in 1908 and has been a leader in the community for education and conservation since its foundation. The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance was formed in 1998 and now
serves as the managing entity of the conservatory.
Garfield Park Conservatory is not an all-inclusive venue, and as such, you will need to bring in an outside vendor for your meal and bar service. The staff will provide you with a list of 15 preferred caterers that you can use for your event, and they must also supply the alcohol and licensed bartender the day of.
In total, the conservatory occupies 2 acres of greenhouse space and 10 acres of outdoor gardens. Not only does this provide almost unlimited space for stunning photo backdrops, but it allows your guests to learn about the power of nature as well. Your indoor event space will even have some plants hanging from the ceiling. It is a true oasis in the city and creates the perfect venue for nature lovers.
Check out more at their website: https://garfieldconservatory.org/about-us/room-rental-information/rental-rates/
Garfield Park Conservatory Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Garfield Park Conservatory
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
8. Chicago Winery
With dazzling indoor and outdoor spaces available for a ceremony, reception, or full wedding package, Chicago Winery is a diverse space that can become any couple’s perfect venue. Seating space for 215 guests ensures that all of the important people in your life have the opportunity to become part of your momentous day.
Chicago Winery is a very new establishment that was just opened in 2022. It is the third winery and event space launched by First Batch Hospitality, who got their start back in 2010. The mission of the co-founders is to innovate the Chicago winery experience with an emphasis on multi-functional spaces and interaction.
Chicago Winery is an all-inclusive venue that provides all of the catering needed for your wedding. With star chef Andrew Graves on staff, you can expect to be wowed by your custom menu. This venue also offers a full bar service with an open bar for the duration of your event. This includes in-house wines and dishes full of seasonal ingredients.
A rooftop terrace with views of Chicago’s skyline and the active winery, a complimentary food, and wine tasting event for you and a handful of your couple friends, and a room full of shelved wine barrels for photos are a few of the most unique and appealing amenities you’ll get to experience at Chicago Winery.
Check out more at their website: https://www.weddings.chiwinery.com/
Chicago Winery Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Chicago Winery
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
7. Beatnik West Town
The Beatnik West Town restaurant is one of the smaller venues on this list, but it is absolutely perfect for couples planning a more intimate wedding. The ceremony capacity maxes out around 60 guests with space for 150 guests for a seated dinner. If you’d rather have a cocktail style reception, you can fit 250 guests with a full buyout of the 6000 sq. ft restaurant.
Beatnik West Town is managed by Bonhomme Hospitality Group, and it has completely revolutionized what Chicago restaurants can look like. Massive crystal chandeliers from 1966, a 1920’s Parisian tile counter, pine cabinets from 1930, restored 1970 streetlights from Chicago itself, and a long list of other décor items from around the globe make this a historically-saturated venue.
All of the catering for private events is performed by the culinary team at Beatnik West Town. No outside
catering vendors are allowed, but you still have the option to personalize your menu. They specialize in multicultural cuisine, so you can feel free to follow your palate wherever it leads you. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s no surprise that every venue on this list is going to have something pretty unique to offer. At Beatnik West Town, you’ll be exposed to one of the most artfully decorated spaces in Chicago with bursting greenery and Mediterranean décor. It is an eclectic space full of character that houses a courtyard with a retractable roof, communal tables, a custom floor mural by a local artist… the list goes on.
Check out more on their website: https://www.beatnikchicago.com/private-dining-events
Beatnik West Town Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Beatnik West Town
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
6. Carnivale
Carnivale has 8 separate rooms on site to host weddings of all sizes. Some rooms are intimate spaces that can seat a maximum of 40 guests, and others are large and open to accommodate as many as 200 guests with ease. You can choose to book one room or multiple to suit your vision for the big day.
Carnivale opened in 2005, and although it is a newer establishment, it has been rocking Chicago’s senses for nearly two decades. Any bride and groom that want a modern, artful, eclectic space to get married will find all of their needs met in this venue.
Choosing Carnivale as your wedding venue means you’ve also chosen your caterer. The Carnivale staff are well-versed in global cuisine, and though they have a prepared menu for weddings and large events, they are highly flexible and will personalize your meal however you’d like. Each room has its own bar and bartender, too.
Until you’ve step foot in Carnivale, you cannot truly appreciate the mastery of the space. Bright, dramatic colors, funky décor, original artwork, exotic cuisine, and a blatant disregard for cohesiveness make this one of the most unforgettable venues in Chicago. If you’re looking to wow your guests and save money on decorating costs, this space is perfectly right for you.
Check out more at their website: https://www.carnivalechicago.com/private-events
Carnivale Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Carnivale
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
5. Ignite Glass Studios
Ignite Glass Studios has three stunning locations to host your ceremony or reception. A 3290 sq. ft indoor event space, 2400 sq. ft Urban Garden, and 3290 sq. ft Rooftop Deck ensure this venue can accommodate both indoor and outdoor weddings with a guest list capping out between 220 and 350 guests depending on your reception style and whether you have a dance floor or not.
For years, Ignite Glass Studios has been welcoming experienced artists and youth novices alike to celebrate the art of glassblowing. With rotating art exhibits, a team of resident artists, a gift shop, and gorgeous event spaces, this venue is only beginning to make its mark on the Chicago community.
This is not an all-inclusive venue, so you will need to coordinate with outside vendors for catering and other necessities. If you aren’t sure where to start, Ignite Glass Studios staff will be happy to offer recommendations. They’ll also help manage everything the day of to ensure you have a low-stress celebration.
Ignite Glass Studios is the only venue in Chicago that offers both a rooftop location and a garden on site: if an outdoor wedding is your dream, this is the perfect location. You can have a ceremony and photo session in front of a wall of hand-blown glass creations and throw a party in their wide-open industrial loft space. You can even observe the glassblowing process firsthand and send guests home with handmade favors.
Check out more on their website: https://igniteglass.com/venue-rental/
Ignite Glass Studios Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Ignite Glass Studios
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
4. WhirlyBall Chicago
WhirlyBall Chicago is a very unique and diverse space that can accommodate wedding sizes as large as 500. With multiple activity areas and a large dining area, all of your guests will be able to find a space and activity that appeals to them. This two-story building is also home to a patio and terrace for guests to enjoy some fresh air.
WhirlyBall Chicago is one of five WhirlyBall locations spread throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado. As a group, they have been around since 1993. If you’re keen on becoming one of the many WhirlyBall fans that have taken a spin on their bumper cars, WhirlyBall Chicago is happy to welcome you and all of your wedding guests.
WhirlyBall Chicago is another venue that has a culinary team on staff excited to help you plan your menu and give it delicious life on the day of your event. Their speciality is elevated American cuisine, so your guests can enjoy all of their hometown favourites. They have a number of beverage packages available as well.
If you and your spouse-to-be are young at heart, you’ll love the fun and games at WhirlyBall Chicago. You and your guests can enjoy bowling, laser tag, pop-up games, and WhirlyBall, a game played on bumper cars that mimics components of basketball and lacrosse. They can also provide a DJ, photographer, and limo/shuttle service. It doesn’t get more all-inclusive than that.
Check out more on their website: https://www.whirlyball.com/chicago
Whirlyball Chicago Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago Whirlyball Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
3. International Museum of Surgical Science
As the only museum in North America dedicated to surgical sciences, you can expect the building and housed art collection to be quite large. Ten thousand square feet of gallery space, to be specific. While you will have access to this space for photos, the seating capacity is quite small at only 100 guests. 200 people are permitted for cocktail-style receptions.
Originally designed as a Hall of Fame for the International College of Surgeons, the building did not become the International Museum of Surgical Science until the 1950s. At the same time the conversion took place, the neighboring mansion was acquired to further display the works of the museum. The original architecture of this building has been perfectly maintained to this day.
While this won’t come as much of a surprise considered this venue is, in fact, a functioning museum, this is not an all-inclusive venue. As such, you will have to select one of the preferred vendors from the list provided to you by the museum staff in order to coordinate a meal and bar package for your wedding.
The aesthetic of this museum is one of the most original settings for a wedding you can find in Chicago. Marble floors, original fireplaces, science-centered sculptures and artwork, a waterfront view of Lake Michigan, and a library home to 1000 rare books make this venue one of the most idyllic and uniquely picture-perfect venues to host a wedding.
Check out more on their website: https://imss.org/private-events/
International Museum of Surgical Science Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago International Museum of Surgical Science
Unique Wedding Venues in Chicago
2. Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo
Café Brauer has also appeared on our Top 10 Wedding Venues in Chicago and Top 10 Outdoor Wedding Venues in Chicago articles, and it is no surprise that this venue is popping up again for Chicago’s most unique venues. Located on the edge of Lincoln Park Zoo, this two-story venue can accommodate 250 seated guests or 500 for a reception.
The Café Brauer building has not always been known by its popular name. In 1908, it was the Lincoln Park South Pond Refectory. Its history serves it well today with high ceilings, glass chandeliers, stained glass windows, and original woodwork.
Café Brauer is one of the most flexible venues when it comes to catering. They do have a team on staff by the name of Tigerlily Events that can handle your catering, but they also have a preferred list of vendors for you to peruse as well. If you have a non-preferred caterer that you’d really like to use instead, the Café Brauer team will welcome them as long as they met certain requirements.
Café Brauer is one of the most extraordinary wedding venues in Chicago for a reason. Open air terraces, a lily pond, Nature Boardwalk, and gorgeous gardens are all accessible to you and your guests. Plus, proceeds from your event actually help support the care of the zoo’s animals. You can even take a stroll and embrace the biodiversity of the enclosures with your most treasured friends and family.
See more here on their website: https://www.lpzoo.org/venue/cafe-brauer/