Top 10 Wedding Venus in Chicago
The day of your wedding will be one of the most special events of your lifetime, and the day should be perfect. While you can’t control everything, your venue choice is one of the best ways to set the stage for your dream wedding. The perfect venue will be different for every couple; some will want elegance and grandeur, and others will want simple and rustic elements that make their soul feel good.
No matter what you have in mind for your venue, these top 10 wedding venues in Chicago can give you an idea of what’s possible for your big day!
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. University Club of Chicago
The University Club of Chicago can seat up to 300 guests in its main wedding room, cathedral hall. For smaller weddings, there are many other alternatives that can surround a smaller guest list in historic grandeur.
Since 1906, the University Club of Chicago has occupied its Monroe St. address. It was, and still is, a meeting place for members to explore the arts and delve into culture and intellectual pursuits. When you choose the club to host your wedding, you will be immersed in a world of history and tradition from the moment you walk in the door.
All catering at the University Club of Chicago is performed by the in-house staff. You will be able to select a menu from a range of options, all of which are a four-course minimum. There are bar packages and hors d’oeuvres packages available as well, plus the options of bridal luncheons, prenuptial dinners, a post-wedding brunch, and more.
One note to make about this venue is that you do need to be a member (or be sponsored by a member) in order to book a wedding. However, this venue is one of the most historic places in Chicago and can help you bring your fairy-tale wedding to life in an entirely unique way. Tradition and exclusivity are the dominant forces in this century-old venue.
Check out more at their website: https://www.ucco.com/catering/weddings
9. Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo
Located at the edge of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Café Brauer is a split venue large enough to accommodate 500 guests for a reception and 250 for a seated dinner. There are two open air terraces at the North and South end of the building and surrounding gardens provide more space to celebrate and take photos.
Café Brauer is the common name for a building called the Lincoln Park South Pond Refectory. Its construction was completed in 1908 and it originally served as a boat house, party building, and warming shelter for people enjoying the ice rink. Historic architecture like stained glass windows, exposed beams, and more create the perfect backdrop for any wedding.
The Lincoln Park Zoo has its own catering and event planning team by the name of Tigerlily Events. They offer two-tiered wedding dining packages for Café Brauer guests so you don’t need to bring in any outside vendors. They do also have a list of preferred vendors that you can work with if you wish not to use their provided service, and will welcome other vendors as long as they meet certain requirements.
Both levels of this venue have an open-air terrace with a covered roof, allowing the weddings guests access to the outdoors while staying close to the food, drinks, and celebration. Café Brauer is surrounded by majestic gardens, a lily pond, and Nature Boardwalk. The indoor architecture and stunning outdoor views combine to create the best indoor/outdoor wedding venue in Chicago.
Check out more at their website: https://www.lpzoo.org/venue/cafe-brauer/
8. Hilton Chicago Hotel
Hilton Chicago is one of the largest hotels in Chicago with a floor plan of more than 234,000 square feet for event space and 1500 guest rooms. There are more than a dozen ballrooms and other wedding spaces for you to choose from, and a maximum guest count of 1100. The size of this venue will require a lot of décor, but they can accommodate every guest and every type of cultural wedding.
Hilton Chicago began its life as The Stevens Hotel, which opened in 1927. In the 1940’s, the building was acquired by the Hilton Corporation and developed into its current grandeur. Throughout the years, the hotel has also been used as a movie set for titles such as Home Alone 2 and The Fugitive. Despite the vast improvements to its aesthetic, you will be surrounded by original architecture and design features.
Hilton Chicago is one of those all-inclusive venues that eliminates the need for outside vendors. Their elite catering team can work with you to develop a customised food and beverage menu that suits your style and culture.
If you are looking for a streamlined experience at a wedding venue, Hilton Chicago is the way to go. They provide each couple with a dedicated wedding specialist and can even set up an attendee website where guests can book rooms in your block, receive wedding updates, and more.
Check out more at their website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chichhh-hilton-chicago/events/
7. The Joinery
For more intimate weddings, The Joinery is an excellent venue. It offers both indoor and outdoor space to create a wedding that suits every couple. Its smaller size means a maximum capacity of 150 guests, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming venue for a small wedding.
The Joinery building has lived many lives. Its current purpose is to function as an intimate wedding and event venue, it has also been used as a factory, warehouse, and millwork shop over the years. Its industrial charm has been preserved and romanticized to create a perfectly charming wedding venue.
Since The Joinery is not an all-inclusive location, you are free to bring in any outside vendors that you wish to. As a result, you can try out some test meals from different caterers to find the best menu for the best price for your big day.
The staff at The Joinery are all about flexibility. They have some décor items and signage that you are able to use to lower décor costs, and they will help you decorate and plan a floor plan that is unique to you and your partner. Whatever your vision is for your wedding, you can see it come to life at The Joinery.
Check out more on their website: https://www.thejoinerychicago.com/weddings
6. The Arbory
The Arbory is an 8000 sq. ft wedding venue and one of the most unique locations in Chicago. It can seat up to 200 guests and is composed of two separate areas that help improve guest flow on your wedding day. Six skylights and provided greenery pieces help you light and structure the space in whatever way works best.
The Arbory began as a lumber warehouse over a century ago, and many of its historic architectural and industrial elements still remain today. During its renovation, the building was modeled after turn-of-the-century New Orleans. As a result, you will be treated to custom millwork, exposed brick, and stunning greenery that simultaneously keeps the history alive and welcomes the modern.
The Arbory invites you to bring in your own catering team as this is not an all-inclusive location. They provide a fully-equipped prep kitchen for your caterer and two bars to ensure all of your guests have access to prompt service at all times.
The Arbory is full of incredibly unique design elements and amenities that will stand the test of time. A living wall, video booth, custom and hand-painted murals, and event livestreaming are only a handful of the unique services and features you’ll find offered at The Arbory.
Check out more at their website: https://thearborychicago.com/weddings
5. The Field Museum
The Field Museum in its entirety occupies 480,000 square feet between the multiple levels. The versatile spaces of the museum allow you to host as few as 10 or as many as 1000 guests comfortably and safely. With the size of the museum and the diversity in exhibits, every couple will find their perfect room for hosting the ceremony and reception and the most unique locations for wedding photos.
The Field Museum was opened in 1894, and the collection moved to its current location in 1921 in order to expand and escape a decaying building. The museum is currently home to more than 65,000 exhibits in areas such as zoology, anthropology, geology, and more. Wedding venues don’t get more historic than that.
Any alcoholic beverages that you’d like to offer guests at your wedding will be provided by the Field Museum staff, but you have options when it comes to catering for the meal. You can choose from any of the approved vendors to cater your event, and they include Blue Plate, Food for Thought, and Levy Catering.
If getting married in an actual museum isn’t unique enough for you, there are some extra steps you can take to distinguish your wedding even further. If you care about sustainability as much as the folks at the Field Museum do, you can have them help you plan a locally sourced menu, flower arrangements exclusively made from native plants, and even a zero-waste wedding.
Check out more on their website: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/plan-your-special-event/weddings
4. Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is a sizable venue located in downtown Chicago. The Sidney R. Yates Gallery comprises almost half a city block and can seat as many as 420 guests comfortably. Preston Bradley Hall is the more popular room for weddings and can seat 320 guests.
The Chicago Cultural Center was built in 1897 and was a landmark even back then—it was the city’s first central public library. It is home to the worlds largest Tiffany dome and even features a second stained glass dome as well. Elements of the original architecture are still in place today—thick marble and mother-of-pearl detailing—that almost eliminate the need for any other décor.
The Chicago Cultural Center is not an all-inclusive venue, and as a result, your catering options are nearly unlimited. You will need to hire outside vendors (and a wedding planner to keep things organized) for every aspect of your wedding.
This venue is one of the most affordable venues in central Chicago, but it is also one of the most stunning. It offers fabulous views of Millennium Park and has one of the most intricate and eye-catching interior designs of any building in Chicago. If you’re looking for the best aesthetic for minimal cost, the Chicago Cultural Center is the place to find it.
Check out more on their website: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_culturalcenterweddinginformation.html
3. The Langham
The Langham is one of the only true five-star hotels in Chicago, and it comprises 342,000 square feet of real estate. Not only will all of your out-of-town guests have a place to stay as close to your wedding venue as it gets, but you will have multiple room options for your ceremony and reception. The largest is 5000 square feet in size and can hold a maximum wedding size of 260 guests.
The Langham building started out as an office space. In 1971, the lower 13 floors of the building were converted into one of the most elegant and luxurious hotels in Chicago. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a true Chicago landmark.
The Langham does not work with outside vendors. Instead, they offer you the services of their award-winning culinary staff. They will prepare a three-course dining experience customized to your preferences, and additional addons such as an ice cream bar or guest favors are available at an extra cost.
When it comes to luxury, nothing beats The Langham. The experience is all in the details, and with this venue, you can expect perfection. Edible flowers, monogrammed gifts from the hotel to the couple, and martini carts are only some of the extra touches you’ll receive from the Langham staff.
Check out more on their website: https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/chicago/events/weddings/
2. Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the most jaw-dropping locations in Chicago. It comprises 385 acres of land and encompasses 9 islands and 6 miles of lake shoreline. There are 27 separate gardens and four other natural areas in this location, plus an indoor venue as backup for poor weather. They have space for almost any guest party size.
The Chicago Botanic Garden has been in place at this permanent location since 1970, but its roots go all the way back to 1890 with the founding of The Chicago Horticultural Society. Aside from wedding and event hosting, the garden is home to youth and adult education programs and is open every day of the year.
This venue does limit catering to their exclusive vendor, Culinary Landscape. The menu is flexible and you can use any vendors you want for every other area of your wedding. Culinary Landscape can produce gourmet cuisine from every area of the world and can provide every service you need for a wedding: hors d’oeuvres, plated meals, or station/buffet style layouts, and a cocktail reception and champagne toast.
The flexibility offered by this venue is one of its most appealing qualities. There are a staggering number of areas within the Chicago Botanic Garden that can host a ceremony and reception, and getting married in a living museum means you’ll have the opportunity for stunning photo shoots and absolute serenity during your celebrations.
See more here on their website: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/events/catering/wedding
1. Chicago Athletic Association
The Chicago Athletic Association is a 17,000 square foot hotel located in downtown Chicago. With seven elegant event spaces available for booking and 241 guest suites in the hotel, you will be able to host your wedding and your overnight guests in one location. This venue can host between 150 and 280 guests for dinner and 260 to 500 guests for reception depending on which of the four event rooms you choose.
The Chicago Athletic Association has been around since the 1890’s. Built in 1893, it began as a private athletic and social club. While its purpose has evolved, much of its architecture has been preserved over the decades. You should expect nothing less than historic elegance, breathtaking décor, and luxury when you book your wedding at this venue.
Since this venue has 7 restaurants and bars on site, your catering is part of your all-inclusive package. They can host your bachelor and bachelorette parties, and on the day of your wedding, they offer hors d’oeuvres, a three course dinner, and wedding cake. They will also provide you with a 4 or 5 hour bar service as part of your wedding package.
One of the most appealing traits of the Chicago Athletic association. You will be surrounded by original gothic venetian architecture and all of the perks of the 2015 restoration. The entire 8th floor of the hotel will be reserved for your wedding, and you’ll be treated to stunning views of Millennium Park.
See more details on their website: https://www.chicagoathletichotel.com/weddings
*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 acres 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