• What makes Chicago a great destination for weddings?
    • Couples looking for a beautiful start to their shared lives will find no shortage of incredible wedding venues in Chicago, Illinois.
  • How can couples find the perfect wedding venue in Chicago?
    • Everyone has their vision of the perfect wedding, and among these Chicago wedding venues, they're sure to find the right spot to host it.

Best Time to Plan a Wedding in Chicago, Illinois

  • May to October – Best overall window for weddings with warm weather and vibrant city scenery.
  • June to September – Peak wedding season with lush parks, lake views, and festive summer vibes.
  • May & October – Shoulder months with milder temps and fewer tourists, ideal for outdoor venues.
  • November to April – Off-season with lower prices; indoor venues recommended due to cold and snow.
  • December – Consider a holiday-themed wedding with festive decor and a cozy winter atmosphere.

For Younger Couples

City Winery

Host chic, vineyard-inspired weddings with fine wine and urban charm.

City Winery

© Alain Milotti Photography

City Winery offers six distinct private wedding spaces that can be tailored to any couple's vision. Their main dining room features exposed brick, a wood-burning fireplace, and views of beautifully displayed oak barrels. The Barrel Room and Winery work best in tandem with one another, where oak barrels surround the guests as they enjoy an intimate dinner and small reception.

The mezzanine accommodates wedding parties of up to 80 people in a space that offers expansive views of Chicago's skyline. Their Concert Venue is the largest, holding up to 240 people; it's a rustic space with a versatile floor plan. They also have an outdoor patio surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for large outdoor weddings.

Address: City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St, Chicago, IL, Phone: 312-733-9463

Zhou B Art Center

Celebrate artistic, modern weddings surrounded by captivating contemporary art.

Zhou B Art Center

© Zhou B Art Center

The Zhou B Art Center, in Chicago's historic Bridgeport neighborhood, was founded in 2004 by world-renowned contemporary artists Shan Zuo and Da Huang Zhou as a place of artistic collaboration and community. The venue offers 28,000 square feet of space on two floors and can accommodate small or lavish weddings surrounded by world-class art.

Couples looking for a sophisticated yet trendy venue have found it here. Catering at Zhou B is provided by LM Catering, who can build a custom wedding menu for a plated dinner reception or design a glamorous cocktail-style reception. They have indoor reception space for up to 500 guests and outdoor reception space for up to 250 guests.

Address: Zhou B Art Center, 1029 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL, Phone: 773-523-0200

Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Plan unique, waterfront weddings with stunning skyline views.

Chicago's First Lady Cruises

© f11photo/stock.adobe.com

With Chicago River and Lake Michigan at hand, it is no wonder that partying on the water is a popular option for weddings, birthdays, office parties, and all other celebrations in Chicago.

Chicago's First Lady Cruises make it all possible, fun, and enjoyable with their fleet of cruising vessels that can fit groups ranging from two to 250 people. Whether you want to cruise on the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, or both, you can be sure your party will be a night that everyone will remember.

Address: Chicago's First Lady Cruises, 112 E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, Phone: 847-358-1330

For a Unique Event Space

Catalyst Ranch

Enjoy vibrant, eclectic weddings with colorful decor and creative ambiance.

Catalyst Ranch

© Catalyst Ranch

The Catalyst Ranch is a one-of-a-kind historic loft venue that is both lively and eccentric in its design; this colorful space offers a fun spirit with ethnic and vintage décor. There is plenty of diverse seating interspersed throughout the venue, perfectly suited for guests to kick up their heels, then take a break between dance numbers.

Located in the heart of the burgeoning West Loop area, the Catalyst Ranch is just steps away from eateries, hotels, and entertainment houses. They offer an esteemed special events team that works with each couple to create their dream wedding, including providing catering, music, floral, and photography vendors.

Address: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Rudolph, Suite 3W, Chicago, IL, Phone: 312-207-1710

City View Loft

Host stylish, industrial-chic weddings with floor-to-ceiling city views.

City View Loft

© Courtesy of BirgitKorber - Fotolia.com

The City View Loft is an excellent venue for couples who want to custom-design their weddings. The loft features 13-foot timber ceilings and an open concept floor plan. It is surrounded by glass windows that offer picturesque views of the Chicago cityscape.

With brick walls, chestnut wood tables and furnishings, and a bar area surrounding a grand dance floor, it is ideal for accommodating up to 128 guests. During the day, the space is infused with natural light and by nightfall, delicate candles and the twinkling lights of the city provide a romantic ambiance. They have experienced staff and a preferred vendor list to assist with every aspect of the wedding.

Address: City View Loft, 324 N Leavitt Street, suite 200, Chicago, IL, Phone: 312-600-8439

Loft on Lake

Celebrate trendy, loft-style weddings with exposed brick and natural light.

Loft on Lake

© Courtesy of IVASHstudio - Fotolia.com

Loft on Lake is an award-winning venue offering couples urban elegance with an artistic edge. The interior provides architectural elements such as 20-foot-high ceilings, exceptional exposed brick walls, and exposed beams made of warm oak timber.

The most outstanding element of this loft is the bow truss: A 65-foot-long skylight that bathes the loft in natural light by day and reflects the glow of the inside décor at night. The space itself can be completely transformed into any wedding design, whether couples are looking for an ethereal rustic ambiance or a more traditionally elegant, black-tie affair.

Address: Loft on Lake, 1366 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL, Phone: 312-738-2437

For a Luxury Wedding

Drake Hotel

Plan timeless, elegant weddings with classic luxury and Lake Michigan views.

Drake Hotel

© Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel offers couples a timeless elegance with three distinct wedding venues. Among them is the Gold Coast Room; at just under 7,000-square-feet, it is almost the same size as the ballroom in Buckingham Palace and is equally impressive. This regally decorated palatial ballroom also provides stunning views of Lake Michigan. Their second space, the Grand Ballroom, was originally built in the 1920s, offering a historical feel; it's the perfect venue for a roaring good time with a live band and views of iconic Walton Street. The third space is the French Room, ideal for smaller and more intimate weddings, boasting custom furnishings and picturesque views of Lake Michigan.

Address: Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL, Phone: 312-787-2200

Firehouse Chicago

Host intimate, vintage-inspired weddings in a restored historic firehouse.

Firehouse Chicago

© Firehouse Chicago

Firehouse Chicago was originally built for Engine Company 70 and served as an integral part of the neighborhood for over 100 years. It was restored to its former splendor, keeping the glazed brick and high ceilings, and now serves as an idyllic wedding venue for couples who want a vintage wedding.

The first-floor main area of the event space can accommodate up to 100 guests. It features a classically simple setup with reclaimed wood farm tables and bars, vintage furniture, seating vignettes, and padded fruitwood folding chairs. The second floor is a vintage locker room. Firehouse Chicago also features an outdoor garden area with a wedding platform.

Address: Firehouse Chicago, 1545 West Rosemont, Chicago IL, Phone: 773-850-1545

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