The Best Wedding Venues in Chicago
As one of the great American cities and situated along the majesty of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers no shortage of unique venues for an intimate and inspired wedding celebration. From the bohemian urban-garden aesthetic of Salvage One and the RM Champagne Salon, to the lush florals of the Garfield Conservatory, to an intimate ceremony on the lakeshore, there is a unique backdrop for any variety of wedding ceremony and reception. Whether you grew up in Illinois, or are looking to plan a destination wedding in the Chicago area, my hope is that this curated list serves as an aid and inspiration to help you bring your unique and personal wedding vision to life.
Location: West Town, Chicago
Capacity: 250
Price Range: $5500 - $9000
This turn of the century warehouse features lovely exposed brick, plenty of bohemian design elements, and an enclosed urban-garden courtyard, making it one of Chicago's most inspired and creative event spaces. On weekdays Salvage One functions as a showcase store for reclaimed and salvaged design pieces spread out over 60,000 square feet and four floors, all of which are yours to help bring your unique wedding vision to life. With its charming industrial-garden aesthetic and forward-thinking mission, it is no wonder Salvage One has been voted as "the best place to get married" by the Chicago Reader three years in a row. (Image by Samantha Simmons)
Location: Garfield Park, Chicago
Capacity: 300
Price Range: $300 - $5000
For a lush, tropical celebration in the heart of the city, the Garfield Conservatory is as good as it gets. With a variety of greenhouse rental spaces to accommodate both intimate and larger-scale parties and towering glass ceilings providing gorgeous light at all times of the day, this venue lends itself perfectly to an inspired, bohemian wedding ceremony and reception. (Image by Galaxie Andrews)
Location: West Loop, Chicago
Capacity: 125
Price Range: $5000 - $20,000
Tucked away down a secluded, cobblestone alleyway, the RM Champagne Salon is a Parisian-inspired bar and restaurant ideally suited for an intimate, urban celebration. With its exposed brick, dangling bistro lights and a generous helping of natural light, the charming open-air patio is perfect for an intimate ceremony and seated dinner. Indoors the Salon is equally cozy with its signature blue paper wall, vintage Moroccoan lamps and other stylish details setting the scene with romantic ambiance. (Image by RM Champagne Salon)
Location: Glencoe, IL
Capacity: 275
Price Range: $1000 - $12,000
Situated just 30 minutes north of downtown and brushing up against Lake Michigan, the Chicago Botanic Gardens offer a wide array of indoor and outdoor spaces to host your ceremony and reception. Take full advantage of its 26 gardens and four natural areas all situated on 385 expansive acres to make your rustic-elegant wedding celebration a reality. (Image by Chicago Botanic Gardens)
Location: Elburn, IL
Capacity: 250
Price Range: $5000 - $40,000
For an outdoor farm-to-table wedding celebration within 50 miles of Chicago, the Heritage Prairie Farm is the best of the best. As a Certified Organic Farm, Heritage boasts several stunning outdoor ceremony sites of your choosing amongst its rolling woodlands, meadows, and gardens, and incorporates its seasonal fresh produce into each reception dinner menu.(Image by Ann & Kam)
Lake Michigan
With the natural beauty of the Great Lakes at the doorstep of the city, I would be remiss to not mention the lakeshore itself as a location for an intimate, outdoor ceremony or elopement near Chicago. Consider an Airbnb rental which is a very cost-effective option for hosting a ceremony or backyard celebration along the lakeshore.