Chicago, the Windy City, is one of the most well-known locations in the United States. This hot spot is known for its deep-dish pizza, rich history, and fascinating sites. Whether you’re a Chicago native or want to have a destination spot for your big day, this city is ideal! Some of the most beautiful venues for an intimate reception in the Windy City include:
- Loft on Lake
- Firehouse Chicago
- Stan Manion
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- The Ivy Room
- Palmer House
Not sure which of these amazing choices should be where you say your vows? Don’t worry! This guide will cover the must-know details for these venues so you can decide on the ideal spot for your special day.
Loft on Lake
Loft on Lake is a beautiful, award-winning venue near the city’s heart: West Loop. This site is intimate and has that cozy feel, thanks to the exposed brick and overhead beams. And if you go with this option, you can almost guarantee breathtaking photos thanks to the natural beauty.
Why This Option?
We recommend Loft on Lake to couples with big dreams for their décor and options of layout for the space since this venue accommodates that. Loft on Lake prioritizes making a couple’s vision a reality because the venue managers know how important your unique touch is to such a special day. The venue can accommodate 125 guests, so it’s ideal for mid-size weddings.
Looking for another reason to go with Loft on Lake? It works with over 25 caterers! You can easily get your favorite food for cocktail hour, the main course, and dessert. Skip the risk of bland wedding food and give your guests something delicious!
Bridal Tip
Loft on Lake allows you to take virtual tours of the venue, making it easier to decide whether to book a tour of the space. This makes the decision-making process even easier since you won’t have to waste as much time visiting places you feel unsure of. If the online preview passes your test, book an in-person tour to narrow down your top contenders.
Firehouse Chicago
Firehouse Chicago is another top wedding venue located on Rosemont Ave. If you love historical sites, this is the venue for you; it’s from 1906! Of course, with the modern amenities and breathtaking garden, you’d never guess this venue is over a century old.
Why This Option?
So aside from its history, what makes Firehouse Chicago stand out? Its hands-on staff will help you handle all the planning and decorating to ensure your perfect wedding. Plus, they list all their available amenities on the homepage to make it easier for you to determine if the value is worth the price. Choose a venue that makes wedding planning easier so you can soak up the bliss of engagement.
Stan Mansion
This is one of Chicago’s top wedding locations for a reason. Not only is there enough room for the wedding party to get ready before the ceremony, but there is also ample space for when the party starts. Plus, Stan Mansion is an elegant venue, and the staff welcomes every couple that walks through the mansion doors regardless of faith, orientation, gender, or any other aspect.
Why This Option?
There’s no denying that this venue is picturesque inside and out. From the outside, the mansion looks like a castle. The inside is nothing less than luxurious with that beautiful touch of marble. Summer couples can get pictures outside with vibrant flowers, while winter brings a dazzling blanket of snow.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Getting married outdoors means you rely on the weather and other elements you can’t control, increasing your stress levels. Plan your wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory to skip the stress and keep the beauty of lush plants! They have various rooms available for multiple events.
Why This Option?
Why is this option one of the best venues for an intimate reception in Chicago? Because it’s the ideal place for anyone, especially those outdoorsy couples. The Garfield Park Conservatory has space for outdoor ceremonies but also has an indoor hall. And best of all, you don’t have to spend extra cash on decorations with all the natural beauty surrounding you!
The Ivy Room
The Ivy Room is a beautiful venue that’s historic and right next to the Chicago River. The courtyard is breathtaking for an outdoor ceremony with a unique backdrop of natural ivy on the building. Even better is that the Ivy Room offers full service, so you don’t have to fret over hiring outside vendors for your perfect day.
Why This Option?
From the outside, The Ivy Room looks like a fairy tale with all that lush ivy on the building. It also has various culinary displays for you to choose from as you decide on your wedding menu. You can have seasonal food for your guests, like pumpkin ravioli in winter, or serve a tasty Italian dinner.
Palmer House
Our final top venue is the Palmer House at the Hilton Hotel. This venue isn’t just beautiful; it’s also beyond romantic since it was a gift from Potter Palmer to his wife back in 1871. It doesn’t get sweeter than that!
Why This Option?
The Palmer House has several ballrooms for you to choose from depending on your wedding vision and the size of your guest list. It has space for the wedding party to get ready, plenty of room for the ceremony, and a hall for your reception. And best of all, this hotel has a spa! So you can schedule some well-deserved pampering to relax before the big day.
Bonus Ideas and Options
Chicago is a vast city, and there are countless incredible sites where you can get married. Below are a few bonus options:
- Brookfield Zoo
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- The Shedd Aquarium
- Halim Time & Glass Museum
- The Museum of Science History
- Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
- Chicago Winery
All these options are excellent for a unique wedding that reflects your interests. If you love animals, then one of the zoos or the aquarium is a wonderful venue. On the other hand, if you love wine, then Chicago Winery could be your top contender.
Deciding On the Perfect Venue
We all define the perfect venue differently based on what we value. Some couples want to get married in a place with a rich history, but others prioritize aesthetics or personalization.
Narrow your options by evaluating the price and reviewing the amenities offered in your rental package. Does it cover furniture and vendors, or will you have to pay extra? Considering this will make it easier for you to decide which Chicago sight is best for your wedding.
Consider Experience
When it comes to your wedding, there are a few things guests don’t care about, but your venue isn’t one of them. Most guests expect to be impressed by the space when they walk into it. To achieve this, you need to decide on a location that’s beautiful but also reflects you and your partner. If you love nature, an indoor wedding with a highly modern look may not seem to suit you.
Consider Guest List
As you look at venues, you also need to think about the guest list. Some locations have strict rules for the number of people allowed in the space for safety reasons. Ignoring maximum capacity rules can come with fines that’ll put a damper on your wedding. Likewise, you don’t want to rent a space that just fits your number of guests since this can leave people feeling cramped.
A Closing Note
Chicago is a beautiful city and has some of the best places for you to tie the knot. Take time to inspect your options and check out the websites of locations that seem the most promising. From here, list out your favorite sites and make an appointment to go on a tour. What matters most is that you and your partner decide on the venue that aligns with your vision. It’s time to start planning your Chicago wedding!
