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Nicole Catatao
Nicole Catatao | 13 Aug 2021

The Best Venues to Hold Your Wedding in Chicago

2021 is fast becoming the year of the wedding. With so many couples rearranging their big days, wedding planners are struggling to fit everyone in. That means one thing – you need to get in early and book your Chicago wedding as soon as possible!

But where do you start your search? Right here!

The 5 Best Wedding Venues in Chicago

Chicago has no shortage of incredible wedding venues to choose from. The variety of locales is what makes an urban hitching in the city such an exciting prospect. From indie music venues to botanical palaces, and from grand old halls to rooftop luxury, you can do it your way. 

Here’s the rundown of the best venues in town and plus all the key information you need to make your decision. 

Lincoln Hall

Legendary live music venue Lincoln Hall is the ideal spot for a rock-chic wedding. The combination of brickwork, metal, and wood gives the interior a modern yet industrial feel, perfect for a less formal celebration. 

lincoln hall

Catering comes from James Beard award-winning chef Debbie Gold, who will craft a custom menu to your exact taste while the three fully stocked bars, three private rooms, and of course, the full concert stage, will give you plenty of room for an exuberant celebration.

lincoln hall stage

Newberry Library

If it sounds like a bad joke to hold a wedding in a library, you have not experienced the majesty of Newberry Library. For a more sophisticated venue for your big day, look no further than this grand old building located in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. A stone’s throw away from historic landmarks like the Water Tower Campus, the building is in fine company. 

newberry library tables

Head up the grand staircase and into the spacious halls with their intricate architectural details and you’ll be leading your guests into a world of historic splendor. Expect the finest selection of canapés, cocktails, and carefully constructed dishes to be served in style by the experienced team. This is a unique location for a very special wedding day.

newberry library staircase

Upstairs at The Gwen

For those of you looking to escape the urban cacophony that is Chicago’s busy streets. The Gwen’s stunning rooftop offers a high-flying respite. The tree-lined patio shows of unparalleled views over the city as they sip on innovative cocktails and enjoy fine-dining bites served on Villeroy + Boch china. Swarovski chandeliers will add sparkle to your event overhead as you pose for the most incredible wedding photos from the best vantage point around.

the gwen patio

When all is said and done, don’t worry about taxis, just stumble downstairs to your boutique hotel room at The Gwen. Get in touch with the team to talk about special rates on the venue when you book rooms for your wedding party.

the gwen dining

The Crystal Gardens on Navy Pier

The amazing Crystal Gardens is a truly unique wedding venue that’ll make the other couples instantly jealous. The cavernous six-story glass dome filled with tropical flora and fauna makes for the most stunning of environments.

crystal gardens

The gigantic venue can accommodate up to 500 guests and although it is currently closed for private events, it may be worth getting in touch about future plans so you're first in line when it reopens.

crystal gardens wedding

The Penthouse Hyde Park

You can’t get much more royal and regal than Hyde Park. The Penthouse Hyde Park is perched atop the former Picadilly Theater which has been delighting Chicago’s film-lovers since the 1920s. Nowadays, the venue is a decadent mix of modern touches and art deco features, creating a truly unique experience worthy of your wedding day. 

the penthouse bride

The huge balcony can handle up to 200 guests while the two-floor bridal suite offers the perfect escape for the bride’s preparations. Choose from a range of food and drinks packages served on traditional round banquet tables for that classic look and feel.

the penthouse wedding

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