April 4, 2023
Are you planning a luxury wedding in none other than Chicago, Illinois? If so, this blog was written for you! As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve put together a list of the top 15 luxury Chicago wedding venues for you to browse through. Be sure to check out each individual website for photos of the venues!
Beginning with our very first luxury Chicago wedding venue: The Old Post Office! Now, I know that doesn’t sound like the most lavish of venues, but when you see the photos, you’ll definitely feel otherwise. Known as the “singular most unique site in the nation,” The Old Post Office was built in 1921 and has undergone many rounds of renovation since then. The most recent one being an $800 million dollar project that transformed it into the space we see today. There are over 2.5 million square feet of space in the building for the taking! I highly recommend checking out all of the event spaces they have to offer, and then let me know which one you’ve decided on 😉
If you’re an Art Deco lover, then you’re going to swoon over this Chicago rooftop venue! The Penthouse Hyde Park sits on top of the historic Picadilly Building and keeps the same classic architectural style. The black and white color palette practically screams “elegance,” along with the floor-to-ceiling windows that boast city skyline views. Along with the rooftop ballroom, all couples have access to the expansive rooftop terrace for your cocktail hour or intimate ceremony.
The timeless beauty of The Rookery Building is not the kind you see every day. This Chicago landmark has been deemed one of the most historically significant buildings in the city! It remains an icon in the downtown Financial District to this very day. It has been meticulously renovated and maintained as its purpose has shifted throughout the years. The event space practically glows with its white marble and gold accented interior, giving the ultimate luxury vibe that couples like you would absolutely fall in love with.
Images of The Rookery Building:
You can truly have it all at The Dalcy Event Hall! With 6000 square feet of indoor space and 4,000 square foot rooftop, there’s certainly no shortage of room at this luxury Chicago wedding venue. The dark and moody atmosphere of the venue contrasts with the previous ones we’ve talked about, perfect for couples who are looking for a slightly more sultry feel. The Dalcy shares the 3rd floor of the building with Aba, the Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant that also serves as the preferred event caterer.
Although a winery isn’t the classic choice for a wedding venue, it certainly would be gorgeous! Chicago Winery, especially, has a stunning indoor and outdoor space designed to host luxury events. Their wedding packages include custom wine blends that are made on-site for you and your guests! The venue is a warm, modern space with rich colors and lavish accents that complement the vibrant arts scene of River North. Their rooftop terrace offers views of their working winery and is available all year round for your intimate ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception.
Morgan’s on Fulton is one of the most unique luxury wedding venues in Chicago. Let’s start with the fact that this is a fully retractable glass-enclosed rooftop located in one of the most desirable districts of Chicago, Fulton Market. The design leans on the contemporary side with a sleek black structure, allowing the glass walls and ceiling to really steal the show. If you’re looking for a modern, industrial-style venue that can be transformed into a warm and romantic atmosphere by the time your reception rolls around, then this would be the perfect event space for you!
Images of Morgan’s on Fulton:
Theater on the Lake is one of the only lakefront wedding venues in all of Chicago. You get stunning views of the city’s skyline, park, and Lake Michigan when you host your event here! With polished concrete floors and historic architecture, the venue finds the perfect balance between modern and classic. There is also a 6,000-square-foot terrace that overlooks the lake, perfect for a warm, summer evening wedding!
Did you know that you could host your luxury Chicago wedding at the Field Museum of Natural History? There are several indoor spaces, terraces, and gardens to choose from at the Museum, giving you plenty of options to choose from! Whether you’re having an intimate microwedding or lavish celebration, you will most definitely find a space here that you love.
One gorgeous property with two equally beautiful wedding venues! Galleria Marchetti would be anyone’s first choice when looking for a luxury Chicago wedding venue. The first location, The Pavillion, is a three-space venue with a lush courtyard, old-word anteroom, and a state-of-the-art event tent. La Pergola, on the other hand, is the smaller of the two venues that feature a European-designed tent, exhibition kitchen, and motorized retractable roofs. How innovative is that? This would be such a perfect option for couples who want to dance the night away under the stars while still having a structured space. The Moroccan brass scones and travertine flooring will inspire you to plan the European-esque wedding of your dreams.
Although their website is currently under construction, you can visit their Instagram profile to see the most stunning photos of this venue! Couples have transformed the spaces to create the most magical, whimsical ambiance you can imagine. The creamy neutral interior provides the perfect blank slate to complement whatever themes you choose for your luxury Chicago wedding. The tented outdoor courtyard offers the same flexibility, which gives you the open invitation to keep things as simple or extravagant as you’d like.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a world-renowned cultural destination… and you can host your wedding here! Just imagine all of the insanely beautiful spaces and backdrops to choose from at the Garden. Keep in mind their policy states that you do have to host both your ceremony and reception at the Garden, but that shouldn’t be an issue given how many indoor and outdoor spaces are available onsite.
This West Loop Chicago wedding venue gives off a luxurious, urban chic vibe while still maintaining its warmth and brightness. The oversized industrial windows flood the space with natural light and the venue has an ‘open air’ feel when the adjoining terrace is utilized! The rental fee includes use of their collection of high-end furniture that will spice up the space in addition to the more traditional wedding rentals.
Images of Loft Lucia:
Where do I even begin with Fairlie Chicago! This is a whopping 15,000-square-foot venue featuring 35-foot ceilings, multiple levels with mezzanines, lounge rooms, a custom-built grand staircase, and epic skyline views. You definitely won’t feel uncomfortably crowded at this venue with all of the expansive space that’s yours for the taking! Some of the more unique aspects of this venue are 1) they allow pet-friendly ceremonies! And 2) they have interior motor vehicle access, which means you are more than welcome to book your favorite food truck to cater your event.
Cafe Brauer is Chicago’s most scenic al fresco restaurant and bar located south of the Lincoln Park main zoo grounds. On the second floor of the restaurant, however, is where the magic happens! That floor is a dedicated, red brick ballroom for elegant, one-of-a-kind events. There are also two covered outdoor patios (called the loggias) where you can host your ceremony or cocktail hour! There are several beautiful places to take your wedding photos nearby the venue being located within the infamously picturesque Lincoln Park.
Last but certainly not least on our list of luxury Chicago wedding venues is Morgan MFG! This venue is truly as grand as it gets. With over 32,000 feet of world-class space, soaring ceilings, and exposed concrete, glass, and steel, Morgan MFG is the ultimate industrial-elegant style space in Chicago. As you can imagine, there are virtually unlimited ways you can take advantage of all of the spaces available here!
Now that you know 15 of the best luxury Chicago wedding venues, it’s time to take the next step in the planning process! If you’re looking for a Chicago wedding photographer, I would love to hear from you. To get in touch with me, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you shortly – I’ll be waiting to pop the champagne!
Cailynn Wolfgang is a luxury intimate wedding photographer based in Chicago and available worldwide.
Copyright 2019, Cailynn Wolfgang
[…] I would love for you to inquire about your Chicago wedding so we can chat all about what you envision! To get in touch with me, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you shortly. Clinking glasses await! In the meantime, check out my blog post that lists some of my absolute favorite luxury Chicago wedding venues. […]