10 of the Best Wedding Venues in Chicago

Chicago is practically bursting at the seams when it comes to wedding venues. From modern, elegant spaces, to historic and luxurious venues, and literally SO many other settings, the Windy City is spoiled with options. So how do you choose the venue that’s best for you, and what are some of the best venues the city has to offer? That’s exactly what we’re here to find out! These are 10 of my favorite wedding venues I’ve photographed throughout my years as a wedding photographer in Chicago, as well as some tips on how to find the venue that’s best for you!

10 of My Favorite Wedding Venues in Chicago

1. The Dalcy

Starting things off VERY strong is The Dalcy! The Dalcy is in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District, and is a wonderful wedding venue for a number of reasons. The building itself has a classic, rustic aesthetic to it that has been updated with the best amenities and décor to give it a breathtaking degree of elegance. Between the different package options available, the premiere location, and the abundance of amenities listed below, it’s practically impossible to find something not to like about The Dalcy!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity of 250
• 3 Amazing and Inclusive Package Options
• Tables, Custom Chairs, and Designer Linens Included
• On-Site Getting Ready Suite
• Coat Check and Valet Service
• Top of the Line Light and Sound Systems
• In-House Catering and Beverage Options
• Great Location in the Fulton Market District
• Rooftop Deck Space

2. Fairlie

Next on my list is Fairlie, a frequent wedding venue on my blog! Fairlie has been featured multiple times on my blog for good reason. I love this venue and their commitment to doing the most for their couples. From their flexibility in vendor choices, to the assistance they provide throughout the experience, they want to make sure every couple has THE best wedding day possible. The wedding venue is also strikingly gorgeous, and is in the wonderful neighborhood of West Town which only adds to the experience. Check out Natalia and Sam’s wedding for a closer look at the space, and if you’d like a more in depth breakdown be sure to check out my venue feature!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity of 250 Seated, 400 Cocktail Style Reception
• Flexible with Vendor Choices
• 2 On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
• Coat Check and On-Site Parking
• Venue Manager and Security
• Pet Friendly! (Ceremony Only)
• Located in West Town

3. Walden Chicago

Another familiar face of the blog, Walden Chicago is the next wedding venue here on my list of favorites! Also found in West Town, Walden has a few key features that separate them from other venues in the city. In addition to the gorgeous setting of the venue itself, they also offer a ton of amenities for couples to enjoy. The main area they specialize in is their planning assistance services that they offer. Walden aims to be your one stop shop for everything you need to plan for and prepare the wedding day of your dreams! They also strive to employ sustainable business practices, what’s not to love?! Check out Annie and Chaz’s wedding here for a closer look, as well as my venue feature for a deeper dive into this amazing venue!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity Ranging from 250 to 500
• Planning Assistance Including Support, Vendor Relations, Event Design, and Day of Logistics
• Fabulous In-House Catering and Beverage Service
• On-Site Getting Ready Suite
• Coat Check and On-Site Gated Parking
• Vendor Recommendations with Total Freedom of Final Choice
• Option for On-Site Supervision for Kids if you’d Like an Adults Only Party
• Plenty More Amenities and Offerings!
• Rooftop Access for Portraits
• Located in West Town

4. Stan Mansion

The Stan Mansion is a renowned wedding venue in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood! This historic mansion was the site of an old Masonic Temple, and has since become a luxurious and elegant wedding venue in more recent times! The Stan Mansion offers some of the most gorgeous interior settings for you to celebrate your wedding, so much so that you may not even want to leave for portraits around the city! They’ve also started to branch off into hosting micro-weddings as well, so if that’s more your speed be sure to inquire with them to find out more info!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity of 300 Seated or 400 Cocktail
• Access to All Three Distinct Spaces (Grand Ballroom, Versailles Lounge, Crystal Ballroom)
• Tables and Chairs Included
• On-Site Getting Ready Suite
• Endless Portrait Opportunities Inside and Out
• 13 Hour Venue Access (Includes Setup and Teardown Time)
• Located in Logan Square

5. The Metropolitan

If you’ve dreamt of celebrating your wedding day 67 stories above Chicago, The Metropolitan is the wedding venue for you! The incredible Metropolitan Restaurant of Willis Tower is also capable of hosting weddings with hundreds of guests. It’s a totally unique experience to Chicago, but the venue is MUCH more than just its views and setting! The in-house catering is phenomenal, and their planning assistance and service staff are some of the best around. The Metropolitan easily earns its place on this list!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity of 240
• Wonderful In-House Catering and Beverages with Customizable Menus
• Two Distinct Spaces (Oak Ballroom and East Ballroom)
• Excellent Event Staff
• Tables, Chairs, Linens, and Tableware
• Planning Assistance and Vendor Recommendations
• On the 67th Floor of Willis (Sears) Tower in The Loop

6. Voco Hotel

The next wedding venue I want to look at is none other than the Voco Hotel, another Chicago wedding venue that’s been featured on my blog before! The Voco Hotel’s centralized location in downtown Chicago, directly on the riverfront, makes it incredibly easy to get to portrait locations and a separate ceremony location if you’d like. You can also spend the entirety of your wedding day at the Voco Hotel though and you’d have just as great an experience! Stunning portrait locations, a modern and luxurious atmosphere, excellent service, and tons of amenities all make this a phenomenal venue option of Chicago! Check out Kaila and Frank’s wedding to see this space in action, and if you’d like more information about the details of the Voco Hotel check out my venue feature!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity Ranging from 150 to 800
• Four Separate Event Spaces to Choose From
• Planning Assistance and Coordination Services
• Wonderful In-House Catering and Beverage Service
• On-Site Getting Ready Space
• 293 Hotel Rooms for You and Your Guests (Can be Used as Getting Ready Space as Well)
• Located on the Chicago River

7. Galleria Marchetti

Couples looking for a wedding venue with European inspired charm must have Galleria Marchetti on their list! This wedding venue has some of THE best indoor and outdoor spaces in Chicago, multiple venue options within it, a classic European style to its architecture, and a commitment to bringing each couples unique vision for their wedding day to life. Galleria Marchetti is one of those venues that really gives you the freedom to create the wedding day you want, all in a space that is already stunning!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacities of 200-900 (The Pavilion) and 100-250 (La Pergola)
• 2 Separate Venue Spaces (The Pavilion and La Pergola)
• Full Venue Buyout is Available
• The Pavilion is Larger and Features a Courtyard, Main Ballroom, and Antique Bar Room
• La Pergola is a Smaller Space and Features a Covered Ballroom and Indoor Cocktail Hour Space
• Outstanding In-House Catering and Beverage Options
• Wonderful Service Staff
• Located in Chicago’s River West Neighborhood

8. Osteria Via Stato

There are a TON of amazing restaurants in The Loop that make for phenomenal wedding venues, but for this article we’re just going to focus on one to keep things simple: Osteria Via Stato! This authentic Italian restaurant in River North is one of the best when it comes to hosting weddings both big and small. The venue’s setting feels as if you’ve been transported to a romantic restaurant in the Tuscan countryside. The vibe is just one of the MANY areas where Osteria Via Stato excels as a wedding venue, check out some of their amenities and offerings below!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity Ranging from 15 to 235
• Excellent Authentic Italian Cuisine
• Wedding Planner and Attentive Staff
• Tables, Chairs, Linens, and Tableware
• Limoncello Favors (!!!)
• Additional Amenities and Add-Ons Available
• In-House Bar Service
• Package Options for Large and Small Weddings
• Located in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood

9. The Drake Hotel

Next up is the iconic Drake Hotel! One of the most historic and recognizable landmarks of Lake Shore Drive, and Chicago in general, The Drake’s elegant setting is one of the best in the city when it comes to luxurious wedding venues. The grand hotel features a variety of spaces to choose from to host your day, each as marvelous as the next. Their catering, service staff, and package options all are of the highest quality as well, and the wonderful location on the Mag Mile gives you so many options for portraits nearby!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity Ranging from 50 to 900
• In-House Planning Available
• 4 Distinct Event Spaces (Gold Coast Room, Grand Ballroom, French Room, and Camellia Room)
• Phenomenal Catering
• Special Package Option for 2025 (Select Dates Between December 2025 and March 2026)
• 535 Guest Rooms and 74 Suites
• On the Mag Mile, Just South of Oak Street Beach

10. Chicago Winery

The final wedding venue on my list is the effortlessly elegant Chicago Winery! One of the most beautiful wedding venues in the city, the Chicago Winery features a distinct modern aesthetic that I am in love with. More than just its immense beauty though, the Chicago Winery features an abundance of amenities, stellar service, and a prime location in River North making it an all around fantastic option to celebrate your love within!

Amenities and Additional Notes

• Guest Capacity of 200
• Tables, Chairs, Linen, Tableware, and More Included
• In-House Event Manager
• Vendor Recommendations
• In-House Catering and Beverages (Including their Amazing Wine)
• Package Options
• Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
• Located in Chicago’s River North

Other Planning Tips and Resources

Choosing the Right Venue for You

With how many incredible wedding venues there are throughout Chicago it can feel impossible to know which is best for you! Luckily I put together another article that goes through the 10 questions you need to ask yourselves when looking for a wedding venue. As you begin your search for the perfect venue in Chicago, work through this list with your partner so that you know what to look for in a wedding venue!

Book Your Vendors Early

In addition to booking your wedding venue, another crucial area in wedding planning is booking the vendor team that will bring your vision to life. Similarly to wedding venues though, Chicago is spoiled with options when it comes to amazing and talented wedding vendors! Check out a list of my favorites here as well as what makes each so important to your day. When planning a wedding in Chicago it’s better to reach out earlier to your wedding vendors, especially if you have a specific vision in mind that only they can make a reality!

Those are 10 of my favorite wedding venues in Chicago as well as some resources to help you throughout your planning process! I have a TON of other resources on my blog that you should check out, like a look at my photography packages. If you’re interested in having me document your wedding day (and give you a hand in planning it), be sure to send me an inquiry through my contact page ASAP!