What makes Chicago wedding venues special?

Chicago is famous for its incredible and influential architecture. Say “We Do” in an 1870s Victorian mansion, a historical post office, or a glass atrium with a wraparound terrace. From historical sites that reflect its heritage to extravagant banquet halls in Chicago, the city is home to incredible buildings any couple would dream to wed in.

What should we consider when browsing Chicago wedding venues?

With so many incredible options to choose from, narrowing down your search is important. Don’t drown in the sea of possibilities on other sites. Zola can help you hone your search to the spaces that meet your needs. Consider these crucial components when shopping for wedding reception venues in Chicago:

Price: There are plenty of affordable wedding venues in Chicago, from beautiful hotels downtown that offer wedding packages to newer contemporary venues that offer competitive pricing. Narrow down your search for the perfect Chicago wedding venue that falls within your budget by using Zola’s price filter.

Capacity: Weed out any venues that are too small or too big for your guest list from the start with Zola’s capacity filter. Whether you have 25 guests or 250, there’s a space suitable for you.

Setting: Whether you want sweeping views of the city skyline or ceilings dripping with gold fixtures, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for among the wide selection of unique wedding venues in Chicago. Filter by setting with Zola to specify indoor, outdoor, or covered outdoor and find what you’re looking for.

Event Type: In addition to your ceremony and reception venues, you may be looking for the perfect intimate restaurant to host your rehearsal dinner. Zola can help you filter your search based on the event type to find the ideal space for each event. With a host of intimate Italian restaurants and contemporary eateries to choose from, idyllic Chicago event venues won’t be in short supply.

Availability: There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a venue only to realize it’s not available on your date. If your heart is set on a Saturday in September, filter by availability to find the right space.

What else should we know before booking a Chicago wedding venue?

There are two very important things to note before you book a wedding venue in Chicago: the style of your wedding and the weather around the date of your booking.

Style: Knowing your style will help you select the right venue because there are so many unique wedding venues in Chicago. The older architecture beautifully lends itself to art deco-style weddings while riverfront rooftops are more fitting for contemporary weddings. If you’re getting married in the spring or summer, consider a greenhouse or arboretum, perfect for a garden soiree.

Weather: The Windy City got its name for a reason. Besides creating a chilly atmosphere and causing your dress and veil to blow in the breeze, wind can make the ceremony hard to hear, and put lightweight decor at risk of flying away. When you walk through any outdoor venue, note what the weather will be like on your wedding day and whether or not the space is protected from the wind.