While it may be known as “the Second City,” when it comes to its modern architecture, lakefront skyline, and deep dish pizza, Chicago is second to none. From the high rise buildings of downtown to the up-and-coming neighborhoods of the West Loop and Logan Square, the city truly has a feel of its own. Plenty of venues in the Windy City also reflect the local character. From the modern to the historic, here are six of our favorite unique Chicago wedding venues.
Ignite Glass Studios
Located in the West Loop neighborhood, Ignite Glass Studios combines gallery, garden, and rooftop venues all into one! The Rooftop Deck provides amazing views of the Chicago skyline, while the Urban Garden is an artistic setting with unique glass art, fruit trees, and patio lights for evening events. And if you’re worried about the weather, the Event Studio is a large indoor space with high ceilings and great views of the garden. All three event spaces make for an experience your guests won’t soon forget. All of this, plus you get their excellent service and there’s plenty of free parking in the area!
Capacity: 230
Typical cost: $3,000–$8,500 (a la carte), $4,000–$9,000 (package)
Bonus: You can opt to have a custom glass piece made as part of a unity ceremony.
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Crystal Gardens
The Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier is a venue that allows you to get married surrounded by beautiful greenery in Chicago—any time of the year. The six-story glass atrium can host weddings of all sizes and features 80 palm trees, beautiful fountains, and great views of the pier and the city.Their in-house catering likewise gets high marks. Dinner options include prosciutto wrapped French cut chicken breast and porcini crusted Chilean sea bass.
Capacity: 500
Typical cost: $1,250 ceremony fee, receptions from $133 per person
Bonus: Crystal Gardens offers a South Asian wedding package that includes special vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus!
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The Rookery Building
The Rookery Building is justifiably famous among Chicagoans and historians of architecture. The oldest high-rise in the city, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The building was completed in 1888, but its standout feature is the lobby which was redesigned in 1905 by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Light Court, with its cast iron columns partially covered by white carved marble, is where Wright left his signature on the building and it is an absolutely spectacular setting for your wedding. You and your guests will fall in love with the space while enjoying an exquisite meal prepared by Jewell Events Catering!
Capacity: 170–180
Typical cost: $6,250–$7,750 rental fee
Bonus: The building is LEED certified, so it’s also one of the most eco-friendly venues in the city!
Emil Bach House
The Rookery Building isn’t the only wedding venue in the city associated with Frank Lloyd Wright. The Emil Bach House is another piece of architectural history that was designed by the famous architect and built in 1915 in his late Prairie style. The elegant Japanese tea house is a popular venue on the grounds that can be rented with the adjacent gardens for the perfect indoor/outdoor wedding experience. In addition to the beautiful architecture and the historical significance, couples give the proprietors rave reviews for helping every aspect of their wedding day go smoothly.
Capacity: 25-125
Typical cost: $1,495–$2,595
Bonus: The Lang House Bed & Breakfast next door has the same owners and is a lovely place for you and your wedding party to stay during your wedding weekend!
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Gallery 1028
Though it was once a heavy industrial area, the Goose Island neighborhood is now mainly home to tech companies and creative lofts. Representing this up-and-coming neighborhood, Gallery 1028 has an industrial look that feels both modern and historic at the same time. With exposed brick walls, original wood floors, and large windows, it might be exactly the aesthetic you’ve been dreaming of for your wedding. The venue also boasts an in-house catering service that will design a custom menu for you based on your needs.
Capacity: 250
Typical cost: $1,500–$6,000 rental fee, dinner from $165 per person
Bonus: The venue doesn’t charge a ceremony fee, and other than catering, you can choose whichever vendors you like for your event.
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Greenhouse Loft
The Greenhouse Loft is a 3,600-square-foot event space that features fantastic natural lighting and a beautiful courtyard. Constructed in 1913, the building was originally a garment factory. In the years since, however, it has been renovated to be a green building that is Platinum LEED certified and a member of the Green Wedding Alliance. While the big picture is stunning enough, the details are what make this venue one of Chicago’s best. From the Mid-century modern furniture to the locally sourced catering options, the Greenhouse Loft provides a truly memorable experience for you and your guests.
Capacity: 170-200
Typical cost: $4,000-$7,200 rental fee
Bonus: The venue offers a candle package that includes more than 200 candles and provide the space with an even more warm and romantic feel.
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