Simultaneously one of the most exciting and stressful parts of planning your wedding is choosing the venue that will host your celebration. Thankfully, Chicago is brimming with options for any and every style of wedding! Whether you’re after something intimate, something large, something modern, or something with a little more history behind it, if you can dream it you can find it in the Windy City. With the sheer quantity of options out there though I’m going to narrow things down a bit for this article, as today we’re here to talk about some of my favorite historic wedding venues throughout Chicago. 13 to be exact.
Let’s take a look at some of my favorite historic wedding venues in the city, what’s unique to each of them, and what sort of amenities they offer in addition to their incredible setting. I want to note though that even with narrowing down my article to only historic venues, this still is by no means a full list of the venues that fit this category! Chicago realllllly does just have that many options. So if you’re set on finding a venue with some history to it, and none of these really fit that exact vision you have, don’t worry. There’s still plenty more options within Chicago that are sure to have what you’re after. At the very least you’ll be able to have a better understanding of what exactly it is you’re looking for in a wedding venue by working through this list!
University Club of Chicago
The first wedding venue on my list is the historic University Club of Chicago. Found on East Monroe Street just across from Millennium Park, this incredible wedding venue has a rich and storied history with the city of Chicago. While the University Club of Chicago itself was founded in 1887 by Illinois graduates looking for a space to meet and continue enriching themselves post graduation, the current building the club calls home wasn’t built until 1909. Since then the University Club have been the sole owners of the building, and have maintained it to perfection. Stunning city views, gothic architecture, and stained glass windows are just some of the beautiful features housed in this incredible building.
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- 14 Different Venue Spaces to Choose From (My Favorites Being the Cathedral Hall, 12th Floor Gallery, and Michigan Room)
- Guest Capacity Ranging from 10 to 350
- In-House Catering with an Expansive List of Options
- Dedicated Catering Team to Assist with Planning
- Amazing Location in the Heart of Chicago
Union League Club of Chicago
One of the oldest organizations in Chicago, the Union League Club of Chicago (or ULCC) began in 1879. Since then they’ve helped bring to life some of Chicago’s most essential organizations, including The Field Museum. The ULCC has an expansive history, and that holds true for their current building and wedding venue! Built on the grounds of their former headquarters in 1926, with spaces that have an almost regal elegance to them, and a wonderful location in the heart of the Loop, the ULCC is a must consider wedding venue.
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- 21 Different Venue Spaces to Choose From (My Favorites Being the President’s Hall, Crystal Room, and Library)
- Guest Capacity Ranging from 15 to 500
- Coordination and Culinary Teams work Closely with Every Couple when Planning
- Wide Array of Package Options for Couples to Choose From
- Great Location in the Loop
Garfield Park Conservatory
For couples searching for a historic wedding venue spoiled with natural beauty, look no further than the Garfield Park Conservatory! Built between 1906 and 1907, and finally opened in 1908, the Garfield Park Conservatory is one of Chicago’s most unique wedding venue options. The two acres of indoor greenhouse space and ten acres of outdoor gardens, all of which are pristinely maintained, act as the perfect setting for a dreamy wedding day. That combined with the historical feel of the venue and the multiple venue spaces to choose from all make for an amazing wedding venue option in Chicago. For a closer look at what a wedding at the Garfield Park Conservatory can look like check out Amanda and Ryan’s gallery.
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- 4 Different Venue Spaces to Choose From
- Guest Capacity Ranging from 50 to 400
- Required to Choose from Their List of Approved Catering and Beverage Companies
- Public Spaces Only Available After 5pm
- Permit Needed for Special Event Rentals
Chicago History Museum
It should come as no surprise that the Chicago History Museum fits on a list of the city’s historic wedding venues! While the Chicago Historical Society was formed in the mid 1800’s, the current building that houses the Chicago History Museum wasn’t opened until 1932. Since that time the building has undergone an array of renovations and expansions, though the ties to Chicago’s incredible history have always remained intact.
It’s a wonderful option for a wedding venue in the city due to a number of factors. For starters is the classic, Georgian style architecture of the building. The beauty makes for a breathtaking setting for your celebration, and combined with the outdoor plaza, wonderful location in Lincoln Park, and their friendly and helpful staff you have a dream wedding venue.
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- Single Breathtaking Venue Space
- Capacity Ranging from 260 to 350 Depending on Reception Style
- On-Site Wedding Suite
- Assistance with Setup and Teardown
- Incredible Location Overlooking Lincoln Park
Chicago Field Museum
Born out of the 1893 World’s Fair, the Chicago Field Museum opened the following year. It wasn’t until 1921 though that the current building would open to the public. This iconic location is a staple of Chicago’s museum campus, and also one of the most unique wedding venue options in the city. I mean, what other venue allows you to choose between a stunning outdoor terrace with views of the Chicago skyline and having dinner underneath the fossil of Máximo the Titanosaur? In addition to the incredible venue options there are also endless portrait opportunities throughout the museum and it’s campus, giving you and your guests a legitimately unforgettable setting for your wedding!
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- 7 Distinct Venue Spaces to Choose From
- Capacity Ranging from 10 to 4,500
- Some Vendors Must be Chosen from Their Approved Vendors List
- In-House Beverage Service
- Option to Add-On Ticketed Exhibits to Your Wedding Festivities
- Museum Campus Offers Endless Portrait Opportunities
The Rookery
The Rookery building stands as a testament to the amazing architects found throughout Chicago’s history. Originally designed in 1888 by Burnham and Root, the building was then renovated in 1905 by the infamous Frank Lloyd Wright. With another renovation taking place in 1931, The Rookery would then be restored to the prior vision of Frank Lloyd Wright in 1992. Since then The Rookery has maintained Wright’s distinct vision and style, making it easily one of Chicago’s most stunning and historic wedding venues. The glass ceiling and architecture of the Light Court will leave your guests in awe, and you’ll even be able to take portraits on the gorgeous Oriel Staircase!
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- Single Stunning Venue Space
- Capacity Ranging from 175 to 300 Depending on Reception Style
- Personal Event Supervisor
- BYOB Allowed
- On-Site Getting Ready Space
- Breathtaking Indoor Portrait Opportunities
- Wonderful Location in Chicago’s Loop
The Joinery
This roughly 100 year old industrial space operated as a mop handle factory, weather stripping factory, letterpress warehouse, and even had ties to the Chicago Mob! If that doesn’t make for a unique and historic wedding venue of Chicago I don’t know what does. The Joinery is SO much more than its rich history though. The renovations that brought The Joinery to its current beautiful state began in 2015, and the most recent owners have done wonders with the space. The elegant skylit industrial space, connected private patio, and intimate bar and lounge area all make for a wonderful setting to enjoy yourself with your closest friends and family. Check out Lisa and Nate’s wedding here for a closer look at The Joinery.
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- Single Venue Space Featuring Indoor Area and an Attached Private Patio
- Capacity of up to 200 Guests
- On-Site Getting Ready Suite
- Intimate Bar/Lounge Area
- Total Freedom with Vendor Choice (Including Catering)
- On-Site Apartment for Overnight Stay
- Venue Manager
Congress Plaza Hotel
Built in 1893 for travelers visiting Chicago for the World’s Fair, the Congress Plaza Hotel has stood the test of time and remains one of the Windy City’s most iconic buildings. Housing two of Chicago’s most beautiful venue spaces, the Congress Plaza Hotel features breathtaking architecture, incredible views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan, and an array of fantastic amenities. Everything the Congress Hotel does is meant to ensure each of their couples have the best possible experience for their wedding day, and that is something I will always get behind!
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- 2 Gorgeous Venue Spaces to Choose Between
- Capacity Ranging from 180-300 (Florentine Room) and 290-400 (Gold Room)
- Wedding Package Options
- Catering, Beverages, and Desserts Included
- Complimentary Suite for Newlyweds
- Complimentary Room Upgrade for Couples’ Parents
- Discounted Guest Rates for the Hotel
The Drake Hotel
I love The Drake Hotel as a wedding venue, and the unique history of the building has only cemented those feelings further. Born from the mind of architect Benjamin Howard Marshall, The Drake Hotel would be built in 1919 and open on New Year’s Eve that same year. The night was a party like none other, and The Drake carried that momentum throughout the roaring twenties. Throughout the years The Drake has undergone many renovations and restorations, all of which have led it to become one of Chicago’s most magnificent historic wedding venues. Opulent ballrooms, a fantastic location on Michigan Avenue, and divine in-house catering punctuate a venue that has its ties to Old Chicago intact and on full display.
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- 4 Astonishing Venue Spaces to Choose From
- Capacity Ranging from 50 to 500
- Planning Assistance Available
- Stellar In-House Catering
- Wonderful Location for Portraits on the Magnificent Mile and Oak Street Beach
Loyola’s Cuneo Mansion
While not in downtown Chicago, Loyola’s Cuneo Mansion is a venue that I looooooove and felt I had to include on this list. Built between 1914 and 1916 for the founder of ComEd, the mansion was purchased by John Cuneo, Sr. in 1937. The Venetian style architecture of the space, combined with the gorgeous gardens that surround it all come together wonderfully to create an unreal setting for any wedding celebration. While the venue only hosts cocktail hours and receptions, it is still a venue that’s worth having on your list!
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- Single Gorgeous Indoor Event Space
- Capacity for up to 300 Guests
- Reception Venue Only, No Ceremonies Allowed
- Self Guided Tours of the Mansion Available During Cocktail Hour
- Setup and Teardown Assistance
- 4 Catering Partners, Each with Their Own Wedding Package Options
- On-Site Getting Ready Space
- Lovely Outdoor Garden for Wedding Portraits
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Another historic wedding venue with ties to the World’s Fair in 1893, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has some incredibly unique spaces to celebrate your wedding. Some ballrooms offer the classic Venetian, Gothic architecture reminiscent of Old Chicago, while another is the renovated basketball court and gymnasium that was used by the association for years. These spaces, combined with being across the street from Millennium Park, and the incredible hospitality the venue is known for, all make it an incredibly appealing wedding venue in the Windy City.
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- 5 Unique Venue Spaces to Choose From
- Capacity Ranging from 80 to 500
- Excellent In-House Catering
- Planning Assistance and Day of Staff
- Custom Wedding Packages with Special Hotel Rates for Guests
- Across the Street from Millennium Park for Portrait Photos
Revel Motor Row
Next on my list is Revel Motor Row, which I am realllllllly excited about as I’m documenting a wedding here this summer! This beautiful historic wedding venue was built in 1936 for the Illinois Automobile Club. The venue itself features a wide array of spaces to choose from, each with their own charm and character. Revel Motor Row is also located near the Iconic McCormick Place and the Chicago Lakefront, so there are even more portrait opportunities found nearby!
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- 20 Varied Venue Spaces to Choose From
- Capacity Ranging from 40 to 300
- Outdoor Courtyard
- On-Site Getting Ready Space
International Museum of Surgical Science
The final wedding venue I wanted to look at is the amazing International Museum of Surgical Science. Opened to the public in 1954, the museum offers stunning settings for your wedding day and portrait photos. Areas like the Hall of Immortals and Hall of Murals set the scene for a wedding bathed in the history of Chicago and surgical science alike. This combined with their ever helpful staff, the on-site getting ready space, and prime location just south of Lincoln Park all make the museum an easy choice for one of my favorite historic venues in the Windy City.
Key Notes and the Amenities they Offer:
- Indoor and Outdoor Venue Spaces to Choose From
- Capacity Ranging from 100 to 200
- On-Site Staff to Assist on the Wedding Day
- Coordination and Vendor Assistance
- On-Site Getting Ready Space
- Stunning Portrait Opportunities Both Inside and Out
Those are 13 of my favorite unique and historic wedding venues found throughout Chicago. As I mentioned before there are still a TON of other venues scattered throughout the city with unique and storied histories, some of which I’ll probably be featuring on another blog here soon! If you’d like to see that or some of my other wedding planning tips be sure to keep an eye out on my blog, and if you’d like to book me to document your wedding day head to my contact page to send me an inquiry!
