It’s no secret that Chicago is home to some truly phenomenal wedding venues for couples to choose from, many of which I’ve actually talked about previously on my blog. There are a ton of options out there, so it’s no exaggeration to say that there’s a wedding venue fit for any and every style celebration here in Chicago. This of course also includes intimate weddings, which unfortunately don’t get featured nearly as often on these types of compilation articles! I thought it’d be fun to rectify this and give these intimate spaces some of the love and hype they deserve, which is why we’re about to take a look at 13 of my favorite venues fit for weddings with less than 100 guests in Chicago.
Colvin House
The first wedding venue I want to cover is the lovely Colvin House in Edgewater! This intimate wedding venue on the north end of Chicago will leave your jaw on the floor when you first enter, and I can assure you that feeling stays with you throughout the entirety of the wedding day. Between the breathtaking architecture, details like the basement speakeasy, and the option for both indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting space for a celebration with your closest friends and family. Check out highlights from Kayla and Liam’s wedding to see this wonderful space in action.
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- Indoor, Outdoor, and Covered Event Spaces
- Guest Capacity of 100
- Variable Pricing Based on Season and Day of the Event
- Amazing Indoor and Outdoor Portrait Opportunities (Including Lane Beach!)
- On-Site Parking
- ADA Accessible
- Tables and Chairs Included
- In-House Catering Options
- List of Preferred Vendors
- On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
Lytle House
What do you know, the next venue on my list is also in Edgewater! The Lytle House is easily one of my favorite spaces for an intimate wedding in the city. The industrial vibe of the space, the flow from the exposed brick interior to the outdoor courtyard, the flexibility they offer for their couples to bring their dream wedding to life, it all is done so well. It’s worth noting that there are no on-site getting ready spaces here, but with how many fantastic Airbnb and hotel options there are in Chicago it really isn’t an issue.
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- Connected Indoor and Outdoor Event Space
- Guest Capacity of 80 Seated or Cocktail Style
- Variable Pricing Based on Season, Day, and Event Size
- Tables and Chairs Included
- ADA Accessible
- Food Truck Accessible
- On-Site Event Manager
- Dogs Allowed at Ceremony
- Preferred Vendor List
- Approved Catering List
Firehouse Chicago
Also near Edgewater is Firehouse Chicago, an intimate wedding venue with one of the coolest origin stories around. Firehouse Chicago is aptly named as its building was the site of an old firehouse. This venue adores their heritage, leaning into it to elevate their wedding experience. You can open the main firehouse door to give your event a breath of fresh air, or make your entrance to your reception using the fireman’s pole that still sits in the venue! It’s a phenomenal space made all the better by the people working there and their love of bringing their couples wedding vision to life.
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- Connected Indoor and Outdoor Space
- Guest Capacity of 100
- Planning Assistance
- On-Site Event Producers
- On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
- 3 Wedding Arch Options
- Included Tables and Chairs
- Vintage Furniture
- On-Site Parking
- Full Service Kitchen
- Outdoor Tent Available
The J Parker
There’s nothing quite like a rooftop wedding in Chicago, and that’s exactly what The J Parker specializes in. The Lincoln Park rooftop bar features breathtaking views of the park as well as Lake Michigan, giving you a stunning backdrop for your wedding. The modern venue also offers partial rentals or full rooftop buyouts, allowing you to make your wedding day in Chicago as intimate as you’d like.
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- 4 Indoor/Outdoor Venue Options (Semi Private Atrium Section, Full Atrium Buyout, Full Roof Buyout, and John Wilkes Booth Premium Section)
- Guest Capacity Ranging from 10-225
- Fantastic Views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan
- Retractable Glass Roof
- In-House Catering and Beverages
Lytle Auditorium
A recent addition to the Lytle brand, the Lytle Auditorium is a bit further from the heart of Chicago than the Lytle House, but it offers just as amazing of a setting! The modern event space has a minimalist approach to its décor, giving the venue a clean and refined feel for your celebration. Offering many of the same amenities that the Lytle House does, this event space is perfect for slightly larger gatherings, up to 96 guests making use of their two wonderful indoor spaces!
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- 2 Indoor Studio Spaces
- Guest Capacity of 96
- Variable Pricing Based on Season, Day, and Event Size
- Large Skylight
- Street Parking for 10 Cars
- On-Site Event Manager
- Chairs and Tables Included
- Single On-Site Getting Ready Space
- Preferred Vendor List
- Approved Catering List
The Atria
In Humboldt Park you’ll find the next wedding venue on my list, The Atria. This old horseshoe factory has since become a tasteful event space for intimate weddings in Chicago. The industrial structure and modern décor and design of the space come together to create a beautifully unique setting for any wedding day. The venue also prioritizes customization and creativity for their couples, giving them an uncompromising level of freedom in the ideation and creation of their wedding.
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- Indoor Event Space and Outdoor Patio
- Guest Capacity of 100 Seated or Cocktail
- Modern Aesthetic in an Industrial Space
- Open Catering List
- BYOB
- Massive Retractable Skylight
- On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
- Chairs and Tables Included
- Food Truck Access
- ADA Accessible
Villa D’ Citta
Have you been wanting a wedding at an Italian Villa without the hassle of getting your friends and family to travel to Italy? If so, Villa D’ Citta may just be the perfect wedding venue for you. This historic home in Lincoln Park combines classic Chicago feel with Italian architecture and style to create an intimate wedding venue space like none other. There’s a lot that makes this space special, but one of my favorite details is that you can rent the space for up to an entire week, giving you and your favorite people the perfect getaway to celebrate your wedding for more than just one night!
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- Indoor and Outdoor Event Spaces
- Guest Capacity of 100
- You Can Book the Entire Villa for an Entire Week
- Planning Assistance
- In-House Catering Option
- Tables, Chairs, Linens, and Tableware Included
- On-Site Getting Ready Spaces
Beatnik on the River
One of the most distinct and unique intimate wedding venues on the list is Beatnik on the River, a staple of the Chicago River! This space has an eclectic style to it that is just SO much fun to celebrate your wedding in, and the variety of event spaces, layouts, and combinations make it the perfect space no matter the size of your wedding day. A full venue buyout allows weddings of up to 300 guests to use Beatnik, but their 6 other booking options are all perfect for weddings between 14-72 guests. Plus, being on the Chicago River is a hard setting to beat for a wedding day!
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- 5 Venue Spaces to Choose from, with 7 Booking Options/Combinations
- Guest Capacity Ranging from 14 to 300
- In-House Catering and Beverage Service
- ADA Accessible
- Planning Assistance
- Prime Location on the Chicago River
Homestead on the Roof
Just outside of Chicago’s Ukrainian Village, Homestead on the Roof is one of the city’s premiere restaurants and wedding venues. The rooftop garden space is easily one of my favorite ceremony spaces in the city, and the warm brick interior offers the perfect spot for a late night celebration on your wedding day. Their food menu is also completely customizable to accommodate any dietary preferences and restrictions, and it’s delicious too! Check out Emily and Ben’s wedding here to see this gorgeous space in action.
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- Indoor and Outdoor Space
- Guest Capacity 80-100
- Fully Customizable Catering Menu
- Tables and Chairs Included
- Covered Rooftop Garden Space
First Lady Cruises
If you’re reallllllly looking for something unique for your wedding in Chicago, why not consider having it aboard one of the boats of First Lady Cruises? Imagine spending your wedding day aboard one of the gorgeous vessels of First Lady, cruising along the Chicago River while you two share your vows and say your I Do’s. The indoor and outdoor spaces of each boat allow you to celebrate your wedding in style rain or shine, and they have plenty of beverage packages and catering partners to choose from to best fit your vision. As an added bonus, from Memorial Day to Labor Day the city of Chicago puts on firework shows in the evening that you can enjoy during your reception on one of their boats!
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- 6 Ships in their Fleet, each with Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
- Guest Capacity Ranging from 2-200
- Event Planning Assistance
- Boats Rented at Hourly Rate
- Bar, Beverage, and Catering Options Available on the Boats
- Tables and Chairs Included
- Climate Controlled Interior Salon
- Can Add a Narrated Tour to Your Day!
Palm Court of Loyola University Chicago
One of the newer venues available at Loyola University, Palm Court is an exceptionally beautiful space for intimate weddings. The luxurious space features an astounding amount of natural light, and a wrap around patio that features some truly breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. The modern design of the space gives it an open and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating your love with your closest friends and family at your sides.
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- Indoor Space with Outdoor Terrace
- Guest Capacity 64 (Seated) – 90 (Standing)
- In-House Catering
- ADA Accessible
Celeste
One of Chicago’s coolest bars in River North is Celeste, a 4 story venue with something unique to offer on every floor. Celeste on its own offers a ton of variety for couples to choose from when it comes to the setting of their day. Whether it’s the stunning Rooftop Garden, the epic 3rd floor Disco, the ambient 2nd floor Deco Supper Club, or the moody 1st floor Whiskey Bar, Celeste tries to have something for everyone. Combine that with in-house catering and beverage service, and the wonderful furniture and décor that ties each floor together, and you have a dream intimate wedding venue on your hands!
Key Notes and the Amenities They Offer:
- 1 Covered Outdoor Space and 3 Indoor Spaces
- Guest Capacity Ranging from 40-125
- Retractable Roof Over the Rooftop Garden
- In-House Catering and Beverage Service
- ADA Accessible
- Tables and Chairs Included
- No On-Site Getting Ready Space
Your Favorite Chicago Restaurant
Chicago is pretty well known for its amazing, distinct, and stylish restaurants found throughout the city. Much like Celeste, Homestead on the Roof, or Beatnik on the River, many of these restaurants also double as phenomenal intimate wedding venues. Something I’m always encouraging couples to do is find ways to make their wedding feel more personal to them, and what better way to do that than to celebrate at YOUR favorite restaurant! Maybe it’s your go-to spot for date night, or the place you went for your first official date. Whatever it may be, having your wedding take place in your favorite space, with your favorite people around, is undoubtedly going to make your wedding day all the more special!
Note:
Every restaurant handles events differently. Some list their offerings on their website and have an official process for it, while others you have to call in and come up with a game plan together with them. Regardless, it’s best to reach out sooner rather than later to start finding these things out and get to planning your dream wedding day!
Those are 13 of my favorite intimate wedding venues you can find throughout the Windy City. To see more of the amazing venues Chicago has to offer check out some of my other favorites here, and if you’re ready to book me to document your wedding day you can send me an inquiry through my contact page!
