The Riviera Theatre is a historic wedding venue in Chicago, Illinois. The Riviera continues to be an important and thriving Chicago concert venue and location for weddings and events. We’ve seen so many incredible acts: Adele, The Beastie Boys, Blondie, Camila Cabello, Cheap Trick, Fitz & The Tantrums, Grouplove, Killers, King Princess, LL Cool J, Lizzo, Los Lobos, Marilyn Manson, No Doubt, Prince, Radiohead, The Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Roots, Bruce Springsteen, Tegan and Sara, Trombone Shorty, and countless others. We serve as an important midsize location for bands caught between smaller clubs and arenas, as well as large acts that want to play in a more intimate space. The stories our walls could tell, and the history of the venue make us a one-of-a-kind Chicago icon.
Architects George and C.W. Rapp of Rapp & Rapp completed the construction of the Riviera Theater in 1917, and we opened it in 1918 as part of the Balaban & Katz movie theater chain. Here, we showed such films that were usually accompanied by live performances, including a full orchestra.
In our 100+ year history, we survived “hold-ups” in the 1930s and 1940s and a huge Uptown Business District fire with only minor smoke damage while at least a dozen other businesses were gutted, including the hardware store next to the theater.
We continued showing films into the early 1980s.
In 1985, The Riviera was transformed into an upscale nightclub. At this same time, Jam Productions booked public concerts at The Riviera Theater.
However, by the early 1990s, it became clear that the Riviera was no longer living up to our full potential and that it was time to focus on concerts. With the help of Jam Productions, who bid on the lease and eventually purchased the building, we became a performance and special events venue.

Wedding packages with The Riviera include exclusive access to deluxe event spaces, and the skilled Jam Productions team will work with you to achieve your wedding vision. This historic venue has a customizable layout, and can suit both grand occasions and intimate celebrations. It also includes a full bar, stocked with premium spirits, fine wines, and local craft beers. Your special day will go off without a hitch at this unique and storied Chicago theater.