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Weddings

10 Totally Unique Chicago Wedding Venues

If you’re looking for a something other than a grand ballroom to exchange vows and celebrate, check out these totally unique wedding venues in Chicago!

The Crystal Gardens

The Windy City is filled with one-of-a-kind settings for wow-worthy weddings. These unique wedding venues in Chicago are not only perfect for throwing an unforgettable event, but also provide some pretty awesome photo ops. From a stunning six-story glass atrium to an eco-friendly loft, Midwestern couples definitely should add these super-cool wedding venues in Chicago to their must-see list.

These unique wedding venues in Chicago provide a killer setting to say “I do”.

The Crystal Gardens

The Crystal Gardens

The Crystal Gardens is an unique wedding venue in Chicago that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. The venue is home to a gorgeous botanical garden inside a stunning six-story glass atrium with a majestic arched ceiling. It’s also filled with live palm trees and fountains, which helps add a romantic vibe to any setting. The Crystal Gardens can host anywhere from 80 to 500 guests, making it a fab choice for weddings of any size.

Learn more about The Crystal Gardens here » 

Ann & Kam Photography and Cinema

Chicago Cultural Centers

Couples who want a show-stopping backdrop for their big day and are researching unique wedding venues in Chicago should check out Chicago Cultural Center’s stained glass Rotunda. Built back in 1897 as Chicago’s first central public library, the Chicago Landmark creates a truly unique experience for couples and their guests. The Chicago Cultural Center, also known as “The People’s Palace” is filled with one-of-a-kind details, like polished brass, fine hardwoods, and mother-of-pearl mosaics, to create a glamorous setting for a memorable event. The Rotunda can easily hold up to 220 guests for a seated dinner or, for a more modern cocktail reception, 550 guests.

Learn more about Chicago Cultural Center here »

The Ivy Room

The Ivy Room

Covered in ivy and featuring indoor and outdoor locations, Midwestern couples looking for a cool wedding venue in Chicago should add The Ivy Room look to their vendor list. Nestled just two blocks from the Magnificent Mile, The Ivy Room creates a breathtaking setting for vows and celebrating. It’s a versatile venue that can easily hold a variety of small and larger-scale weddings, since it’s maximum capacity is 200. With three different event spaces, the ballroom, a courtyard, and a lower level lounge, this unique wedding venue in Chicago definitely let’s couples throw an unforgettable affair.  

Learn more about The Ivy Room here »

Heritage Prairie Farm

Heritage Prairie Farm

The Heritage Prairie Farm is a certified organic farm that’s great for couples looking for a unique locale with a rustic vibe. The all-inclusive farm has several outdoor locations as well as tented options for couples to utilize for their wedding. The farm is also different than other locations because it specializes in farm-to-table cuisine. Couples who opt to host their big day at the Heritage Prairie Farm are able to work with the farm’s experienced culinary team to create customized menus. From recreating family favorite recipes, to speciality plates made from scratch, the Heritage Prairie Farm is a guaranteed pick to make your big day feel extra special.

Learn more about Heritage Prairie Farm here »

Studio Starling

Kitchen Chicago

Located just a few blocks from Chicago’s Union Park, Kitchen Chicago is a dynamic event space that can host up to 150 guests. Featuring exposed brick walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high ceilings, Kitchen Chicago easily evokes an industrial-chic vibe and is an ideal choice for couples browsing unique wedding venues in Chicago. It even offers couples a fully equipped, shared-use kitchen that can be used on their big day. With 3,400 square feet of open space, Kitchen Chicago is a great pick for intimate or large gatherings. It’s a hot spot for rehearsal dinners, too!

Learn more about Kitchen Chicago here » 

Greenhouse Loft

Greenhouse Loft

The Greenhouse Loft is one of Chicago’s most environmentally sustainable wedding venues and is the perfect pick for couples browsing unique affordable wedding venues in Chicago. With rental rates between $6,000 to $7,700 (not including holidays), Midwestern couples can easily plan a one-of-a-kind event at this budget-friendly locale. The loft provides couples with over 3,500 square feet of event space that’s filled with natural light and even has an adjacent outdoor garden for mixing and mingling. Along with an open space that’s easy to decorate, Greenhouse Loft also prides itself on working with vendors that also share their passion for reducing waste. The loft works with eco-conscious caterers, stationers, florists and more in order to minimize couple’s carbon footprint. So, if you’re hoping to find an environmentally friendly venue that features industrial-inspired architecture and has a maximum capacity of 200 guests, The Greenhouse Loft is a great place to throw your modern affair.

Learn more about Greenhouse Loft here »

Elizabeth Nord Photography, LLC

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers a nature-inspired setting for couples to utilize for their big day. Filled with exhibits and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city’s skyline, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is anything but ordinary. It even has a few outdoor settings, like the butterfly sanctuary, which can be used for cocktail hour or for an outdoor ceremony. Along with a variety of different event spaces, the museum also includes an on-site staff that will ensure your big day will run smoothly.

 Learn more about The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum here »

The Newberry Library

The Newberry Library

Couples on the hunt for a historic wedding venue will love The Newberry Library. Built back in 1887, The Newberry Library is an ideal pick for hosting a classic wedding in a not-so-classic space. It can seat up to 208 guests and offers couples a vendor recommendation list to peruse . If you’re hoping to find an outdoor area to host your ceremony, you’re in luck! The nearby Washington Square Park is a fab setting for ceremonies and is walkable to and from The Newberry Library.

Learn more about The Newberry Library here »

Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

If you’re hoping to exchange vows on the water and want to find a unique ceremony setting, then definitely check out Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. Chicago’s First Lady Cruises lets couples celebrate their wedding while cruising along Lake Michigan. With six different vessels to choose from, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is able to accommodate both small and larger-scaled weddings. The private yachts also feature an open-air deck and a climate-controlled interior, making it a great pick for an indoor/outdoor wedding.

Learn more about Chicago’s First Lady Cruises here »

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

Stargazers should definitely check out this unique wedding venue in Chicago. The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum provides sweeping skyline views and is a memorable venue for hosting your event. Featuring a wow-worthy glass ceiling and a modern interior, the museum needs little decorations to evoke a romantic aesthetic. It’s also a great pick for couples with a larger guest list, because the museum can hold up to 1,200.

Learn more about Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum here »