5+ Unique Chicago Wedding Venues for a Memorable Celebration
There are plenty of Chicago wedding venues, but which is right for you? If you’re planning a funky, nontraditional, or visually stunning wedding, you’ll want a venue that helps you bring that vision to life. That probably isn’t a beige ballroom. To help you out, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite wedding venues for unique celebrations.
What we’ll dive into in this blog post:
Unique Chicago Wedding Venues for a Memorable Celebration
1. Fairlie
The Fairlie is one of my favorite Chicago wedding venues. Even though it’s an industrial venue, it feels elegant and airy. You can keep your decor minimalist or, better yet, go all out with floral installations. There are so many ways you can get creative and make this space feel really personal.
What You’ll Love:
You can bring your own caterer as long as they’re licensed.
The vine-covered wall is a dream for photos. It’s a great spot for a first look.
The venue’s layout is spacious and open – plenty of room for dinner and dancing.
Venue Type: Indoor/outdoor
Capacity: 350 guests
Starting Cost: $5,500 for a Sunday wedding
Learn More: Fairlie
Check out more photos from a stunning flower-filled Fairlie wedding in this Instagram post. (And follow me while you’re at it!)
2. LM Studio
LM Studio is a very modern, sleek, and intimate space in Downtown Chicago. It’s right on Michigan Ave across from Grant Park. The interior is decorated with neutrals and splashes of color via fun floral wallpaper.
What You’ll Love:
The dance floor at LM Studio has a mirrored ceiling. The light is amazing!
Floor to ceiling windows let in lots of natural light for your ceremony. (Try to avoid backlighting, though.)
The tall ceilings give you lots of space to play with installations and decor.
Venue Type: Indoor
Capacity: 150 seated; 350 cocktail-style reception
Starting Cost: $2,000-$5,000 depending on the day of the week
Learn More: LM Studio
3. Dorothy Downstairs
If you’re looking for cool, unconventional Chicago wedding venues, look no further than Dorothy Downstairs. This beloved lesbian bar has a boutique hotel attached. You can get ready and have the disco-themed reception of your dreams in one spot. In addition to the vibey bar, the owners just opened Villanelle, a queer-focused wedding venue, upstairs.
What You’ll Love:
Even if you have a small, private ceremony, you can do a reception here later on.
The bar has the perfect atmosphere for a big dance party.
Disco balls and decor in a warm, 70’s-inspired palette create a really unique look for your event. You don’t need to do much at all in terms of decor.
Venue Type: Indoor
Capacity: 120 guests
Starting Cost: This isn’t publicly available but similar venues average around $5,000.
Learn More: Dorothy Downstairs
4. Rockwell on the River
Rockwell on the River is another cool, unconventional wedding venue in Chicago. The huge building is a maker’s space that houses a coffee roastery, distillery, art, and a marina. It’s another gorgeously renovated industrial space. Warm wood beams line the towering ceilings, which feature skylights.
What You’ll Love:
If the weather’s nice, you can have cocktail hour on the deck overlooking the Chicago River.
You can sneak away and enjoy a newlywed moment on the docks. Bring your photographer to document all the feels!
Your guests enjoy local beverages crafted right at Rockwell on the River.
5. Salvage One
Salvage One is one of the most ideal Chicago wedding venues for eclectic marriers. The venue doubles as a vintage store, selling antique light fixtures, furniture, and decor.
What You’ll Love:
The one-of-a-kind collection of antiques make for non-stop conversation and exploration.
Salvage One has a three-room suite where your partner and you can get ready before your wedding.
Despite the abundance of interesting items, the space isn’t cluttered. There’s plenty of room for dinner and dancing.
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
Capacity: 250 guests
Starting Cost: $6,500-$11,000 depending on the day of the week and time of the year
Learn More: Salvage One
Your Affirming Chicago Wedding Photographer
Are you looking for an affirming Chicago wedding photographer? I’m AJ, a queer photographer who cares about your wedding day as much as you do. I’d love to document your love. Get in touch with me!