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:

Chairs and flowers sit in the courtyard of a Chicago wedding venue.

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.

A room is set up for a ceremony at Fairlie, a Chicago wedding venue.

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.

Colorful flowers sit on stands at a ceremony spot in an industrial wedding venue in Chicago.

Venue Type: Indoor/outdoor

Capacity: 350 guests

Starting Cost: $5,500 for a Sunday wedding

Learn More: Fairlie

Candles and red and white flowers decorate reception tables for a wedding at Fairlie Chicago.

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.

Gold and white chairs sit in rows for a wedding ceremony at LM Studio Chicago.
White flowers decorate a sweetheart table in a Chicago wedding venue.

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. 

Flowers and glassware decorate round reception tables in a sunny Chicago wedding venue.
Wedding guests dance in front of a wall covered in floral paper at a unique wedding venue in Chicago.

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. 

Lights shine off disco balls over dancing wedding guests at a Chicago wedding venue.
Champagne coupes sit in towers on a bar counter at Dorothy Downstairs at a wedding reception.

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. 

Two brides sit on an orange couch inside a funky Chicago wedding venue.
A bride dances with wedding guests inside a Chicago bar.

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.

Curtains open to a ceremony space decorated with purple flowers in a Chicago wedding venue.
A couple holds hands beneath a floral chuppah inside an industrial wedding venue in Chicago.

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.

A big floral installation hangs from the ceiling at a Rockwell on the River wedding.
Tall flower arrangements decorate reception tables at a unique Chicago wedding venue.

Venue Type: Indoor

Capacity: 500 guests

Starting Cost: $9,000

Learn More: 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. 

Two men in suits sit on a staircase inside Salvage One.

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.

Two men hold hands beneath a disco ball in a Chicago wedding venue.

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

Two men pose for a Chicago wedding photographer in an antique store.

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!