7+ Small Wedding Venues in Chicago that You'll Love
I have a soft spot for small weddings. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I love when people get to have the experience that’s truest to them. Sometimes that’s a rooftop ceremony with friends and neighbors. Other times it’s a decadent meal at their favorite restaurant. I’ve rounded up some of my small wedding venues in Chicago to help you find the perfect one for you.
In this blog post, you’ll discover:
Cool Small Wedding Venues in Chicago
Planning a small wedding can be as simple or complicated as you want it to be. The best place to start?
Being intentional with your guest count.
It goes a long way to making the vibe exactly what you’d like it to be. With a small guest count, you can distribute your budget, time, and attention more generously. Smaller weddings can be just as detail-oriented and exciting as big bashes.
Venues are a perfect example. Small wedding venues in Chicago run the gamut from private homes to trendy restaurants. The most important thing is to pick one that helps you create a wedding experience that’s authentic to you and your relationship. Here are some ideas to get you started!
Private Spaces and Rooftops
Getting married at home can be a less expensive option, but the real benefit is that it’s deeply personal. It’s the place you’ve built your lives together. Just imagine your living room filled with flowers and candles.
Rooftops are another option that I love. If your apartment building has rooftop access, you can have a great backdrop for your ceremony and reception. It’s a great way to bridge the cozy sense of home with the epic views you get with the Chicago skyline.
The Atria
The Atria is a minimalist industrial wedding venue in Humboldt Park. With white walls, skylights, and a conversation area, it’s a great place to implement your big design ideas. It’s a dream draped in greenery and florals.
Your Favorite Restaurant
One of my favorite small wedding venues in Chicago is your favorite restaurant. What better way to celebrate your marriage than a charming dinner party? Foodies especially love this excuse to have a meal that their guests will buzz about.
Another advantage of getting married in a restaurant is that decor is mostly taken care of. Most restaurants these days have distinct branding and interior design. You can build off of that with any additional florals and installations.
Firehouse Chicago
Firehouse Chicago is simply amazing. It’s an intimate space with an interesting history. The gorgeous little garden is perfect for your ceremony or cocktail hour. When dinner is over, they flip the indoor space into a dance floor.
Did I mention that you can enter your reception by sliding down the vintage firepole??
I’ve been lucky enough to photograph multiple weddings at Firehouse Chicago. See highlights from a Friday the 13th-themed wedding held there at this blog post!
Beatnik on the River
Beatnik on the River is one of the coolest small wedding venues in Chicago. It has decor and food inspired by Morocco and Mediterranean cultures. The window-lined terrace gives amazing views of the Chicago River. Your wedding photos will have a lot of personality.
Dorothy Downstairs
Dorothy Downstairs is a cozy bar with vintage-inspired decor. If you’re dreaming up a disco-themed wedding, this venue is perfect. It’s got great cocktails and an atmosphere that makes people want to dance.
City Hall
No list of small wedding venues in Chicago would be complete without City Hall. City Hall is iconic with amazing architecture. Photos here really do feel timeless.
You can get more information about a City Hall ceremony here.
Salvage One
Salvage One might be the quirkiest venue on this list. It’s actually a 60,000-square-foot warehouse filled with vintage furniture and decor. This venue is perfect for marriers who like eclectic spaces and endless conversation starters.
Documenting Your Intimate Wedding
Your wedding photography should be as personal and true to you as your venue. I like to say that the best photos sit at the intersection of timeless and fun af. They’re honest, authentic, and a joy to create.
Would you like me to photograph your wedding in Chicago? I’m AJ, a Chicago wedding photographer specializing in vibrant, personal, and fun images. I’d love to photograph your celebration. Inquire with me here!
