Reception Venues in Chicago

When it comes to finding the ideal destination for tying the knot, Chicago, Illinois, checks all the boxes. This gorgeous city is filled with dramatic buildings and captivating sculptures, all of which can be epic backdrops for your wedding ceremony. Prefer waterfront vistas? Pick a venue along Lake Michigan and say “I do” near shimmering water. Between luxurious hotels and scenic settings, whatever Chicago, IL wedding venue you decide on is bound to deliver on your Big Day.

The ultimate Chicago, IL wedding venues

Narrowing down your choices comes down to deciding what venue most aligns with the wedding you’ve always dreamed about. For something upscale and fancy, consider Chicago estate venues, luxury hotels and country clubs, where you may find glitzy ballrooms and lovely decor. But if you prefer an outdoorsy vibe, look at venues overlooking gardens, beaches or parks. In Chicago, you can even get married aboard a yacht on the lake or in the enchanting cellar of a winery – the choice is yours.

Explore venues in neighboring areas

You don’t have to stick to the wedding venues in Chicago. Continue your search for your dream spot in neighboring Oak Park. Roughly 7 miles west of the Loop, this enchanting area is home to several impressive historic landmarks that would make marvelous venues. Aurora, 40 miles west of the city, also has jaw-dropping venues, from country clubs to banquet halls. These destinations are close enough to Chicago for you and your guests to enjoy the allure of the big city, but they exude their own charm and personality.

When to tie the knot in Chicago

Chicago is a city with four seasons, so keep the weather in mind when choosing your venue. Winter brings chilly temperatures and often snow – lovely for outdoor photoshoots, but you may want to hold the actual festivities inside. Springtime is slow to warm up, but come July the average high is 82 degrees, making it the perfect weather for an evening outdoor wedding. Early autumn sees temperatures in the 60s set amidst the area’s iconic fall foliage. If you plan to get married in the fall, choose a venue with a view of the leaves.

Chicago wedding FAQs

Before heading to one of the many amazing wedding venues in Chicago, you and your partner must first get a Cook County marriage license. With valid identification and $60, you can obtain your marriage license at one of the six County Clerk’s Offices in the county.

You and your partner both need to arrive at the County Clerk’s Office with proof of identification in the form of a birth certificate, state identification or valid driver’s license.

There are many steps involved in planning a wedding, but some of the most important ones include setting a budget, picking your dates, finding a wedding venue, inviting guests and hiring vendors.

Ready to find the Chicago, IL wedding venue that will be the perfect backdrop for your big day? Browse our selection here at The Knot to find your dream venue today!