18 of the Dreamiest Wedding Venues Across Illinois (2024)

Art lovers, rejoice! The Art Institute of Chicago not only boasts some of the most beautiful artwork in the world, but is a darn good place to throw a wedding. The Institute’s design is the perfect fusion of elegance and modernity, from the iconic Grand Staircase to the historic Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room.

If you’re looking for outstanding food and drink options for your special day, Company 251 may be the place for you. The event space has paired with catering company Moveable Feast, who provides a seasonal menu from Aurora’s best growers. Moveable Feast has catered for numerous star-studded events, and their brownies were made famous by Oprah. That's correct, Oprah.

On the North Shore is Chicago’s iconic Botanic Garden, a living plant museum that brings in travelers and plant lovers from all over the world. Throw your reception during one of the Garden’s seasonal events - Wonderland Express, Orchid Show or the Summer Evening Concert Series - for a night to remember. 385 acres of green includes everything from gardens, terraces, pavilions and courtyards for the most beautiful wedding photos ever.

Despite the warm wooden accents and cathedral-height ceilings at Kitchen Chicago, this venue is truly blank slate that couples can personalize to their own style. Feelin’ pasta? BBQ? Steak? The space has an open vendor policy, so bring in whatever food you’d like - it is your special day, after all!

This Pinterest-perfect venue is elegant, modest and rustic all in one. And at the Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom barn, what the brides want, the brides get. The owners are extremely accommodating and will cater to a bride’s wish list of furniture, tools, and props needed for their dream wedding. Not to mention, brides get ready in a “Bridal Coop.” Ok, we’re in.

If you’re throwing a larger-scale wedding, this converted loft/warehouse in the heart of downtown Elgin is the perfect place for you. The Haight has two floors: A smaller one for ceremonies and co*cktail hours and another with a 250 guest capacity and a dance floor. If it wasn’t for the space, the design of this urban-style venue really draws us in, from its exposed brick walls to custom-made farm tables to overhead string lights.

This one’s for you, wine lovers. The Boarding House is a stylish eatery in the luxe River North neighborhood owned by sommeliers (for those of you that don’t speak wine, sommeliers are trained wine professionals). The Wine Cellar of the restaurant fits 100 people with a full-service bar, stocked with The Boarding House’s deluxe wines. And did we mention that the restaurant has a chandelier composed of 10,000 inverted wine glasses?

Salvage One is a perfect example of breathing new life into older architectural spaces. This old warehouse has the best of both design worlds, from vintage furniture and crystal chandeliers to neon signs and modern artwork. But the best part might be the beautiful, lush courtyard with an arbor made of greenery - an idyllic place to say your vows.

This restored fire station is the hottest place in Chicago to throw your wedding (no pun intended). Firehouse Chicago is charming with historic details and fits 80-100 guests. Additionally, the venue provides a full-service caterer, outdoor tents, and candle packages to set the right mood for your special day.

Greenhouse Loft brings a whole new meaning to its name. The site has been named Chicago’s most sustainable wedding venue. Environmentally-friendly practices Greenhouse Loft uses include organic catering, waste reduction, repurposed furniture and materials, and on-site composting and recycling. It’s like a two-for-one – get married while leaving a minimal carbon footprint.

Located in the Chicago ‘burbs, Warehouse: 109 is the most whimsical wedding venue you can imagine and overflows with out-of-the-box design. A few highlights include a gallery of antique motorcycles, a 1958 Airstream (vintage RV) lounge, a vintage bar and a brick-lined exterior courtyard with a fire pit.

Founded by Boutique Bites catering, Brique centers its atmosphere around its food, and an all-white show kitchen is present to show it. Guests can sit at a bar and watch their food being made by professional chefs, which is a nice change from typical banquet serving and buffets. Brique is also located in the up-and-coming Fulton Market District of Chicago, providing easy access to wonderful picture-taking spots.

What was once a pickle factory in the West Loop has been transformed into a beautiful restaurant with Asian flair. Book your wedding reception at bellyQ if you’re looking for the perfect fusion of industrial and natural elements (helloooo, living moss walls!). Let’s also talk about the private karaoke lounge, where your guests are guaranteed to have a grand old time.

A summer wedding in Chicago isn’t a summer wedding in Chicago without incredible views of the city’s skyline. Lacuna Events by LM’s rooftop deck makes for the most romantic wedding ceremony. Follow up with a celebratory reception in the building, which spans 250,000 square feet. Not to mention, the venue handles all culinary and drink needs, and the catering team uses all seasonal and natural ingredients.

Morgan Manufacturing exhibits industrial elegance in a pre-Great Chicago Fire of 1871 building. Morgan Manufacturing also understands that no two love stories are the same, and aims to host weddings that mirror that idea. Thanks to the high ceilings and sprawling skylight, natural light floods the scene at this gorgeous wedding venue.

Your wedding guests will never want to leave at this home away from home. Hotel rooms at The Guest House Hotel are meant to provide visitors with a relaxed and hospitable atmosphere. Have your wedding celebration in the hotel’s Club Room, where art galleries throughout the room tell of Chicago’s history. The room fits 30-50 guests; perfect for a small and intimate gathering.

Enjoy the twinkle of the city lights on your wedding night atCity View Loft, located in West Town. The venue provides everything you’ll need, from catering to furniture to bar service. The space also does its part for Mother Earth and uses LED lighting, organically sourced food and eco-friendly cleaning routines.

Not feeling the hustle and bustle of the city for your dreamy day? Ola la! IJORERE (e-jaw-ray-ray) offers a downtown Chicago atmosphere without leaving the suburbs. The industrial demeanor of this reinvented loft is paralleled with crystal chandeliers, caged pendant lighting, mod furnishings and artwork. Ola la! IJORERE will also make invitations for your event, thanks to the in-house design experts. That’s one thing to check of your to-do list!