Outdoor Wedding Venues Chicago for Your Windy City Celebration
You’ve got the ring. Now, what about the venue? Planning an outdoor wedding is nothing short of an adventure, but pinning down those big details can be a headache. Deciding headcounts, figuring out dates, and ironing out the aesthetics can make finding the perfect venue feel more like a total chore. As a Chicago-based wedding photographer, I’ve seen many beautiful outdoor venues in Chicago, and I would love to tell you about some of my favorites!
4 Outdoor Wedding Venues in Chicago for Any Aesthetic
Salvatore’s Chicago
Located in Lincoln Park, Salvatore’s is the ideal place for anyone looking for a classic venue. The patio is spacious and shaded, so your guests can watch the ceremony without worrying about the blazing sun. After the ceremony, you can head to the beautifully landscaped courtyard to take pictures while your guests enjoy a cocktail hour at the bar.
Salvatore’s offers seating for up to 220 guests and features all-inclusive wedding packages, including a full in-house bar and catering, serving staff, consultants, furniture, dinnerware, and linens.
While your guests are more than welcome to utilize the public parking surrounding the venue, Salvatore’s offers the convenience of valet parking. With plenty of dancing space and absolutely delicious food, you are guaranteed to have a night you’ll never forget.
Firehouse Chicago
Firehouse Chicago offers a unique space for your wedding. Built as an operating firehouse in 1906, the building has since been renovated while keeping some vintage touches. While the inside provides a large space with plenty of customization options, the outdoor garden is where this area really shines. The garden offers lounge furniture and an outdoor platform for your ceremony.
Trade vows surrounded by the venue’s ivy walls while your guests look on from beneath twinkling lights. A balcony overlooking the space is lovely for post-ceremony pictures. The Firehouse offers two private wedding suites where you can get ready for the big day. The venue also has a full-service kitchen as well as an inside cocktail hour option. This is truly a venue your guests will remember for years.
Greenhouse Loft
Greenhouse Loft is one of the coolest spots in Chicago. With huge ceilings and 3600 feet inside that you can fully customize, it’s an excellent space for any style of wedding. The inside is breathtaking, but just wait until you step foot in the sky garden. The green space is hidden and lush, with space for up to 175 people. You’ll feel as though you’ve found a haven completely outside of the big city.
Before the ceremony, you’ll have access to the Green Room, where your party can unwind before the event starts. During pictures, your guests will have access to the art gallery and the custom bar inside. The space allows for open catering and is BYOB, allowing you to have whatever menu you’d like.
Throughout the reception, your guests can get cozy with custom farm tables that will look lovely against your arrangements. The loft provides additional touches, such as a vintage photo booth, DJ services from Style Matters DJs, coat checks, and more.
The Ivy Room
Located in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood, The Ivy Room is a gorgeous spot for any elegant wedding. The courthouse of the venue is breathtaking.
With an aisle paved with brick that leads to a greenery-covered arch settled between two vintage street lamps, it takes very little to transform this area into a stunning wedding oasis. The space is aptly named. The arch and the wall surrounding the courtyard are covered in ivy that will serve as a beautiful backdrop for your pictures.
After the wedding, you can head out to the balcony to take photos while your guests enjoy a cocktail hour. The venue features a dressing area so you can prepare for the day on the grounds. The Ivy Room also provides tables, chairs, linens, silverware, and glassware. Your guests will fall in love with delectable food prepared by executive chef Tierry Tritsch.
Outdoor Wedding Venues Chicago
Planning an outdoor wedding in downtown Chicago might feel limiting, but there are some genuinely great outdoor venues here. Whether you want something whimsical and rustic or elegant and refined, these outdoor wedding venues in Chicago are sure to have what you need.
Once you have your venue, it’s time for the perfect photographer. I’m a city-based wedding photographer with an eye for the dramatic and a love for inclusivity. Contact me today to find out why I’m the best choice for your wedding.
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