April 7, 2016 | Lifestyle
Wedding season in Chicago is picking up steam, and we’ll see pictures of beautiful ceremonies and receptions at hotels and popular event spaces throughout the city as spring and summer go on. But, there are plenty of wedding venues in Chicago perfect for those brides- and grooms-to-be looking for off-the-beaten-path or unique spots to say “I do.” Gearing up to plan your big day? Check out these seven venues first.
Located in the heart of the West Loop, the converted dry-storage building combines industrial details with modern amenities to create the ultimate urban-chic wedding venue. The simplicity of the white-washed brick walls, exposed beams, and wide-open space lends itself to your every creative whim, so you can make your ceremony or reception (or both) truly unique. 1215 W. Fulton St, 773-486-9010
Glessner House Museum is a National Historic Landmark, but that’s not all it has going for it. Located in the Prairie Avenue Historic District of the South Loop, the museum offers multiple spaces for a breathtaking and one-of-a-kind wedding. Take advantage of the secret-garden-esque Courtyard, the spacious Coach House (which originally served as stables and a carriage house), or the wood-paneled Dining Room—or rent all three spaces for different parts of your wedding for the ultimate wow-factor. 1800 South Prairie Ave., 312-326-1480
Though it’s now a quaint and beautiful event space, Firehouse Chicago was once—you guessed it—a firehouse. The Northside building was home to Engine Company 70 for more than 100 years, and included four horse stables in addition to its high ceilings and white glazed brick. The building was renovated to maintain its original character and beauty, including antique doors and lighting, making it not only a unique and spectacular wedding venue, but also an unforgettable setting steeped in history. 1545 W. Rosemont, 773-850-1545
Home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Symphony Center emanates classy and classic Chicago charm. The center’s Grainger Ballroom is the picture of timeless elegance, with its high ceilings, Austrian crystal chandeliers and sconces, and a beautiful Michigan Avenue view. Or, choose to host a breathtaking reception at The Armour Stage, which has been the site of CSO performances since 1904. 220 S. Michigan Ave., 312-294-3260
Pilsen’s Thalia Hall is known primarily as a killer music venue, but the historic landmark, which was constructed in 1892 and inspired by a Prague opera house, makes for a jaw-dropping wedding venue, too. The hall offers a Michelin-starred chef, craft beer and cocktails, and state-of-the-art lighting for its weddings, but the wow factor really lies in the architectural elements—like the wrap-around balcony, stunning staircases, and rustic-but-beautiful ceilings. 1807 S. Allport St., 312-526-3851
Sepia offers a gorgeous setting for any intimate wedding, with its vintage-meets-modern aesthetic, gorgeous “sunburst” light fixtures, and even a patio perfect for a small outdoor reception. Plus, you get more than looks with this venue. The Michelin-starred restaurant will undoubtedly serve up delicious, inventive cuisine by executive chef Andrew Zimmerman, as well as artisanal wines and hand-crafted cocktails, so you and your guests will leave with not only amazing pictures, but mouth-watering memories of the meal to boot. 123 N. Jefferson St., 312-441-1920
It doesn’t get much more Chicago than Millennium Park, and at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, you can take the stage for the most awe-inspiring show of your life. The Pavilion Stage, with its sweeping steel crown, is stunning on its own, but when you combine it with the dramatic surrounding city views, it’s unbeatable. Plan your ceremony, reception, or both at this Windy City landmark any time of year: The glass doors—which open and close in only 90 seconds—offer year-round shelter from any type of weather. 201 E. Randolph St., 312-744-6050
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA DUFOUR (REVEL FULTON MARKET); BY LOOK PHOTOGRAPHY (GLESSNER HOUSE MUSEUM); BY SCOTT KAPLAN (THALIA HALL); COURTESY OF CITY OF CHICAGO (MILLENIUM PARK); COURTESY SEPIA; COURTESY OF DABBLEMETHIS.COM (SYMPHONY CENTER); VIA FACEBOOK.COM/FIREHOUSE.CHICAGO.VENUE
