The Windy City is home to sweeping lakefront views, glittering skylines, and some of the most beautiful wedding venues worldwide. Iconic hotels that have welcomed celebrities and royalties alike also boast opulent ballrooms for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. You’ll find every architectural style to suit your vision — be it Neoclassical, Art Deco, Prairie School, and more.
The team at PartySlate reached out to two top wedding planners in Chicago to discover their favorite Chicago wedding venues with luxury ballrooms. We’ve also listed some top picks of our own, using everything from architectural elements to room configurations to narrow down our choices. Keep reading to find your ideal Chicago ballroom by neighborhood. We are hear to help, so don’t miss our article on finding the perfect wedding venue; it’s full of tips and must-read advice.
Gold Coast
River North
Magnificent Mile
New East Side
The Loop
South Loop
Hyde Park
But First…Step Inside a Luxury Ballroom Chicago Wedding Venue
*Listed in no particular order…
Gold Coast
For understated elegance at every turn…
The Chicago 7 Ballroom in Thompson Chicago wows with drop ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the Gold Coast. Make sure to take a picture in the Froines Room for an unforgettable first look above the city.
Thompson Chicago can host up to 150 guests.
For a grand ballroom with sumptuous décor…
The Sinclair Ballroom in Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel harkens back to 1920s Paris with its coffered ceilings, silk-covered walls, and hand-blown glass and crystal chandeliers — inspired by vintage jewelry, no less.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel can host up to 225 guests.
For the largest ballroom in the city…
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago’s Grand Ballroom takes guests breaths away with its 400,000-crystal chandelier that adds built-in opulence to your wedding day décor.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago can host up to 1,200 guests.
For a dramatic wedding entrance on a grand staircase…
Lauren Bowles, Owner and Lead Planner of Stunning and Brilliant Events, shares, “The Four Seasons is my favorite ballroom in Chicago. The service is impeccable, and the ballroom is an elegant space that allows you to bring any vision to life.”
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago can host up to 750 guests.
For a ballroom with outdoor seating options…
With floor-to-ceiling windows and an adjoining terrace, the Cedar Ballroom in Viceroy Chicago boasts beautiful city and lakeside views.
Viceroy Chicago can host up to 200 guests.
River North
For a ballroom with a modern touch…
The contemporary Gallery Ballroom in The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North boasts dramatic windows with River North views and unique chandeliers for one-of-a-kind lighting.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North can host up to 180 guests.
For a prime location with epic views…
Situated right on the Chicago River, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago offers some of the best ballroom views in the city. Couples love the signature accoutrements that include crafted china, personalized menu cards, and more.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago can host up to 300 guests.
For a beautiful and transformable space…
Miranda Archer, Principal Planner and Creative Director of Fremont Group, loves the Devonshire Ballroom for its “sophisticated and neutral, yet modern-chic, color palette and stunning chandeliers.” She considers it a “gorgeous option with floor-to-ceiling windows” and appreciates “its flexibility to split into smaller ballrooms or become even larger by combining with the Cambridge room.”
The Langham, Chicago can host up to 260 guests.
Magnificent Mile
For a customizable event flow…
In addition to featuring four 14-foot-long crystal amber chandeliers, The Grand Salon Ballroom in Park Hyatt Chicago can be divided into multiple configurations for a seamless event flow.
Park Hyatt Chicago can host up to 170 guests.
For unobstructed views of The Magnificent Mile…
The Grand Ballroom in The Peninsula Chicago wows with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unparalleled views of Michigan Avenue.
The Peninsula Chicago can host up to 550 guests.
For a celebrity favorite…
Originally built during the Roaring Twenties, the Gold Coast Ballroom in The Drake Hotel radiates history and glamour with its iconic golden pillars and glittering chandeliers.
The Drake Hotel can host up to 500 guests.
New East Side
For refined elegance…
With soaring ceilings and marbled wall paneling, The Astor Ballroom at St Regis Chicago exudes quiet luxury for a breathtaking affair.
St Regis Chicago can host up to 500 guests.
For a penthouse ballroom…
Archer of Fremont Group shares, “Recently I fell in love with the newest ballroom at Swissotel: Élevé — a penthouse ballroom on the 42nd floor with the most incredible views of the city on one side and Navy Pier, with Lake Michigan as its backdrop, on the other.”
Contact Swissotel Chicago for guest capacity details.
The Loop
For contemporary grandeur…
The LaSalle Ballroom in The LaSalle Chicago- Autograph Collection dazzles with tray ceilings, black marble walls, and floor-to-ceiling accent mirrors. Make sure to stage a photo on the Grand Staircase for a memorable moment.
The LaSalle Chicago- Autograph Collection can host up to 150 guests.
For a luxe ballroom with old-world appeal…
The Walnut Ballroom in The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop boasts old-world glamour with 15-foot soaring ceilings, walnut accents, and cascading light fixtures.
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop can host up to 400 guests.
For a celebration amongst the skyscrapers…
Situated high above the city, The Penthouse Ballroom in Royal Sonesta Chicago Riverfront impresses guests with stunning floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of Downtown Chicago.
Royal Sonesta Chicago Riverfront can host up to 180 guests.
For a unique modern ballroom…
The Grand Ballroom in Pendry Chicago is sleek and modern with neutral paneled walls and circular waterfall chandeliers. Soaring ceilings lend grandeur to the space.
Pendry Chicago can host up to 400 guests.
For an open space with open views…
The Juliette Grand Ballroom in LondonHouse Chicago is a stunning column-free event space with floor-to-ceiling windows and picturesque riverfront views.
LondonHouse Chicago can host up to 350 guests.
For a historic ballroom with luxury finishes…
The Palmer House Hilton features one luxurious ballroom after another. Whether you opt for the Red Lacquer Ballroom with ruby wall paneling or the Empire Room with 24-karat gold-dipped chandeliers and painted ceilings, you’ll find the perfect space for a black-tie affair.
The Palmer House Hilton can host up to 1,653 guests.
South Loop
For an opulent ballroom that wows on its own…
With wrap-around balconies and 34-foot-tall ceilings, the Grand Ballroom in Hilton Chicago is the definition of luxury. Mirrored accents and glittering chandeliers exude glamour at every turn.
Hilton Chicago can host up to 1,453 guests.
Hyde Park
For a glam Art Deco-style ballroom…
Set atop the historic Piccadilly Building, the Ballroom is a bright and airy space with sophisticated black accent décor. An adjoining Rooftop Terrace offers dramatic views of the Chicago Loop skyline and lakefront.
The Penthouse Hyde Park can host up to 200 guests.
People Also Ask…
Where can I find a wedding planner?
A full-service wedding planner is far more than just a day-of coordinator. Talented wedding planners are half logicians, half visionaries. They’ll be responsible for executing your vision at every stage of the wedding planning process — all while saving you time and money (yes, really).
Head to PartySlate’s curated wedding planner directory to find vetted planners near you or in the city of your choice. Make sure to click into a planner’s PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work and learn more about their business. You can then reach out to your preferred planner right from PartySlate. You can also contact our contributing panel below.
Consider Our Expert Planner Contributors
Miranda Archer
Creative Director
Fremont Group
Lauren Bowles
Owner & Lead Planner
Stunning and Brilliant Events
Pro Tip: Read how real brides found their perfect wedding planners.
Where can I find more Chicago wedding inspiration?
PartySlate is your go-to resource for the best wedding and event inspiration. Whether you’re looking for new trends or classic elements that never go out of style, you’ll find the best ideas all in one place.
Location plays a big factor in determining everything from your venue type to your wedding aesthetic. Click below to explore some of our favorite Chicago settings, activities, and photo ops for a dream wedding in The Windy City.
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Amazing Edibles Catering
We love how this Chicago-based catering company offers an extensive variety of custom catering options that include Kosher-style, vegan, gluten-free and more. Amazing Edibles Catering forges strong relationships with their clients and the community while also creating exquisite cuisine for both virtual and live events. photographer: Nicole Morisco Photography