It’s true: You and your friends have been to one ballroom wedding after another. Now, it’s time to experience something different — and unforgettable. We love how non-traditional wedding venues reimagine both ceremony and reception with extraordinary backdrops, immersive activities, and an emphasis on creativity.
PartySlate searched through hundreds of unique Chicago wedding venues to find our top 21 spaces for a totally original (and wow-worthy) celebration — with help from expert Chicago planning companies Paulette Wolf Events and Michigan Avenue Events. Step inside an ornate Chicago library or stand beneath the wing of an airplane while raising a toast. We know 21 ways to take your wedding to new heights — all with the perfect venue.
But First…Step Inside One of Our Favorite Unique Chicago Wedding Venues
*Listed in no particular order…
For an exclusive club high above the city…
The Loop
Set on the 66th and 67th floor of Willis Tower, The Metropolitan, boasts some of the best skyline views (and photo ops) in all of Chicago. Multiple event spaces also offer seamless event flow from cocktail hour to reception.
The Metropolitan can host up to 240 guests.
For a non-traditional, stylish hotel…
Wrigleyville
Hotel Zachary pays tribute to Wrigley Field architect and Chicagoan Zachary Taylor Davis with thoughtful touches throughout the space. The Drawing Room and Den feel both historic and modern with exposed brick and tiled flooring.
Hotel Zachary can host up to 100 guests.
For a celebration rich in history…
Museum Campus
In addition to being home to the world’s largest dinosaur and featuring 4.5 billion years of history, Field Museum is the perfect venue for an original and customizable wedding, complete with a dedicated event staff.
Field Museum can host up to 1,000+ guests.
For an immersive experience set in an underwater wonderland…
Museum Campus
Shedd Aquarium, one of Chicago’s most beloved attractions, with over 32,000 animals and ten permanent exhibits, is also a majestic backdrop for wedding celebrations and events. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, this world-renowned museum evokes a neoclassical white marble temple (with unique details such as real marine fossils in the limestone floor).
Shedd Aquarium can host up to 1,600 guests.
For an opulent design reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties…
West Loop
“One of our absolute favorite non-ballroom venues is The Old Post Office,” Brianne Garritano, Owner of Michigan Avenue Events, shares. The Historic Lobby makes it easy to see why. With gold-leaf ceilings, floor-to-ceiling white marble walls, and ornate brass ornamentation, this unique Art Deco event space is meant to impress.
The Old Post Office can host up to 1400 guests.
For a transformative event that celebrates innovation and discovery…
Hyde Park
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, with its large Ionic columns and Beaux Arts style, is the only remaining structure from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. It boasts thousands of unique exhibits and endless photo ops — along with one-of-a-kind, engaging activities such as dining beneath the wing of an airplane.
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago can host up to 12,000 guests.
For opulent architectural details set amidst lush outdoor landscapes…
Lincoln Park
Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo is a historic, Prairie School-style landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We especially adore The Great Hall which immediately wins guests over with it soaring skylit roof, stained glass windows and chandeliers, tile mosaics, and curved outdoor loggias that offer stunning views of Lincoln Park Zoo and the city skyline.
Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo can host up to 400 guests.
For an intimate ceremony with grand backdrops…
Gold Coast
The Newberry Library is an independent research library that doubles as a unique venue for intimate ceremonies. Its location across from Washington Square Park (the city’s oldest public park) and just steps away from Chicago’s historic Water Tower Campus on Michigan Mile make it a favorite for first looks.
Contact The Newberry Library for guest capacity details.
For vintage opulence in a versatile event space…
The Loop
The Builders BLDG, built in 1972, wows with Art Deco-style and exquisite details. With its grand architectural design, this wedding space is magnificent on its own while also serving as a blank canvas for unique wedding styles of all kinds.
The Builders BLDG can host up to 600 guests.
For a historic event in a grand space…
Gold Coast
Chicago History Museum boasts elegant Georgian-style architecture, with high ceilings and impressive windows, for those who want a blank canvas without the industrial vibe. We especially recommend hosting a cocktail hour next to one of Chicago’s first “L” cars.
Chicago History Museum can host up to 350 guests.
For an urban winery with one-of-a-kind views…
River North
Chicago Winery delights with chef-driven cuisine, wines made on-site, and a warm, inviting space with expansive windows that look out toward the city as well as inside to the wine fermentation room. We also love the warm and cozy ambiance.
Chicago Winery can host up to 200 guests.
For a tented celebration, regardless of the season…
River West
In a city with dramatic shifts in weather, Galleria Marchetti- The Pavilion allows for year-round tented celebrations with its 50-foot removable glass walls and an adjoining terrace featuring a 72-foot long fire pit.
Galleria Marchetti- The Pavilion can host up to 900 guests.
For a bright and airy space with fresh pops of color…
Magnificent Mile
Unique artwork displays in The Main Gallery at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago bring a splash of color to this expansive all-white gallery space. We especially love the room-length skylight that keeps the atmosphere bright and cheerful.
21c Museum Hotel Chicago can host up to 250 guests.
For a wedding set amidst the stars…
Museum Campus
Garritano of Michigan Avenue Events recommends Adler Planetarium as a stunning wedding venue. Enjoy a 360-degree immersive experience in the Grainger Sky Theater, panoramic views in the Skyline Solarium, and more.
Adler Planetarium can host up to 1,200 guests.
For a transformable space with breathtaking views…
Museum Campus
Jodi Wolf, CEO of Paulette of Paulette Wolf Events, shares, “Northerly Island is a great outdoor space that provides a blank canvas to work with for a larger guest count.” We love how state-of-the-art lighting and sound allow couples to completely customize their setting.
Northerly Island can host up to 30,000 guests.
For dramatic river views…
River North
Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events shares, “RPM on the Water is super easy to work with and has amazing food.” With sweeping Chicago river views and a fully-customizable dining experience, RPM Seafood | RPM Events is also the perfect choice for couples looking for an elegant and unique reception spot.
RPM Seafood | RPM Events can host up to 425 guests.
For elevated cuisine in an artsy and beautiful space…
South Loop
This two-level atelier, brought to you by the team at LM Catering & Events, pairs perfect views with unique art and creative architectural details. Guests will love the tasting room and custom menus that set this venue apart from other studio spaces.
LM Studio can host up to 350 guests.
For an imaginative celebration where art is larger than life…
Magnificent Mile
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, conveniently located near Water Place Downtown, is one of the world’s largest contemporary art museums with individually-curated exhibits and innovative architectural details that capture the imagination.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago can host up to 1,000 guests.
For the world’s largest outdoor terrace..
Navy Pier
Offshore Rooftop & Bar dazzles with unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on a spacious outdoor terrace. Guests will love the access to an indoor restaurant with 360-degree glass windows.
Offshore Rooftop & Bar can host up to 750 guests.
For artistic photo ops and breathtaking architecture…
Millenium Park
The Art Institute of Chicago offers one gorgeous photo op after another with thousands of iconic paintings and artworks — not to mention, visually-exquisite and distinct venue spaces such as galleries, auditoriums, gardens, and more.
The Art Institute of Chicago can host up to 1,100 guests.
For a celebration that puts art (and love) first…
West Loop
Ignite Glass Studios is a premier glass-making studio and event venue set in an industrial, loft-like space in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood. Gallery spaces boast rotating exhibits from renowned glass artists as well as current residents.
Ignite Glass Studios can host up to 400 guests.
People Also Ask…
What are Non-Traditional Venues?
Think outside the ballroom with unique wedding venues that challenge your conception of space and amenities. We especially love venues that offer immersive and experiential activities such as museum and gallery spaces. Moreover, don’t forget to rethink your four standard walls. Hire a yacht for an ever-changing view or rent out a sculpture garden for both natural and artistic appeal.
PartySlate is here to connect you with non-traditional venues near you. Head to our curated directory to find additional venues beyond our short list. Search by venue type to find museums, galleries, studios, and more.
Where Can I Have a Small Wedding in Chicago?
Micro weddings are more popular than ever — and for good reason. Even as in-person events resume and social-distancing restrictions are lifted, couples are deciding to celebrate with their closest friends and family, while still going big on style.
Use PartySlate’s curated venue directory to find small wedding venues for your specific guest count. Make sure to use the filters to narrow your search by guest count and venue type. It’s time to check that first “to-do” item off your list.
Where Can I Find Wedding Vendors for my Chicago Wedding?
Finding wedding vendors doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. After you’ve decided on your venue, it’s time to select a wedding planner, photographer, florist, and other event professionals that will curate your unique wedding celebration.
Use PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to begin assembling your dream team. Pro tip: Start with a Chicago wedding planner. Your planner can make recommendations on vendors, wedding style, and so much more. You can also reach out directly to our contributing planner.
Consider Our Expert Planner Contributors
Jodi Wolf
CEO
Paulette Wolf Events
Brianne Garritano
Owner
Michigan Avenue Events