Chicago, with its stunning lake and city views, is a beautiful place to get married. The city features glamorous ballrooms and historic loft spaces galore. But if you’re looking for something a little closer to nature, something under the blue sky or twinkling stars, don’t worry — Chicago has that too.
In fact, outdoor wedding venues in Chicago are not hard to come by. However, when it comes to getting married outside in Chicago, you have two options: wait for warm weather or opt for a venue with weather safeguards in place. As avid planners, we really appreciate the latter.
The spaces below boast features like adjoining indoor spaces, canopies, removable glass walls, permanent tenting, and more — meaning that you can say “I do” without worrying that Mother Nature might object. When it comes to Chicago venues that feature weather-safe outdoor options, consider choosing one of PartySlate’s 12 favorites below.
*In no particular order …
For a rooftop ballroom or open-air terrace …
- Gain private use of this venue’s Rooftop Terrace with your reservation
- See how this chic outdoor wedding seamlessly transitioned their reception inside due to weather conditions
- The Penthouse Hyde Park can host up to 250 guests
For a spot on top of the city…
- Host your summertime Chi wedding on this stunning rooftop patio overlooking the glistening downtown skyline
- See how this chic summer soiree set up a wet bar on the patio to take advantage of the spacious area
- Pendry Chicago can host up to 500 guests.
For stunning lake and city views in one …
- Though only open May through October, the Aquarium’s North Terrace features a full canopy that covers the space
- See how this wedding’s cocktail hour was hosted on the Lakefront Terrace with a stunning view
- Top wedding planners who have worked with this venue: Tracy Fisher Events and Hope Weis Consulting
- Shedd Aquarium can host up to 1,000 guests
For a hip garden wedding …
- The Pavilion is a four-season outdoor tented pavilion, featuring 50-foot removable glass walls as well as air conditioning and heating
- This vibrant brunch wedding used bright florals that popped against the greenery of their outdoor venue
- Top wedding planners who have worked with this venue: LK Events, NSWE Events, Bliss Events Chicago, Joyce Pollakoff Events, Big City Bride, Great Events, Clementine Custom Events, LOLA Event Productions, Reva Nathan & Associates, SQN Events, and Urban Allure Events
- Galleria Marchetti can host up to 900 guests
For industrial chic …
- This venue features The Rockwell Garden space, a chic outdoor expanse that comes with a full-venue buyout (guaranteeing a backup indoor space, just in case)
- The Rockwell Garden is perfect for your intimate ceremony and reception with its quaint garden space
- Guild Row can host up to 250 guests
For love in bloom …
- The McGinley Pavilion at the Botanic Garden is a canopied terrace for weddings in May through October with heaters and clear side walls available
- This romantic rustic summer wedding shows off the natural beauty of the venue in summertime with so many flowers in bloom
- Top wedding planners who have worked with this venue: Bliss Events Chicago, NSWE Events, Joyce Pollakoff Events, Kesh Events, Curate Plan Style, Clementine Custom Events, SQN Events, Kara Superfine Events, LOLA Event Productions, A Perfect Event, Estera Events, and Designer Event Chicago
- Chicago Botanic Garden can host up to 350 guests
For historic charm …
- Rental of this historic venue’s indoor Coach House space includes their beautiful outdoor Courtyard for an outdoor spot with a backup
- This micro wedding showcases the rustic charm of the event space with exposed brick and greenery
- Glessner House can host up to 200 guests
For an outdoor ceremony in the heart of the city …
- This venue’s 15,000-square-foot Uihlein Plaza is accessible from their Chicago Room, which allows guests to move easily in and out of doors (or to simply stay inside if the weather unexpectedly turns)
- This outdoor wedding in the Plaza shows off the grandeur of the main entrance with a striking staircase and columns
- Top wedding planners who have worked with this venue: LK Events, Bliss Events Chicago, Shannon Gail Events, Big City Bride, Clementine Custom Events, and LOLA Event Productions
- Chicago History Museum can host up to 800 guests
For an opulent setting …
- Reserving their beautiful Terrace 16 Outdoor Patio also automatically reserves a backup indoor space in case of inclement weather
- The outdoor terrace was used to snap stunning photos of the happy couple with the Chicago skyline in the backdrop at this lavish wedding
- Top wedding planners who have worked with this venue: Christina Currie Events, Inc., LK Events, The Party People, Engaging Events by Ali, Inc, A Perfect Event, Big City Bride, and Clementine Custom Events
- Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago can host up to 300 guests
For a unique and memorable setting …
- The Museum’s North or South Portico are included with rental of the main space, and both can be tented
- The Outdoor Porticos are the perfect spot to host your wedding ceremony and reception with a stunning backdrop of the museum’s grand facade
- Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago can host up to 1,200 seated guests
For an elegant Lincoln Park spot …
- This venue’s outdoor terrace is open on two sides and features a cover complete with beautiful billowing fabric for a seamless, built-in rain solution
- This classic wedding is a quintessential outdoor Chicago wedding in the heart of Lincoln Park with elegant details
- Salvatore’s Chicago can host up to 300 guests
For a venue with riverfront property …
- When you book the Murdoch Room at this venue, The Veranda is available for your use; the space is riverside with city views galore
- See how this chic wedding incorporated indoor and outdoor spaces to keep the party going outside during their reception
- Top wedding planners who have worked with this venue: Shannon Gail Events
- River Roast Social House can host up to 450 guests
People Also Ask …
Where can I get married in Chicago?
Whether you’re looking for outdoor wedding venues in Chicago or Chicago hotels with a stunning ballroom, PartySlate has you covered. Our venue search will allow you to filter for specific needs and desires, like special amenities and catering options.
What wedding venues in Chicago will let me bring in outside caterers?
Some venues will allow outside caterers and some prefer in-house catering only. It is important to know your venue’s policy before booking. Head to PartySlate’s advanced venue search to find a Chicago wedding venue that will let you use an outside caterer for your event. Filter your search by location, guest count, and more to find your best fit. From there, you will be able to find your caterer through our vendor search and top lists.
Find more resources for planning your Chicago wedding on PartySlate:
- 39 Best Wedding Planners in Chicago [Top List]
- 19 Best Caterers in Chicago [Top List]
- 17 Best Wedding Bands in Chicago [Top List]
- The Best Wedding DJs in Chicago [Top List]
- 23 Best Chicago Photographers for Your Wedding or Event [Top List]
- Chicago Wedding Planning | Chicago Wedding Guidelines
- 15 Ways to Have an Iconic Chicago Wedding
featured entertainment company
Flow Entertainment, Inc
We love how Flow Entertainment is so much more than just your standard DJ. This interactive entertainment team’s infectious high energy and warmth will have grandma on the dance floor in two songs flat. Kareem and his team of “flowfessionals” go above and beyond to form lasting bonds with the families they work with, celebrating milestones that they will never forget. photographer: Slav