A New Leaf, the Chicago-based florist famous for exquisite arrangements, owns a rustic-meets-urban event space in Old Town. Inside, exposed brick walls surround suspended concrete staircases; the back of the space opens onto a quaint, hidden garden. The space, which hosts ceremonies and receptions, can host about 150 guests for a sit-down dinner.
Perched above the picturesque South Pond in the Lincoln Park Zoo, Cafe Brauer is a perfect spot to wed, celebrate and catch a peek of the city skyline. Turn-of-the-century elegance imbues the space, which is accented with hardwood floors, stained glass windows and an enormous skylight. The space is flanked by two loggias (elevated patios), and can accommodate 250-300 guests for a seated dinner.
Chicago Illuminating Company was a power plant back in the early 1900s...and remains electric. Today, the 20,000-square-foot space is the setting for some of Chicago's most chi-chi soirees. Outfitted with marble bars, soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and tile mosaics, the space can host up to 250 for a sit-down dinner. Wedding ceremonies can also be held onsite.
One of the nation's most spacious conservatories, The Garfield Park Conservatory dates back to 1906. Today, the Chicago institution houses weddings and receptions in warm, lush, gorgeously-scented surroundings. Special events can take place in one of the conservatory rooms; the entire conservatory can also be rented out.
Completed in 1926, downtown's Murphy Auditorium showcases French Renaissance-style architecture. A regal ambiance is set with an entrance framed by Tiffany bronze doors, stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings spruced up with gold leaf details. The space can be rented out for weddings, with a capacity of about 300 for dinner.
Couples who prefer Miro to Monet should consider tying the knot at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The sleek, clean space is a blank canvas that can be easily transformed to reflect the taste of the bride and groom. The Museum offers stunning lakefront views, an outdoor sculpture garden and a spacious terrace. Available for ceremonies, receptions and sit-down dinners, the space can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner. Tents, available for rental, provide extra seating that can increase capacity to 500.
A shining example of the 1930s Prairie School of architecture, this castle-like structure sits on the cusp of Lake Michigan, offering stunning views of the surrounding skyline. In the warmer months, French doors lead outside to stone verandas: a perfect setting for sipping cocktails and taking in some of Chicago's finest scenery. The indoor space seats about 100 guests; there is room for about 500 outside. Available April-November.
Glass-encased art galleries surround guests at the River East Art Center, which can host ceremonies and wedding receptions. The lower level of the space boasts elegant accents like a 60-foot water wall and terrazzo floors. An outdoor balcony overlooking the Ogden Slip of the Chicago River provides an idyllic setting for cocktails. River East Art Center can accommodate roughly 400 guests for a seated dinner.
Showstopping weddings and receptions take place in the historic Chicago Theatre. Couples who get married here see their name in lights (on the special day, the theatre's giant marquee broadcasts the name of the bride and groom); the grand staircase allows for memorable wedding marches; and ceremonies held on the main floor easily flow into dinners held on the mezzanine. The stage can also be rented out for dinners and receptions. Well-suited for couples with plenty of friends and neighbors, the space can hold about 750 guests for dinner.
Literary lovebirds rejoice: Chicago's Newberry Library, which hosts a famous collection of rare books and manuscripts, can be rented out for wedding ceremonies and private receptions. The elegant Ruggles Hall, which overlooks Washington Square Park and houses a Steinway grand piano, can hold more than 200 for seated dinners. The library's lobby, accented with an art noveau chandelier and a majestic marble staircase, can hold 150 for dinner. If you're shooting for an intimate occasion, celebrate with your 50 closest friends and family members in the Towner Fellows' Lounge. Fun tip: In the past, couples have used the marble staircase in lieu of an aisle.
