As Chicago is a global city, it has many types of wedding venues that can accommodate parties of all sizes and styles. From grand ballrooms in luxury hotels to charming rooftop gardens and historic mansions, there's a perfect venue for every couple. Plus, with its central location, it's easy for guests to travel to Chicago from all over the country.
Some of the most popular wedding venues in Chicago include:
The Palmer House Hilton is a historic hotel in the heart of downtown Chicago. It offers a variety of elegant ballrooms and event spaces, including the Grand Salon, which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The hotel also has a number of smaller rooms that are perfect for intimate weddings.
Wedding Venues Chicago Suburbs
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, the Chicago suburbs offer a wide range of options to choose from. Here are eight important points to keep in mind when searching for a venue in the suburbs:
- Location: Consider the location of the venue in relation to where your guests will be coming from.
- Size: Make sure the venue can accommodate the number of guests you expect to invite.
- Style: Choose a venue that matches the style of your wedding.
- Amenities: Find out what amenities the venue offers, such as catering, parking, and overnight accommodations.
- Availability: Check the availability of the venue on your desired wedding date.
- Budget: Get a clear understanding of the venue's rental fees and other costs.
- Reviews: Read online reviews of the venue to get an idea of what other couples have experienced.
- Visit: Schedule a visit to the venue to get a firsthand look at the space and meet with the staff.
By keeping these points in mind, you can narrow down your search and find the perfect wedding venue for your special day.
Location: Consider the location of the venue in relation to where your guests will be coming from.
When choosing a wedding venue in the Chicago suburbs, it's important to consider the location in relation to where your guests will be coming from. If you have a lot of guests who are traveling from out of town, you'll want to choose a venue that is convenient to the airport and major highways. You'll also want to consider the availability of public transportation, as some guests may not have access to a car.
If you have a lot of guests who are local to the Chicago area, you'll have more flexibility in choosing a venue. However, you'll still want to consider the location in relation to major roads and highways, as well as the availability of parking.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering the location of your wedding venue:
- Proximity to airport: If you have a lot of guests who are flying in, you'll want to choose a venue that is close to the airport. This will make it easier for your guests to get to and from the wedding.
- Access to public transportation: If you have guests who are coming from out of town and don't have access to a car, you'll want to choose a venue that is accessible by public transportation.
- Proximity to major roads and highways: If you have guests who are driving to the wedding, you'll want to choose a venue that is easy to get to from major roads and highways.
- Availability of parking: If you have a lot of guests who are driving to the wedding, you'll want to make sure that the venue has ample parking available.
By considering the location of your wedding venue in relation to where your guests will be coming from, you can help to ensure that everyone has a safe and convenient way to get to and from your special day.
Size: Make sure the venue can accommodate the number of guests you expect to invite.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a wedding venue is the size. You'll need to make sure that the venue can comfortably accommodate the number of guests you expect to invite. If the venue is too small, your guests will be cramped and uncomfortable. If the venue is too large, you'll end up paying for space that you don't need.
To determine the right size for your wedding venue, start by creating a guest list. Once you have a good estimate of the number of guests you'll be inviting, you can start to look at venues that can accommodate that number. It's always a good idea to book a venue that is slightly larger than you need, just in case you have any last-minute additions to your guest list.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering the size of your wedding venue:
- Guest capacity: The guest capacity of a venue is the maximum number of guests that can be accommodated in the space. When choosing a venue, make sure that the guest capacity is at least equal to the number of guests you expect to invite.
- Seating capacity: The seating capacity of a venue is the maximum number of guests that can be seated for dinner. If you're planning on having a sit-down dinner, make sure that the seating capacity of the venue is at least equal to the number of guests you expect to invite.
- Dance floor: If you're planning on having a dance floor, make sure that the venue has enough space to accommodate it. The dance floor should be large enough for your guests to dance comfortably without feeling cramped.
- Other amenities: If you're planning on having any other amenities at your wedding, such as a bar, lounge area, or photo booth, make sure that the venue has enough space to accommodate them.
By considering the size of your wedding venue in relation to the number of guests you expect to invite, you can help to ensure that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience on your special day.
Style: Choose a venue that matches the style of your wedding.
The style of your wedding venue should match the overall style of your wedding. If you're planning a formal wedding, you'll want to choose a venue that is elegant and sophisticated. If you're planning a more casual wedding, you can choose a venue that is more relaxed and rustic.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering the style of your wedding venue:
- Architecture: The architecture of the venue can play a big role in the overall style of your wedding. For example, a historic mansion will create a more formal and elegant atmosphere, while a barn will create a more rustic and casual atmosphere.
- Decor: The decor of the venue can also be used to create a specific style. For example, if you're planning a vintage-themed wedding, you can choose a venue with vintage-inspired decor.
- Lighting: The lighting of the venue can also be used to create a specific atmosphere. For example, soft and romantic lighting can create a more intimate atmosphere, while bright and cheerful lighting can create a more lively and upbeat atmosphere.
By considering the style of your wedding venue in relation to the overall style of your wedding, you can help to create a cohesive and memorable event.
Amenities: Find out what amenities the venue offers, such as catering, parking, and overnight accommodations.
When choosing a wedding venue, it's important to find out what amenities the venue offers. This will help you to determine if the venue is a good fit for your needs and budget.
Here are some common amenities that wedding venues offer:
- Catering: Many wedding venues offer in-house catering services. This can be a convenient option, as you won't have to worry about finding a separate caterer.
- Parking: Ample parking is a must-have for any wedding venue. Make sure that the venue has enough parking spaces to accommodate your guests.
- Overnight accommodations: If you have guests who are traveling from out of town, you may want to choose a venue that offers overnight accommodations. This will allow your guests to stay close to the venue and avoid having to drive home after the wedding.
- Other amenities: Some wedding venues offer other amenities, such as a bridal suite, groom's lounge, dance floor, and photo booth. These amenities can help to make your wedding day more special and memorable.
When you're visiting potential wedding venues, be sure to ask about the amenities that they offer. This will help you to make an informed decision about which venue is right for you.
Availability: Check the availability of the venue on your desired wedding date.
Once you've found a few wedding venues that you like, it's important to check their availability on your desired wedding date. This is especially important if you're getting married during peak wedding season (May-October).
To check the availability of a venue, you can either call the venue directly or visit their website. If the venue is available on your desired date, you can schedule a tour to see the space in person.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when checking the availability of a wedding venue:
- Peak wedding season: As mentioned above, peak wedding season is May-October. If you're getting married during this time, it's important to book your venue well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Weekends vs. weekdays: Weekends are more popular for weddings than weekdays. If you're flexible with your wedding date, you may be able to get a better deal on a weekday wedding.
- Holidays: If you're planning on getting married on a holiday weekend, be sure to check the availability of the venue well in advance. Many venues book up quickly for holiday weekends.
By checking the availability of your wedding venue early on, you can avoid any potential scheduling conflicts and ensure that your special day goes off without a hitch.
Budget: Get a clear understanding of the venue's rental fees and other costs.
Before you book a wedding venue, it's important to get a clear understanding of the rental fees and other costs. This will help you to budget for your wedding and avoid any unexpected surprises.
Here are some of the most common costs associated with wedding venues:
- Rental fee: This is the basic fee for renting the venue for your wedding. The rental fee can vary depending on the size of the venue, the day of the week, and the time of year.
- Security deposit: Many venues require a security deposit to cover any potential damages. The security deposit is typically refundable after the wedding.
- Food and beverage minimum: Some venues require you to spend a certain amount of money on food and beverage. The food and beverage minimum can vary depending on the venue and the time of year.
- Service charges: Many venues charge a service charge for their staff. The service charge is typically a percentage of the total bill.
- Other costs: There may be other costs associated with your wedding venue, such as parking fees, vendor fees, and insurance.
It's important to get a detailed breakdown of all the costs associated with your wedding venue before you book. This will help you to avoid any unexpected expenses and ensure that your wedding stays within your budget.
Reviews: Read online reviews of the venue to get an idea of what other couples have experienced.
Once you've narrowed down your list of potential wedding venues, it's a good idea to read online reviews to get an idea of what other couples have experienced. Reviews can be a great way to learn about the venue's staff, food, and overall atmosphere.
- Look for reviews from real couples. There are a lot of fake reviews out there, so it's important to focus on reviews from real couples who have actually gotten married at the venue.
- Read both positive and negative reviews. It's important to get a balanced view of the venue, so be sure to read both positive and negative reviews.
- Pay attention to the details. When reading reviews, pay attention to the details. What did the couple like and dislike about the venue? Were there any specific issues that they encountered?
- Take the reviews with a grain of salt. Not all reviews are created equal. Some couples may be more critical than others, and some may have had a bad experience due to circumstances that were beyond the venue's control.
Reading online reviews can be a helpful way to learn more about a wedding venue. However, it's important to remember to take the reviews with a grain of salt. Not all reviews are created equal, and some couples may be more critical than others.
Visit: Schedule a visit to the venue to get a firsthand look at the space and meet with the staff.
Once you've narrowed down your list of potential wedding venues, it's important to schedule a visit to each venue. This will give you a chance to get a firsthand look at the space and meet with the staff.
- Take a tour of the venue. When you visit the venue, be sure to take a tour of the entire space. This includes the ceremony site, the reception area, and any other areas that you'll be using for your wedding.
- Meet with the staff. The staff at the venue can be a great source of information and help. Be sure to meet with the event coordinator and any other staff members who will be involved in your wedding.
- Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the venue, the staff, and the wedding planning process. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be for your big day.
- Get a feel for the atmosphere. When you visit the venue, pay attention to the atmosphere. Is it the right fit for your wedding? Do you feel comfortable and excited about getting married there?
Scheduling a visit to a wedding venue is an important step in the planning process. It will give you a chance to see the space in person and meet with the staff. This will help you to make an informed decision about which venue is right for you.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs:
Question 1: What are the most popular wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs?
Answer 1: Some of the most popular wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs include the Abbington Banquets, Drury Lane Theatre, The Carlisle, and The Morton Arboretum.
Question 2: What types of wedding venues are available in the Chicago suburbs?
Answer 2: There are a variety of wedding venues available in the Chicago suburbs, including banquet halls, country clubs, hotels, and outdoor venues.
Question 3: How far in advance should I book my wedding venue?
Answer 3: It is recommended to book your wedding venue at least 12 months in advance, especially if you are getting married during peak wedding season (May-October).
Question 4: What is the average cost of a wedding venue in the Chicago suburbs?
Answer 4: The average cost of a wedding venue in the Chicago suburbs varies depending on the size of the venue, the day of the week, and the time of year. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for a wedding venue.
Question 5: What amenities are typically included in wedding venue rentals?
Answer 5: Wedding venue rentals typically include the use of the ceremony and reception spaces, as well as tables, chairs, and linens. Some venues may also include additional amenities, such as a bridal suite, groom's lounge, or dance floor.
Question 6: What are some tips for choosing a wedding venue?
Answer 6: When choosing a wedding venue, it is important to consider the size of your guest list, the style of your wedding, and your budget. It is also a good idea to visit the venue in person and meet with the staff before making a decision.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact a local wedding planner or venue coordinator.
Now that you know more about wedding venues in the Chicago suburbs, you can start the process of finding the perfect venue for your big day.
Tips
Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect wedding venue in the Chicago suburbs:
Tip 1: Start your search early. The best wedding venues book up quickly, so it's important to start your search early. Begin by creating a guest list and determining your budget. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on venues that are the right size and price for your wedding.
Tip 2: Visit the venue in person. Once you've found a few potential venues, it's important to visit them in person. This will give you a chance to see the space in person and meet with the staff. Pay attention to the atmosphere of the venue and make sure it's a good fit for your wedding style.
Tip 3: Read online reviews. Before you book a venue, be sure to read online reviews. This will give you an idea of what other couples have experienced at the venue. Pay attention to the reviews and see if there are any common complaints or concerns.
Tip 4: Get everything in writing. Once you've found the perfect venue, be sure to get everything in writing. This includes the rental fee, the date of your wedding, and any other important details. Getting everything in writing will help to avoid any misunderstandings or problems down the road.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect wedding venue in the Chicago suburbs.
Choosing the right wedding venue is an important decision. By following these tips, you can find the perfect venue for your big day.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wedding venue is an important decision. By following the tips in this article, you can find the perfect venue for your big day in the Chicago suburbs.
Here are some of the main points to remember when choosing a wedding venue:
- Start your search early.
- Visit the venue in person.
- Read online reviews.
- Get everything in writing.
Choosing the right wedding venue will help to ensure that your big day is everything you've ever dreamed of. So take your time, do your research, and find the perfect venue for your special day.