As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of working at many gorgeous wedding venues across the city! Chicago blends urban charm with beautiful natural landscapes, making it perfect for outdoor weddings. Whether you dream of saying your vows in lush gardens, by a body of water, or with city skyline views, Chicago has it all. I’ve compiled my list of the six best outdoor wedding venues in Chicago. Have a peek!
The Ivy Room
Located in River North, The Ivy Room is a unique outdoor wedding venue in Chicago! It sits in a charming courtyard surrounded by lush greenery. The Ivy Room offers the best of both worlds with an outdoor courtyard and a newly renovated indoor ballroom. It has a European feel while being in the heart of downtown Chicago.
The outdoor courtyard can hold 200 guests for a ceremony or cocktail hour and 50 guests for a reception. The indoor ballroom can seat 200 guests. With its lovely setting and flexible spaces, The Ivy Room is a perfect choice for an unforgettable wedding day.
Things we love about this venue:
- It’s a full-service venue, so you won’t have to worry about the little things.
- There’s delicious catering through Lettuce Entertain You with a variety of menu options, including brunch options – which we have had the pleasure of enjoying!
- The ivy-covered walls are a one-of-a-kind backdrop for wedding photos.
Galleria Marchetti
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, Galleria Marchetti has what you’re looking for. There are two great venues on the property—La Pergola and The Pavilion.
La Pergola is the more intimate option, and it features a retractable roof and climate-controlled space. It can hold up to 150 guests and is a beautiful option for an al fresco dinner followed by a dance party under the twinkling lights!
The Pavilion is situated within a romantic outdoor courtyard. It has a large elevated event tent and can accommodate up to 400 guests, with options for your ceremony & cocktails outdoors in their newly renovated and landscaped space!
You truly can’t go wrong with either wedding venue at Galleria Marchetti!
Things we love about this venue:
- There are two beautiful spaces to choose from for your wedding celebration.
- Both spaces have backup options in the case of inclement weather.
- It’s family-owned and operated, with staff that goes above and beyond.
The Old Post Office
The Old Post Office is a historic Chicago wedding venue with several stunning spaces to choose from, including the iconic lobby pictured in the photo on the right above! One venue within The Old Post Office that can’t be overlooked is The Meadow. It’s the largest urban rooftop in Chicago. With over three acres of green space, your guests will be wowed by the urban oasis and iconic views.
The Penthouse is another fantastic option located just steps away from The Meadow. It features an industrial style with original brick, exposed ceilings, and modern touches. These two venues provide the perfect indoor/outdoor combination for your wedding day!
Things we love about the Old Post Office:
- The glamorous 1920s Art Deco-style lobby makes for fabulous photos.
- There are stunning views of the city and river.
- The indoor space is just steps away, providing a great option for inclement weather.
Café Brauer
Café Brauer stands out as one of Chicago’s most unique outdoor wedding venues! Nestled within the Lincoln Park Zoo, it offers stunning views overlooking the Nature Boardwalk. While the Great Hall provides indoor elegance, several nearby outdoor venues are perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions.
The Peoples Gas Education Pavilion is a Chicago landmark that overlooks the city. Just along the Nature Boardwalk, it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor ceremony before moving indoors to Café Brauer’s Great Hall. It can host up to 175 seated guests for a ceremony or 215 guests for a cocktail-style reception.
Park Place Terrace and South Lawn is an additional outdoor venue within the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s near the swan, primate, and flamingo exhibits, which are sure to spark conversations among your guests! It can accommodate 250 guests for a seated reception or 400 guests for a cocktail-style reception.
Lastly, Foreman Pavilion, an open-air venue, offers a stunning setting for cocktail hours or receptions, hosting up to 220 seated or 300 standing guests.
Things we love about this wedding venue:
- It makes for a truly one-of-a-kind experience—how many people can say they got married at the Chicago Zoo?!
- Café Brauer offers several outdoor venues to choose from, catering to weddings of various sizes.
- The in-house catering staff goes above and beyond to ensure couples have a memorable experience.
Chicago History Museum
Another gem among Chicago’s historic outdoor wedding venues is the Chicago History Museum! Its outdoor plaza, nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, is surrounded by lush greenery.
Inside, the Morse Genius Chicago Room boasts stunning Georgian-style architecture, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows—a photographer’s dream! It provides a beautiful setting for indoor receptions. It can accommodate up to 300 seated guests with a DJ or 260 guests with a live band or orchestra.
Things we love about the Chicago History Museum:
- For evening event rentals, you get access to all the venues on the property, including Minow Lobby, Robinson Gallery, More Genius Chicago Room, and the plaza.
- The museum offers an in-house event planner dedicated to your event (though we recommend having your own planner too!).
- Guests can explore the exhibits during the cocktail hour, which is a fun perk of a museum wedding
Saddle & Cycle Club
The Saddle & Cycle Club is a historic private venue in Chicago known for its charm and tradition. It offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony space surrounded by greenery. Inside, there’s a lovely ballroom for receptions. The club ensures privacy and exclusivity for you and your guests, making it a memorable choice for a Chicago wedding.
Things we love about Saddle & Cycle Club:
- The perfectly manicured grounds provide a backdrop for elegant photos.
- The in-house catering team is known for their delicious meals and fabulous service.
- It’s a hidden gem venue nestled right in the heart of the city.
And there you have it—the six best outdoor wedding venues in Chicago! Each venue, from the gardens of The Ivy Room to the rooftop of The Old Post Office, offers its own unique charm. Whether you prefer an intimate ceremony at Café Brauer or a grand celebration at Galleria Marchetti, these spots promise unforgettable settings for your special day. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing love stories in these beautiful locations. If you’re planning your own Chicago wedding, get in touch to learn more about our Chicago wedding photography services. We’d love to be a part of your big day!
