Unique Chicago Wedding Venues

Chicago's beachfront is world-renowned and this beautiful stretch of beach is the perfect location for your Chicago wedding. Made of stone and covered in ivy, this summertime gem has ample space for guests and is the ideal outdoor/covered wedding venue. Beautiful views of the lake as you say your vows and enclosed gardens on either side offer you and your guests a truly memorable wedding site. For more information contact Diantha Gray at Diantha.Gray@ChicagoParkDistrict.com.

Adler Planetarium

What could be more amazing than having your reception at the planetarium with fantastic views of the city? The rental fee includes four hours for the event, coat check, ambient music, and the use of the Sundial Terrace. Use of the Sky Theater (unfortunately, no sky show) is an additional $750 an hour. Seated dinners with a dance floor accommodate 325 people. For additional information or to book your event, contact Julie Bishop, at jbishop@adlerplanetarium.org, 312-322-0331. Alternately, you may submit an online request at www.adlerplanetarium.org/private.

The Cell

If you're a Sox fan you must consider having your reception at US Cellular Field. Capacity for a sit down dinner at the Jim Beam Club is 400, and not only is this an amazing space for your reception or rehearsal dinner, but the bridal party can take pictures on the warning track and the dugouts. Need more convincing? Parking is complimentary! Now how many other venues in Chicago can boast that?? The room rental fee is $1000 and there's a $4000 food/drink minimum. Food is provided by Levy Restaurants. Ready to get married at the Cell? Call Cari Gold at 312-674-5155 or cgold@levyrestaurants.com

A New Leaf

This pretty little flower shop has a beautiful space attached to accommodate a total of 150 guests. Ceremonies can be held in the apartment on the upper level with a capacity of 120 guests or in the mezzanine for 100 people. The rental fee for the whole space is $3500 on the weekends and includes all four indoor spaces (apartment, mezzanine, storefront and black table room) and a gorgeous courtyard garden, perfect for summertime cocktails. This space is amazing and the minimal décor allows you creative freedom (approved by A New Leaf representative, of course). Catering can be provided by anyone the couple chooses, so long as they are licensed and insured. Music is allowed (band or dj) but must operate in the mezzanine only. For additional information or to see more pictures of this fabulous venue, go to www.anewleafchicago.com/event or call the event coordinator at 312-642-8553.

Navy Pier

Anyone who's been to Chicago has seen Navy Pier, and if you haven't, here's your chance to give your guests a wonderful experience. Host your event at Navy Pier and you have your choice of three different spaces. The Lakeview Terrace has amazing views of the skyline and can accommodate receptions up to 1000. The Rooftop is their outdoor space available May 1 through October 31 and has comes equipped with a tent. This is also a great place to see fireworks if your event is on a Saturday evening! Finally, the Grand Ballroom is the crème de la crème of Chicago reception sites. It's completely gorgeous with a huge domed ceiling and panoramic views of the lake. For a truly big, fat, fabulous wedding, have your reception here and while you're at it, throw in the Lakeview Terrace for your cocktail hour. Interested? Go to www.navypier.com/events or call for more information.

Museum of Science and Industry

Whether you are a traditional bride or contemporary, this venue has just the space for you. Dine with your guests lakeside at the South Portico and Lagoon, which accommodates 650 guests in a tented space. Want an unforgettable affair? Have your dinner reception in the U505 exhibit, which seats 120. For your convenience check out their wedding packages pdf here http://www.msichicago.org/fileadmin/specialevents/pdf/MSI_Wedding_Packages.pdf or call their event planners at 773-753-2583.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Besides being completely different, the advantage this Chicago venue has over others is that it has so many options! For example, a reception at Café at Wild Things has seating for 400 and includes linens and chairs for a rental fee of $4000. And while you're at it, have your ceremony in front of their gorgeous carousel for another $3000. Small affair? The Foreman Pavilion can accommodate up to 180 seated guests at a rental of $4000. Want more options? Check out http://www.lpzoo.org/info/plan_event/weddings.html or call 312-742-2400. You can also email their Sales Dept at groupsales@lpzoo.org.

Civic Opera House

A Chicago tradition, this venue has hosted such magical Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera and concerts by such artists as Frank Sinatra. Now, it can be the host of another amazing production: your wedding reception! The great thing about the Opera House it that it can accommodate different styles and sizes of weddings. My favorite is the foyer which is so elegant and would make the most romantic of sites for the ceremony. It can also accommodate 150 guests for a seated reception. For more glamour and way more drama, go with the Ardis Krainik Theatre which can accommodate up to 850! For additional information go to http://www.civicoperahouse.com/rentalForm.html. For pictures of available rental spaces at the Opera House visit http://www.civicoperahouse.com/rentals.html.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Surround your guests with a truly once-in-a-lifetime event in Chicago's foremost cultural institution. For small receptions of up to 150 guests, the Garden Restaurant is a beautiful space with neutral décor. Larger receptions up to 300 guests would enjoy the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room, The Millennium Park Room or -if seasonally available-the McKinlock Court for outdoor dining. Fabulous photos can be had utilizing the Morton Staircase or the Grand Staircase. Because this venue offers such exquisite décor all its own, you can really save in this area with just specialty linen and small centerpieces. Anything more elaborate would really be overkill. For rental rates and availability, contact Bryan Bruin at Bon Appetit-312-443-3912.