Welcome to your Go-To Guide for Planning a Wedding in Chicago! From venues to dress shops to the trendiest places to take wedding photos – here’s the local scoop you actually want.
Planning a wedding in Chicago gives you the best of both worlds – all the energy of a big city, plus tons of beautiful and unique wedding spaces in Chicago to make your day feel like you. Whether you’re newly engaged (congrats 🥂) or knee-deep in Pinterest boards, Chicago is packed with incredible wedding resources…if you know where to look.
We work with couples, photographers, planners, and venues all over the city. We wanted to round up some of our favorite spots, trends, and hidden gems to help you feel inspired (and way less overwhelmed, wedding planning should be fun!)
Whether you’re thinking of downtown elegance, or unique hidden gems, Chicago wedding sites offer something for every style and couple.
1 Field Museum
Yes – a wedding among dinosaurs. The Field Museum is grand, unforgettable, and totally unique. Plus, all revenue from weddings and events go back to the museum. If you want your Chicago wedding to feel like a unique experience, not just an event – this is your spot.
2 Chicago Illuminating Company
Chic, modern, and a little bit tucked away. This venue feels like a “cool girl garden party” with beautiful string lights, a disco ball, and the flexibility to really make it your own.
3 Cafe Brauer
Nestled in Lincoln Park with views of the skyline and nature all at once, Cafe Brauer is timeless. You feel like you’re in your own little getaway with all of your friends and family, but in the city still! The backgrounds are trendy, and it’s a perfect venue for golden hour ceremonies and candlelit receptions.
4 The Ivy Room at Tree Studios
This venue is one of the most charming hidden wedding spaces in Chicago– tucked away in the heart of River North. Ivy-covered walls, private courtyard, and indoor-outdoor flow? Yes, please. It’s intimate, elegant, and gives old Chicago charm with modern polish.
5 University Club of Chicago
One of our favorite venues in the city,the University Club of Chicago offers timeless elegance right in the heart of downtown. With its stained glass windows, dramatic architecture, and unbeatable views of Millennium Park, it’s a perfect blend of history and sophistication.
1 Alice in Ivory
Whimsical, romantic, and full of dreamy silhouettes. The try-on experience is fun and intimate so they ask that you only bring yourself +3 guests.
2 Bella Bianca Bridal Couture
Located in Gold Coast and stocked with designers you’ve saved on Instagram. The staff makes the whole experience feel luxurious but not overwhelming.
3 Dimitra’s Bridal Couture
If your style leans bold, structured, or high fashion, this is your place. These are the gowns that make a statement without saying a word.
Sleeves as an accent – very romantic and editorial and looks GREAT on camera.
Different bridesmaid dresses – either in color or style, this is so interesting and unique!
Behind the scenes content creators – You only get one day – let someone capture the little moments your photographer or videographer can’t!
Checkered dancefloors & disco balls – Just makes your wedding look so trendy and fun, and sets the mood for open dancing!
South Garden at the Art Institute –
Peaceful, Architectural, and full of greenery –easily one of the best places to take wedding photos in Chicago.
Olive Park –
You can get greenery, and a sweeping city backdrop all in one!
Lake Street Bridge –
Our favorite bridge moment, if you’re looking for a classic Chicago wedding spot – this is it!
Your Airbnb – book a cute Airbnb to get ready in and take photos! This way, it can be an aesthetic you pick out and that getting ready content will be killer!
Chicago has range. Whether you’re dreaming of a museum ceremony, a rooftop dinner, or a courtyard under string lights, the variety of wedding sites in Chicago is unmatched.
If you’re looking for someone to capture all the moments – the chaos, happy tears, and fun moments – we’d love to be a part of your day!
Contact Old North Film Company for professional wedding photography and videography in Chicago. Allow us to capture every moment and special element of your big day!