The Arbory Chicago Offers A Unique and Romantic Wedding Venue
When you are planning your wedding, you need a venue that feels authentic to you. The very last thing you want for your big day is a cramped space that takes hours of work just to make it feel like your own. If you are searching for a unique space that is effortlessly romantic, The Arbory in Chicago might just be your space! As a Chicago wedding photographer, I have gotten the chance to go behind the scenes of countless luxurious spaces. Let me tell you why I think The Arbory remains one of the most magical venues around!
About The Arbory Chicago Wedding Venue
2219 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60612
A lot of venues across the city treat weddings as a side gig. It’s hard to get their full attention when they are in the middle of putting out fires and dealing with crises. The Arbory Chicago, on the other hand, is solely devoted to telling your love story! There is a reason why this has made The Knot’s Best of Weddings lists for the past two consecutive years. This 100-year-old building is a converted lumbar warehouse that effortlessly moves across styles to give you a one-of-a-kind space. It’s a little industrial, a little modern, and a little rustic. These elements come together to give you a spot where you can find your perfect style for the day of your dreams!
Details of the Grounds
The Arbory Chicago focuses solely on throwing unforgettable indoor weddings. There are two spaces that you can use for your day. The Skylight Room is lit up by the four namesake skylights towering above the crowds. This area invites rich natural light so your wedding portraits shine. This area is separated by curtains from The Arbory. This open space has two skylights. There are also two murals, a candle wall, and a living wall. With this room, your guests will first walk through a grand entryway that leads into your wedding location.
Both the Skylight Room and The Arbory can be used for your reception. With The Arbory, your caterers will be able to use the prep kitchen right down the hallway. If you do decide to use The Skylight Room, your staff members still won’t have to walk too far, plus you will have lots of space to set up your DJ/live band. No matter what you choose, you are going to have plenty of room to move around and celebrate!
The venue is able to accommodate up to 300 guests. They have different sample floor plans, so you can find the option that is best for your celebration!
With the venue’s portable bar, you are going to be able to set up a cocktail hour in either room. Both The Arbory and The Skylight Room have furniture that can be rearranged so your guests can get cozy while you take your portraits. The Skylight Room also has a wet bar that can be utilized throughout this time.
Additional Details Of The Arbory Chicago
The Arbory Chicago has a private suite that you can use in the hours leading up to your wedding. Sit back and relax while you put on all the finishing touches before your guests start to arrive!
When your guests first walk through the doors, they will enter into a moody entryway with clear tiled walls and a modern chandelier. From here, they are going to walk through the main entrance past a welcome table across from the living wall. The rest of the spaces feature exposed brick walls with wooden raftered ceilings and polished concrete floors. Bistro lights are strung across the room. Both curtains and murals bring some warmth to the industrial brick. Many couples choose to bring in neon lights and place them in front of the murals for a makeshift photo booth. The venue lets you customize the space, whether you want to add a mirror ball to the ceiling or throw some vintage family portraits onto the shelves of the living wall.
Photography Opportunities
One of my favorite spots for pictures in The Arbory Chicago is the entryway. Before your ceremony starts, you can come outside and have the daylight for your individual portraits. In the evening, it becomes the perfect spot to take some editorial-style portraits with your partner. The private suite will also serve as a spot where you can show off your dress, get close-ups, and share some moments with your bridesmaids. This room is extremely stylish and offers you a luxe backdrop. It has mid-century modern furniture with brass legs and velvet finishes. A vintage-inspired chandelier lights up the space. The skylights in the wedding locations will ensure your ceremony pictures feature lots of natural light.
Wedding Details
The Arbory Chicago knows how to make sure you have everything you need for your wedding day. They are ADA compliant so every guest will be able to access the space. You will be able to use their staffing including their venue manager, day-of security, and a tech team. Next, you can add on upgrades including uplighting, a video booth, and a disco ball. You will have access to both event spaces as well as a private suite and a powder room.
This venue gives you total freedom for your day. They are BYOB and let you choose your own caterer. The company that you hire will be able to use The Arbory’s prep kitchen throughout your day. The space has custom wooden tables and wooden chairs that you can use for your ceremony and reception. There is a coat check next to the entryway for colder seasons. The venue is pet-friendly so no one in the family has to miss out on your day!
You Can Plan An Absolute Dream Wedding At The Arbory Chicago
With The Arbory in Chicago, you will have all you need for your perfect wedding. Schedule your tour soon so you can decide if this is your space.
Once you have your wedding venue, it’s time to start thinking about your pictures! I adore working with couples all across the area so they can remember every second of their day. I want to take the time to get to know you so I can tell your love story the way it deserves to be told! If you would like to learn more about my sessions, send me a message. Let’s chat so you can decide if I am the photographer for you!
