4 Chicago Wedding Venues With A View That You Can’t Miss!
We all know that Chicago is one of the best cities in the entire world. We have it all right here in the heart of the Midwest, whether you are looking for a meal you’ll never forget or an experience you’ll treasure for years to come. If you are currently planning your wedding and need the best way to put the Windy City on full display, the first step is to find a venue that lets you incorporate the skyline into your backdrop. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I get the chance to go all across town helping couples document their celebrations. If you are looking for Chicago wedding venues with a view, here are a few I love!
You Will Cherish Every Moment At These Magical Chicago Wedding Venues With A View
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60605
Adler Planetarium is a space completely devoted to bringing the skyline right to you! This wedding venue is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and gives you one of the best views of our iconic city of Chicago. The building itself is eclectic and modern with fully glass walls that let you keep your eyes on the sky while escaping any inclement weather. Outside, the venue has a concrete pad built right against the water. As you exchange your vows, you will have the heart of the city just beyond your altar! When I got to work here, there truly wasn’t a bad view in sight. As the party walked down the aisle, the Art Deco-inspired brown granite and glass walls added the right amount of sophistication. And as the Fleuschhauers shared their I dos, the city shone in the background.
By the way, not only does this spot give you an exceptional background, but the staff is dedicated to making your day positively seamless! This venue allows you to rent both the event hall and the exterior, giving you enough space for up to 1,200 guests. Before your wedding, you are going to work with them to create the ideal menu through their exclusive catering team. You will also have wait staff by your side to keep your party on track.
Theater on the Lake
2401 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, Illinois 60614
Theater on the Lake is a highly scenic spot that dates all the way back to 1920. This spot marries Gatsby-esque charm with exceptional views, giving you the perfect spot to host pretty much every style of wedding. Inside the venue, you are going to have a romantic setting elevated by exposed brick walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and green beams that run throughout the building, adding a slight industrial vibe. When the sun goes down and the candles are lit, you will feel like you are in an absolute dream!
For your wedding, I highly recommend the venue’s private yard. The area has been paved with enough space for up to 1,500 guests. Throughout your ceremony, you will have the blue waters of Lake Michigan to serve as your backdrop. They have carefully built this area to offer a clear view of the Chicago city skyline just to the side. When I got to work here with the McGills, we spent as much time as possible snapping pictures by the lake as sailboats made a cameo in the background. Meanwhile, their guests took in the surrounding sights as they grabbed cocktails and played a few lawn games. It was the perfect way to celebrate a true Chicago wedding!
Walden Chicago
2145 W. Walden St., Chicago, Illinois 60612
If you have ever considered a rooftop wedding, Walden Chicago might just be your spot! This two-story building operated as a warehouse over a hundred years ago. Since then, it has been purchased and transformed into a venue ready to host all kinds of celebrations. As you use the building throughout the day, you are going to get tastes of historic glam that will set your wedding apart from the rest.
The interior features exposed brick, wooden rafters, and windows that look out over the city. Two cocktail bars have been added to effortlessly match the vintage style while making sure the party can continue late into the evening. And while the inside is ideal for receptions, the rooftop is the place to tie the knot. When I worked here with The Monroys, we incorporated this space for everything, including their first look portraits. They spent some time together reading their letters to each other as the city shone in the backdrop. After their rooftop ceremony, we stayed up here as the sun set below the buildings. Trust me, the golden hour here is the best around! The Walden is able to host up to 250 guests and will provide you with a wedding package that includes planning and catering.
Willis Tower
233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, Illinois 60606
If you want a Chicago wedding venue that is as iconic as your love story, Willis Tower is a must! Once the tallest skyscraper in the entire planet, this landmark lets you get married on the 99th floor (AKA Skydeck). Not only are you going to get the very best views in the entire city, but they will also hook you up with all the amenities you could need. They offer enough room for up to 300 guests with VIP access to The Ledge. Your guests will have access to a nearby discounted garage, and you will have a caterer’s kitchen so your vendors can create the best menu.
Now let’s talk about that view! When I worked on Giavonna and Kristopher’s wedding last year, we took full advantage of the backdrop, especially throughout the reception. The pair set their head table in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring every pic we had of the two of them had the city skyline prominently on display. After their ceremony, we also headed up to The Ledge to take pictures of the two suspended over the streets of Chicago. It was truly legendary! Plus, we snapped some gorgeous editorial pics of the pair as they headed up on the elevator.
I Can’t Get Over How Beautiful A Celebration These Chicago Wedding Venues With A View Offer
If you are looking for Chicago wedding venues with a view that show off the skyline, I can tell you from experience that you are going to love these venues! Now, you just need a photographer who knows how to show off the city in all its glory. I can help with that, too! As a Chicago wedding photographer, I love nothing more than working with couples to ensure they can cherish every single second of their celebration. If you want to see if my style is a match for you, let’s chat about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
