Finding a place that can live up to the epic day you want to plan for your wedding can be wayyy hard. Especially when it seems like every wedding venue is hella basic. From the super unique to the classically vintage, we’ve gathered a list of cool wedding venues in Chicago to make your search for a badass venue a little more laid-back.

Penthouse Hyde Park

A rooftop venue with an art deco ballroom, need we say more? The Penthouse Hyde Park is the lofty, light-filled space of your dreams in a neighborhood full of vintage graystones. Start your day getting ready in the 2-story VIP Suite with space for 15 of your best friends to get ready too (don’t forget mom and grandma). The color palette here is black and white, a blank slate for any personable touch. See their pricing here.

Details of the Penthouse

• Access to the ballroom, rooftop terrace and VIP Suite
• Skyline views
• Just 5 minutes from chic hotels (for easy guest lodging)
• 20’ arched windows
• Customizable floor plan

Beatnik West Town

Calling all foodies and lovers of boho vibes, Beatnik West Town is the ideal restaurant wedding venue for you. When you step into Beatnik, you’ll be transported to an eclectic paradise with its mod-bohemian charm and more greenery than you can shake a succulent at. It’s the perfect backdrop for your luxe wedding that’s all about those #aestheticgoals. Seriously, this venue is pure eye candy and one of the most unique wedding venues in Chicago. Plus, they’ll whip up a feast that’ll have you and your whole crew drooling. From the artistic ambiance to their deliciously diverse menu, a wedding at Beatnik West Town would make any hipster go green with envy.

Details of Beatnik West Town

• Accommodates up to 130 guests
• In-house beverage and catering service 
• Indoor space
• Wheelchair accessible

Old Post Office

Located right in the heart of Chicago, the Old Post Office is a testament to the city’s rich heritage and architectural gems. It’s a place where you can step back in time while celebrating in the present, creating a wedding experience that’s both a bit nostalgic and hella unique. Plus, with a variety of spaces to choose from, you can move from a grand ceremony to an intimate cocktail hour to soaking in the killer city views with ease without losing an ounce of that old-school sophistication. And we’re not kidding when we say this historic venue feels like it’s straight from the movie set of The Great Gatsby with its glossy marble, sparkling chandeliers, and art-deco details. That makes it easily one of our favorite luxury wedding venues in Chicago.

Details of The Old Post Office

• Accommodates up to 800 guests
• Indoor and outdoor spaces
• Use of chairs and tables
• Changing rooms
• Wheelchair accessible

Garfield Conservatory

For fellow tree huggers who still enjoy a good party from time to time, the Garfield Conservatory is seriously next level. Picture this: majestic glass ceilings, intricate details perfected by lush blooms and natural light pouring in from all angles. But you don’t have to have a green thumb to love this place. The minimal decor and picturesque vibe make it the ideal place for a sophisticated and modern wedding. It’s the kind of natural elegance that makes you feel like royalty, without all the fuss. And when you move the party outside to show off those moves, you can kick off the fancy shoes and feel the grass beneath your feet while still feeling like a total VIP at this garden wedding venue.

Details of Garfield Conservatory

• Accommodates up to 300 guests
• Preferred vendor list, BYOB and corkage fee
• Indoor and outdoor spaces
• Wheelchair accessible

Cafe Brauer

Coined as “Chicago’s most scenic al fresco restaurant and bar,” (so if you don’t get married there, definitely plan a date night instead), Cafe Brauer is a landmark with oversized ceilings, and a Harry Potter feel with glowing candle-esque lighting all around. Literally called the Great Hall, you have views of the park outside (Nature Boardwalk for a first look anyone?), and the skyline of the city. It has a warm mix of that lush garden feel, the industry of Chicago, and a bit of rustic sentiment too.

Details of Cafe Brauer

• Accommodates up to 500 guests for a reception, or 250 seated guests
• Dance the night away in their Great Hall
• Enjoy the skyline views
• Surrounded by a gorgeous park (the Nature Boardwalk)
• Oversized ceiling with industrial arches and warm brickwork
• Outdoor patio area
• Hanging chandeliers

Firehouse Chicago 

Firehouse Chicago is exactly what it sounds like—a renovated firehouse that’s been transformed into a jaw-dropping vintage venue for your epic day. This unique wedding venue in Chicago has both of the charming vintage vibes this city is known for. Imagine: exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and yes, a fire pole ready for you to slide on down (talk about a lit wedding entrance). Then when you’ve sufficiently set the dance floor on fire, they even have a refreshingly intimate garden space to kick back. The best part? Their dedicated event coordinators are truly top-notch.

Details of Firehouse Chicago

• Accommodates up to 100 guests
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Dressing room
• Use of tables and chairs
• Full-service kitchen
• Wheelchair accessible

More Unique Chicago Wedding Venues Worth Mentioning

The list continues from here. See the others we’re big fans of!

• Salvage One (an antique showroom-turned-venue)
• Chicago Athletic Association (now a novel hotel and cool wedding venue)
• And even a private penthouse (because why not?)

Cool Wedding Venues In Chicago? Check. But, what about your photographer?

As a couple of Chicago locals (and a kickass photographer and videographer in Chicago), we like to think we know a thing or two about how to have an epic celebration (especially when it comes to uniquely cool wedding venues in Chicago, obvi). Send some questions our way for vendor suggestions, or get in touch about our showstopping photography.