How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue in Chicago
Photo Courtesy of Korto Photography
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make during planning—not just logistically, but emotionally. It’s the space where you’ll exchange vows, toast with your favorite people, and dance your heart out. Whether you’re searching for a wedding venue for 200 guests or an intimate setting for 70, the right space should reflect your vision and make you feel completely at ease.
But with so many beautiful options—from cool Chicago wedding venues to Chicago suburbs wedding venues, and iconic hotel weddings in Chicago—how do you begin narrowing things down?
Here’s a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to help you find your perfect match:
1. Start With Your Wedding Style
Before you start touring venues, pause to envision what you want your day to feel like. Are you dreaming of a lush garden cocktail hour, a sophisticated downtown soirée, or something with a little historic charm?
Your wedding venue should elevate your aesthetic, not compete with it. Not sure how to define your style? That’s where we come in. Our full-service planning support includes helping you translate those Pinterest saves into a cohesive vision—and a venue that fits it flawlessly.
2. Know Your Guest Count
A wedding venue for 70 guests will have vastly different flow, capacity, and styling options than a wedding venue for 200 guests. Before falling in love with a space, get clear on your estimated guest count. It’s one of the easiest ways to narrow your options—and avoid touring venues that don’t realistically fit your plans.
3. Consider Location & Logistics
Think about your guests—especially those flying in. Do you want a wedding venue downtown for easy access to hotels and nightlife? Or are you leaning toward a Chicago suburbs wedding venue for a slower pace and more space to breathe?
We love The InterContinental Chicago for its central location and timeless elegance (ideal for a hotel wedding in Chicago), while The Drake Oak Brook offers a luxurious, tucked-away feel in the western suburbs without sacrificing style.
4. Understand What’s Included
Some venues offer everything from catering to chairs and coordination; others are a blank canvas. Decide what level of support you’re looking for—and what your budget allows.
As planners, we always help couples understand the true cost of a venue by factoring in the extras: rentals, staffing, transportation, even overtime. No surprises here.
5. Shortlist Your Top 3–5 Venues
It’s easy to spiral down a Google rabbit hole and fall in love with 12 different spaces. We recommend narrowing it down to just a few standout options that check your most important boxes—guest count, location, vibe, and logistics.
Some of our favorites?
LM Studio – a clean, modern, and design-forward space perfect for weddings under 100 guests.
The Gwen Hotel – ideal for a chic, downtown hotel wedding with skyline views.
Cafe Brauer – the perfect blend of romantic architecture, natural light, and city park charm. (We consider it a dream cool Chicago wedding venue with historic flair.)
6. Visit in Person & Ask the Right Questions
Photos are helpful, but nothing compares to standing in the space and picturing your day. Ask for sample floor plans for your guest count, confirm what’s included, and don’t forget about backup plans for weather.
Pro tip: Ask about vendor policies, setup times, and what time your event needs to end (especially if you’re planning an afterparty).
7. Visualize the Flow of the Day
Picture your ceremony. Your grand entrance. Your dance floor at full swing. Does the space allow for a smooth transition between moments? Are there distinct areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception—or will everything happen in one room?
Each venue tells a different story. Make sure it’s one you want to live in.
8. Review Contracts With a Sharp Eye
Before you sign, compare offerings side by side: what’s included, how flexible they are, cancellation terms, payment timelines, and whether they require personal event insurance.
We always recommend having your planner (hi!) review contracts with you so nothing gets missed.
9. Lock in Your Date
Once you’ve found the one, don’t wait. Especially if you’re planning a peak-season wedding, the best venues tend to book up 12–18 months in advance. Once your date is locked in, everything else can begin to fall into place.
Final Thoughts
Your venue is the backdrop for your entire celebration—but it’s also the launchpad for your planning journey. When you find the right space, so much else becomes easier to visualize.
At Birdcage and Blushers, we’re experts at matching couples with venues that feel just right—whether that’s a grand ballroom downtown, a serene escape in the suburbs, or a design-forward loft tucked in the city.
Let’s find the one together.
Ready to start your search? Reach out today, and let’s make your venue vision a reality
