I’ve found myself recently reflecting on favorite wedding venues to photograph at and honestly some of my favorite venues have been spaces that aren’t typically venues. Most Chicagoans consider eating and drinking to be one of our favorite past times and with a city full of amazing restaurants and bars, why not host your wedding at one of your favorites? A lot of us would agree that food and the vibe are two of the top things your guest will remember so why not book a place you already love both of those things at! I’ll be breaking down my top 10 favorite Chicago area restaurant / bar’s that I’ve photographed weddings at!
10. Carnival Chicago
Carnival Chicago is a great option for you if you’re looking for a unique, colorful space and love latin food! The brightly colored interior spaces are super unique and fun. They offer multiple rooms of different sizes for private event rental. Their menu has everything from ceviche to paella! Your guests will likely love this lively space and the unique departure from a typical wedding reception menu.
9. Gibsons Italia
Gibsons Italia is a bit more of a traditional choice with a classic Italian & steakhouse menu but their private roof top room makes for a stunning venue with a view of the city skyline from the West Loop side of the river. You can bring in your own elements to really make the space match the vibe you’re going for. B&N had a chic disco styled cocktail hour at Gibson’s to celebrate after their city hall elopement! They had passed apps throughout the evening along with a steak station Your guests (and your photographer) will love the view from the balcony over looking the river skyline.
8. Homestead On The Roof
Homestead On The Roof is a bit of a secret spot. Located on the roof of Roots Pizza in West Town, this cute indoor / outdoor spot features farm to table dishes that have a Portuguese flair. The indoor space is intimate with a rustic charm and having the mixed use outdoor space for your ceremony and dancing is the perfect combo in my opinion. This venue is great if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe while still offering your guests a more unique dinner menu.
7. Furama
Furama’s Chinese dim sum restaurant in Uptown is perfect for those looking for a super unique snd non traditional venue!Your guest won’t forget this memorial and iconic Chicago dim sum spot. You can find more on the full blog I did about A&E’s day but they leaned into the non traditional in all of the best ways possible!
6. Botánico / Mama Delia & Bordel
This three floor venue / restaurant / bar combo in Wicker Park offers a little bit of everything to make your nontraditional wedding dreams come true. Botánico is the top floor enclosed rooftop event space, perfect for an intimate celebration with a bohemian and vintage feel. Dining is handled by Mama Delia, located on the first floor and features a ton of wonderful Spanish options. Including paella and tapas! I’m not positive on how the rentals fully work but in the past my clients were able to use the Mama Delia space for photos as well as the second floor spot, Bordel - which is a photographers dream. Bordel is a Parisian styled cabaret lounge, well known for it’s burlesque shows. This floor makes for super cool and edgy portraits. You really get a wonderful range of spaces with this venue and the food is top notch.
5. Segnatore
Segnatore is an effortlessly cool space. It has built in unique decor, feels cozy while being able to host a decent amount of guests and the simple Italian menu is perfection. Not to mention they offer great craft cocktails and a well curated wine list. It’s also in one of my personal favorite Chicago neighborhoods, Humboldt Park. Bonus tip - the owners also own The California Clipper across the street, an iconic music and dancing spot that is also available for private rentals.
4. Ada Street
If you’re looking to really wow your guests with an intimate venue that has amazing food and drink, Ada Street just north of Goose Island has you covered. They have an outdoor courtyard space that’s perfect for ceremonies and their craft cocktails and New American menu is some of the best wedding food I’ve ever had. R&M had a multi course family style meal that truly seemed to wow their guests. The space is funky and cool while also giving a romantic vibe - perfect for weddings.
3. Three Top Lounge
This space is so cool that it absolutely deserves its own blog post. Three Top Lounge at Salt Shed on Goose Island is not only partnered with one of the best music venues in the city but it has truly one of the best views of the Chicago skyline. The glass atrium room gives a great indoor / outdoor feel and there’s also an outdoor balcony area. The bar offers an amazing selection but the in house catering is some of the best I’ve ever had. This is a venue your guests won’t forget and your photographer will love you for all of the natural light!
2. Gilt Bar
If you’re looking for an upscale, romantic vibe that somehow still has a very cool old school Chicago feel then Gilt Bar in River North is a great option. Not only is it all of those things but it also has incredible cocktails and fantastic menu. (And maybe some of the best cocktail hour food I’ve ever had!) Gilt Bar has an intimate feel to it but can still accommodate a decent amount of guests. In addition to the main bar and restaurant you can find The Library, a speakeasy style lounge downstairs. It’s a great spot for your after party! This is a great option if you want a moody but romantic vibe with a menu your guests will love.
Celeste
Why rent out one bar / restaurant for your wedding when you can rent out 4 unique floors! While I don’t believe that you have to rent out all four, at Celeste you have the option to. There’s the Whiskey Bar on the first floor that’s a great space to welcome guests or host cocktail hour. Deco Super Club on the second floor is another great option for cocktail hour or dinner. The rooftop garden makes for the perfect ceremony spot and a good place for late night hangs after but my personal favorite is Disco on the third floor. The neon lit, disco themed dance floor has an iconic 70’s vibe that your guest will never forget. The food and drink at Celeste are elevated and the spaces themselves are so unique that there’s no real need to add in extra decor. E&M hosted a quick ceremony and then a cocktail hour style reception where guests could grab food and drinks on multiple floors. Celeste is a perfect nontraditional wedding venue that will really wow everyone.
