The Top 20+ Small Wedding Venues in Chicago
a venue guide for planning an intimate wedding or elopement
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a host of adjustments for everyone — from how and where we work, to how we spend time with friends and family, and even how we get married. With changing regulations for social gatherings, we’ve seen as surge in intimate weddings since 2020.
While we hope that we’ll be able to go back to normal soon, I think micro weddings are here to stay. To help you plan your intimate wedding, I’ve gathered a list of the best small wedding venues in Chicago.
Small Wedding Venues in Chicago for 50 Guests
Artifact Events
Located in Chicago’s historic Ravenswood neighborhood, Artifact Events provides options for indoor and outdoor ceremonies in either the first floor atrium or outdoor courtyard. Additional spaces are available for a seated dinner or cocktail hour.
Website: www.artifacteventschicago.com
Celeste
Primarily a craft cocktail bar in Chicago, Celeste is a hidden gem, and you’ll understand why when you see the stunning fourth floor roof garden. Once an outdoor space, this floor has been completely enclosed and remodeled as an all weather event area. Filled with lush potted plants and lit with glittering chandeliers, Celeste’s rooftop garden can host seated dinners for 45-50 guests.
Website: www.celestechicago.com
Chicago History Museum
With special packages for micro weddings in Chicago, the Chicago History Museum provides all-inclusive services for your small wedding, with bundled options for officiant, cake, party favors, flowers, chairs, linens, livestreaming, and live music. Oh, and did we mention you’ll have access to stunning classical architecture for your wedding photos?
Website: www.chicagohistory.org
Concorde Fifty + Five
Located just off the expressway in Chicago’s Lincoln Yards neighborhood, Concord Fifty + Five features a 2000 square foot indoor space for receptions and an adjoining 500 square foot landscaped garden. Exposed wood beams and brick run throughout for a warm and homey ambience. Additional amenities include custom lighting, SONOS surround sound, and seating.
Website: www.concord55.com
Creativo Loft
Specializing in small weddings, micro weddings, intimate elopements and private events, Creativo Loft provides all-in-one venue and wedding planning packages for events of different sizes, including: classic elopements for two up to events for as many as 50 guests. With options for event times from 1 to 7 hours, rental fees range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Website: www.creativoloft.com
Greenhouse Loft
With a focus on sustainability, the Greenhouse Loft is located in Chicago’s Green Exchange building, a Platinum LEED certified property. Wedding day rentals include access to the all-white loft space with floor-to-ceiling windows, a terrace garden, and an art gallery (perfect for cocktail hour). All event rentals include access from 12 pm to 12 am; rates begin at $6,000.
Website: www.greenhouseloft.com
Small Wedding Venues in Chicago for 20 Guests
Wicker Park Inn
The Wicker Park Inn is a trendy B&B in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. With three bespoke collections, this is one of the most inclusive small wedding venues in Chicago, providing options for outdoor or indoor ceremonies, flowers, wedding cake, complimentary champagne toast, and up to nine guest rooms for two nights. Maximum capacity is limited to 20 guests.
Website: www.wickerparkinn.com
Homestead on the Roof
Hidden above Roots Handmade Pizza in West Town, Homestead on the Roof is a garden oasis — the perfect fit for an intimate wedding or elopement. Say your vows in the covered courtyard overlooking a beautiful 1000 square foot garden, and then enjoy your reception inside the airconditioned second story. Venue features include a decorative brick fireplace, locally-sourced cuisine, and a full bar.
Website: www.homesteadontheroof.com
Affordable Venues
Loyola University
Weddings at Loyola University blend old-world architecture with lakefront views. Event fees begin at $2,200 for 50 guests.
Website: www.luc.edu
Salvatore’s
Salvatore’s is one of my favorite small wedding venues in Chicago, and for good reason: Your event rental is based on a straightforward per-person price that begins at $109 a head. Your rental includes 5+ hours of premium bar service, butler-passed hors d’ouevres, champagne for all, three course dinner, wedding cake, coffee, tea, linens, a dance floor, table numbers, and more.
Website: www.salvatores-chicago.com
Outdoor Venues
City Cruises – Chicago
Take your Chicago micro wedding outdoors and off-land with Chicago Wedding Cruises! With packages for custom weddings-on-the-water and intimate weddings just for two, City Cruises (a Hornblower property) provides dedicated event planners, custom décor options, and packages to fit a variety of budgets and styles.
Website: www.cityexperiences.com
Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory provides three main event spaces, all perfect for a small wedding venue in Chicago — The Show House, The Blue Stone courtyard, and Horticulture Hall. Rental rates begin at $1,500 for short events (ceremony or proposal) or $6,000+ for longer events (weddings and receptions).
Website: www.garfieldconservatory.org
Offshore Chicago at Navy Pier
Located atop Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, Off Shore Chicago is the nation’s largest rooftop event venue. With capacity for events as small as 15 this venue provides stunning lake and skyline views, and 8,500 square foot glass event space with full bar, as well as a 20,000 foot private terrace for outdoor ceremonies. Onsite catering is included.
Website: www.drinkoffshore.com
Indoor Venues
The Builders BLDG
Built in 1927 in the beaux-arts style, the Builders BLDG features a grand staircase and multi-story atrium for stunning wedding ceremonies and receptions. Venue fees begin at $3,500 for Friday and Saturday events, with onsite catering available. Custom-carved ice displays are also available to make your wedding décor unique.
Website: www.dineamic.com
Colvin House
First built in 1909, this mansion on Chicago’s iconic Sheridan road has been lovingly restored, preserving many of its original design features. Amenities include full access to the first floor and courtyard, an onsite venue manager, coat room with attendant, custom lighting, tables and brass chairs, vintage furniture, and onsite dressing rooms.
Website: www.colvinhouseevents.com
Lytle House
Lytle House stands out as one of a family-owned small wedding venues in Chicago with space for celebrations of up to 80. Amenities include a private landscaped courtyard, 2800+ square feet of customizable indoor event space, custom walnut and steel tables, easy access for caterers, and an onsite event manager for day-of wedding coordination.
Website: www.thelytlehouse.com
The Joinery
With whitewashed brick walls and plenty of exposed beams for character, The Joinery’s main event space is an intimate 2400 square feet with a dramatic 800 square foot skylight. Amenities include overnight accommodations for the bride and groom, custom sweetheart table and donut wall, an intimate bar/lounge, wedding suite, gated outdoor patio, and more.
Website: www.thejoinerychicago.com
Stan Mansion
With multiple spaces for your micro wedding in Chicago, Stan Mansion’s amenities include a grand ballroom, lounge, dedicated ceremony room, and a newly-renovated bridal suite. Bespoke services for micro weddings (50 guests or fewer) or elopements (10 guests or fewer) are available upon request.
Website: www.stanmansion.com
Small Wedding Venues in the Chicago Suburbs
If you’re looking for an intimate wedding venue in the Chicago suburbs for your elopement, be sure to check out these great options:
Comida Cantina
A tapas restaurant in downtown Evanston with a private rooftop.
Website: www.comidaevanston.com
Genesee Theatre
A historic theatre in the northern suburbs of Chicago, with special packages for intimate weddings and events.
Website: www.geneseetheatre.com
Gardens of Woodstock
A unique outdoor space with beautiful landscaping, waterfalls, and a gazebo.
Website: www.gardensofwoodstock.com
Halim Time and Glass
A full-service wedding venue in Evanston, IL. Also a museum featuring a stunning collection of clocks, watches and stained glass.
Website: www.halimmuseum.org
The Homestead 1854
An 1854 mansion patterned after Tuscan villas. Bespoke packages for both intimate weddings and (up to 100 guests) and micro weddings (up to 12 guests) are available.
Website: www.thehomestead1854.com
Wandering Tree Estate
Custom packages for weddings under 50 guests, and awarded “Best of the Best” by Modern Luxury Weddings Chicago. Located in North Barrington.
Website: www.wanderingtree.com
Planning an intimate wedding or micro-wedding in Chicago?
If you’re engaged and planning your micro wedding in Chicago, I’d love to be a part of your special day by capturing your love for each other and everything that makes your celebration special. Contact me for detailed information on rates and availability.