Our Top Chicago Wedding Venues of 2025

As a Chicago wedding planner, one of the best parts of each season is getting to work in some of the city’s most stunning wedding venues. As we wrap up the 2025 wedding season, we’re reflecting on the Chicago wedding venues that truly stood out this year — from timeless historic landmarks to lush garden spaces perfect for summer celebrations.

These are the venues that not only photographed beautifully, but also delivered an exceptional experience for our couples and their guests. From smooth logistics to unforgettable atmosphere, each location on this list proved why it remains a favorite for planning weddings in Chicago.

Chicago Botanic Gardens:

It’s hard to find a venue that captures summer quite like the Chicago Botanic Garden. Every corner feels intentional — from the winding paths and blooming gardens to the calm water views that make every photo feel timeless. What makes this venue really stand out is how naturally it transforms throughout the day. A ceremony surrounded by flowers feels intimate and romantic, and by evening, the gardens turn into this soft, glowing backdrop that doesn’t need much more than good music and great company.

For couples who want a space that feels both elegant and relaxed, the Botanic Garden delivers. It’s spacious without feeling overwhelming, beautifully maintained, and has that quiet sense of escape that’s rare to find so close to the city.

Photographer: Studio Zwerveling

Chicago Athletic Association:

There’s something about the Chicago Athletic Association that just feels effortlessly cool. Tucked right across from Millennium Park, it has that mix of history and modern energy that fits the city perfectly. The building’s architecture alone makes a statement — from the grand ballroom with its vintage charm to the tucked-away spaces that feel cozy and intimate.

What we love most about this venue is how versatile it is. Whether it’s a formal dinner overlooking the park or a lively reception that carries late into the night, the space adapts to each couple’s style. The staff knows the flow of an event inside and out, which makes the day feel smooth from start to finish. It’s one of those places that just gets it — elegant without trying too hard, and always a favorite among our couples.

Photographer: Christy Tyler Photography & Lauren Margaret Photography

Cafe Brauer: 

Café Brauer is one of those classic Chicago venues that never goes out of style. Set right in Lincoln Park with views of the skyline and the pond, it manages to feel both grand and grounded at the same time. The main hall’s high ceilings, warm brick, and soft glow from the chandeliers give it a timeless feel — elegant without being stuffy.

What makes this venue stand out for us is the balance between city and nature. You get the charm of a historic landmark paired with easy access to some of the most scenic photo spots in Chicago. And when the doors open up to that outdoor terrace on a summer evening, it’s hard to beat. The team there is always organized and welcoming, which makes the day run effortlessly for everyone involved.

Photographers: Jaila Renee and Marisa Sav

The Arbory:

Nestled in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, The Arbory is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue set inside a restored former lumber warehouse. With soaring ceilings, exposed steel beams, oversized skylights, and lush greenery throughout, the space blends modern industrial design with a warm, natural feel.

The open layout gives couples the freedom to truly make the space their own—from an intimate ceremony surrounded by greenery to a thoughtfully designed reception that flows effortlessly into a lively dance floor. Filled with natural light by day and a soft, ambient glow by night, The Arbory offers an inviting, photo-ready setting that feels both elevated and unmistakably Chicago.

Photographers: Cling & Peck and Jess Diaz

The Drake:

Celebrating a wedding at The Drake Hotel feels like stepping into a piece of Chicago history. Its classic elegance — from the ornate lobby to the grand ballrooms — gives every event a sense of timeless sophistication. There’s a reason it’s been a favorite for generations of couples: it has that rare combination of glamour and comfort, where every detail feels intentional without ever feeling over the top.

What we love most about The Drake is how effortlessly it accommodates both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. The spaces flow naturally, making it easy to move from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. And with the hotel’s iconic location along the lakefront, couples get stunning city and water views that are hard to beat — a truly memorable backdrop for both the day itself and the photos that last a lifetime.

Photographer: Jess Diaz

Looking back on the 2025 wedding season, we feel so grateful to have planned celebrations at some of the most beautiful wedding venues in Chicago. Each space brought its own personality to the day — from the classic elegance of The Drake to the natural beauty of Chicago Botanic Gardens — and offered our couples a truly meaningful backdrop for their celebrations.

Experiencing these venues firsthand, and collaborating with the incredible teams behind them, is what allows us to guide our couples through the planning process with confidence and ease. If you’re beginning to explore Chicago wedding venues for your own celebration, we hope this list offers inspiration as you start envisioning what’s possible. We can’t wait to see what the next season brings in this amazing city.