DESTINATION CHICAGO

Day Three of our whirlwind site visit takes us to Chicago.  Chicago is a really interesting city.  I spent a week there, to do a wedding and to meet with another couple.  So, I had a chance to see some of the amazing spaces available to couples getting married!  It was hard to pare down the list for this article.  Lets get started!

Lets start with a funky and fun- and fabulous venue, Carnivale!  This space can hold up to 300 guests.  And, there is no shortage of possibilities for creating a unique and memorable wedding here.  With a South of the Border atmosphere and delectable food from Mexico and South America, this could be the start of fiesta for you and your wedding guests.  

The Drake is one of the premier locations of Chicago.  When you step inside this beaux arts hotel, opened in 1920, you will already be in awe.  The lobby is gorgeous.  And, with 4 different spaces for a wedding of any size, plus all the amenities of a grand hotel, this is a perfect destination for your big day.  

Located in the the Navy Pier, Crystal Garden is like a tropical oasis in the middle of the city.  This 6 story glass atrium, brimming with live palm trees, lush gardens, fountains, hanging twinkle lights and spectacular views of the city skyline and the river is a to die for location for a magical wedding.  Whether you have 100 or 1500 guests, Crystal Garden can make your dream wedding a reality.

Built after the great fire as an office building, once the City Hall, The Rookery is a magnificent 1888 building.  There are several stories of how it got its name, from crows that lived in the rafters to pigeons that flew in to eat the oats fed to the horses that pulled fire trucks from the firehouse next door.  But, the most probable reason is that it was dubbed this name from newspapers at the time due to the ramshackle city hall that once was its neighbor.  Whatever the reason, this venue will astound you!!   Imagine descending down the marble stairs into the Light Court.  The oriel staircase is a must photo op.  And, the opulence of Frank Lloyd Wright's design will keep your guests wowed all night.  There is accommodation for 170 guests.  You will find plenty of close by hotels and lots of things to do all weekend long.  

Now for an edgy, raw space that will appeal to your bohemian style, plus its modern and chic sister space.  Gallery 1028 sits in the heart of Goose Island.  Originally a tanning factory, it still boast the original brick walls and wood floors.  The funky interior has large chandeliers hanging from the vintage 1890 ceiling.  This is really a great spot for a modern couple with a vintage edge.  Gallery 1500 is the modern sister space.  Located in Lincoln Park, the New City, this clean and sleek space with tons of natural light, concrete floors and 3 retractable windows to open up the party to the outside.  Both places are a must see when looking for that perfect venue.
Sitting along the Magnificent Mile,

The Knickerbocker Hotel is among the city's most famous- and most notorious properties.  Built in 1927, it has a storied past associated with names like the Capone family- who had a speakeasy there and Hugh Hefner, who owned the hotel for a time. The grand ballroom is an opulent example of the time.  Your large 500 person wedding will fit beautifully on plexiglass dance floor.  There is plenty to do in the immediate area to keep your guests entertained.  

Finally, for all of you Chicago Fire fans, there is actually a firehouse venue.  Tucked away in the Edgewater neighborhood of the North Side is this darling little fire house.  Firehouse Chicago, the original home of Engine 70 is now a darling, boutique style venue for a smaller wedding.  But, oh, the charm of it all!!  This turn of the century gem, with its white brick walls and antique doors is a perfect spot for an elopement or a small wedding of 80 guests.  Who knew this little diamond was hiding away waiting for you to say I Do? 

Now, I could go on and on about all of the unique, amazing venues in this great city.  There is a lot of history here and so many places to begin yours.  So, where should we go tomorrow?  How about New Orleans?  See you there!