A Breath of Fresh Air: 12 of the Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Chicago

Chicago is fortunate to have a wealth of outdoor wedding venues. Want to get married in a gorgeous garden? On a yacht? At a historic private estate? Here are just a few of the al fresco ceremony and reception options you’ll find in and around the Windy City.


Salvage One

Chicago, IL

Venue Superpowers:

Industrial-Chic

Lush Courtyard

Late Night Celebrations

Fab Features: a vintage Chicago warehouse turned event venue with industrial-chic details • prep for your special day in the ultra-plush bridal suite • celebrate amongst the exposed brick walls, large windows, and eclectic mix of furniture

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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Café Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago, IL

Venue Superpowers:

Prairie School Design

Skyline Views

Late Night Celebrations

Fab Features: architecturally stunning Prairie School design with a vaulted skylit ceiling and Tiffany-inspired glass chandeliers • variety of unique indoor and outdoor spaces • breathtaking views of Chicago's famous skyline available from the venue's terraces

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $$ • $$$
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Royal Melbourne Country Club

Long Grove, IL

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Excellent Cuisine

Lush Forest & Wetland Views

Fab Features: welcoming, picturesque private club boasting topnotch food & beverage service • the surroundings are truly stunning, boasting manicured golf greens, prairie-wetlands conservancies, and nine ponds attracting native wildlife • elegant French doors in the Grand Ballroom lead onto a gracious veranda with sweeping views

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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The Grove Redfield Estate

Glenview, Illinois

Venue Superpowers:

National Historic Landmark

Lush Gardens

Panoramic Views

Fab Features: historic 1929 home is nestled on 150 acres • distinctive Prairie-style architecture surrounded by landscaped gardens • exchange vows beneath a wooden gazebo, under the shade of mature trees, or in the outdoor covered pavilion with a grand fireplace

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$
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Colvin House

Chicago, IL

Venue Superpowers:

Prairie-Style Architecture

Opulent Styling

Waterfront Location

Fab Features: 1909 treasure lovingly restored to its turn-of-the-century glory, with beautiful Prairie-style details like geometric and nature-inspired motifs • ceremonies in the dreamy herringbone brick courtyard, followed by receptions in the breathtaking main room, with Art Nouveau chandeliers sparkling above • photo ops beside the lake

Catering: In-house, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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Northerly Island

Chicago, IL

Venue Superpowers:

Unique Art Deco Architecture

Tented Reception

Peninsula Setting

Fab Features: 91-acre peninsula surrounded by Burnam Harbor and Lake Michigan and with remarkable skyline views • dramatic events inside the historic Terminal Building, formerly an Art Deco airport terminal • or celebrate under the spacious Lakeside Tent or open-air Pavilion, where you can add splashes of color with LED lighting

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$
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The Ivy Room

Chicago, IL

Venue Superpowers:

Urban Garden

Modern Vintage

All-Inclusive Packages

Fab Features: an urban garden oasis just 2 blocks from Magnificent Mile • courtyard ceremonies are backed by the classic brick façade, which boasts stacked multipaned windows and lush ivy that winds its way up the wall • the elegant interior is outfitted with French doors, gleaming wood floors, and pretty Juliet balconies which overlook the gardens below

Catering: In-house
Price: $$
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Bird Haven Greenhouse

New Lenox, IL

Venue Superpowers:

Non-Profit

Lush Gardens

Seasonal Florals & Décor

Fab Features: expansive venue tucked between the Bird Haven Greenhouse and the 630-acre Pilcher Park • Italian Renaissance-style greenhouse is enhanced with spectacular floral shows and seasonal motifs from fall through spring • exquisite formal gardens are a dreamy setting for al fresco events

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$
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Ravinia Green Country Club

Riverwoods, IL

Venue Superpowers:

Private Golf Course

Wetlands Views

Customizable Packages

Fab Features: magnificent North Shore country club set against a backdrop of a verdant 18-hole golf course and 100 lush acres of prime wetlands • sophisticated Grand Ballroom with a lovely flow out to picturesque patios • all-inclusive packages are customizable, and include the assistance of the fab events staff and in-house culinary team

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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Lacuna Events by LM

Chicago, Illinois

Venue Superpowers:

Rooftop Deck

Sprawling City Views

Eclectic Design Elements

Fab Features: exchange vows on the rooftop deck with stunning views of the Chicago skyline • the Reverie Gallery features 14-foot ceilings, a bar made of salvaged shipping containers, and a steampunk-inspired chandelier • personalized and creative menus from the chefs of LM Catering using fresh and seasonal ingredients

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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Makray Memorial Golf Club

Barrington, Illinois

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Lush Landscaping

Charming Fireplace

Fab Features: an upscale golf club ringed with natural beauty • capture beautiful moments on the picturesque bridge over the water • exchange vows in a lovely setting next to the lake or on the lush Patio Lawn

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Chicago, Illinois

Venue Superpowers:

Unique

Open-Air Skydecks

Dramatic Sunsets

Fab Features: six private boats boasting open-air decks for dancing and viewing the cityscape • ceremonies held dockside or on Chicago’s waterways • thrilling add-ons like a whistle salute or sunset fireworks

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info


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