The Arbory 2219 West Grand Avenue • Chicago • IL 60612


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Why You'll Love This Place

A Here Comes The Guide Wedding Venue Review
  • Tucked in what was formerly a manufacturing plant, this turn-of-the-century charmer offers vintage-modern style, awesome flexibility, and a great West Town location.
  • Inside, you’ll find exposed brick, rafters, and ductwork, fun décor touches like whimsical wall coverings, and tons of light flowing in from giant industrial skylights.
  • Their ample amenities include a private dressing suite, staging areas, a prep kitchen, lounge vignettes, a luxe bar, and state-of-the-art digital capabilities.

Video

Video by Abby Cooper.


PRICES: What's this going to cost?

Rental Fee
  • $5,500–12,000/event
  • Rental fee varies depending on:
    • Day of week
    • Guest count
  • The rental fee varies depending on the day of the week and includes:

    • Tables & chairs
    • Sets of lounge furniture & lighting
    • Sound system
    • Security & staffing

    Wedding videography, video booth, wireless microphones, and added uplighting are offered as add-ons.

COUPLES ARE ASKING: We've got answers

What's included when we book The Arbory, and what will we still need to pay for separately?

Booking The Arbory in Chicago's West Town gets you its 8,000-square-foot space, with two multi-use rooms that join into one and two private suites. Included are 20 custom wood tables, four 66-inch rounds, 250 chairs, lounge furniture, two custom bars, a DJ booth and a sound system with two wireless mics, plus café lights, uplighting, a disco ball, a video booth, a venue director and day-of security. You'll pay separately for catering, alcohol and bartenders, private event liability insurance, and extras like a projector and screen.

Can we have both our ceremony and reception at The Arbory, or will guests need to travel between them?

Yes, The Arbory hosts both, with two multi-use spaces under the building's skylights that can be used separately or joined into one. Ceremonies seat up to 180 guests, and the venue tops out at 200 guests for a wedding. You can also book a one-hour rehearsal for $500, though the timing depends on the event schedule.

If we already have vendors we love, can we bring them to The Arbory or do we have to use yours?

Yes, you can bring your own vendors to The Arbory. Its preferred partner lists cover catering, florals, photography, DJs and planning, but you aren't required to use them, and a caterer who isn't on the list costs $750, except for religious or dietary reasons. The Arbory is BYOB, as long as a licensed bartender corks and serves everything. Every vendor working in the space needs to show proof of insurance.

What should we realistically expect to spend on a wedding at The Arbory, and is there a minimum?

At The Arbory in Chicago's West Town, the rental fee runs $5,500–12,000, depending on the day of the week and your guest count. That covers the space, tables and chairs, lounge furniture and lighting, the sound system, and security and staff. On top, you'll budget for your caterer (plus $750 if they're not on the preferred list), your own alcohol and a licensed bartender, and private event liability insurance, which typically runs $100–200. Reserving the school parking lot across the street adds $500, and a one-hour rehearsal is $500.

What makes The Arbory different from the other venues near it?

The Arbory in Chicago lets you bring your own: your own alcohol with a licensed bartender, and any caterer you love, with a $750 fee if they're off the preferred list. It's a century-old lumber warehouse in West Town with seven skylights, more than 100 live plants, two living greenery walls and four hand-painted murals. The ground-level space is fully ADA accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome for the ceremony and formal photos. Guests can even record messages in a video booth built inside a historic soundproof vault.

Can we tour The Arbory, and what should we ask while we're there?

Yes, you can tour The Arbory by filling out the tour form on its website or emailing the team, which replies within 24 hours, Monday–Friday. While you're there, ask where your date and guest count land in the $5,500–12,000 rental range, how late the music can go, and whether you'll want the $500 school parking lot across the street.

GUEST COUNT: How many people can we have here? What’s the max capacity?

Indoors Outdoors
Ceremony Seated 180 0
Cocktails, etc. Standing 300 0
Reception Seated 180 0
Meetings Total meeting capacity for this venue is 300.

Venue Info & FAQs

OPTIONS: What kinds of events can we have here?

  • All-Inclusive
  • Ceremony
  • Wedding Receptions
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly
  • Small Wedding
  • Special Events / Parties
  • Business Functions / Meetings
  • Late Night

POLICIES: What are the food, alcohol, music, and other rules here?

Price

$ • $$

Catering

Preferred list
BYO

There is a $750 charge to bring in a caterer outside the preferred list except when religious or dietary reasons apply.


Alcohol

BYO

Amplified Music

Indoors

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair accessible

Availability

Year-round.

STYLE: What’s the style and overall vibe of this venue?

Buildings & other settings available:

  • Loft / Warehouse / Industrial
  • Historic / Landmark Building
  • Unique

VIEWS: What kind of views does this place have?

Peep the views you’ll enjoy from this venue!

  • Cityscape

Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
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