Chicago is a city of timeless elegance, architectural grandeur, and unforgettable love stories. For couples dreaming of a wedding day draped in sophistication and style, the Windy City offers a curated list of venues that redefine the word luxury. As a wedding photographer who’s had the honor of capturing love stories at some of the most breathtaking locations, I’ve gathered a list of the Top 10 Luxury Wedding Venues in Chicago—each with its own charm, elegance, and moments I’ll never forget.
1. The Langham
Location: River North
Why It’s Perfect: Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago River, iconic mid-century modern design, and a service team that anticipates your every need.
Real Wedding Moment: I still remember Gianna and Anthony’s magical day in the city. It was nothing but sheer elegance. Their first dance, held in the Devonshire Ballroom, felt like something from a movie—every guest swayed, some with tears in their eyes. The elegance of the space elevated every single frame.
2. The Armour House
Location: Lake Forest
Why It’s Perfect: European-style gardens, marble staircases, and Gilded Age architecture. It feels like stepping into a romantic novel.
Real Wedding Moment: When Keri descended the grand staircase in her custom gown, everyones’ eyes filled with tears. The portraits in the amazing venue are still some of my favorite images I’ve ever taken. This venue doesn’t just photograph beautifully—it feels like a fairytale.
3. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Location: Riverwalk / Magnificent Mile
Why It’s Perfect: Panoramic views of the skyline and river, an opulent Grand Ballroom, and luxury accommodations all under one roof.
Real Wedding Moment: During Bella and Ted’s reception, surrounded by candlelight, they slow danced while the city lights reflected in the windows behind them. It was intimate, cinematic, and that nothing is more powerful than love.
4. The Rookery Building
Location: The Loop
Why It’s Perfect: Historic architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, featuring a dramatic spiral staircase and an illuminated glass ceiling atrium.
Real Wedding Moment: Seth and Alex embraced their venue by taking portraits on the Rookery’s spiral staircase. The looks between them said more than any words could. Photographing their ceremony under that iconic light court ceiling, surrounded by 19th-century charm, was an honor. Every frame looked like fine art.
5. The Chicago Builders Building
Location: 222 N LaSalle Street
Why It’s Perfect: A hidden gem tucked into the heart of downtown, the Chicago Builders Building offers towering ceilings, historic architectural charm, and an intimate yet grand feel—ideal for couples who want luxury without cliché.
Real Wedding Moment: Nichole and NJ hosted their black-tie wedding here, and I’ll never forget the way the vaulted ceilings and warm lighting made the entire evening feel like a candlelit dream. During their vows, NJ surprised Nichole by reading a love letter he wrote the night they met—there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. This venue brings old-world charm into modern love stories.
6. Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue
Location: South Loop / Grant Park
Why It’s Perfect: Rich in history and grandeur, the Hilton features ballrooms with crystal chandeliers, dramatic staircases, and views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan. It’s perfect for classic, opulent weddings.
Real Wedding Moment: I’ll never forget Lindsey and Preston’s wedding here—especially the moment Lindsey walked to the stairs to her emotional first look. The ceremony space was something pure elegance with candle light and beautiful florals. The same can be said for their reception. It was a truly stunning affair. The room has hosted presidents and royalty, and that night, it belonged to two soulmates.
7. London House Chicago
Location: Magnificent Mile
Why It’s Perfect: Breathtaking rooftop views, Art Deco interiors, and one of the most iconic cupola ceremony spots in the city.
Real Wedding Moment: On a beautiful day in Chicago, we photographed Linda and Thomas share a first look in the stunning cupola overlooking the city. The city buzzed far below, but up there, it was just the two of them and the sky. Their celebration continued in an intimate reception, where modern glamor met heartfelt moments—an unforgettable fusion of luxury and intimacy.
8. Canvas Venue
Location: Wheeling, IL
Why It’s Perfect: Just outside the city, Canvas offers a fresh, modern take on the luxury wedding experience. With its whitewashed walls, custom lighting, and industrial-luxe aesthetic, it’s the perfect blank slate for couples who want upscale, editorial-style design in a versatile space.
Real Wedding Moment: Dana and Jared transformed Canvas into a floral dreamscape—thousands of flowers, floating candles, and custom lighting installations that felt straight out of a fashion magazine. The echo of their love inside the open, artful space gave me chills. Canvas is proof that luxury doesn’t have to mean traditional—it can be bold, modern, and deeply personal.
9. Morgan Manufacturing
Location: West Loop
Why It’s Perfect: Industrial-chic meets modern luxury. High ceilings, exposed brick, and clean lines allow couples to design a wedding that’s uniquely theirs.
Why I Love It: If you want your wedding to feel like a high-end fashion editorial, this is the spot. The lighting options here are incredible, and the open layout gives so much creative freedom.
10. The Adler Planetarium
Location: Museum Campus
Why It’s Perfect: Sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, perfect for celestial-themed or sunset ceremonies.
Why I Love It: We have photographed weddings here where guests watched the sun set over the city during the ceremony. Jessica and Lousi shared a truly amazing day celebrating their love overlooking the city. That photo—her dress floating in the breeze, the city glowing behind them—still gives me goosebumps.
Choosing a Venue That Feels Like You
Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day. Whether you dream of exchanging vows beneath a grand chandelier or dancing under the stars with the Chicago skyline behind you, there’s a venue in this city that will make your vision come to life.
As a luxury wedding photographer, I don’t just document your day—I preserve the emotion, the beauty, and the magic in every moment. These venues offer not just stunning backdrops, but experiences that linger long after the last dance.
If you’re searching for luxury wedding venues in Chicago and want timeless, emotive photography to match, I’d love to be a part of your story.
Ready to Plan the Wedding of Your Dreams?
Let’s capture it together.
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