The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Chicago, IL

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2 Wedding Venues in Chicago, IL

Beaches, waterfront settings
300+ guests
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City Cruises Chicago 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Chicago, IL
  • Up to 745 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $2,600

Create the wedding of your dreams on the most unique venue imaginable. Our all-inclusive packages and dedicated wedding team will help make planning as stress-free as possible. Custom-create your perfect day with chef-designed menus, exceptional service, and unforgettable views from our indoor and outdoor decks where there’s plenty of room for dining, dancing, and festivities. Come aboard and tie the knot with City Cruises!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not wheelchair accessible
“I had an EXCELLENT experience with City Cruises for my August wedding reception / brunch cruise. The sales manager, Serena, event coordinator, Andria, and all the service staff were wonderful. I had dozens of questions running up to the wedding about optimizing my budget and incorporating all kinds of guest preferences—Andria and Serena were so patient. In the actual day of, food was good, drinks were good, DJ was fabulous and incorporated French, English, and Spanish songs requests for my guests. I loved this choice for reception venue and would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Reine R., a year ago
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Offshore Rooftop 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Chicago, IL
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Offshore is the newest premier rooftop event space and restaurant in Chicago: located at the end of iconic Navy Pier, with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline, making this the perfect space for any event. Listed as the Largest Rooftop Bar in the WORLD by Guinness Book of World Records, there is a space and option for just about any event. Within Offshore, we allow full or partial buyouts, or there are a variety of semi-private indoor/outdoor spaces available. The modern design allows for a space that feels like a vacation without leaving town. With retractable walls that allow an indoor/outdoor feel, as well as floor to ceiling windows throughout the space, and an incredible amount of outdoor areas filled with lounge furniture, Offshore is the ideal space to show off Chicago hospitality in style.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Caters to out-of-town guests
  • Dressing room available
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Does not allow pets
  • No free parking
“Offshore Rooftop was the perfect venue for our wedding day. Their communication throughout the entire process was excellent - they were always responsive to our questions and provided clear information. The venue itself is absolutely gorgeous, with stunning city and Lake Michigan views, and the value was great, with no hidden fees or surprises with the final cost. We barely needed decor because the place is so beautiful, the pictures turned out incredible. Everything on the day of the wedding ran so smoothly, and they were incredibly flexible with any last minute changes or requests we had. We were fortunately able to have our ceremony outside but they already created a backup plan in case of inclement weather. We also loved that they allowed us to bring our dog to be part of the celebration. Offshore Rooftop truly contributed to making our special day perfect.”
Heidi C., 2 years ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Chicago, IL

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Aberdeen Manor Ballroom And Event Center
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
Valparaiso, IN
County Line Orchard
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Hobart, IN
The Pavilion at Sandy Pines
Demotte, IN
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Sand Creek Country Club
Chesterton, IN
Youche Country Club
Crown Point, IN
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Duneland Falls All-Inclusive Venue
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Chesterton, IN
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The Allure on the Lake
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Chesterton, IN
Offer
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Fair Oaks Farms
Rating: 4.3 (4 reviews)
Fair Oaks, IN
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The Reserve a Grand Venue
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Hammond, IN
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The Design Barn
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
Hebron, IN
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Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Valparaiso, IN
Signature Banquets
Lowell, IN

Event types for wedding venues in Chicago, IL

About wedding venues in Chicago, IL

Planning your wedding in the Windy City gives you an exceptional backdrop for your celebration. Chicago's architectural heritage meets lakefront splendor across diverse neighborhoods, creating a perfect canvas for your special day.

What Makes Chicago's Wedding Venue Scene So Special?

Chicago's venue landscape has everything from Art Deco landmarks to converted industrial lofts. You'll find The Rookery showcasing Frank Lloyd Wright's luminous glass ceiling while The Old Post Office offers 18,000 square feet of versatile space. Be prepared for costs between $13,900-$17,000 for Chicago venues; significantly higher than the national range of $6,500-$12,000 or what typically represents 25% of your total wedding cost.

How Much Should You Budget for Your Chicago Wedding?

A typical Chicago wedding with 150 guests costs about $81,029 with venues taking up 19% of your total budget. Your guest count dramatically impacts costs. With 50 guests you're looking at roughly $34,799 while 300 guests pushes your budget to around $141,008.

Guest CountEstimated Total Budget
50 guests$34,799
100 guests$58,635
150 guests$81,029
200 guests$101,022
250 guests$121,015
300 guests$141,008

Where Are Chicago's Most Distinctive Wedding Venues Located?

West Loop's Lacuna Lofts gives you industrial space perfect for customization with original timber beams that add character. Downtown's Chicago Athletic Association preserves Venetian Gothic architecture with stunning stained glass windows your guests will love. Lincoln Park's Salvatore's delivers vintage elegance with exceptional food including their famous vodka pasta and tiramisu that will have everyone talking.

What Are the Costs for Wedding Services in Chicago?

Beyond your venue you'll need to budget for these key wedding services: - Photography: $7,011 (9%) - Florists: $10,825 (13%) - Catering: $12,372 (15%) - Bar Services: $9,897 (12%) - Entertainment: $2,537 (3%) - Hair & Makeup: $580 (1%) - Videography: $6,392 (8%) - Planning: $5,584 (7%)

When Should You Book Your Chicago Wedding Venue?

September leads venue inquiries in Chicago with couples typically booking 14 months ahead. You'll find greater availability at winter venues like The Drake Hotel in December and some venues even offer discounts for January-March events helping you stretch your budget further.

Which Chicago Venues Excel at Accessibility?

Walden Chicago features wheelchair-accessible layouts with an outdoor courtyard suitable for ceremonies giving everyone a comfortable experience. Loft on Lake in West Loop offers exposed brick walls and timber beams in a wheelchair-accessible setting though you should know it requires additional event staff and you'll handle cleanup and setup yourselves.

Where Can Foodies Find Outstanding Wedding Cuisine in Chicago?

The Union League Club gives you exceptional dining with executive chefs offering diverse cuisines. Director of Catering Ken S. is known for creating customized menus that reflect your preferences. The Drake Hotel on The Magnificent Mile combines historic elegance with gourmet options while The Dalcy in Fulton Market provides customized catering experiences tailored to your tastes.

Which Chicago Venues Offer Exceptional Remote Participation?

Theater on the Lake offers flexible seating for up to 1,500 guests in a completely enclosed space perfect for advanced remote participation so distant loved ones can join. Adler Planetarium leverages stunning views and diverse event spaces for innovative virtual experiences. The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown provides a sleek backdrop for combining physical and virtual wedding experiences ensuring everyone feels included in your celebration.

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