FAQs

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

If your formal wedding invitation states “and Guest", then yes. If not, we would prefer if it was just you.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

If your invitation states "and Family", then yes.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

We kindly request that rehearsal dinner guests dress in business casual/cocktail attire. Ceremony and wedding reception is black-tie optional. For anyone coming to the welcome party and/or the New Year's Day breakfast at the Hotel Zachary, jeans or other comfortable attire is totally acceptable!

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Yes, there is complimentary parking in the Chicago History Museum lot one block north of the museum. Enter the lot on Stockton Drive. Validate your parking ticket at the coat check prior to leaving the reception in order to exit the parking lot for free. Hotel Lincoln guests can remain parked for free in the CHM lot overnight on 12/31, for 24 hours total (provided you have the validated parking ticket from the wedding).

Question

Is there parking available at the Hotel Zachary?

Answer

The standard rate for parking at the Hotel Zachary is $63 for overnight valet or $53 for overnight self parking. We strongly encourage you download the app SpotHero for some additional parking options.

Question

Will transportation be provided to and from the ceremony/reception?

Answer

We are providing shuttles for Hotel Zachary guests to and from the Chicago History Museum for the wedding and reception. WEDDING PARTY BUS - departs Hotel Zachary promptly at 3:30 pm. Meet on ground floor in front of hotel. GUEST BUSES - depart Hotel Zachary promptly at 4:30 pm. Meet on ground floor in front of hotel. RETURN TO HOTEL ZACHARY - buses will depart Chicago History Museum 10:15 pm, 10:45 pm, 11:15 pm, 11:45 pm, 12:15 am, 12:45 am, 1:15 am.

Question

I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?

Answer

Yes, please express all dietary concerns on your formal invitation RSVP.

Question

Do you recommend any fun Chicago activities?

Answer

Yes! Chicago is the best city with tons of stuff to do for tourists, especially around the holidays. There will be a Christkindlmarkt (open through Dec 31) and outdoor ice skating across the street from the Hotel Zachary at Gallagher Way (the park next to Wrigley Field). Check the "Things to Do" section of this website for recommendations!

Question

Do you recommend any restaurants?

Answer

Yes! We will post a recommended list of restaurants as we get closer to the wedding.

Question

Are any of the wedding festivities in downtown Chicago?

Answer

All planned wedding-related activities on December 30 and 31 are in Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville, which are neighborhoods just north of downtown. While there is plenty to do “on the north side”, people may still want to venture downtown and see Chicago in all its holiday glory. Uber/Lyft will be the best way to do this.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

Well…this IS New Year’s in Chicago! You never know, so it’s good to be prepared for everything cold and snowy…but it could also be 40 degrees and sunny (that would be a heat wave). Some of Chicago’s best activities are outdoors…Lincoln Park Zoo lights, skating at Wrigley, Christkindlmarket…so hats, gloves, and boots are a must. All wedding activities will be indoors, with coat checks available…and minimal time spent outdoors.