The car ride from O'Hare to the Thompson Hotel in Gold Coast can take 1.5 hours or more so PLEASE plan accordingly (and look at whether "L" train is faster). If you arrive after 1/1:30pm on Friday, it will be near impossible to make the ceremony on-time. The ceremony starts at 4:30, so we recommend arriving by 4:10/15 to get settled before it begins. Please note: you'll have to walk 3 to 5 minutes into the park from the street to reach the ceremony spot.
We've reserved a room block at the Thompson in Gold Coast. You can find details and booking links in the travel section. Let us know if the room block is full. You can also use the AAA membership or Hyatt Club membership discount, as that provides a similar price at last check. In addition to the room block, there are plentiful Airbnb options. Most activities will be in Lincoln Park so we recommend an Airbnb on the north side relatively close to the lake (think Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wrigleyville at the farther north end).
Transportation will be provided FROM the wedding to the after party and Thompson hotel. It will not be provided to the ceremony and venue but ride-shares and taxis are affordable and readily available in the area. You can also drive to Cafe Brauer. There is limited parking in the circle driveway right in front of the Cafe as well as relatively available street parking nearby. The Lincoln Park Zoo Parking Lot is also available and open till 11pm.
Tuxes are welcome for men but dark suits are also totally fine. For women, think floor length dresses.
Yes! Join us on Saturday for a casual day-after party. And while we won't have anything on Sunday (and will be on our way to our minimoon), we encourage you to take advantage of the long weekend and enjoy a free day in Chicago.
It's fricken hot! Bring a bathing suit and make sure to jump in the Lake - it's amazing by that time of year. Nights are comfortable, but be aware places crank the AC so don't forget to bring a sweater.
We put a bunch of our favorites in Things to Do but that barely scratches the surface because there are so so many great places. Just know that Chicago reservations go lightning fast.