If you’re engaged (congrats!) and planning your wedding in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place! Aside from its infamous deep dish pizza and exquisite jazz music, The Windy City also has some of the best venues to host your special day. You may be curious about wedding trends and the best photoshoot locations, not to mention COVID-19 restrictions. With tips from Zola’s guide to getting married in Chicago, we’ll cover every question you can think of and more! So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Chicago Wedding Costs
Planning a wedding, especially in Chicago, requires strategy and forward-thinking. This metropolitan hub is the third-largest city in the country, so having a wedding here can be expensive for most couples. Below is a helpful breakdown of average wedding costs in Chicago:
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Chicago Wedding License
This step may come as a given, but you and your spouse need to acquire one to get legally married in Chicago. Be sure to have more than one valid form of identification when filling out a license application at the county clerk’s office. Even if you’re from out of state, the state of Illinois requires that your marriage license is issued in the same county you get married.
LGBTQ+ Wedding Information
Chicago is a strong supporter of same-sex marriage equality, where its annual Pride Festival is one of the largest in the nation! You and your partner will have no problem finding venues and wedding officiants in this city.
Wedding Venues in Chicago
The location of your wedding and the amenities of the venue is the next essential step in your wedding plans. Fortunately, Chicago has limitless wedding venues from which you can choose. Your specific needs may fluctuate depending on availability, price, capacity, venue type, and more. Below are a few ideas:
- Historic Estates & Mansions- Stan Mansion, Colvin House, Pine Manor Estate
- Industrial Spaces- City View Loft, Gallery 1028, Loft 21
- Museums & Art Galleries- Floating World Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art
- Beaches and Waterfronts- Odyssey Cruises, Royal Sonesta Chicago Riverfront
Seasonal Inspiration for Chicago Weddings
If you’re still weighing options on the best time of year to have your wedding, this seasonal guide can help:
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Wedding Vendors & Resources
Maybe you’ve secured a venue but are still having difficulty finding local vendors. Remember, wedding vendors are booked months and even a year in advance, so it’s important to search several months before your wedding date. From florists and photographers to cakes and caterers, wedding registry websites such as Zola are great options for finding local vendors and wedding essentials all in one place.
