Top Chicago Wedding Locations

So you're tying the knot in the Windy City? You lucky girl, you! Stop freaking out right now, because Chi-town is one of the country's most unique wedding destinations.

After all, nothing makes a wedding unforgettable like an unusual venue -- and Chicago is loaded with them. Whether you're flying in for a destination wedding or you're a born and bred hardcore Chicago-ite, you'll find the perfect venue for your Windy City wedding.

The Field Museum

If you or your hubby-to-be was ever among the ranks of those annoying, dinosaur-obsessed kids that schooled the grown-ups on the proper Latin name of every ancient lizard that ever existed -- No, Mom, that's a diplodocus, not a triceratops! -- you really need to get married in The Field Museum.

This gorgeous South Loop building offers several event spaces, including a sky-lit atrium, the diorama-lined Rice Hall and the two-story Stanley Field Hall that contains -- wait for it -- a full-size T-Rex skeleton. And, though nothing could beat getting married in a huge marble hall in front of a T-Rex, the Field Museum also accommodates up to 7,500 guests and offers a list of preferred caterers, floral and decor vendors, as well as lighting and A/V companies. 

County Line Orchard

If you and your beloved adore the outdoors -- maybe not the rugged Lord Of The Flies style, but the scenic, pretty type -- the County Line Orchard offers the perfect setting. Just 17 miles from East Chicago, this beautiful farm has a variety of outdoor venues, from apple orchards to gardens, as well as a rustic, 29,000-square-foot, timber-frame barn for days when the weather is feeling moody.

Speak your vows under the spreading branches of a huge oak tree and then party in the barn afterward. The venue's event directors help you plan the perfect wedding, from selecting vendors and caterers to creating menus and choosing flowers and décor.

The Newberry Library

If you've always dreamt of floating down a grand, winding marble staircase in your big, fluffy white dress -- or sleek, sophisticated tastefully off-white dress, as the case may be, take a look at the Newberry Library. This historic downtown building, just across the street from Washington Square Park, was built in 1893 and has gone through extensive renovations to bring it back to its turn-of-the century glamour, from 20-foot-ceilings graced by art-nouveau chandeliers, to an oak-paneled lounge -- complete with Steinway grand piano -- that's perfect for smaller weddings, to the stunning grand staircase and beautifully maintained lawn.

Tree Studios

So, say you don't want a fussy wedding? That doesn't mean you have to get married in the mustard-colored conference room at the O'Hare International Days Inn with catering provided -- flair included -- by the nearest TGI-Chile-Bees. For the minimalists among us, the Ivy Room at Tree Studios can't be beat.

Set in a series of historic artist workshops that date from the late 1800s, the Tree Studios are flanked by the Medinah Temple -- a striking Moorish-style amphitheater complete with stained glass windows and copper onion domes -- and the lush, green Hidden Courtyard, a calm oasis that's just a few blocks from the less-calm Magnificent Mile. Wedding parties can rent the courtyard and the ballroom, which accommodates 200 guests and features shining wooden floors, sunlit windows and a balcony overlooking the courtyard. The Ivy Room provides a list of approved caterers as well as suggested floral, photography, A/V and lighting vendors -- all of whom know the space well.

A Little Something for Everyone

Whether you prefer to tie the knot in front of a once roaring T-Rex, in a lush orchard, between rows of books or in a tasteful oak-paneled lounge, Chicago has enough wedding venues to please just about anyone! Find the spot that's just right for you and don't look back!