How Much Is a Chicago Wedding? Costs, Venues & Scores

Regions › Chicago

Why it stands out

Travel9.6Venues9.6Vendors9.4

Chicago delivers world class urban wedding infrastructure with iconic skyline views, deep cultural diversity, and unmatched Midwestern flight access. Winters effectively limit the calendar to a six month prime window. Best for couples wanting big city polish at meaningfully better value than the coasts.

Avg. wedding cost

$43,000

Weddings / year

42,000+

Annual rainfall

39 in / year

Read our blog entry on Chicago

How Chicago scores

Overall affordability4.0/10

Among the more expensive Midwestern markets, though still well below NYC or LA.

Guest travel convenience9.6/10

O'Hare and Midway provide unmatched flight access in the central US.

Weather and seasonality5.0/10

Hot summers and brutal winters; late spring through early fall is prime.

Scenery and overall vibe8.8/10

Iconic skyline, lakefront, and architecturally rich neighborhoods.

Venue options nearby9.6/10

Outstanding venue range from skyline rooftops to historic ballrooms to industrial lofts.

Lodging availability9.0/10

Massive hotel inventory across price tiers.

Legal and logistical simplicity8.0/10

Illinois has standard rules with 24-hour waiting period after applying.

Accessibility and inclusivity9.0/10

Highly diverse and inclusive major American city.

Vendor ecosystem9.4/10

Deep, sophisticated vendor scene serving a major-market wedding industry.

Explore destinations Map Compare

Venue spotlight ad

Featured venue

Salvage One

Chicago, Illinois

Housed in a 60,000 square foot architectural salvage warehouse in Chicago, Salvage One offers eclectic event spaces filled with reclaimed artifacts, a garden courtyard and loft style interiors for truly one of a kind celebrations.

View venue →

Editorially Curated

From the venue shortlist

4 of the 12 hand picked Chicago venues our editors keep coming back to.

01
The Drake Hotel
Gold Coast grandeur where the Gold Coast meets Oak Street Beach.
Visit website View on map
02
The Langham Chicago
Mies van der Rohe's tower with the city's most exacting service.
Visit website View on map
03
Chicago Athletic Association
Gothic game-room glamour across from Millennium Park.
Visit website View on map
04
The Rookery
Frank Lloyd Wright's glowing light court on LaSalle Street.
Visit website View on map