When couples start planning a wedding in Chicago, one of the first — and most exciting — decisions is choosing the perfect venue. Chicago offers a breathtaking variety: historic ballrooms, modern rooftop terraces, lakeside gardens, and architectural landmarks — each offering its own cinematic backdrop.

At EverAfter Wedding Films, we’ve had the honor of capturing weddings at many of Chicago’s most iconic venues. This curated 2025 list combines both our experience behind the lens and insider knowledge from real client weddings.

Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate micro-wedding, here are the 10 most iconic Chicago wedding venues to consider.

1️⃣ The University Club of Chicago

Perfect for: Classic elegance, timeless city weddings
Location: 76 E Monroe St, Chicago

The University Club is one of the most architecturally striking venues in Chicago. Overlooking Millennium Park, its Gothic-inspired Cathedral Hall offers soaring ceilings, stained glass, and a regal atmosphere that feels straight out of a period film.

🎞 Real EverAfter Client Film:
Insert your embedded video from recent University Club wedding here

👉 More about filming at University Club

Pro Videographer Tip:
The Cathedral Hall lighting changes dramatically as the sun sets. We work closely with your planner and lighting designer to time key moments like your first dance for maximum cinematic beauty.

2️⃣ Armour House at Lake Forest Academy

Perfect for: Fairytale estate weddings
Location: 1500 W Kennedy Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Just north of the city, Armour House feels like a European destination wedding — without the airfare. Its Italianate gardens, grand staircase, and historic mansion interiors are a dream for both photographers and videographers.

3️⃣ The Langham, Chicago

Perfect for: Sophisticated modern luxury
Location: 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago

With its riverfront setting and iconic Mies van der Rohe design, The Langham blends contemporary luxury with timeless elegance. The Devonshire Ballroom offers sweeping river views and pristine natural light.

🎞 Real EverAfter Client Film:
Langham

Pro Videographer Tip:
Langham’s neutral interior palette allows us to create highly cinematic color grades during post-production that match your personal wedding aesthetic.

4️⃣ The Drake Hotel

Perfect for: Classic Chicago glam
Location: 140 E Walton Place, Chicago

For over a century, The Drake has hosted generations of Chicago’s finest weddings. The Gold Coast Room — overlooking Lake Michigan — is especially beautiful during sunset.

5️⃣ The Peninsula Chicago

Perfect for: Luxe city rooftop weddings
Location: 108 E Superior St, Chicago

Few venues combine urban energy with intimacy like The Peninsula. From its elegant ballrooms to rooftop terraces, it offers breathtaking city views — perfect for cinematic drone shots.

🎞 Real EverAfter Client Film:
Peninsula

6️⃣ Chicago Botanic Garden

Perfect for: Outdoor garden weddings
Location: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL

Just outside the city, Chicago Botanic Garden offers lush seasonal gardens that transform with every month — tulips in spring, roses in summer, vibrant foliage in fall.

🎞 Real EverAfter Client Film:
Botanic Garden

7️⃣ The Adler Planetarium

Perfect for: Skyline + lakefront dream weddings
Location: 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

The Adler’s terrace provides the most iconic Chicago skyline view for your ceremony. And at night, the museum’s exhibits offer guests a unique reception experience.

🎞 Real EverAfter Client Film:
Adler wedding film

8️⃣ Salvage One

Perfect for: Industrial chic, non-traditional weddings
Location: 1840 W Hubbard St, Chicago

Salvage One’s vintage warehouse vibe offers endless character, perfect for couples seeking a unique, less “hotel ballroom” style.

9️⃣ Chicago History Museum

Perfect for: Historic yet intimate weddings
Location: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago

The Chicago History Museum offers gorgeous indoor and outdoor options with timeless architectural details and Lincoln Park right outside for photo sessions.

🔟 The Field Museum

Perfect for: Grand, epic weddings
Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

Towering columns, T-Rex, and Chicago’s most dramatic reception hall — The Field Museum allows couples to literally marry among the exhibits for a wedding no one will forget.

🎥 Why the Venue You Choose Matters for Your Wedding Videography

Your wedding venue doesn’t just set the tone — it defines the look and feel of your wedding film. As professional Chicago wedding videographers, we scout each venue in advance to plan the best angles, lighting, drone opportunities, and compositions.

💡 Quick Chicago Venue Comparison Table

Why Choose EverAfter Wedding Films?

At EverAfter Wedding Films, we specialize in turning these stunning Chicago venues into timeless wedding films that feel cinematic, personal, and emotional. Our signature style includes:

✅ Documentary storytelling
✅ Multiple cameras & drones
✅ Full-day coverage
✅ Perfect audio & vows capture
✅ Chicago venue expertise

👉 Learn more about our Chicago wedding videography services.