When it comes to timeless, elegant weddings in Chicago, the University Club of Chicago stands out as one of the most iconic venues in the city. Its Gothic-inspired architecture, soaring ceilings, and rich history create the perfect stage for a love story — and as wedding videographers, it’s the kind of setting we dream about.
At EverAfter Wedding Films, we had the privilege of capturing a truly unforgettable wedding at the University Club, and in this case study, we’ll walk you through how we told this couple’s story through cinematic wedding videography.
If you’re a couple considering the University Club, this is your inside look at what a wedding film in this spectacular venue can truly feel like.
📍 About the University Club of Chicago
Venue: University Club of Chicago
Location: 76 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
Style: Historic, elegant, classic Chicago
Key Feature: Cathedral Hall with Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and breathtaking natural light.
🎥 Why we love filming here:
- Dramatic lighting transitions throughout the day
- Grand staircases and Gothic arches for cinematic compositions
- The rich wood tones and stained glass create a moody, timeless visual palette
👉 Learn more about our Chicago wedding videography services.
🎬 The Couple’s Story: Elegance and Authenticity
From the first consultation, we knew this couple wanted more than just a standard wedding video — they wanted a love story told with authenticity.
They were deeply connected to the University Club’s history. The groom’s family had been lifelong members, and the bride had always envisioned walking down the Cathedral Hall aisle, surrounded by friends and family.
What made this wedding special wasn’t just the grandeur of the venue — it was the couple’s personal touch: heartfelt vows, a custom cocktail named after their dog, and a perfectly choreographed first dance.
🎞 The Film: Telling the Story Cinematically
(Insert your real University Club wedding film here.)
Our approach focused on:
- Capturing the scale and elegance of the space using wide-angle drone shots and detailed architectural sequences.
- Weaving the couple’s story into the film with audio from their vows and speeches.
- Highlighting emotional moments like the father’s tearful first look and the mother’s dance with her son.
👉 We used multi-camera coverage during the ceremony to capture both the grandeur of the hall and intimate guest reactions.
🎥 Key Cinematic Moments We Captured
| Moment | Cinematic Technique |
|---|---|
| First Look on the Grand Staircase | Slow-motion and steady tracking shot |
| Bride Walking Down Cathedral Hall | Multi-angle coverage + dramatic music layering |
| Vows & Ceremony | Crystal-clear lapel mics and ambient audio mixing |
| Sunset Rooftop Portraits | Golden hour drone shots |
| Reception Toasts | Warm lighting and isolated audio for intimacy |
| Dance Floor | Handheld camera energy to feel personal and alive |
🎤 The Power of Professional Audio
One of the most underrated elements in wedding videography is sound.
At the University Club wedding, we:
- Mic’d the officiant, groom, and podium for crystal-clear vows and toasts.
- Captured ambient sounds of the hall for depth.
- Mixed the final audio carefully so the echo of the Cathedral Hall didn’t overpower their words.
👉 This is why professional wedding videography in Chicago is so valuable — venues like the University Club are acoustically challenging, and you need expert audio capture to do it justice.
💡 Why the University Club is Perfect for Videography
- Dramatic lighting: Beautiful light filtering through stained glass windows.
- Architectural scale: Cathedral Hall frames every shot like a storybook.
- City location: Access to Millennium Park and the Art Institute for stunning B-roll.
- Drone access: Wide streets and open rooftop spaces make drone coverage possible.
🎥 At EverAfter Wedding Films, we know the University Club’s layout intimately — when to capture key shots, where the best natural light falls, and how to make the space shine in your wedding film.
📊 Real Chicago Wedding Videography Pricing for the University Club
| Package Feature | Chicago Average | EverAfter Wedding Films |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Day Coverage | $6,500 – $10,000 | Included |
| Multi-Camera Ceremony | Often extra | Included |
| Drone Footage | Sometimes extra | Included |
| Audio Capture (Pro Level) | Often overlooked | Premium quality standard |
| Highlight Film + Documentary Film + Full Speeches + Dances | $7,000 – $12,000 | Customized packages |
🎯 Why This Film Matters to the Couple
When we delivered the final film, the bride told us:
“I thought our photos would tell our story, but hearing my dad’s voice, our vows, our friends laughing — the film is what makes me feel like I’m back there. I watch it over and over.”
👉 That’s why EverAfter Wedding Films focuses on capturing real, immersive memories that you can revisit for a lifetime.
📸 Working Seamlessly with the Photographer
One of the bride’s concerns was whether the photo and video teams would get in each other’s way.
We collaborated closely with the couple’s photographer to ensure:
- No blocking shots.
- Shared lighting setups.
- Coordinated first looks and portraits.
👉 At EverAfter Wedding Films, we prioritize vendor coordination to make your day stress-free.
(Read more: Plan Your Stress Free Wedding?)
🗓 Pro Tip for Future University Club Couples
Book your videography team early.
The University Club is a high-demand venue, and top Chicago wedding videographers (like us!) often book 12–18 months in advance for popular dates.
Also, plan your timeline carefully to catch:
- Golden hour light on the rooftop.
- Time for wide establishing shots before guests arrive.
- Access to nearby Millennium Park for couple portraits.
✅ Why Couples Choose EverAfter Wedding Films for University Club Weddings
- We’ve filmed multiple weddings at this venue.
- We know the best angles, lighting pockets, and drone positions.
- Our dual-shooter team ensures full ceremony and reception coverage.
- We capture cinematic storytelling, not just event documentation.
- We deliver fast turnaround without compromising film quality.
🎥 👉 See more of our wedding films ➔ EverAfter Wedding Films Portfolio
