Engagement Party Venues for Rent in Chicago

If you’re looking for a place to celebrate your recent engagement in Chicago, you’re in luck! The city is dotted with amazing event spaces, from charming restaurants to thrilling clubs and countless other options in between. Whether you want to keep your celebration low-key or go all out and throw the party of the century, Tagvenue will help you find the perfect venue in no time. Read our tips to get inspired, then check out our listings and start planning!

Should I throw an engagement party?

While engagement parties are optional, they are a fantastic way to celebrate the marriage proposal and the upcoming union. The scale and style of the event is completely up to you: some couples decide to go big and host an engagement party the size of a wedding, others prefer to keep things low-key and have a simple dinner party instead.

These types of events have one more purpose: to gather the family and friends of the couple together and create an opportunity for them to get to know one another a little bit better before the wedding day.

However, there is no pressure to host an engagement party if you don’t want one. Remember to also think about your budget – all the money you’re going to spend on your wedding from now until the big day itself. If you have some spare funds and feel like celebrating, then go for it!

What should I consider when booking an engagement party venue?

The first step to having a great engagement party is finding the perfect venue. Start your search by answering the following questions: 

• What type of party do you want? Start by coming up with your vision of an ideal engagement party. Some of the most popular options include a dinner party or a tea party, where you can simply gather your guests at a table, enjoy a meal or some light refreshments, and chat to one another. However, you could also opt for drinks at a bar or a night of dancing at one of Chicago’s fabulous clubs. The choice is all yours!

• What is your budget? We’ve already mentioned that you should consider your entire budget for the wedding to determine if you can afford to have an engagement party at all. If you decide to go ahead, think about how much you’re willing to spend on venue rental. You may also need to set aside some extra money for catering or decorations.

• Who are you inviting? Spend some time creating your guest list. Remember that it should be limited to the people who are also going to be invited to the wedding. Other than that, there are no limitations – the engagement party can be as big or as intimate as you wish. Once you’ve decided, send out the invitations and ask your guests to RSVP. This will help you estimate the number of people who are going to show up to the party and narrow your search to venues with the perfect capacity.

• When do you want to host your engagement party? The next important step is to decide on the date of your party. While there are no concrete rules about when exactly is the best time to throw an engagement party, most of them typically take place soon after the proposal – within one to three months. However, it’s okay to wait if you’re planning a longer engagement. Just remember to start planning in advance to increase your chances of securing the desired date and venue.

• What food and drinks will you be serving? Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a cocktail party, food and beverages is one of the core elements you should consider. What type of cuisine are you into? Do you want to drink wine, beer or craft cocktails? Don’t forget to consider your guests’ preferences and dietary restrictions! Will there be any vegans/vegetarians or non-drinkers at the party? Make sure you include some options for them too.

• Which Chicago neighborhoods are you considering? It’s a good idea to narrow your search to a specific neighborhood or area. Try to pick a location that will be convenient to everyone who’s coming to your engagement party. Are there enough parking spots? Are there any transport hubs nearby? You can also pick a neighborhood based on its vibe – check out our Chicago area guide for inspiration!

• What kind of mood would best suit your engagement party? This one’s connected to the first question about what type of party you’d like to have. Does your vision involve an open-floor space with plenty of natural light or an intimate lounge with dimmed lights and candles? Think about things such as decorations, flowers and music. If you’d like to prepare your own playlists, make sure your chosen venue has appropriate equipment and allows you to play your own music.

Engagement Party Venues in Chicago FAQ

How much does it cost to rent a Chicago venue for an engagement party?

When booking a venue for your engagement party in Chicago, be prepared to pay a rental fee from $200 to $5000 per session. Alternatively, you can look for venus that offer package deals. Those typically cover the rental fee and the costs of catering. Such packages range from $29 to $162 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What are the best engagement party venues in Chicago?

Discover some of our favorite picks:

• Port and Park Bistro – This vibrant bistro located in Lake View boasts a bar room and a bistro room available to rent, and is experienced in hosting private parties.
• City Winery Chicago – Culinary delights, great wine and stunning views – what more could you need? Situated in West Loop’s Restaurant Row, this venue boasts several unique event spaces ready to make your engagement party unforgettable.
• Pops for Champagne – And how about a cocktail reception in Chicago’s elegant champagne bar? If stylish interiors and the finest selection of bubbles sound like a good party recipe, check out this River North venue and get ready to pop the champagne!

Which Chicago neighborhoods are the best for an engagement party?

Chicago’s buzzing downtown area, or The Loop, is always a good place to look for the city’s hottest party spots, from Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant bars and nightclubs. Neighboring River North with its lively eateries and cocktail bars is also worth considering. If you want to host your engagement party on the West Side, definitely check out the amazing venues located in the West Loop, especially famous for its trendy restaurant lined along Randolph Street (Restaurant Row).

What should I wear to an engagement party?

The choice of attire will depend on factors such as the type of party, the location or the weather. However, a typical engagement party will follow a cocktail dress code. A nice party dress or elegant pants and a blouse are always a safe bet for women. Men will usually wear smart pants and button downs or dress shirts and suits. When in doubt, experts say it’s always better to overdress than underdress. Most importantly, remember to wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, so that you’re ready for a night of circulating between guests and shaking it off on the dance floor!