Small Wedding Venues for Rent in Chicago, IL

Small Wedding Venues Rental Guide

With the recent boom in the availability of alternative wedding venues, many couples are rethinking their wedding plans. These alternatives bring about many benefits, from a more intimate wedding to much lower costs, which gives  many couples an incentive to move to smaller wedding venues. Of course, every wedding is unique and every couple has different needs, preferences, and budgets. While there are many available options, finding the perfect one can be a bit of a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best small wedding venues in Chicago, so you can browse, compare and pick the one that ticks all the right boxes.

Benefits of having a small wedding

The biggest benefit of choosing a small wedding venue is getting married in an intimate setting. Hosting your wedding at a small venue will allow you and your guests to spend much more time together and connect better than at a large venue, which can sometimes feel rather busy and impersonal.

Another big benefit is, of course, the reduced costs – for example, if you’re getting married at a hotel or an estate, you’ll most likely spend thousands of dollars on venue rental alone. A small wedding venue, on the other hand, can often be rented for a fraction of that cost, depending on the amenities it offers.

Guide to booking the perfect small wedding venue

So how do you choose one of the myriad options available at your fingertips? There are many things to consider when choosing the perfect small wedding venue, from the size of your guest list to the aesthetics and amenities of the venue itself. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s our brief checklist of key details to figure out. They will help you narrow your search and find the dream space for your wedding in a few clicks.

• Budget – Venue rental will constitute a considerate portion of your budget, so the first thing you should do when planning your wedding is to decide on the numbers. Having a small wedding is a great way to cut costs, and Chicago has plenty of affordable options to offer. Specifying your price range will enable you to easily find the spaces that are within your reach.
• Capacity – Another key factor is the size of the venue. While it’s important to find a space that can accommodate everyone on your guest list, plus the activities you want to plan, it’s also crucial that it’s not too big. Not only will a big venue look empty, but it will also take away from the whole "romance" of having an intimate wedding. So, figure out the number of guests you’re expecting, then use this information to filter out those venues that are too big or too cramped.
• Amenities – Consider what kind of amenities your dream venue should have. For example, you should check whether the venue offers sound and lighting equipment for an affordable price, or if you will have to foot the bill. If you’re planning to hire a DJ or a band, they’re going to need a space to set up. Make a list of everything you’ll need to run the event smoothly, so you don’t miss any detail!
• Catering – Where there’s a party, there’s usually food and drinks. And since this is one of the most important parties you’ll ever throw (no pressure!), you likely want to impress your guests with something extra. The question is, are you looking for a venue with in-house catering, or are you going to hire external vendors? The former is a very convenient option, while the latter can potentially save you some money. You can use Tagvenue’s filters to display the venues that offer on-site catering and those that allow external catering, as well as BYOB.
• Location – Last but not least, decide on the location. Since Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, you have quite a few neighborhoods to choose from. Do you want to rent a venue downtown, book something close to Lake Michigan or perhaps find a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle? It’s your wedding, so you pick! However, do consider the convenience of your guests. The ideal location should be easy to get to, have enough parking spaces, offer good public transit connections, and feature accommodation options for out-of-town guests.

Is a small wedding venue an option for you?

To sum up, choosing a small wedding venue can be a good option for those who want a more intimate wedding and/or a more affordable one. However, it’s important to note that a small wedding venue does not mean a less elegant or less grand wedding at all. It simply means that  the venue is smaller. And sometimes, a smaller space can lead to a more personal event, with more opportunities to spend more time with your guests.

It’s worth researching the different types of small wedding venues in Chicago to find the best option for you, while keeping in mind your budget and other factors. By now you should know what to pay attention to when picking the ideal space for your wedding, so hop on our platform, check out our listings and start planning your special day!

FAQs about Small Wedding Venues in Chicago, IL

How much does it cost to rent a small wedding venue in Chicago?

Rental fees for small wedding venues in Chicago range from $400 to $8000 per session. Alternatively, some spaces charge hourly rates, which typically start at $150 and reach up to $2100 per hour. If you’re interested in all-inclusive package deals, expect to pay from $20 to $88 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of Chicago offer the best choice of small wedding venues?

There are tons of amazing locations for an intimate wedding in Chicago! Definitely check out neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park or Lakeview, with their green spaces and postcard-worthy views. On the other side of the river, Bucktown and Logan Square are also worth your attention. If you’re into hip and industrial vibes, look for event venues in River North or West Loop, filled with quirky eateries and artsy spaces.

What are Chicago’s top small wedding venues?

Here, why don’t you check out our top three?

• Private Dining Room at Tanta Chicago – An elegant space complete with its own private bar, perfect for 45 seated guests or up to 60 for a standing reception. The room extends to the venue’s enclosed rooftop terrace, which you can also use from May to October. There’s a PA system available, and the restaurant serves authentic Peruvian cuisine. Located in River North.
• Studio B at Trigger Chicago - The perfect option if you're looking for a space that's both flexible and affordable. It's an elegant space for up to 50 guests, with plenty of daylight flooding in and an artsy ambiance. It's situated on West Addison Street, close to the river!
• Historic Library at International Museum of Surgical Science – If you’re after something truly unique, head to the Gold Coast and book a space at the International Museum of Surgical Science! The Library is the museum’s best-preserved room when it comes to the historical floor plan and architecture. Beautifully designed, it’s the perfect space for an intimate wedding reception.

How far ahead should I book a venue for my wedding in Chicago?

A good rule of thumb when booking wedding venues is: the sooner, the better! Multiple sources say that it’s best to book your wedding venue 9 to 12 months in advance. This not only increases your chances of securing the desired venue and date for your wedding, but also gives you enough time to plan every little detail, so that everything on your big day is just the way you’ve imagined.