Looking for waterfront wedding venues in Chicago? We’ve got the best ones selected for you. The Lake Michigan shoreline stretches for miles, offering some of the most dramatic event spaces in the city. The Chicago Riverwalk, with its tiered promenades and waterside cafés, sets a different mood entirely—one of movement, reflection, and sheer architectural grandeur. Over in Streeterville, high-rises loom over the lake, while Millennium Park hosts green spaces flanked by modern marvels. With Tagvenue, you can sift through the city’s most compelling spaces and book with ease. Browse now!
Prices of waterfront wedding venues average $225 hire fee per hour. The cost varies based on the venue's size and additional services such as catering, floral arrangements, or bridal suites. It may also be influenced by the number and type of event spaces available in the venue, for example, separate areas for the ceremony, reception, and photo sessions. Spaces offering all-inclusive packages are a budget-friendly option for couples seeking a fuss-free experience. Check out typical price ranges in Chicago, based on Tagvenue data from January 2026:
| From $150 | to $500 | hire fee per hour |
| From $30 | to $69 | per person |
| From $2000 | to $10000 | minimum spend per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated January 2026), the best options include:
The Parlour at The Albion at The Albion Manor
in Lincoln Park - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Great venue! The staff were very friendly and accommodating.’
Event Space at Hangout Lighting
in West Town - rated 4.7/5
Venue said: Welcome to Hangout Lighting, where we offer a range of event spaces in the heart of Chicago at 450 N Leavitt St, IL 60612. We're excited to introduce a brand new venue situated within a century-old factory building, combining...
Halsted Space at Blackall Events
in Lincoln Park - rated 4.7/5
Venue said: ft. bi-level space provides the perfect backdrop. What Makes Halsted Space Special? Fully Furnished & Flexible Layout – A variety of seating options including lounge areas, traditional and bar seating, and large communal...
You'll find waterfront wedding venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Chicago, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (January 2026):
| Small | up to 90 guests | prices average $150 hire fee per hour |
| Medium | between 125 and 200 guests | prices average $500 hire fee per hour |
| Large | over 240 guests | prices average $10000 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 1.7 mi from central Chicago, available to book on Tagvenue:
For peak seasons, especially summer and early fall, booking at least 6 to 12 months in advance is recommended, particularly for larger venues or those with prime waterfront views. Smaller or off-peak venues may have limited availability with shorter notice.
Many venues allow alcohol, but the rules vary. Some provide fully stocked bars with premium spirits and trained staff, while others permit BYOB, requiring a licensed bartender on-site. If a high-end bar program is a priority, venues like Millennium Hall offer curated cocktail menus and craft beer selections. Others, such as NYCH Art Gallery in the Lower West Side, give you more flexibility in bringing in your own drinks and caterers.
Page last updated in January 2026
To provide you with relevant information, our pages are refreshed using an algorithm that aggregates real-time data, including bookings, reviews, and venue updates.