Find & Book Barn Rentals Near You in Chicago for Events, Parties & Photoshoots

Complete Guide to Barn Venue Rentals in Chicago

Lake Michigan, deep dish pizza, and amazing theater productions are just some reasons why so many people love Chicago. Although the city has many gardens and other green spaces, it might surprise you to hear that it's also a great spot for outdoor celebrations... in barns. Yes, really! While these aren't always traditional barns, they are creative locations where you can host events like your wedding day, family reunion, or baby shower.

Head onto Giggster, where you can find a curated listing of cost-effective and eye-catching barn venues in Chicago, from rustic homes and gardens to venues right on the river to add a dazzling element to your bash.

Incredible Locations with Barn Venues Curated by Giggster

Whether you're hosting a fun birthday party filled with charm or a rustic wedding, you'll find a variety of beautiful spaces on the Giggster app.

• Choose a midcentury barn just outside of Chicago if you want to immerse yourself in nature. Find ones that are filled with natural light and surrounded by water to create a picturesque setting.

• For a dash of elegance, choose a French-inspired venue with features like high ceilings and modern country-style furnishings to make you feel right at home. It's also perfect for cooking your guests' creative dishes.

• If you want a rustic venue for a film or photo production, select a location on a quiet street with amenities like spacious rooms, natural lighting, and a green backyard.

• Are you looking for some Illinois luxury? Choose a venue surrounded by greenery and filled with glamorous interiors. It's an ideal setting for events that require a touch of glamor, like quinceaneras and engagement parties.

Amazing Barn Venue Spaces Starting at Just $150/hour

Exceptional Variety & Quality: Giggster provides 4 beautiful and unique barn venues where you can relax with friends or host amazing events. With a wide range of venues on offer, you'll find what you need for your upcoming event to make unforgettable memories.

Hassle-Free Booking: The Giggster app gives you all the information you need about the venues, from pricing to amenities. And, the creative spaces start at just $150/hour.

24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Feel confident knowing that you can easily cancel your Giggster venue for free within 24 hours of booking confirmation, as long as you made the booking at least 48 hours prior to your event.

Platform Protections: To keep you covered on your special day, Giggster offers optional protection packages for damage and liability. This means you can go ahead and book a party or production location like Midcentury Modern on the River with peace of mind.

The Best Events for a Barn Venue in Chicago

Barn venues in Chicago have a rustic, cozy, or modern atmosphere that caters to a variety of events. Here are some parties and events you can host in them.

Birthday Parties – Barn Dance Events. Strap on your cowboy boots and hat, and have a dance party with all your best friends. Rent a cozy spot with an on-site building or cabin with lots of space for setting up a dance floor.

Wedding Receptions – Outdoor Weddings. Since many barn venues are surrounded by greenery, you'll have magical outdoor spaces that you can use for wedding receptions. Some have beautiful gardens while others offer luxe pools.

Summer BBQs – Relaxed Events. If you're getting together with loved ones or celebrating a special day, you'll love the casual vibe of a summer BBQ in a barn venue. Relax in the rustic or green surroundings, or set up a table underneath the gorgeous trees.

Artisan Markets – Special Gatherings. For creative markets and fairs, you'll love the charming energy you'll find in a barn venue. Your guests can browse through the items you're offering while feeling inspired by the serene, creative setting.

Writer Retreats – Creative Sessions. If you're looking for a great location for a writing retreat for a small group, consider heading to a Chicago barn venue. You'll have comfortable interiors for writing, while the natural beauty surrounding you is sure to get your creative juices flowing.

Essentials for a Barn Venue Space in Chicago

Depending on the type of event you're hosting in a barn, you'll want to check that you have all your essential features covered so it's a success.

Does the venue provide restrooms? It's always worth checking the venue listing for information about things like restrooms to keep your guests comfortable. Some rental venues allow restroom use for a limited number of people. Knowing this ahead of your event is essential. You'll be able to provide portable toilets if they're required.

How much time do you require in the space? Venues provide a minimum amount of hours that you have to rent them for: some require a minimum of two hours, while others require eight hours. If you're hosting a long event, like a craft workshop or writing session, a longer minimum time requirement will suit you best.

How much space is there? While a VIP private dinner for a small gathering doesn't require lots of space, a huge family reunion or quinceanera could do with extra rooms to keep your guests comfortable. Therefore, consider how much space is provided so you can gauge if it's suitable for your guest count and event goals.

Things to Consider for Renting a Barn Venue in Chicago

Before you book a barn venue for your upcoming event, you should consider some pros and cons.

Pros

• Since Chicago is located right on Lake Michigan, you'll find many barn and other outdoor venues with beautiful surroundings and views.

• Barn venues give you a distinctive, creative setting for a variety of events and special occasions.

• Barn venues in Chicago provide you with the chance to have an outdoor and indoor venue in one rental price.

Cons

• You won't find as many barn venues in Chicago as what you'll find in other locations.

• Chicago winters are harsh, which could make spending time in a barn venue with a great outdoor space impractical.

• Some barn venues have restrictions and limitations, such as in terms of amenities available.

Planning Your Barn Venue Event in Chicago

At first glance, barn venues seem pretty casual—even so, there are some important things to plan ahead of your event.

Work with the Rustic Atmosphere – It's common for barn venues to be rustic and cozy, so you won't need to do much to decorate the space. String lights in the trees, burlap accents, or DIY carved pumpkins in the fall add that extra touch of magic.

Do Temperature Control – Since barns can be cold in winter and stuffy during the hotter months, you should try to regulate the temperature for your guests—source amenities like heaters or fans.

Consider the Lighting – If you're doing production or photography, check what lighting is provided, whether natural or artificial, so you can source your own if required.

Tick Off Essentials – Not all barns will offer specific essentials you need, like power or restrooms, resulting in you having to source them yourself. Check the venue amenities ahead of booking so you know exactly what to expect.

How to Save Money on a Barn Venue Rental in Chicago

Once you're knee-deep in planning your barn event, you can find creative ways to cut costs. Here are some ideas to consider.

Collaborate with local vendors.

Embrace Chicago's farm-to-table movement by working with local farm owners and caterers who provide fresh yet affordable food and ingredients that you can use in your party menu.

Work with the natural views.

Choose a venue that's got views of pristine nature that have been left unchanged. Enjoy them without having to plan much decor. Giggster has affordable barn venues with stunning views that start at just $150/hour, so they won't blow your budget.

Use natural items as much as possible.

Branches and leaves can be great table decoration for rustic dining experiences, while bay hales can be used as additional seating. Think in terms of finding natural items as much as possible to prevent you from spending lots of money.

Plan Your Barn Venue Event with Giggster

On the Giggster app, you'll find a curated list of bar venues in Chicago, from exceptional barns that are cozy with an inviting atmosphere to venues that provide a dash of luxury. These are memorable and affordable, giving you everything you need to plan an amazing event.