
There's something undeniably charming and arresting about Gothic architecture and style. Gothic and Gothic Revival buildings bring medieval flavor to the table, with stained-glass windows, pointed arches, and iconic gargoyles all contributing to their unique look and feel. And it only takes one look at a prime example of this sort of Chicago architecture to realize that it adds a stunning backdrop for everything from film and photo shoots to private parties.
If you're on your way to the Windy City for an event or film shoot, you'll find it's a bustling city with several movies to its movie location claim to fame. The Blues Brothers and The Dark Knight are just two of them. As for private and corporate events, the Chicago Blues Festival and Rolex United States Grand Prix are world-renowned events that bring people to town.
So if you're on the hunt for the perfect Gothic space, download the Giggster app today and start searching for your dream location. From churches and mansions to historic lounges and theaters, there's an exceptionally diverse range of spaces to choose from. There are options right across Chicago with prices to suit varying budgets. Keep reading for tips on finding the best Gothic skyscrapers, event spaces, and filming locations Chicago has to offer.
From the Gothic Revival Tribune Tower to Heller House by Frank Lloyd Wright in Hyde Park, not to mention many structures designed by Daniel Burnham, you don't need to look far in Chicago to find stunning examples of Gothic skyscrapers and Gothic Revival buildings. And if you're looking for a beautiful building that can add style and flair to your next event or project, there are countless possibilities to explore with Giggster.
Want to add some Gothic style to your wedding day? A gorgeous Gothic church looking like something just out of a fairytale might just be the perfect space.
Step back in time to some of Chicago's golden years in a charming 1890s brownstone or select an inspirational space like Otherworld Theatre Performance Venue and Bar. It's the ideal backdrop for a film or photo shoot that's sure to stand out from the crowd.
From uptown condos to downtown restaurants, basement lounges to private estates, there's a wonderfully diverse range of venues to choose from in and around the city. It all depends on what you want for your celebration or production.
You won't find many spaces as unique as a former funeral home with a lovely Gothic facade. And regardless of whether you're searching for the most beautiful building or something much more understated, you'll find options aplenty with the Giggster app.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: There are 26 inspiring and unique Gothic locations to choose from on the Giggster app, each of which offers a memorable taste of Chicago architecture and style. No matter what sort of event or production you're organizing, you're sure to find a space to suit your needs.
Hassle-Free Booking: Finding and booking Gothic revival buildings and other venues with Giggster is effortless. With detailed venue info and pricing details offered upfront, plus the freedom to communicate directly with property owners if needed, you can secure the space of your dreams in a matter of minutes.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: For added peace of mind when booking a space, we provide free cancellations within 24 hours of confirming your reservation. Free cancellation is only available for bookings made at least 48 hours before the event date.
Platform Protections: Protect yourself against unexpected mishaps by adding optional damage, liability, and cancellation insurance to your booking.
With soaring ceilings, ornate stone decorations, ribbed vaults, and more, Gothic and Gothic Revival buildings have a distinctive style all their own. And those unique looks make them the perfect setting for aa wide variety of event types.
Film Shoots – Action! Where better to shoot a period drama than in a stunning Gothic Revival mansion that offers a big boost of authenticity to every scene?
Murder Mystery Parties – The Killer is... Gothic locations offer abundant inspiration for a night of intrigue and fun with a room full of friends. I accuse Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with the candlestick!
Birthday Parties – Blow out the Candles. For a birthday celebration that's out of this world, gather your nearest and dearest together for a blast from the past in a Gothic-themed mansion or event space.
Fashion Shoots – Beautiful Backdrop. Bring Gothic skyscrapers, Chicago architecture, and eye-catching interior design to life when you stage your next fashion editorial in an authentic Gothic space.
Weddings – Unique Nuptials. Whether you're in a grand cathedral or a much more humble church, this holy setting provides a charming space in which to make your love official.
How can you find Gothic Revival buildings, event spaces, and filming locations that tick all the boxes? Ask the following questions when choosing a venue.
What does Gothic mean to you? From the facade of Tribune Tower to a host of other iconic Chicago buildings and interior design trends, we each have our own specific idea of what Gothic architecture and style mean. Shop around to find a venue that has the right look and feel for your event or production.
What amenities are must-haves? Make a checklist of all the venue features you can't do without. That could mean anything from a million square feet of floor space to a State St location, private parking, ample bathrooms, or anything else.
How much can you afford to spend? Work out how much of your total budget can be put towards venue hire. Use the price filter on the Giggster app to limit the results to Gothic buildings you can afford, and check the listing for details of what's included in the booking price.
From film shoots to murder mystery parties and a wide range of other occasions, there are plenty of reasons why, just like for many famous architects throughout history, Gothic style might be the perfect fit for you. That said, there are also a few disadvantages of Gothic locations that are also worth considering.
Advantages
There's no shortage of great examples of Gothic skyscrapers and Gothic Revival buildings in downtown Chicago.
No matter whether you're searching for creative talent for a production or catering and entertainment options for a private party, there's lots on offer in Chicago.
From Millennium Park to Michigan Avenue and the city skyline, there are plenty of other great attractions and filming sites to explore in Chicago.
Disadvantages
The best venues are very highly sought-after—you might miss out on getting the space on your desired date if you don't book early.
Gothic locations in major cities can also be expensive, so you might need to allow more room in your budget for venue hire costs.
From corporate cocktail receptions to kids' birthday parties, not all styles of occasions are suited to Gothic locations.
Film shoots, private parties, and corporate events all require a whole lot of careful planning. Here are the key steps you need to take in the planning process to help ensure success.
Set a Date – Start by choosing a date and time for your event. Make sure it's convenient and that all key guests/team members will be available.
Visualize the Finished Product – What will your event ambiance be like, or what sort of end result will your film or photo shoot produce? What sort of experience do you want your guests or audience to have?
Choose a Venue – Compare Chicago Gothic locations to find your perfect space. If you have any questions, contact the property host directly before deciding if it's right for you.
Organize Guests – Whether you're booking cast and crew or sending out invitations to party guests, now is the time to do so.
Sort the Finer Details – Do you need to organize catering for your shoot or event? Maybe you need to rent extra AV or camera equipment, or perhaps hire some party games and book a live band or DJ? Whatever the case may be, make the necessary arrangements now.
No matter how much money you have to play with, finding ways to cut costs will stand you in good stead in the long run—and that's where these simple tips come in handy.
Don't allocate every last cent.
Instead of spending every last cent of your budget, leave 5% or more aside to cover emergency expenses. Nothing ever goes completely to plan when planning a creative shoot or social event, so having extra funds to call on will be most welcome.
Check the listing.
Read the property listing closely for a full rundown of what equipment and features are included in the booking price. If you're likely to be spending a big chunk on extra equipment hire costs, you might be better off choosing a different location.
DIY some of the elements.
Whether you're making your own table centerpiece decorations or baking a birthday cake, doing it yourself whenever possible can lead to big savings. Of course, that's provided you have the spare time and the talent necessary to put towards party prep tasks.
No matter what creative vision you have for your party or production, download the Giggster app and start comparing spectacular Chicago Gothic locations now. From greystone mansions to churches, our listings are sure to inspire and impress.