Find Reception venues for rent in Chicago, IL

Jaw-dropping architecture, scenic urban parks, vibrant neighborhoods, and delicious food—what’s not to love about Chicago? Whether you dream of a beach wedding, a ceremony on a golf course, or a casual reception at a lush park or a backyard, Windy City doesn’t disappoint.

If you’ve decided to have a wedding reception and ceremony in Chicago, you’ve made the right choice. Let Giggster help you find ideal Chicago wedding venues, from a unique banquet hall and an urban artistic loft to a versatile artwork studio and a historic venue on Logan Square. For outdoorsy couples who want to accommodate more guests, a charming garden, a crystal lake mansion with a pool, or a log cabin lake house with gorgeous views and access to Lake Michigan will elevate your celebration.

With Giggster, you never have to wonder where to take the wedding party after the couple exchange their vows. Explore our accessible reception venues that are not only easy to reach but also budget-friendly. You can also simplify your search by selecting a venue type, style, and features.

Countless couples and event planners have found perfect event spaces through our platform—your dream space awaits. Your extraordinary wedding reception starts here.

Reception Venues Curated by Giggster

Looking for inspiration for your special day? Here are just a few of the many reception and wedding venues in Chicago that you can book with Giggster:

• You can find a classic versatile space that can accommodate up to a hundred guests for a sit-down dinner and more for a stand-up reception. Venues like these often come with banquet chairs, a kitchen for catering, a full bar, and video projection capabilities. What more could you ask for?
• If a reception by the beach or Chicago River isn’t enough, why not have an elegant dinner party aboard a luxurious yacht? This guarantees ultimate comfort and entertainment throughout your journey.
• Bring out your inner artist by opting for an art gallery in the heart of Downtown Chicago. It’s classy and intimate, but there's also a lot of space for dancing and mingling. Natural light illuminates the room and one-of-a-kind art pieces add drama and personality to your event.
• A historic reception venue like a mansion, old building, or museum will transport your guests to a bygone era and provide numerous picturesque spots for wedding photos.

Incredible Reception Venues in Chicago Start at $36/hour

Exceptional Variety & Quality: It doesn’t matter if you want a separate Chicago wedding venue and a reception space or prefer to combine the ceremony and cocktail party in one location. With Giggster’s 202 unique indoor and outdoor spaces, there’s an enchanting place for your wedding party.

Hassle-Free Booking: Easily book a reception venue on Giggster, thanks to its user-friendly interface and easy-to-find information about each rental space. A cozy event space or even the most popular wedding venues start as low as $36/hour.

24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Wedding planning is tricky, and anything can happen. We understand that. That’s why we allow you to cancel your booking for free up to 24 hours before your rental schedule.

Platform Protections: Book a Hybrid Team Space - Conference Rooms A + B with ultimate peace of mind, thanks to Giggster’s optional insurance protection packages, which include damage protection, event liability insurance, and cancellation protection.

Things to Consider for Your Reception in Chicago

Wedding receptions in Chicago are fun-filled, exciting, and full of surprises. But like any major metropolis, there are potential hurdles to overcome. You must be aware of these challenges to help you plan an unforgettable event.

Advantages

• Discover a new adventure every day in Chicago. You can tour the Chicago History Museum, attend an art class at the Bridgeport Art Center, or relax at Millennium Park during your downtime.
• From an outdoor courtyard and a converted warehouse with exposed brick walls to a more sophisticated venue like a ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, Chicago is an event planner's dream come true.
• You'll never have trouble finding a vendor or service provider who can help you organize the perfect reception.

Disadvantages

• Heavy traffic congestion isn't new in Chicago, especially during rush hours and peak travel times. It can be a challenge for guests driving to the event space.
• The city's harsh winter weather may limit the type of reception venues you can rent during the cold season.
• It's not always easy to find a parking spot, especially in busy areas in the city and during high season.

What Kind of Venue Can I Rent for a Reception in Chicago?

Have you decided to have your wedding day and reception in Chicago? You chose the most convenient date and time for everyone but are unsure where to entertain your enthusiastic guests. From private studios and industrial lofts to historic mansions and private estates, Giggster can help you find stunning backdrops for your epic party.

Art Studios/Galleries – Stylish Celebrations. Art surrounds the city of Chicago, so for creative couples who want it to be part of their memorable day, opt for an art studio or an art gallery as a venue for your event. Most galleries and studios have an open layout and basic amenities like sound systems and lighting, so you don't have to worry about renting more equipment.

Banquet Halls – Classic and Elegant. When looking for classic event spaces, banquet halls typically come to mind. You don’t have to worry about anything because they often have all-in-one packages, which may cover catering, entertainment, AV equipment, and lighting. You’re also free to decorate them how you envision your ideal Chicago wedding reception.

Private Estates – Intimate Gatherings. With sophisticated features, multiple rooms for socialization, unique architectural features, and an elegant atmosphere, it's easy to see why Chicago's private estates are in demand for intimate receptions. Numerous private estates also have sprawling green spaces and gardens that add to their allure.

Converted Spaces – Trendy and Edgy. A special event calls for an extraordinary venue, so when you plan a reception, pick unconventional locations like converted houses, lofts, old factories, and underground spaces. They're a blank canvas you can paint with your imagination.

Lakeside Locations – Party in Style. Lakeside venues are not only casual and chill; they're like something from a fairytale. Exchange vows in a cozy log cabin and then party all night with sparkling water as your background. You get to take in the spectacular view with your favorite people.

How to Plan a Reception in Chicago

We know how tricky organizing any event can be, no matter how simple and small it may be. Whether it's your own reception or someone close to you, we've got a few tips and tricks you might find helpful.

Set a Budget – You can't start anything without a budget, which is why it's one of the first steps in event planning. You have a lot of things to factor in, such as food, venue, supplies, and equipment, so set a realistic budget to guide your decisions.

Choose a Theme – Define your vision or type of reception to help you choose a suitable theme. Is it a wedding reception or a party for an anniversary, baby shower, or birthday? Think about the guest of honor or couples, paying attention to their interests, personalities, styles, likes, and dislikes.

Pick a Venue – Where your reception takes place can impact your guests' overall experience and make or break the celebration, so select wisely. If you're running out of options, browse Giggster's listings and pick a venue by price, style, type, or feature.

Hire Vendors – The vendors and event suppliers will serve as your creative partners who will help you design the venue, take photos of the party, provide entertainment and music, and make a delicious menu that everyone will love.

Enjoy the Reception – It's an important step we often overlook because of the many things to be done for a successful party. After everything you've done to make the reception happen, you deserve to relax and make the most of the day.

How to Save Money on Your Reception in Chicago

If you compare it to New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, Chicago is cheap. But it doesn't mean you should go overboard with the reception. Here are a few ideas on how to have a grand celebration without breaking the bank.

Consider off-peak dates.

Summer is Chicago’s peak wedding, festival, and tourist season when couples and travelers compete for the best venues and accommodations. High demand means increased prices, so host a reception outside popular holidays, weekends, and school breaks to enjoy great savings.

Go DIY.

As convenient and stress-free as it may be to just hire event vendors for everything, sometimes, it's worth going DIY to cut costs. Show off your creativity with homemade favors, decor, and food stations.

Pick a seasonal menu.

Local, seasonal produce is often significantly cheaper than options that are in season. You'll also likely be able to negotiate prices or even get first dibs on the freshest ingredients.

Chicago Reception with Giggster

Whether you're looking for historic mansions, restaurants, or cruise ships for your next reception, Giggster has outstanding options for every budget, theme, and style. We make it easy and quick to find and book reception venues in Chicago and beyond!