Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and finding the perfect venue to have it is one of the exciting parts of getting the wedding planning underway.
While indoor weddings are more traditional, there is something so special about exchanging vows surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature. From Lake Michigan to the lush parks and gardens, and its iconic skyline seen from Lake Shore Dr, Chicago is one of the best cities in the United States to have an outdoor wedding.
Whether you want to get married amongst the trees or with the lake as your backdrop, explore Giggster's range of curated wedding venues in Chicago, Illinois.
With these exceptional outdoor spaces, your wedding will be more than just an event; it'll be a memory you'll cherish forever.
Are you ready to get the wedding planning underway? From farms to elegant mansions with majestic courtyards on the lake, Giggster has a range of beautiful outdoor wedding venues to suit all needs and preferences.
Do you want to have an intimate ceremony amongst manicured gardens and lush greenery? Why not book a mansion with an English walled garden on the outskirts of the city?
With stunning buildings, Chicago's city skyline is the perfect setting for your wedding. Whether a rooftop deck or a spot in Promontory Point (home to the city's second World's Fair), there are countless outdoor wedding locations in the city to choose from.
Do you envision your guests grooving to the music on the dance floor against the water's edge? Giggster has plenty of venues located on Lake Michigan.
Whether you say "I do" at Lincoln Park Zoo (much like New York's Central Park) or enjoy cocktail hour on the lake's edge, the Giggster app has all of the best Chicago outdoor wedding venues to choose from in one place.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From outdoor spaces perfect for intimate gatherings to bigger spaces like the Lincoln Park Zoo, Giggster has a range of outdoor wedding venues starting at $50/hour to choose from.
Hassle-Free Booking: Planning a wedding is stressful enough as it is, which is why we are proud to offer effortless discovery, transparent pricing, and detailed venue information to make booking your outdoor wedding space on Giggster seamless.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We understand that plans can change, so we offer 24-hour free cancellations for bookings canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made at least 48 hours before the wedding.
Platform Protections: Accidents or changes of plans can happen, even at venues like Mansion, Open, 5 Roof Decks, City View, Theater Rm, so why not take advantage of our optional add-on protection packages? Our damage and liability protection secures both guests and hosts against unforeseen incidents, along with cancellation protection to guard against last-minute disruptions.
Outdoor weddings are increasingly popular because of the variety of stunning venues you can choose to say "I do." Before you start planning, it's important to consider the pros and cons of booking your outdoor wedding venue in Chicago.
Pros
Chicago is famous for its diversity of gorgeous outdoor settings. From views of Lake Michigan to lush gardens at the Garfield Park Conservatory, you can easily find the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos and ceremony.
Another benefit of outdoor venues is that they tend to have a more relaxed feel, ideal for couples who wish to have a more casual vibe on their special day.
Many outdoor venues are flexible when it comes to decorations, allowing couples to personalize the space with flowers, lighting, and other décor to match the theme and style of their wedding.
Cons
One of the disadvantages of having an outdoor wedding in Chicago is the city's unpredictable weather. Known as the Windy City, Chicago has unexpected bouts of wind and rain, which can put a damper on your day. So, it's important to have a backup plan in case of a change in weather.
If you plan to have your wedding in summer, it's important to know that many outdoor wedding venues lack air conditioning, which could make guests feel uncomfortable. So, hiring portable air conditioning units is a must!
Another disadvantage to consider is that outdoor event spaces often require more planning and coordination in terms of seating, lighting, and additional rentals.
Whether you're planning an intimate outdoor ceremony or a big party, the Giggster app has 51 beautiful outdoor wedding venues to choose from to start planning your Chicago wedding.
Elegant Mansion – Spacious & Luxurious. Celebrate your big day in luxury at one of the most beautiful mansions in Chicago. With open-air verandas to spacious gardens, mansions are the perfect place to have your wedding day if you are inviting a lot of guests.
Lake House – Stunning Views. Are Lake Michigan views a must when looking for a wedding venue for your special day? Giggster has various lake houses to book for your next event.
Gardens & Farms – Tranquil & Lush. Do you envision saying your vows surrounded by colorful flowers in an English walled garden or amongst lush greenery on a farm? Gardens and farms in Chicago are the perfect backdrops for getting married amongst the serenity of nature.
Rooftop Bar – City Skyline. From Central Park Ave to Erie St, Chicago has a range of rooftop bars where you can say "I do" while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Planning your wedding is like planning a corporate event: you want it to be perfect. To make your wedding planning seamless, follow these steps.
Set a Budget – Before you can start organizing anything to do with your wedding, your first step must be to create a budget. By doing this, you can allocate a certain amount of money to each part of your wedding to keep you accountable and ensure you don't overspend.
Pick a Date – When it comes to outdoor weddings in Chicago, choosing the right date is an important factor. Summer in the city can be warm and sunny, but fall and spring offer cooler, more comfortable temperatures with beautiful natural scenery.
Write a Guest List – Do you want to have a small, intimate wedding or a big party? Writing down the people you want to invite will help you determine the size of the space you wish to hire. It's also a good idea to send out invitations months in advance, especially if you have guests flying in.
Choose a Venue – Now you know how much you want to spend, who you want to invite, and when you want to have your wedding, it's time to choose the venue! Chicago has an abundance of outdoor spaces you can find on Giggster, from English walled gardens to parks, lakeside houses, and even rooftop decks.
Consider the Weather – It's no secret that Chicago's weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to prepare for any situation. Have a backup plan in place, such as renting a tent or arranging an indoor space in case it rains unexpectedly.
Everyone knows that weddings are expensive, but with the right planning, they don't have to be! Here are a few things you can do to save money on your outdoor wedding in Chicago.
Choose a date in the off-peak season.
Like with most events, wedding prices in Chicago can vary depending on the season. To save money, choose to have your wedding during one of the off-peak months, such as late fall or early spring. During this time, demand for venues is lower, meaning lower prices.
Keep the guest list small.
A smaller guest list means less cost for catering, seating, and rentals. Consider having an intimate wedding or cocktail hour with your closest friends and family. Not only will this reduce the cost of your wedding, but it will also create a more personal experience.
DIY décor.
Having your wedding outdoors means that you can take advantage of the natural surroundings, especially when it comes to décor. Use Pinterest for ideas, skip the expensive decorations, and consider DIY projects like flower arrangements and centerpieces.
Home to the stunning Lake Michigan, countless parks, and a gorgeous skyline, Chicago is one of the most picturesque cities to have a wedding outdoors. From lake houses with stunning views to elegant mansions with pristine gardens and even rooftop decks, there is a venue for everyone. With transparent pricing, detailed location information, and the ability to communicate directly with hosts, finding your dream venue is just a click away with Giggster.
