10 Unconventional Wedding Venues in Chicago (2024)

Looking for the most unconventional wedding venues in Chicago that suit your style and budget? Then Peerspace has you covered! Providing you access to the city’s most unique hidden gems is what we do. Chicago is the Midwest’s biggest city, not to mention that it’s only third on the list of the largest cities in the United States overall. There’s a huge amount of activity going on in Chi-Town at all times, and it’s home to the country’s best architecture, arts, and culture.

That’s why it comes as no surprise that there are numerous fabulous, intriguing venues of all kinds in Chicago. And, if you’re planning a wedding, many of these spaces would accommodate an absolutely beautiful and memorable ceremony and/or reception. Check out 10 of the most impressive unconventional wedding venues in Chicago, embodying a wide array of budgets, sizes, and aesthetic preferences

1. Make beautiful memories in a bright white Pilsen event space

If you’re looking for one of the most stylish unconventional wedding venues in Chicago, we think this Pilsen bright white storefront may be perfect for you. This charming space has room for 50 guests and provides you with 35 Chiavari chairs, 10 white tables, a catering prep kitchen, and BYO options. Since this venue has its own on-site event manager, you can easily enlist their help as you plan your menu and entertainment.

One of the best aspects that come with booking a Peerspace venue is that you can read reviews from past renters before booking. That means all the peace of mind you need to pull that trigger! In the case of this storefront, here is one of its many glowing reviews: “We had an amazing experience with Stylish Amenities!! The space was beautiful and the staff was wonderfully accommodating. Would recommend booking your next venue here! It surpassed all of our expectations”

2. Go traditional and stylish at this stunning and classic venue in Lakeview

Chicago Theater Works is a warm, intimate yet spacious location that’s earned dozens of glowing five-star reviews on Peerspace. Reviewers say it’s “classy,” “soooo beautiful,” and “worth every penny”. It even won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award for 2019.

The venue can accommodate as many as 200+ people for a stand-up reception and 180 for a sit-down dinner. They have an in-house caterer available, a full bar, and all of the A/V equipment you’re likely to need. At this spot, you’ll be set!

Working with a budget? No need to lower your venue expectations, simply check out these beautiful cheap wedding venues near Chicago to keep your dream wedding afloat!

3. Be unique and book a scientific museum housed within a historic Lakeside mansion

This breathtaking mansion/museum is by far one of the most unconventional wedding venues in Chicago. It’s one of the city’s few remaining lakefront mansions and is an official city landmark. It’s ideal for a small- to medium-size wedding, with a wedding capacity of 100 guests. Renters will have access to all four floors of the museum, packed with stunning art and design, as well as fascinating scientific marvels. The historic atmosphere will make your wedding incredibly memorable.

In the words of a Peerspace reviewer who booked this venue for an event: “Magnificent venue, perfect mix of right-size rooms for a dinner and dance party for 45 guests. Nice flow between rooms. Professional from start to finish.”

4. Customize your perfect wedding in this modern sun-filled studio

We love the idea of using this open-plan studio as one of your wedding venue options! It’s a minimalistic space with room for 40 guests that provides you with plenty of blank space to decorate and stylish nooks and corners for taking pictures. Plus, the host provides you with a fridge, cocktail tables, cake stands, and speakers, with more tables and chairs available as an add-on service.

A Peerspace user who booked this studio for a personal event shares: “The space is even more beautiful in person for a bridal shower!! The natural lighting is amazing. John & Laura were incredibly helpful in the months leading up to my event – they respond so quickly and are so kind. Thank you!! I highly recommend booking this space for your events.”

5. Make it historic at this brick and timber industrial loft

The Hive on Hubbard was built in 1872, making it one of the city’s oldest commercial structures. Far from its history as a furniture factory, it’s now a massive 4,000-square-foot loft space with abundant sunlight and amazing views of the city skyline. Many weddings have taken place here, and renters are universally impressed with the quality of this distinctive and historic venue.

In fact, as one reviewer who booked their wedding here shares: “The space was amazing!!!! We had a great time and could not have been more happier with our decision to book with The Hive. Thank you Bethany and your team for everything.”

6. Party at a funky, wide-open loft space on Chicago’s North Side

This is another loft space, but with a different vibe. The owners of this loft call it “SoHo in Chicago,” which captures the offbeat, creative feel of this venue. The decor is fun and unexpected, and as many as 150 guests will comfortably enjoy this 5,000-square-foot of space and its 14-foot ceilings. There are tables and chairs, a kitchen, LED TVs, and an A/V system at your disposal as well.

As one happy reviewer put it, it’s “open and airy, while still being cozy and intimate” with “insanely imaginative decor that can be quickly rearranged to meet your needs and vision”. You won’t be disappointed!

7. Enjoy amazing support and incomparable style at this elegant Bucktown event space

We love the classic Chicago feel of this elegant Bucktown studio and event space. It has space for you and 120 guests, with chic vintage decor and atmospheric lighting that will transport you to another era. This is a pole dance studio by day, and you can even book a performer for your wedding if you and your partner want to go that unconventional!

This helpful Peerspace reviews show how above and beyond this venue will go to make your dream wedding happen: “We needed a venue for our wedding welcome event in Wicker Park / Bucktown area. Leveraging peerspace I found this amazing location. There were a ton of options and services with this amazing venue. Aileen was super helpful as I coordinated the event from Seattle. The team stayed in touch with us throughout the process. The week prior and the day of the event the venue was super accommodating. We were able to have our own DJ and bring catered food. During the event the staff was amazing and accommodating. All of our guests and family talked about the staff and the venue. Highly recommend this location and this team.”

Our Great Gatsby wedding theme tips and tricks would fit in perfectly at this venue. Check them out!

8. Celebrate with an indoor and outdoor venue at a Logan Square secret garden

If you’re hosting an intimate wedding for up to 30 guests, or simply want a hidden gem venue in a fabulous location for your rehearsal dinner, then check out this Logan Square secret garden! It is a stylish patio garden brimming with plant life and multiple seating areas for your guests to mix and mingle. The hosts even strive to work with you to make your event as zero-waste as possible, an amazing feature for eco-minded couples.

While the main draw of this venue is the patio with the stunning city views, you can also use the apartment’s interior. Your catering team can set up in the kitchen and serve you and your guests outdoors under the twinkling market lights.

9. Add your special touch to this vibrant Lower West Side art gallery

This modern, charming art gallery is absolutely one of our most unconventional wedding venues in Chicago. And we adore every inch of it! From the gorgeous murals to the rotating artwork, this plant-laden industrial space has all the unconventional decor you could want. While here, you can use the tables, chairs, speakers, and Wi-Fi. Plus, there’s an outdoor area and sliding garage doors for you and your guests to enjoy some fresh air.

Check out what a couple who hosted their wedding here thought about the experience: “Amazing Host! Very accommodating, large open space and open to outside seating area if needed. They also reserved a parking spot in front of the venue for our Taco Truck – simply perfect! Will definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fun and unique venue!”

10. Make your event fire at this historical event space in an old firehouse

Our final venue on this is one of our favorite unconventional wedding venues in Chicago: this historical event venue in Chicago’s oldest firehouse! This incredible 7,500-square-foot venue is spread across two floors, with the lower floor consisting of two former firetruck galleys. The venue’s high ceilings, large windows, shimmering chandeliers, and eclectic decor will definitely impress your guests, while its historic architecture will provide plenty of beautiful spots to wed and celebrate.

Check out this helpful review from a Peerspace renter: “What a wonderful experience, through and through! The event space is pretty customizable– we had a Winter company event here and they were able to move around furniture for us. HUGE, really unique space, and they were really accommodating and communicative with us. They had some recs for hiring bartenders and servers, and were super responsive.”

Unconventional wedding venues in Chicago: conclusion

You’re lucky to be planning your wedding in the fabulously inspiring city of Chicago. As we’ve demonstrated with this list, Chicago offers far more than just the standard, generic spaces often marketed as “wedding venues”.

When you think outside the box and use Peerspace to discover your wedding venue, you’ll be absolutely amazed at what you’ll discover.

Find unique wedding venues in Chicago on Peerspace