Good Things Come in Small Venues
There’s a Buzz In the Air
I think we are all starting to feel it. The world is slowly but surely starting to reopen as the vaccine(s) reach higher distributions and we move into the newly chartered “bridge phase” here in Illinois. We are starting to get requests for in-person venue tours and vendor meetings and, as new announcements are made every other week on what restrictions and regulations for gatherings are, we are ready to spring back into action. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that all plans can change. For couples who have already had to postpone, having the ability to picture a wedding with a smaller guest count is enough for them to commit to a slightly re-imagined day, with the hope that they could invite a few extra people as the day gets closer. Not having to postpone, yet again, is also a great motivator.
Right-Sizing Your Venue
For those couples who have not made the commitment to a venue already, or were able to cancel without penalty, it’s important to find a space that is going to work with a smaller number of guests. While there are ways to stage a venue that can easily fit 300 people for an intimate gathering of 50, having a space that feels like it’s made for smaller groups may be the better option. Luckily we live in a city with some amazing small venues. We wanted to share just a few of our favorite small venues around town.
Going small, doesn’t mean you have to limit creativity and style. Smaller spaces allow for options and flexibility that you may not be able to get with a larger guest count. We’ve broken out our recommendations below into sections that may offer some inspiration on how to approach your re-imagined day.
Use the links below to help navigate:
Fit For Foodies
Photo credit: The Dalcy
The Dalcy
Address: 302 N Green Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago IL 60607
Neighborhood: West Loop
Aesthetic: Urban
In the heart of the West Loop, The Dalcy is operated by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group and is the event space adjacent to the acclaimed restaurant Aba. With the ability to break up the space we love the Dalcy for smaller events with a focus on great food that may grow as regulations change.
Photo credit: Partyslate
Beatnik on the River
Address: 180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Neighborhood: Loop
Aesthetic: Bohemian
Beatnik On The River offers a wide variety of settings for both private and semi-private events, including the lush Riverfront Terrace, the intimate Jewelry Store, and cozy indoor River Mezzanine, which offers the same spectacular rivers views as the outdoor space downstairs.
Photo Credit: Fulton Market Kitchen
Fulton Market Kitchen
Address: 311 North Sangamon Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood: West Loop
Aesthetic: Urban Eclectic
Creating a memorable event for your guests starts with selecting the perfect venue, and Fulton Market Kitchen, located in Chicago's hot West Loop neighborhood, is just that. Only steps from Randolph St.'s Restaurant Row, the versatile space can be tailored to accommodate every type and size of event; be it an intimate dinner in our private dining room, an elegant wedding reception, a corporate outing or full venue buyout.
Photo Credit: Blue Plate Catering
Larkin Hall
Address: 1362 W. Fulton St. Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood: West Loop/West Town
Aesthetic: Urban Contemporary
Larkin Hall, the home of Blue Plate Catering, is located in the exciting Fulton Market District. Larkin Hall is a hospitality-focused venue with a variety of gathering, meeting, and event spaces throughout four floors. The 2nd Floor Terrace Room is an intimate setting for micro celebrations and the adjacent Tasting Kitchen gives guests the opportunity to watch chefs bring the event menu to life. Close to downtown, the United Center, and major expressways, Larkin Hall offers an innovative alternative to traditional event spaces.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Photo Credit: Nomad Chicago
Nomad Chicago
Address: 820 N. Franklin St. Chicago, IL 60610
Neighborhood: River North
Aesthetic: Chic & Hygge
More than just a boutique or café, NOMAD Chicago serves a dual purpose of investing in underserved communities in Chicago and supporting women-owned businesses and traditional artisanship around the globe. Including a rentable café and chic conference room space, it could be the perfect fit for a fun celebration with ties to a good cause.
Photo Credit: Loft Lucia
Loft Lucia
Address: 7 North Carpenter Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood: West Loop
Aesthetic: Urban Contemporary
Loft Lucia harmonizes luxurious urban chic with warmth and brightness. Loft Lucia literally means "Loft of Light." The space features oversized industrial windows, exposed brick, and a dazzling rooftop terrace with incredible landscaping.
Photo Credit: Celeste
Celeste Rooftop Garden
Address: 111 W. Hubbard Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood: River North
Aesthetic: Urban Romantic
Bonhomme Hospitality’s love for traditional drinking establishments can be found throughout the three floors of River North’s Celeste. Housed in an historic Louis Sullivan building, Celeste encapsulates a unique refined experience of art, drinking and dining on three aesthetically different floors including the 4th floor rooftop garden.
Hotel + Hotel Adjacent
Photo Credit: Nobu Hotel Chicago
Nobu Hotel Chicago
Address: 155 N. Peoria Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood: West Loop
Aesthetic: Modern
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Chicago skyline, the brand new Nobu Hotel is perfect for all types of events from weddings to engagement parties, bridal showers to welcome receptions, and small corporate functions. Each gathering they host becomes their utmost priority, ensuring that all guests are treated to gracious service at every touchpoint.
Photo Credit: Ashley Bosnick Photography
NICO OSTERIA
Address: 1015 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Aesthetic: Contemporary
The private event spaces at Nico Osteria encompass three floors, each with its own unique look and feel. Bold interior design, rich décor accents, and innovative menus come together to create a luxurious private dining experience. Guests overlook the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood while enjoying Nico Osteria’s Italian fare in an intimate and inviting environment. Whether you are looking for an intimate business meeting or a celebratory cocktail reception, the team at Nico Osteria is always happy to accommodate your needs.
Cozy Homes
Photo Credit: Lytle House
Lytle House
Address: 5517 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60640
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Aesthetic: Urban Industrial
Whether you're escaping the noise and congestion of the loop for your next company meeting, celebrating a milestone, or marrying the love of your life, The Lytle House is the perfect space to gather and celebrate with up to 80 of your closest family and friends.
Photo Credit: The Publishing House
The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast
Address: 5517 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60640
Neighborhood: West Loop
Aesthetic: Urban Modern
The Publishing House B&B is an urban loft in the heart of Chicago’s hottest neighborhood, the West Loop. The former Free Methodist Publishing House was built in 1909 and was reimagined in 2017. The space can accommodate up to 24 guests in 11 rooms, and provide exclusive use of the property with personalized service and fully customized breakfast options.
Photo Credit: Wicker Park Inn
Wicker Park INn
Address: 1331 North Wicker Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Aesthetic: Urban Traditional
The Wicker Park Inn is an elegant venue for your elopement or small wedding celebration. The converted Wicker Park home has 9 guest rooms with a capacity of a 30 person ceremony & reception and can sleep 20 overnight. Adjacent to Wicker Park proper, the venue is a perfect spot for Chicago locals to say “I do”.
Off The Beaten Path
Photo Credit: Towne & Oak
Towne & Oak
Address: 921 Green Bay Road Winnetka, IL 60093
Suburb: Winnetka
Aesthetic: Contemporary Loft
Celebrate your next event with Towne & Oak! Private & Semi-Private dining options are available to accommodate various sized groups. An event manager will assist you with all food & beverage needs throughout the planning process to create the perfect menu for your event.
Photo Credit: Promontory Point
Promontory Point
Address: 5491 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
Aesthetic: Historical
This quaint building provides crystal clear skyline views and is surrounded by heavenly meadows. The magnificent French doors open onto stone verandas just steps from Lake Michigan. The exposed brick interior along with the historic architecture make this cozy castle-like site a must see.
