Nothing quite beats a Chicago Summer Wedding!

The weather is typically on the tamer side, you can get gorgeous park views or lake views, and if you’re lucky you can also capture that gorgeous city skyline. As Chicago based planners that have worked in the event industry for over 10 years, we have worked at a range of venues. But if you are looking for that perfect venue that also includes some lovely outdoor views, then here is a list of some of our favorite Chicago venues with some outdoor capabilities. And remember—make sure to be JUST AS IN LOVE with the rain plan option these venues offer before booking.

Museum Campus Venues (Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium)

Though these two venues have completely different styles in architecture and “overall energy,” we are grouping these two venues together because if you just want a historical venue on the lake, you can’t go wrong with either option on the Museum Campus. Though most of their spaces are inside, both venues do have outdoor capabilities. The Adler Planetarium offers the Skyline Terrace (can hold 120-150 guests reception style) and the Sundial Plaza (can hold 320 seated and 500 reception style). The Shedd Aquarium offers their terrace (can hold 150 seated and 200 reception style). Both have wonderful views of the lake, skyline, and even the fireworks on select summer nights. Keep in mind, both venues have their own in-house catering company with food and beverage minimums so they will be a bit higher in budget.

We’ve hosted a couple weddings at these locations and it’s truly breathtaking to say “I do” as seagulls fly, a brisk breeze cools the guests, and the city lights begin to reflect off the water.

Rain plan: The rain plan would be one of their indoor spaces. If you want to try and still capture some natural light though, the Adler Planetarium has grand windows and natural lighting in their Solarium (with still some amazing views), while the Shedd Aquarium has their Bubble Net room with windows capturing the lake view.
Note: Because the museums are open to the public during the day, events must be scheduled after closing hours. Also, be sure to plan for guest transportation and parking, as lakefront access can be limited depending on the time and season.

Lytle House

The Lytle house is a sweet and intimate location based in Edgewater. It is mostly a courtyard with a gorgeous ivy wall and a playful mural, but it also has a covered area for potential weather and shade. It’s the perfect balance of feeling like you have a secluded private venue, while still being right on the busy street of Broadway—The door to the venue even makes you feel like you’re entering a hidden speakeasy. The courtyard has plenty of space to host a food truck, yard games, and even hold your micro wedding ceremony. This space is also very budget friendly because they allow BYOB and don’t have an in-house caterer.

We’ve planned a bunch of intimate weddings here, and they are always so much fun! One wedding hired a Drag Queen which turned the intimate space into an immersive experience. You truly can elevate this space as much as you want, or keep your event super fun and casual.

Rain Plan: They have a roofed area that most people use for a seated reception.
Note: Keep in mind this venue is very petite and can only host 80 people, so perfect for your smaller, private gatherings, rehearsals, or parties, but not the best option for you if you are holding a bigger wedding.

Greenhouse Loft

The Greenhouse Loft is a venue practically made of windows. If you want natural lighting - you are going to get some! The Greenhouse Loft is a venue near the Logan Square area, but it truly feels like you’ve stepped into a separate world, as it transforms into a private patio. The venue and sky garden can hold about 175 people and the venue comes with some great amenities like a in-house DJ. The outdoor garden is the perfect place for cocktail hour, smaller ceremonies, yard games, and more!

The outdoor space has fairy lights that turn the night event into a romantic atmosphere, but you can still keep things casual. One wedding we planned had some casual yard games, and hosted trivia outside, but was still the romantic spot for the couple to share their first dance.

Rain Plan: The main venue is the rain plan! But don’t worry-the space is basically just windows so you will get plenty of natural night, and some great views of the rain if you are into that (and if not, there are curtains).

Note: There are times of the day where the sun will be blasting straight into the garden and venue, so make sure to keep that in mind if you want to order fans or some other fun guest favor to keep you and your guests cool.

Lacuna Lofts

If you want to get married on a rooftop with the Chicago skyline in the background then this is your spot! The Lacuna Lofts has a few indoor space options to rent from that have peeks of the skyline through the windows, but the Skydeck will be your venue space of choice for those sights. You can get some decor to create an arch or backdrop for the ceremony, or let the skyline do it’s natural, beautiful work. The rooftop can hold 200+ for your seated ceremony or other needs, so a great place for any ceremony or cocktail hour excitements. The venue is owned by LM Catering so they will be your exclusive caterer if you decide to book this venue.

Due to the grand open rooftop, you can create such a variety of floor plans. Maybe even host your ceremony in the round? We even once had a couple surprise their guests with a Mariachi band right after the ceremony—it was such a fun way to transition into the fun cocktail hour.

Rain Plan: Lacuna Lofts has a few other indoor spaces in its building: The La Galleria space, The Reverie Gallery, and Magik Street. All rooms have their own unique charm and personality.

Note: Though the rooftop can hold 200+, they only have 175 chairs so you will need to rent some additional chairs if you pick this location.

Twenty Six Chicago

If you want some modern rooftop flair for your wedding, then Twenty Six is a great choice. The venue is smack in River North so you’ll feel right in the middle of all the action and sights. It’s got a bit of an art-deco personality, but thrives in some modern glam. There are velvet lounge pieces, and a bar for both inside and outside. The rooftop itself is more of an intimate space, but the entire floor (indoor and outdoor) can hold 180. So this is a perfect micro wedding location if you want your ceremony outside, or just the ability to have fresh air during your event. This is another venue owned by LM Catering, so you can’t go wrong with some great food from this exclusive catering group.

Rain Plan: You would just remain in their indoor space. It might be a tad tight if you invite 180 people and it rains.
Note: Due to the venue being downtown, parking might be a bit of a pain for some guests so either insist on guests taking public transit, or book the venue’s valet service.

Ignite Glass Studios

Ignite Glass Studio is such a playful venue in the West Loop. As the name suggests, it is also a glass blowing facility so the venue is decked out with glass sculptures and design. The venue offers two spaces for an outdoor event: a Rooftop deck and their Urban Garden. The Urban Garden is a more grassy location with a gorgeous mural wall of glass sculptures. The Rooftop is a bit more industrial but has those gorgeous skyline views. Both spaces can hold about 220 people, so you can’t go wrong with either option. If you want to include something unique in your wedding, you can upgrade the wedding experience to also include a workshop with a professional glass blower, or some glass guest favors. For your catering and vendor needs they have a list of approved vendors they recommend using-you might even see a familiar name under “recommended Event Planners.” :)

Getting to celebrate a wedding, and then getting to experience some glass blowing is such a unique opportunity! We love when clients include it in their celebrations, as guests are truly amazed at the art form.

Rain Plan: The rain plan will be their indoor space, the Event Studio. Though a bit more that classic, multi-purpse white brick vibe, there are still views of the garden from inside.
Note: The venue rental only includes 40 white chairs, but you can book their other 150 chairs for an additional rental fee. The rooftop is also right next to the Metra so make sure to double check the timing of the train and when you’re sharing vows.

Lincoln Park Hive (aka People’s Gas Pavilion)

Nothing says an outdoor Chicago wedding like one in the heart of Lincoln Park. In order to get married under the honeycomb you must book through Tigerlily Events, who also run other Lincoln Park locations such as Cafe Brauer. The venue can hold 175 seated and 215 reception styled. Typically clients will rent the Pavilion for the ceremony and then host the reception at one of the other Lincoln Park Venues due to the lack of lighting in the park, and restroom accessibility, but if you want your whole event at this location—we can easily rent lights and restrooms. If you book the Pavillion you will be using the exclusive caterer of Tigerlily.

This venue is also dog friendly! We’ve had a couple sweet fur babies act as the ring bearer for their parents, and it’s always so adorable.

Rain Plan: The rain plan will be one of the other Tigerlily locations that is available and fits your guest size.
Note: Keep in mind the Pavilion is part of a public park so people will be able to watch your wedding if that is a potential issue. If anything, this can still be a great location to take some first look photos with your partner and wedding party.

Cheney Mansion

This historic mansion in Oak Park provides a lovely backdrop for any outdoor wedding. The building has gorgeous personality itself, but there’s ton of outdoor space for your ceremony and reception needs. You can host games, picnics, and event set up a rental lounge. The outdoor space can hold 200+ so its a great space to plan those summer garden styled weddings. The venue has a list of recommended caterers so there is some flexibility in finding the right caterer for you.

We’ve hosted a couple weddings in the outside space, and they’ve all felt unique and personal. One had a Shakespearan picnic, while the other embraced some lovely Cambodian music, while the other hosted a whimsical garden with lamps. Shows that even an outdoor garden can feel so dynamic.

Rain Plan: You would use the interior of the mansion, or have to rent a tent. The inside can only hold 175 seated (can still hold 200 if reception styled) so if you host more than 200 guests then the potential rain plan is a rented tent., which will cost more money.
Note: Due to the venue being a historic venue, there are a few more restrictions and rules you will have to follow, so just keep those rules in mind if you have any specifics for your wedding that might not be allowed in the venue.

Rockwell on the River

Rockwell on the River is a venue contained in what feels like a hidden small community—right on the river! This venue is accompanied by a BBQ place, a coffee roastery, an Italian cafe, a ceramics room, and a distillery. Therefore, if you want some potential list of fun wedding weekend activities you are covered in this Rockwell area. Like the venue name says, it’s right on the river so you can have gorgeous river views, and you can even rent a boat to take you to this venue if you host your ceremony or morning activity away from the space. The space can hold 500+ guests and is very multipurpose with it’s set up. You can keep it grand and spacious, or make the space more intimate with curtains. It’s like a grand blank canvas. The outside space won’t be able to hold 500, but weather permitting you can keep the grand doors open and allow fresh air into the brick venue. The venue has an exclusive beverage program though VenueLogic, which includes craft cocktail experiences for your guests, so your bar for your wedding will be top notch!

One wedding we had transformed the space into a carnival experience with games, stilt performers, hanging lanterns, and more! The options in the space are endless.

Rain Plan: You will use the main space for your wedding.
Note: While Rockwell on the River can host over 400 guests, it only provides 250 chairs. If you're planning a reception or theatrical-style event, you’ll need to rent additional seating to accommodate your guest count.

Artifact Events

Artifact Events has such a fun personality—it feels like you’re strolling through an art museum! This venue in the Ravenswood area features multiple floors, staircases, ramps, grand chandeliers, oversized birdcages, a courtyard, and eclectic art pieces throughout the space. The outside courtyard is just as fun with grand historic appearing pillars decorating the wall making a stunning backdrop for any ceremony. The Courtyard space can hold 269 guests and is perfect for ceremony, reception, cocktail hour, or other party. They have a list of preferred caterers they desire you to use, but you also can have some fun with late night food trucks in the courtyard.

This venue has such fun personality - there is something so powerful saying your vows in-front of those grand pillars. When it’s night time, having up-lights against the pillars makes for such a dramatic backdrop-and tons of brick wall space if you wanted to project something against them…just saying.

Rain Plan: You would have access to one of their indoor locations, or would require tent rental.

Note: Because Artifact Events can host multiple gatherings simultaneously, you may be sharing the building with another event unless you book the entire space. Be sure to plan accordingly for street parking and guest flow.

If you still need some support picking the best outdoor venue for your needs, then don’t hesitate to reach out! We constantly match couples with the perfect venue.

Fierce Productions is a Chicago based event planning company specializing in curating unique, bold, non-traditional weddings and events. Our talented team of professionals can handle all of your event needs including planning and coordination, design and styling, vendor and talent management, fundraising, marketing support and beyond - get in touch to learn more!

10 Best Outdoor Chicago Wedding Venues

Museum Campus Venues (Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium)

Lytle House