Why You Should Get Married in Chicago (Even If You Don’t Live Here)
Chicago Theater. Photo by Allie Idrac.
Even if you live in New York, California or Florida - you can still get married in Chicago!
When couples think “destination wedding,” they often picture sandy beaches, or far-off European villas. But did you know one of the most iconic, stylish, and surprisingly versatile wedding destinations is in the U.S., and is right in the heart of the Midwest? Well say hello to, Chicago!
Whether you met here, love the city’s energy, or simply want a wedding that feels elevated, urban, and unforgettable, Chicago delivers them all with no residency required. That’s why the Fierce Production Team loves producing weddings here in Chicago, you can easily experience something new where ever you go! Here are a few reasons why couples from all over the country (and world) choose to say “I do” in the Windy City:
1. Unmatched Venue Variety in One City
Few cities offer the range of wedding venues that Chicago does—often within minutes of each other. Chicago has gorgeous, modern skyscrapers mixed in with grand historical venues designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, sprinkled in with updated brick factories that outlasted the Chicago fire. It’s a beautiful fusion of architecture, and your options are endless.
You can host:
A black-tie celebration in a grand historic ballroom that makes you feel regal
A modern rooftop ceremony with breathtaking skyline views that showcases the urban lifestyle
An intimate loft wedding with funky architectural character that makes you feel timeless
A lakeside ceremony that feels coastal and satisfies those beach wedding dreams (without even leaving the city)
A cozy celebration at a museum, library, or industrial space that makes you embrace the history of the city
Historic Rookery Staircase. Photo by Tuan at Tuan B Photo.
2. Iconic Backdrops You Can’t Replicate Anywhere Else
Chicago is a photographer’s dream! Just read our blog about some of our favorite Chicago photographer’s preferred places to take engagement photos here. Chicago has a wonderful blend of city architecture, historic mansions, green parks, colorful murals, and gorgeous lake views that make any location for photos magical. No matter what type of couple you are (colorful, urban, whimsical, modern) there is a backdrop for you! Your wedding photos will feel timeless, editorial, and unmistakably Chicago.
Some cities rely on one “wow” moment. Chicago offers dozens! Here are just a few:
The Chicago River at golden hour
The Chicago Theatre at night with all the city lights
Lake Michigan and city skyline views from the museum campus
Historic streets, grand staircases, and architectural landmarks really anywhere
Seasonal beauty—from summer greens to fall textures to winter elegance in the many parks or conservatories Chicago offers
Chicago Lakefront and Skyline. Photo by Adam at Tuan B Photo.
3. World-Class Vendors (Without Destination Chaos)
One of the biggest misconceptions is that planning a Chicago wedding is difficult if you’re not local. Chicago is home to some of the best wedding professionals in the country: planners, designers, photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainers who are used to producing high-level events. It’s a wonderful group of people that can make destination planning a breeze! It’s also a wonderful community filled with business owners that can easily recommend the right vendor for you.
For out-of-town couples, this is huge:
You get to work with experienced vendors who know complex logistics, and are absolute professionals in their city
You get vendors that are comfortable working together because they’ve worked together many times before
You get reliable service without any hidden “resort” markups from destination travel
You still get luxury-level results without the stress of importing everything - no “destination-level headaches”
With the right planner, planning a destination wedding in Chicago is seamless. We have planned so many weddings for couples who live out of state from New York to Los Angeles! From venue tours and vendor sourcing to timelines and logistics, everything can be handled remotely with confidence, clarity, and intention. Distance doesn’t limit the experience it often enhances it.
Creative Director, Laura Reitsma working at Celeste Chicago. Photo by Anna Zajac
4. Easy for Guests to Get To (and Love Being In)
Unlike many destination locations, Chicago is incredibly accessible:
There are two major airports with nonstop flights from almost everywhere
Tons of excellent hotels and airbnbs at every price point
Plenty of walkable neighborhoods and great public transportation
And once guests arrive? They’re thrilled.
This is a city people want to visit! Chicago has amazing food, a playful nightlife, an array of theatre and entertainment, plenty of shopping opportunities, and many tours and sight seeing activities. Your wedding weekend in Chicago becomes a full experience for your guests, not just a single event.
5. A True “Wedding Weekend” City
Due to the abundance of activities, Chicago shines when it comes to multi-day celebrations! Why celebrate your wedding only on one day, when you can celebrate over a whole weekend!
You can host welcome drinks at a rooftop bar the day before your wedding
You can host your rehearsal dinners at one of the many iconic restaurants Chicago has to offer
You can plan a brunch, a boat cruise, an architectural tour, or a casual hang the day after your wedding to allow your guests to leisurely return home
The city allows you to curate a full, intentional wedding weekend that feels personal and elevated!
7. A City That Feels Both Timeless and Personal
Chicago has a rare balance that you can’t find in a lot of cities: it feels grand without being pretentious, vibrant without being overwhelming. It allows your wedding to feel elevated and meaningful, without feeling to hectic for you or your guests. Whether your story as a couple connects you to the city, or you simply fell in love with it’s vibrant energy, Chicago has a way of making celebrations feel deeply personal and incredibly memorable.
Shedd Aquarium Chicago Photo by Adam Bida Tuan B Co
Final Thoughts
Hopefully by now you understand that you can plan a memorable, elevated, and truly unique destination wedding in Chicago! It’s stacked number of wedding professionals will take the planning stress off your shoulders, and the vibrant energy, rooted history, and exquisite art scene of Chicago make it the perfect destination for an unforgettable wedding. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels sophisticated, iconic, and full of soul, Chicago is the place to go! Some come visit!