River North Reverie: The Top Wedding Venues in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood

Feature Photo by Mark Trela Photography

Art, architecture and city energy sing in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Rather than dedicated event spaces, River North’s wedding venues primarily exist in the form of luxury hotels and fine dining destinations. Just across the Chicago River from The Loop, nothing beats wedding portraits along the Chicago Riverwalk promenade! So why not host your wedding amidst some of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Marina City corncobs, Merchandise Mart, Trump Tower and the Reid Murdoch Building? From repurposed industrial spaces to rooftop gardens with skyline views, this neighborhood provides an array of options to suit diverse tastes.

Join us as we explore the enchanting allure of River North’s wedding venues, where dreams come to life amidst the dynamic rhythm of the city.

*For the purposes of this venue guide, we’ve considered the boundaries of River North to be the Chicago River on South and West sides, N Rush Street on the East and W Chicago Street on the North.

21C Museum Hotel Chicago

Location: 55 E Ontario St
Online: www.21cchicago.com
Type: Hotel, Museum
Capacity (Seated): 150
Capacity(Cocktail): 200

Nestled just steps away from Michigan Avenue, 21c Museum Hotel Chicago is a haven of art and sophistication in River North. Throughout the property, contemporary art seamlessly integrates with the ambiance, ensuring a distinctive experience at every corner. It’s the ideal venue for those seeking to entertain and inspire their guests amidst a backdrop of artistic brilliance.

Want to see more from 21C Museum Hotel Chicago? Check out “Love, An Immersive Experience” here.

AC Hotel Chicago Downtown

Location: 630 North Rush St
Online: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chiac
Type: Hotel (Marriott)
Capacity: 80

For small to mid-size weddings in the heart of River North, AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is an excellent choice. Located steps from the Magnificent Mile, the property provides easy access to shopping, dining and cultural attractions. Complete with tastefully appointed, spacious guest rooms, stellar service and various amenities, you and your guest can relax before and after the festivities. Create a memorable event in AC Hotel’s signature venue, the European-inspired Millennium Park Room. Or for the sunny seasons, celebrate your wedding at their panoramic-view outdoor event space!

avec River North

Location: 141 W Erie St
Online: www.avecrestaurant.com
Type: Restaurant
Capacity (Seated): 75
Capacity(Cocktail): 100

Avec River North sets the stage a James Beard Award-winning type of wedding with its stunning private dining room bathed in natural light. This unique space offers a private entrance off of LaSalle, a single-use bathroom and a dedicated bar and service team. Whether for rehearsal dinners, showers or intimate receptions, Avec’s stylish aesthetic and delectable menus curated by Executive Chef Paul Kahan and Chef de Cuisine Dylan Patel will leave a lasting impression.

Avli River North

Location: 702 N Wells St
Online: www.avli.us/avli-river-north
Type: Restaurant
Capacity (Seated): 60
Capacity(Cocktail): 90

Avli River North transports you and your guests to a Mediterranean paradise. Within its recently renovated premises, enjoy ample room to host your event in a completely private upstairs space or a full venue buy-out. Perfect for an intimate celebration or a rehearsal dinner, Avli River North’s inspired Greek cuisine and decor reminiscent of whitewashed Greek villages will enchant you and your guests.

Celeste

Location: 111 W Hubbard St
Online: www.celestedisco.com
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Capacity: 60

Housed in a stunning, multi-story historic building, Celeste is centrally located, easily accessible and full of eclectic charm. Whether you envision an intimate garden wedding, a swanky cocktail party or a relaxed yet energetic gathering, Celeste offers the perfect setting. Inspired by a secret English garden, Celeste boasts lushly planted walls, a subway tile bar and Victorian-style lounge furnishings with tropical-patterned upholstery.

Want to see more from Celeste? Check out “The It Girl” here.

Chicago Winery

Location: 739 N Clark St
Online: www.chiwinery.com
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Capacity: 200

Wineries and weddings are like grapes and vines — they just go together. And a Chicago Winery wedding is no exception. Amid the vibrant arts scene of River North and the glamour of historic Chicago, this warm, modern space blends urban character with rich colors and opulent accents. All Chicago Winery weddings include exclusive access to flexible indoor and outdoor private event spaces, a dedicated event manager, a private wedding suite, and a couples’ food and wine tasting event led by Chef Andrew Graves.

Coco Pazzo

Location: 300 W Hubbard
Online: www.cocopazzochicago.com
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Capacity (Seated): 150
Capacity(Cocktail): 300

Coco Pazzo invites couples to savor a special private dining experience steeped in the flavors of Tuscany. Housed in a century-old loft building with timber beams, brick walls and rich cypress floors, the ambiance exudes rustic yet urban charm. Luxurious blue velvet drapes can be adjusted to accommodate parties of various sizes, making it suitable for gatherings of up to 300 guests in cocktail-style seating or 150 guests for seated dinners.

East Bank Club

Location: 500 North Kingsbury St
Online: www.eastbankclub.com
Type: Event Space
Capacity: 250

From the elegant Riverview Room and Riverfront Terrace, to their rooftop Sun Deck and wood-paneled restaurant, East Bank Club is a dynamic venue. While primarily a membership-based fitness facility and social club, East Bank Club welcomes private events for both members and non-members. Beautiful riverside views make this venue breathtaking and a one-of-a-kind venue, perfect for a variety of wedding aesthetics.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Location: 600 N State St
Online: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chidwes
Type: Hotel (Hilton)
Capacity (seated): 280
Capacity (cocktail): 350

Step into the grand 10-story atrium of Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North for an unforgettable wedding experience. The newly renovated space can host receptions for up to 350 guests in the River North Ballroom. For a chef-driven celebration, consider Osteria Via Stato, a romantic Tuscan wine cellar restaurant within the hotel. This romantic restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine, experienced service staff, on-site ceremonies and event planning services.

Gene & Georgetti

Location: 500 N Franklin St
Online: www.geneandgeorgetti.com
Type: Restaurant
Capacity: 90

Celebrate your union in the historic Gene & Georgetti, Chicago’s oldest Tuscan steakhouse. Founded in 1941, this fine restaurant is simply rooted in history. This fine restaurant offers the highest quality meats, seafood, homemade pastas and an extensive wine selection. Gene & Georgetti’s moody and chic The Library offers private dining for 30 guests, or can be combined with the mural-decorated Chicago Room to accommodate up to 90 guests.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

Location: 127 W Huron St
Online: www.godfreyhotelchicago.com
Type: Hotel
Capacity: 750

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago infuses the traditional downtown wedding experience with a modern style and energy. Its tech-savvy event venues and breathtaking indoor/outdoor urban roofscape  promise to delight and inspire creativity. Choose the Truss Room for an intimate celebration for up to 85 guests or reserve the I O Rooftop Lounge for a grand affair accommodating up to 750 guests. With panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, a fire pit, shimmering water elements, a video wall and a retractable roof, your reception in I O will be nothing short of glamorous.

Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse River North

Location: 33 West Kinzie St
Online: www.harrycarays.com
Type: Restaurant
Capacity (Seated): 180
Capacity(Cocktail): 250

Sophistication, charm and sports history come together at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse River North. This historic landmark in the heart of River North offers one of Chicago’s most distinctive private dining experiences. The restaurant reflects the beloved sportscaster Harry Caray’s personality: warm, welcoming and entertaining. ​The venue’s MVP Suite exudes masculine charm for up to 100 guests, while behind a bookcase secret door lies the intimate Nitti’s Speakeasy, reminiscent of a sophisticated cigar lounge. Alternatively, book the Wrigley Room and Old Comiskey together to accomodate a larger guest list of 250.

Holiday Inn Chicago Wolf Point

Location: 350 W Wolf Point Plaza, Building 2
Online: www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/chicago/chipl/hoteldetail
Type: Hotel (IHG)
Capacity (Seated): 530
Capacity(Cocktail): 800

15 stories above the Chicago River, the Holiday Inn Chicago Wolf Point places you steps from the bustling heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the contemporary ambiance of this River North hotel, where you’ll find fresh and stylish guest rooms, accompanied by stunning views. Sharing common spaces with their sister property, Chicago’s first voco hotel, Holiday Inn Chicago Wolf Point blends the comfort of Holiday Inn with the sophisticated accents of voco Chicago Downtown.

Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection

House of Blues Chicago

The Ivy Room At Tree Studios

Location: 12 E Ohio St
Online: www.ivyroomchicago.com
Type: Event Venue
Capacity: 200

The Ivy Room at Tree Studios exudes timeless elegance in a historic courtyard building. A classic canvas for Chicago weddings, the venue’s design elements provide a beautiful backdrop for your creative vision. The picturesque courtyard garden, adorned with ivy, serves as a captivating focal point, visible from the ballroom windows year-round. As part of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, The Ivy Room ensures exceptional service and everything you need for a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception.

Want to see more from The Ivy Room? Check out “Bridgette and Isaac’s The Ivy Room Romance” here.

The Langham

Location: 330 N Wabash Ave
Online: www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/chicago
Type: Hotel
Capacity: 250

Discover endless possibilities for your wedding celebration at The Langham, Chicago. With a legacy of luxury, The Langham offers opulent wedding packages designed to dazzle. The hotel is well-equipped to cater to your celebration with its ideal location, elegant ballrooms featuring state-of-the-art technology, tailor-made service, bespoke amenities and exquisite dining options. Choose from three distinct ballrooms: Devonshire (capacity 250), Cambridge (capacity 150) and Chelsea (capacity 150), to host your event, whether it’s a grand wedding or an intimate soiree.

Want to see more from The Langham? Check out “Krystal & Addison’s Refined Elegance at The Langham” here.

Maggiano’s Banquets

Location: 111 W Grand Ave
Online: www.maggianos.com/banquets
Type: Restaurant
Capacity (Seated): 420
Capacity(Cocktail): 600

Celebrate your wedding at the very first Maggiano’s, located in the heart of River North. Maggiano’s Banquets beautifully blends comfort with elegance, offering a chef-prepared menu, decadent desserts, a wide selection of wine and handcrafted cocktails. The inviting atmosphere, well-appointed banquet rooms, and experienced team make this beloved restaurant the perfect choice for crafting a memorable wedding experience.

Marchesa Chicago

Location: 535 N Wells St
Online: www.marchesachicago.com
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Capacity (Seated): 50
Capacity(Cocktail): 75

Experience the luxurious Parisian ambiance of Marchesa Chicago’s intimate, fine-dining locale. Inspired by the Guggenheim in Venice, the restaurant’s art-filled dining rooms are adorned with stunning sculptural art, creating an enchanting backdrop for your romantic celebration. Choose from five opulent environments, including the chic Parisian apartment and the boho wine cave, each exuding an upscale homey feel and offering the impeccable service of a fine-dining restaurant.

Quartino Ristorante

Location: 626 N State St
Online: www.quartinoristorante.com
Type: Restaurant
Capacity (Seated): 104
Capacity(Cocktail): 120

Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, a bustling downtown Chicago establishment known for its distinctive Italian small-plates menu and vintage decor, sets the stage for unforgettable wedding celebrations. Quartino boasts five distinct private dining rooms, including The Naples, Venice, and Rialto Rooms, each exuding rustic charm with antique Italian decor. Located on the restaurant’s second floor, these interconnected rooms provide a rustic, intimate setting for rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions alike.

River Roast

The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North

Location: 505 N State St
Online: www.sonesta.com/royal-sonesta/il/chicago/royal-sonesta-chicago-river-north
Type: Hotel
Capacity (Seated): 180
Capacity(Cocktail): 230

A soaring tower of glass and steel, The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North epitomizes urban aspirations and big city ambition. Inside, guests will discover serene interiors with luxurious design and artistic touches that pay homage to Chicago’s bravado and history. Generously appointed guestrooms, breathtaking views of the city, exceptional venues and a dedicated catering staff will make your wedding an affair to remember. Tie the knot under lofty ceilings embellished with crystal chandeliers with a view of the River North neighborhood as your romantic backdrop.

Want to see more from The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North? Check out “Designers’ Challenge: Boho City Chic” here.

RPM Events

Location: 317 N Clark St
Online: www.rpmrestaurants.com
Type: Event Space, Restaurant
Capacity (Seated): 260
Capacity(Cocktail): 500

RPM Events stands as a premier riverfront venue for weddings and private events. With over 6,000 square feet of space, this venue boasts sweeping views of the Chicago River, a grand ballroom that can be divided into three independent spaces and access to a stunning outdoor terrace. Customize your culinary experience by selecting signature items from RPM Italian, RPM Steak and RPM Seafood menus to delight your guests. RPM’s antique lanterns, modern furniture and warm lighting create an enchanting atmosphere for upscale celebrations.

Tao

Location: 632 N Dearborn St
Online: www.taogroup.com
Type: Night Club, Restaurant
Capacity (Seated): 300
Capacity(Cocktail): 1,000

TAO Chicago offers one of the most dramatic settings in River North. Guests enter the 7,000 square-foot TAO Chicago Nightclub and event space through a 100-year-old massive Chinese gate, down a lantern-lit exterior alley. TAO Chicago is a dynamic two-level space with numerous private event locations. A grand staircase connects TAO’s ground and lower level seating, creating the ultimate platform to see and be seen on your big day. Details like 40-foot-tall ceilings, soaring windows, a 20-foot tall Hush mural and restored arches throughout make TAO an unforgettable, lively experience.

Tortoise Supper Club

Location: 350 N State St
Online: www.tortoisesupperclub.com
Type: Restaurant
Capacity (Seated): 220
Capacity(Cocktail): 300

For a swanky, jazz-era ambiance, look no further than Tortoise Supper Club for your rehearsal dinner or wedding. This sophisticated restaurant boasts an entire menu that is made from scratch, craft cocktails and a classic Chicago atmosphere. Each private event space captures the golden age of the roaring 20s, offering a warm and welcoming yet refined ambiance. Art and artifacts with Chicago stories adorn the venue, creating the perfect backdrop for your Chicago-style celebrations.

Trump International Hotel & Tower

Location: 401 N Wabash Ave
Online: www.trumphotels.com/chicago
Type: Hotel
Capacity (Seated): 250
Capacity(Cocktail): 300

With panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago serves as the perfect backdrop for city weddings. This 92-story marvel, positioned along the Chicago River, provides an unparalleled venue. Inside, impeccable style and exceptional service define the experience, surely leaving your guests in awe. Whether your wedding is large or small, simple or elaborate, the hotel’s wedding venues can be customized and transformed to create your ideal setting.

Untitled Supper Club

Location: 111 W Kinzie St
Online: www.untitledsupperclub.com
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Capacity (Seated): 100
Capacity(Cocktail): 150

Imagine Untitled Supper Club as a contemporary revival of a classic prohibition era supper club. Located below street level in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, this speakeasy-era gem offers the largest selection of whiskeys in the world (more than 550 bottles and counting), luxuriously designed rooms and award-winning cuisine. Celebrating the lush, opulence of the 1920s, Untitled Supper Club is the perfect space for hosting a memorable engagement party, rehearsal dinner or intimate wedding.

voco Chicago Downtown

Location: 350 W Wolf Point Plaza, Building 1
Online: www.vocohotels.com/chicagoil
Type: Hotel (IHG)
Capacity (Seated): 530
Capacity(Cocktail): 800

With the stunning backdrop of the Chicago River and city skyline, voco Chicago Downtown is the ultimate wedding destination with a view.  As the sister property to Holiday Inn Chicago Wolf Point, voco Chicago Downtown combines style and sophistication with the established comfort of Holiday Inn. Host your wedding celebration in the Wolf Point Ballroom or opt for the expansive 7,500-square-foot column-less Sauganash Ballroom. With a sophisticated color palette and modern-chic furnishings, voco Chicago Downtown is one of Chicagos’s newest must-see wedding destinations.

The Westin Chicago River North

Location: 320 N Dearborn St
Online: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chino
Type: Hotel (Marriott)
Capacity (Seated): 700
Capacity(Cocktail): 1,000

The Westin Chicago River North provides intuitive service and enriching experiences within its vibrant venues. With 30,000 square feet of flexible event space, the hotel caters to celebrations of all sizes, from elegant ballrooms to intimate pre-function rooms and everything in between. And for those last-minute touch-ups, the newly-opened Talc + Tonic Men’s Salon within The Westin is here to ensure you look your best for your big day. This salon provides a range of services, including men’s haircuts, women’s blowouts, beard trims, and more, all in a comfortable and refreshing space.