Reception site-need help

ccokada

Hi girls, I just got engaged a couple weeks ago but we are thinking about a fall 2010 wedding so we have started to try and figure out a venue. Right now I am totally overwhelmed by this process. We want someplace that's a little unique and where we can hold both the ceremony and reception. I'd also love a place with outdoor and indoor space. Since a lot of my guests will be coming from out of town, I want to keep it close to downtown (so they can enjoy the city while they're here) but not in the heart of downtown (because parking can get crazy). Our target was to keep it under $5000. We looked at a new leaf, which I liked, except it doesn't have handicap accessibility to the second floor and they are entirely booked for Saturdays in 2010. We also looked at the nature museum, which I loved, but they want over $7000 for a saturday night. None of my close friends are from the area (I'm here for grad school) and also, none of them have been through a wedding, so I'm a little in the dark here. Any suggestions?

awed81

$5000 for the reception, or for a rental fee? How many guest are you having? You are likely to spend at least $100 per person on catering and alcohol for any place downtown, on top of any rental fee they might impose.

ccokada

We're thinking around $5000 for just the site fee, although it would be really nice if it included some tables and chairs.

ccokada

Oh, and...around 150 people, probably.

Maria and Sam

I'm getting married at the Newberry Liibrary, and although they don't have an outdoor space, they are $6000 for the rental fee but it includes chairs and tables.

krisdi78

Check out Ravenswood Billboard Factory - not sure if they have an outdoor space or not, but I know you can do both the reception and ceremony therehttp://www.ravenswoodeventcenter.com//

sgylling

Ditto on PP of Ravenswood Billboard Factory, also..Architectural ArtifactsSalvatore's Salvage One (I think they might be 7K)Pazzo's 311Prairie Productions

Litgirl77

We're doing ours at Architectural Artifacts. I believe the site rental was $4200...no chairs or tables, but lots of other cool stuff so you save $ on flowers and decor. They've been awesome to work with so far too.

TahoetoTahiti

Prairie Productions (west loop, super urban & super cute!)  $4000 rental fee, but go now because they book super fast.  Also, they are less expensive on Friday and Sundays as well.  Street parking is free and plentiful. Awesome hotel (= no site fee), The Elysian (not open yet, but done and planning their opening)...Walton & State.  150 is the perfect size for their space (can have outdoor wedding in Washington Square Park (1 block away)Loft on Lake (not sure on rental fee, but I think it is really reasonable) - also west loop

amberb612

Good luck finding anything super close to downtown for 150 people for $7000. I hope your talking rental space only, No food chairs, tables, etc...? Let us know how you do.I don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer."

thealphabride

Here's another alternative for you: Mayslake Peabody Estate Oak Brook has everything you mentioned you wanted, It is a unique and enchanting place, with indoor and  outdoor space, Affordable rental Fee, way less than 5K. About 3Kfor both ceremony and reception. You bring in your own catering, and booze and there is no vendor list that you must choose from. Alex is the coordinator and has been awesome to work with. www.mayslakepeabody.com We are getting married in front of the Chapel in Sept 2010. Reception in Event Hall which is georgous, full of stained glass wood and marble. I have good pics if you want to see them just page me on this board.

lemmert

Blackstone hotel? We are having our reception there in december...so far I have had a good experience. Its easy for out of town guests- and good location to the parks/ shopping etc.

Fink-Nottle

I've also heard really good things about Mayslake Peabody Estate.I live in Oak Park and am having my wedding there, it is extremely convenient to the city, you can even take the L. There are also a bunch of Catholic churches in the area that would probably work for you. St. Edmunds is in Oak Park and is very pretty and big. I'm having my ceremony at St. Luke's in River Forest, which is right next to Oak Park. There's also St. Vincent's and a couple of more I can't think of right now. For under $5000 rental fee you could get Cheney Mansion or Pleasant Home in Oak Park. Both are gorgeous and have wonderful outdoor spaces. We're having our wedding at the 19th Century Club, but they don't have an outside space.Another idea is Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst (about 20 minutes west of the city). They have a really nice outside area and inside. I absolutely love this place and it just opened in January so it probably won't be booked. I know there are a bunch of Catholic churches in Elmhurst, but I don't know anything about them.

JulieBadulie

Try Green Dolphin Street. They have indoor and outdoor space, and have food packages that are reasonable for the area. Also, some of the Chicago Park District sites might work for you.

bygwit

I got married at LaLuce in the West Loop.  It's in a vintage building and has a lot of character.  You can find info in my bio and pictures on my vendor review page.  The first place we looked at was A New Leaf, but we went with La Luce for various reasons.  The owner closed the restaurant and we had 4 floors.  They are also building an addition in the back.  I'm not sure if that is completed or not.  They have a parking lot and tons of parking on the street.  We also had a valet.  You can choose to pay for it, work it in your contract, or let guests pay.  The owner's name is Michael.  The food is amazing and the owner gave us a lot of freedom.