Anybody been to a wedding at Promontory Point? Dealt with the Chicago Park District?

mc_emily

My fiance and I just got engaged a few weeks ago, and this is my first post on The Knot. I promise I'll circle back with all the details of the proposal in the near future! Meantime, we're looking to set a date pretty quickly because we've been dating long enough that we don't want a very long engagement and boy! do venues get snapped up quick in the city!

We plan to have the ceremony at our church in Bucktown. We're pretty ready to put our money down on Promontory Point in Hyde Park for the reception. It was one of the first venues my fiance suggested. It's on the lake, which has played a big role in our relationship. And it has that laid-back, backyard feel I'd always kind of pictured for my wedding day.

So my question is... Has anybody ever been to a wedding reception at Promontory Point?

We're looking at about 150 guests. And we're looking at May or September. The park district claims the Point can accomodate almost 300, with patios tented. Will it be big enough? Will I have to worry about the weather being too cold or rainy for a partially outdoor affair in May or September? And has anybody dealt with the Chicago Park District before? Will that be a nightmare?

Thank you so much in advance, and I look forward to getting to know you all better and sharing the excitement of our Chicago weddings!

mstia30

I booked with them originally for my wedding a few years ago.....Getting in contact with someone is a pain! I had to actually go to the office to turn in my paperwork. The space is beautiful, however a few things to consider:

Weather: there is no central air
Parking: its quite a walk, especially for any elderly or handicap
Public park: people often walk or run the trail
Hours
Catering: theres a preferred vendors list, they are all pricey

All in all it can be beautiful! Hope this helps, wasnt meant to discourage, just inform!

mc_emily

I didn't take it as discouraging at all -- I appreciate the input! Where did you end up having your wedding, if not Promontory Point (if you don't mind me asking)?

ZacharyErica

I booked my wedding with the chicago park district for august next year.  I am using columbus park refectory...have u looked there? its gorgeous, ive got some pictures on my page at http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/ericamiller&zacharyhall. barb and regis are so nice to work with there. it is huge and comes with tables, chairs, set up and take down along with furniture for both patios.  There are many guidelines when working with the park district, like you have to use certain vendors from a list (i just met with the caterer they reccommended and it was affordable and they really knew what they were doing, very pleasant experince) and you cant have an cash bar (no selling liquor on premises) but you can have an open bar. you also have to purchase liability insurance incase a guest ends up hating and sueing you if they get hurt on the property (runs about 200 dollars total with your home or renters insurance policy). overall there rules are in place to keep the venues nice and inexpensive. definately check out the refectory tho! let me know if you have any other questions! hope i helped!

defranmr

Hi - Congratulations on your wedding!  How did it go at Columbus Park?  My son is looking at this as a venue and we are interested in your feedback. How was your caterer and would you recommend them?  Any other tips would be welcome!

thanks!