Destination Weddings in the Windy City!
Swank. Trendy. Vintage. Artistically-inspired. Truly, the possibilities are endless when it comes to your Fabulous L-Wedding in Chicago. This lively city offers a vibrant and historic backdrop, with diverse flavors and cultural heritage from all over the world. Whatever your Dream may be, it’s absolutely possible in the Windy City.
With LGBT marriage now legally recognized, every weekend and every season finds couples throughout Illinois choosing to tie-the-knot. For locals, as well as those from out-of-state who envision a destination wedding in Chicago, this energetic hotspot has a draw that can prove irresistible.
Your Ceremony
The rich cultural influences within the city translate to a wide variety of options for you and your partner. As you plan your wedding, you’ll have the opportunity to pick and choose from virtually limitless settings and themes. Outdoor parks, with views of the many waterways or the expansive Lake Michigan, can provide a signature location as you exchange your vows. Weddings on the water are even a possibility, onboard a private vessel weaving its way along the Chicago River. Non-denominational churches abound, as well as gay-friendly synagogues and other spiritual settings. Local officiants are often well-versed in many religious traditions, including Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish and Interfaith.
Your Reception
Architectural delights reign in Chicago! Choose to party with your guests while overlooking the cityscape, enjoying the impeccable service and style available at gay-friendly venues such as The Mid America Club, Hard Rock Hotel or The Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza with signature floor-to-ceiling views of the river.
A spectrum of unique venues can be found throughout the city, including the Brookfield Zoo, where couples can choose an entire package to create the wedding of their dreams. …Lush, landscaped grounds for the ceremony itself, cocktails ‘with the animals’ midst a backdrop of one of the exciting desert, rainforest or underwater habitats, and a fully catered reception in one of the tented Pavilions.
Or consider a gala at the renowned Navy Pier, with stunning panoramic views of the lake as well as –schedule permitting- the opportunity to end your once-in-a-lifetime evening with the famed Navy Pier fireworks display.
Visions of a Garden Party? No problem. Dinner Cruise onboard a private yacht? Absolutely. A black & white classic affair in the Theater District? Why not! It’s all possible in the Windy City!
Your Honeymoon
Within the neighborhood of Lakeview, incorporating the popular stretch of North Halsted Street, is the first officially recognized gay village in the United States… namely Boystown. Everything you’d expect is right here in the district: a buzzing nightlife, savory cuisine (including vegetarian and vegan options), faddish shopping & fashion, coffeehouses and lots of rainbow flags. For a fun day’s outing after the nuptials, Boystown is a necessary stop and one in which you and your partner will not hesitate in announcing proudly that you’re newlyweds.
If music is your passion… Chicago is of course noted as the Blues Capital of the World. With Blues Clubs (as well as fierce jazz clubs) throughout the area, enjoying lively dinner dates with your new wife or dancing the nights away will be an integral part of your honeymoon in the city. This year’s Blues Music Festival is scheduled for June 13-15th in Grant Park.
With over twenty miles of lakefront access, tourists have the opportunity to swim, picnic, fish and explore at their leisure. Ranked as the tenth most bike-friendly city in the country (Bicycle Magazine, 2010), Chicago offers an extensive network of bike lanes, bike culture as well as environmentally-conscious amenities.
Museums are another wonderful way to spend time together, such as the History Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Hyde Park, or the famed Chicago Art Institute, with an astounding collection of over 260,000 works and artifacts.
Chicago may be known for its hot dogs and deep dish pizza, but with its diverse cultural heritage there are more dining options than you can possibly indulge in during a short week or two! Be sure to make it a priority to at least consider some of the ethnic specialties – you’ll be glad that you did!
Bringing It All Together
The key to making the most of your Wedding Celebration in the city is to remember that just about anything is possible. Seriously consider including a local event planner, who knows the area thoroughly and has a strong network of contacts: he or she will ensure that you & your partner are informed about all the opportunities available.
Whether your guest list is in the hundreds, or you’re envisioning a small intimate gathering… the Ceremony of Your Dreams awaits right in the heart of Chicago!