Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of my absolute favorite Chicago suburb wedding venues! Located in Glencoe, about twenty miles north of downtown Chicago, this stunning venue offers expansive views and an array of breathtaking backdrops. Whether you envision a ceremony surrounded by vibrant flowers or an elegant reception in a serene garden setting, this venue has it all.

Things we love about this venue:

• It’s a blank canvas with multiple venue options for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, so you can make it truly your own.
• We can take photos throughout the gardens with no additional permit needed.
• Dogs are welcome to join in our photo fun, making it even more special for couples with furry friends!

Don’t miss this post with even more details and photos from Chicago Botanic Garden weddings!

The Armour House 

Dreaming of Italian-inspired elegance right here in Illinois? The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy is a must-see! Located about thirty-five miles north of downtown Chicago, this stunning venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Set on a sprawling 162-acre private school campus, it offers endless picturesque spots for your wedding photos.

Things we love about this venue:

• The venue provides breathtaking scenery that looks like it’s straight from a storybook.
• Couples who’ve tied the knot here rave about the venue’s top-notch coordination team.
• The in-house catering team is known for amazing meals and impeccable service.

Chicago Golf Club

Situated in Wheaton, Illinois, the Chicago Golf Club is not only the oldest 18-hole course in North America but also a breathtaking wedding venue. With its perfectly manicured grounds and classic charm, this private golf club provides a stunning backdrop for a Chicago suburb wedding.

Things we love about the Chicago Golf Club:

• It’s the perfect venue for a tented wedding reception, offering plenty of space and style.
• The secluded location ensures privacy for you and your guests, creating an intimate atmosphere.
• The beautifully maintained golf course offers endless photo opportunities, with lush greenery and open views.

Conway Farms Golf Club

Conway Farms Golf Club is a fantastic option for couples dreaming of a Chicagoland golf course wedding. Located in Lake Forest, about thirty-five miles from downtown Chicago, this venue offers a blend of elegance and intimacy. The cozy clubhouse is ideal for ceremonies, while the expansive lawn is perfect for a tented reception.

Things we love about this wedding venue:

• Non-members can host weddings here, as long as they receive a referral from a current member.
• The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, giving you flexibility no matter the weather.
• The scenic grounds and pristine golf course make for timeless wedding photos.

Westmoreland Country Club

Westmoreland Country Club, located just fifteen miles north of Chicago in Wilmette, Illinois, offers a classically beautiful setting for your wedding day. Most couples love starting with an al fresco cocktail hour, followed by a tented reception on the patio, and ending the night with dancing in the elegant indoor ballroom.

Things we love about Westmoreland Country Club:

• The venue offers several distinct spaces for your reception, including an expansive lawn, a lovely patio, and a spacious indoor ballroom.
• It can comfortably accommodate up to 350 guests indoors, perfect for larger celebrations.
• There are countless unique photo spots throughout the property, giving you plenty of variety for your wedding album.

Have a look at Kate and Peter’s Westmoreland Country Club wedding on the blog!

Cantigny Park

This stunning 500-acre estate in Wheaton, Illinois, is a spectacular choice for a wedding venue. The gardens at Cantigny Park provide a beautiful backdrop of colorful blooms and lush green lawns, perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

Things we love about Cantigny Park:

• Couples have seven different ceremony locations and three unique reception venues to choose from, offering plenty of flexibility.
• The staff is known for delivering impeccable service and delicious food.
• The expansive grounds offer endless options for gorgeous wedding photos, with a mix of floral gardens, manicured lawns, and serene landscapes.

Monte Bello Estate

Located in Lemont, this Tuscan-style estate overlooks the largest private wildflower preserve in Illinois. It’s truly a unique wedding venue in the Chicago area! Monte Bello Estate is sure to wow your guests with its beauty, from the lush landscapes to the stunning tented glass house used for receptions. The glass house is climate-controlled and comes with many amenities included in the rental fee.

Things we love about Monte Bello Estate:

• Wedding couples get exclusive access to the entire 55-acre property, which gives us endless gorgeous backdrops for photos.
• There are two spacious suites for the wedding party to get ready in.
• You can choose from three ceremony locations, and there’s an additional indoor option available in case of inclement weather.

Cuneo Mansion

The Cuneo Mansion is a historic mansion and museum located on the Loyola Lake County campus in Vernon Hills, about forty miles north of downtown Chicago. The property features sprawling lawns and stunning gardens, all complemented by breathtaking Venetian-style architecture that adds an old-world charm unlike any other.

Things we love about Cuneo Mansion:

• The antiques, tapestries, and paintings throughout the mansion provide a unique experience for you and your guests.
• The Pavilion Ballroom can host large weddings, accommodating up to 300 guests comfortably.
• You have several catering options to choose from, with each team known for exceptional service and delicious food.

With so many incredible Chicago suburb wedding venues, you’re sure to find the perfect place for your celebration! Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy ceremony at the Cuneo Mansion or a lavish reception at Monte Bello Estate, these locations are all wonderful options. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless love stories in these stunning locations. If you’re planning your own Chicago suburb wedding, be sure to get in touch about our wedding photography services!

The Ivy Room 

Located in River North, The Ivy Room is a unique outdoor wedding venue in Chicago! It sits in a charming courtyard surrounded by lush greenery. The Ivy Room offers the best of both worlds with an outdoor courtyard and a newly renovated indoor ballroom. It has a European feel while being in the heart of downtown Chicago. 

The outdoor courtyard can hold 200 guests for a ceremony or cocktail hour and 50 guests for a reception. The indoor ballroom can seat 200 guests. With its lovely setting and flexible spaces, The Ivy Room is a perfect choice for an unforgettable wedding day.

Things we love about this venue:

• It’s a full-service venue, so you won’t have to worry about the little things.
• There’s delicious catering through Lettuce Entertain You with a variety of menu options, including brunch options – which we have had the pleasure of enjoying!
• The ivy-covered walls are a one-of-a-kind backdrop for wedding photos.

Galleria Marchetti 

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, Galleria Marchetti has what you’re looking for. There are two great venues on the property—La Pergola and The Pavilion.

La Pergola is the more intimate option, and it features a retractable roof and climate-controlled space. It can hold up to 150 guests and is a beautiful option for an al fresco dinner followed by a dance party under the twinkling lights!

The Pavilion is situated within a romantic outdoor courtyard. It has a large elevated event tent and can accommodate up to 400 guests, with options for your ceremony & cocktails outdoors in their newly renovated and landscaped space!

You truly can’t go wrong with either wedding venue at Galleria Marchetti!

Things we love about this venue:

• There are two beautiful spaces to choose from for your wedding celebration.
• Both spaces have backup options in the case of inclement weather.
• It’s family-owned and operated, with staff that goes above and beyond.

The Old Post Office 

The Old Post Office is a historic Chicago wedding venue with several stunning spaces to choose from, including the iconic lobby pictured in the photo on the right above! One venue within The Old Post Office that can’t be overlooked is The Meadow. It’s the largest urban rooftop in Chicago. With over three acres of green space, your guests will be wowed by the urban oasis and iconic views.

The Penthouse is another fantastic option located just steps away from The Meadow. It features an industrial style with original brick, exposed ceilings, and modern touches. These two venues provide the perfect indoor/outdoor combination for your wedding day!

Things we love about the Old Post Office:

• The glamorous 1920s Art Deco-style lobby makes for fabulous photos.
• There are stunning views of the city and river.
• The indoor space is just steps away, providing a great option for inclement weather.

Café Brauer 

Café Brauer stands out as one of Chicago’s most unique outdoor wedding venues! Nestled within the Lincoln Park Zoo, it offers stunning views overlooking the Nature Boardwalk. While the Great Hall provides indoor elegance, several nearby outdoor venues are perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions.

The Peoples Gas Education Pavilion is a Chicago landmark that overlooks the city. Just along the Nature Boardwalk, it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor ceremony before moving indoors to Café Brauer’s Great Hall. It can host up to 175 seated guests for a ceremony or 215 guests for a cocktail-style reception.

Park Place Terrace and South Lawn is an additional outdoor venue within the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s near the swan, primate, and flamingo exhibits, which are sure to spark conversations among your guests! It can accommodate 250 guests for a seated reception or 400 guests for a cocktail-style reception.

Lastly, Foreman Pavilion, an open-air venue, offers a stunning setting for cocktail hours or receptions, hosting up to 220 seated or 300 standing guests.

Things we love about this wedding venue: 

• It makes for a truly one-of-a-kind experience—how many people can say they got married at the Chicago Zoo?!
• Café Brauer offers several outdoor venues to choose from, catering to weddings of various sizes.
• The in-house catering staff goes above and beyond to ensure couples have a memorable experience.

Chicago History Museum 

Another gem among Chicago’s historic outdoor wedding venues is the Chicago History Museum! Its outdoor plaza, nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, is surrounded by lush greenery.

Inside, the Morse Genius Chicago Room boasts stunning Georgian-style architecture, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows—a photographer’s dream! It provides a beautiful setting for indoor receptions. It can accommodate up to 300 seated guests with a DJ or 260 guests with a live band or orchestra.

Things we love about the Chicago History Museum:

• For evening event rentals, you get access to all the venues on the property, including Minow Lobby, Robinson Gallery, More Genius Chicago Room, and the plaza.
• The museum offers an in-house event planner dedicated to your event (though we recommend having your own planner too!).
• Guests can explore the exhibits during the cocktail hour, which is a fun perk of a museum wedding

Saddle & Cycle Club 

The Saddle & Cycle Club is a historic private venue in Chicago known for its charm and tradition. It offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony space surrounded by greenery. Inside, there’s a lovely ballroom for receptions. The club ensures privacy and exclusivity for you and your guests, making it a memorable choice for a Chicago wedding.

Things we love about Saddle & Cycle Club:

• The perfectly manicured grounds provide a backdrop for elegant photos.
• The in-house catering team is known for their delicious meals and fabulous service.
• It’s a hidden gem venue nestled right in the heart of the city.

Chicago Illuminating Company

The Chicago Illuminating Company is a unique venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces. It is located in Chicago’s South Loop and has a modern, stylish feel. The space can host up to 250 guests for a seated reception. It’s a great choice for couples who want a city wedding that feels warm and inviting.

What we love about the Chicago Illuminating Company:

• The outdoor courtyard is a stunning spot for portraits, with its lush greenery and urban vibe.
• The clear tent allows for beautiful natural light during daytime celebrations.
• Its versatile design makes it easy to customize for any wedding style or theme.

And there you have it—the seven best outdoor wedding venues in Chicago! Each venue, from the gardens of The Ivy Room to the rooftop of The Old Post Office, offers its own unique charm. Whether you prefer an intimate ceremony at Café Brauer or a grand celebration at Galleria Marchetti, these spots promise unforgettable settings for your special day. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing many couples in these beautiful locations. If you’re planning your own Chicago wedding, get in touch to learn more about our Chicago wedding photography services. We’d love to be a part of your big day!

Their Wedding Ceremony

Leading up to their wedding ceremony, Dipika and Jimmy got ready with their respective wedding parties before having an emotional first look overlooking the South Gardens at the Art Institute of Chicago. Then we headed north on Michigan Avenue to capture some gorgeous couples’ portraits near the Wrigley Building overlooking the Chicago River. I loved the colors of Dipika’s lehenga paired with the colorful bouquets and bridesmaids’ dresses. It was absolutely gorgeous!

Dipika and Jimmy beautifully incorporated elements from both their Indian and Korean heritage into their fusion wedding ceremony. They created a truly unforgettable experience for their wedding guests! With their incredible parents standing proudly by their side, the ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to their diverse backgrounds. 

The whole room was in tears as they spoke directly to their parents at the start of the ceremony and ended with joyous applause and laughter as they danced down the aisle celebrating their newlywed status!

Perhaps the cutest part of the wedding ceremony was that their sweet pup, Leo, snoozed throughout the whole ceremony! Afterward, the couple had a traditional Korean ceremony with just their family. We enjoyed seeing how they incorporated both of their backgrounds into one magical day!

Their Wedding Reception

After the ceremony and cocktail hour, the couple and guests headed to the ballroom for the Venue SIX10 wedding reception. We were amazed by how Revel Decor and Everlie Co. revamped the space, using the beautiful floral arch from the ceremony to complete the reception area.

Dipika’s third outfit of the day brought the fringe, and it was so fun to document her dancing the night away! With hip-hop tunes blasting all night, it was impossible not to join in the fun. Their party vibe was infectious, and they had the perfect mix of family and friends dancing alongside them all night long.

Why We Love VenueSIX10 Weddings

Venue SIX10 is an outstanding Chicago wedding venue! With various spaces to choose from, we love its sleek design and prime downtown location. It can host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one convenient spot, so your guests don’t have to travel anywhere during the celebration. With its modern feel and breathtaking skyline views, it’s truly unbeatable.

Their Venue SIX10 Wedding Vendors

Thank you to the amazing vendor team who brought this stunning wedding to life!
Venue: Venue SIX10
Planning: Everlie & Co.
Catering: Entertaining Company
Decor: Revel Decor
Videography: Leap Weddings
Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s
Music: Elegant Sound and Lighting
Photo Booth: ShutterBooth Chicago
Bridal Hair & Makeup: Pucker’d Up by Pri
Bridesmaid Hair & Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties
Transportation: Signature Transportation Group

The Couple’s Story

In 2016, Michelle started a new job. Her coworker in the cubicle next to her happened to be no other than her future husband, Clifford. Six years after meeting, Clifford proposed in Miami on a sunset boat cruise. In his romantic proposal, he quoted one of their favorite books, Pride and Prejudice, and surprised Michelle with her mother’s ring.

They set out to plan an unforgettable wedding at the Peninsula Chicago! I loved getting to know the two of them at their sunset downtown Chicago engagement session. Once I saw their joy and love for each other, I knew their wedding day would be a blast too. 

Their Peninsula Chicago Wedding Ceremony

Michelle got ready in a suite at the Peninsula Chicago. She wore her hair in a sophisticated bun and completed the look with natural glam makeup. Her wedding dress featured delicate lace and whimsical sleeves that were removable. She removed all but small off-the-shoulder straps for the ceremony and then removed the sleeves fully for the reception. It was such a fun touch to change up her look for each part of the day! 

Similarly to Michelle, Clifford got ready with his groomsmen at the Peninsula before they shared an emotional first look on the Peninsula Chicago patio. 

After the first look, Michelle and Clifford’s wedding party joined them for photos on the patio too.

Then Michelle and Clifford posed for a few couples’ portraits around the Peninsula Chicago.

Michelle envisioned a Taylor Swift “Lover” aesthetic. From the start, she wanted a wedding that was “very classically romantic and clean.” The vendor team did a fabulous job bringing her vision to life! The color palette featured light pink, purples, greenery, and gold. The oversized floral arrangements by HMR Designs with lots of texture were the perfect touch. 

During the wedding ceremony, Michelle walked down the aisle with her father as a live singer performed Ariana Grande’s “POV.” It was so special to witness Clifford’s reaction as she approached him. After saying their vows and sealing them with a kiss, Michelle and Clifford exited the ceremony hand in hand with the biggest smiles!

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour on the Peninsula Chicago patio.

Their Peninsula Chicago Wedding Reception

Michelle, Clifford, and the vendor team incorporated the same aesthetic from the ceremony into the reception. The larger-than-life floral arrangements made for breathtaking centerpieces on the round tables. Meanwhile, the raised floral arrangements with bulb candles created a nice contrast for the rectangular tables.

At the Peninsula Chicago wedding reception, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by heartfelt toasts. They watched on as Michelle and Clifford cut their three-tier red velvet wedding cake. After dancing the beginning part of the night away on the dance floor, guests were treated to a movie theater candy bar. Complete with Sour Patch Kids, Mike and Ikes, and Swedish Fish, the candy bar gave the guests the sugar rush they needed to keep the dancing going even longer! 

We loved getting to be a part of Michelle and Clifford’s Peninsula Chicago wedding! If you’d like to see more of their gorgeous day, don’t miss their wedding featured in Modern Luxury Chicago! 

Planning your own Peninsula Chicago wedding? As Chicago wedding photographers, Peninsula Chicago is one of our favorite wedding venues. Get in touch today to learn more about our wedding photography collections!

The Peninsula Chicago Wedding Vendor Team

Special thank you to the amazing vendor team who helped bring this wedding to life!

Wedding Planner: Reva Nathan
Venue: The Peninsula Chicago
Bride’s Gown & Veil: Rita Vinieris from Bridals by Lori
Bride’s Hair: Erika Romero
Makeup: Arta Gashi; Magda Herron
Groom’s Tux: Well Groomed Man
Rings Hers: heirloom; His: Burks Jewelers
Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: The Black Tux
Florals & Decor: HMR Designs
Invitations: Arzberger
Entertainment: Rendezvous
Videographer: Mirar Weddings

Here’s what you’ll find in this article:

• Why We Love It
• What’s Special About It
• Ceremony and Reception Spaces
• Types of Couples Who Will Love It
• Insider Tips
• Wedding Cost
• Photo Locations
• At a Glance

Why do you love working at the Chicago Botanic Garden?

The Chicago Botanic Garden is truly a blank slate for your wedding venue. You can transform any of the wedding spaces throughout the garden into your dream vision with decor, lighting, and florals. From simple and sophisticated weddings to elaborate and lavish weddings, anything is possible at the Chicago Botanic Garden. 

As photographers, we love that we’re able to take photos throughout the gardens on your wedding day with no additional permits needed. There are endless photo opportunities throughout the 365-acre property, so no two wedding galleries will look the exact same. 

What’s special about weddings at Chicago Botanic Garden?

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a unique wedding backdrop and serene ambiance that just can’t be matched. With so many spaces on the property to choose from, you’re sure to find something that fits your wedding vision. 

Additionally, we love that this Chicago wedding venue offers distinct spaces for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Guests will love mingling around the property and enjoying the stunning grounds without having to go far to get to the next part of the celebration. 

Lastly, the venue’s exclusive caterer, Culinary Landscape, provides delicious catering that you and your guests will love. The catering team works with couples to plan a perfect menu, and they have a wide variety of choices. The superb venue and catering staff take wonderful care of couples and their guests too! 

What ceremony and reception spaces are available at the Chicago Botanic Garden?

McGinley Pavilion

McGinley Pavilion is the most popular reception venue at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The waterfront terrace overlooks Evening Island and makes for a spectacular spot for dinner and dancing. Plus, the grand canopy provides the best of both worlds when it comes to embracing the Garden’s beauty and protecting you and your guests from the elements. 

Venue rentals for this space are permitted from May through October, and heaters and clear side walls are available. 

Capacity: 
Sit-down dinner with dance floor – 230 guests
Sit-down dinner without dance floor – 270 guests

Rose Terrace

The Rose Terrace makes for an ideal spot for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or intimate wedding reception dinner. We especially love it when couples choose it for their wedding ceremony! The tree-lined walkway makes for a gorgeous center aisle. 

Because of the outdoor nature, a backup space is always reserved too in case of inclement weather. The Rose Terrace is available May through October and only in the evenings. 

Capacity: 
Cocktail – 250 guests
Ceremony – 275 guests

Krasberg Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is home to over 5,000 rose bushes with more rose varieties than you can count. This large garden makes for a wedding straight out of a fairytale. Your guests will be in awe of the sights and smells the entire night long!

A tent rental is required for private events in the Rose Garden.

Capacity: 
400 guests

English Walled Garden

The lush English Walled Garden exudes beauty. Surrounded by a lovely brick wall, this secluded space feels very private and intimate. 

Wedding ceremonies that we’ve photographed in this space typically take place with guests surrounding the serene pond.

Other couples we’ve worked with have chosen to use the English Walled Garden for their cocktail hour before their reception in McGinley Pavilion. 

This is definitely one of our favorite spaces in the entire grounds and it also makes for a phenomenal spot for first looks, portraits, and wedding party photos.

When renting the English Walled Garden, an indoor backup space is always reserved in addition. This outdoor venue is available May through October, evenings only.

Capacity:
Cocktail – 250 guests
Ceremony – 175 guests

Esplanade

The Esplanade is the most expansive of all the Chicago Botanic Garden wedding venues. The perfectly manicured grounds overlook a lake with a large water feature. Not to mention, the sprawling lawn makes for a dramatic and memorable wedding venue for your large wedding.

This venue requires tenting and is only available in the evening.

Capacity:
Ceremony – 500 guests
Reception – 1,500 guests

While the first four venues are typically the ones couples we work with choose for their Chicago weddings, there are a few other options on the property. Let’s take a look at those below!

Buehler Enabling Garden

The Buehler Enabling Garden features raised flower beds and hanging flower baskets throughout. The striking colors and textures are a sight to see! This space overlooks the Gardens of the Great Basin and Evening Island, making it a great spot for cocktails.

When booking the Buehler Enabling Garden, an indoor backup space is reserved as well. It is available from May through October, evenings only.

Capacity: 
Cocktail – 250
Ceremony – 50
Sit-down dinner – 110

Searle Courtyard

This courtyard is home to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s renowned Bonsai Collection. Guests will enjoy cocktails or dinner al fresco under the sheltered roof.

This venue is available from May through October, evenings only.

Capacity:
Sit-down dinner – 150
Cocktail – 250 
Ceremony – 100

Krehbiel Gallery

As one of the few indoor venues at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Krehbiel Gallery makes a great alternative to the Garden’s outdoor wedding venues. It features a unique Kasota stone reflecting pool and art exhibition displays that will be talking points for all of your guests.

The Gallery is available from September through May, evenings only.

Capacity:
Sit-down dinner – 75
Cocktail – 275
Ceremony – 200

Nichols Hall

Last but certainly not least is the magnificent Nichols Hall. This striking indoor venue can be transformed to fit any wedding vibe. The focal point of the room is the two-story skylight, but you and your guests won’t miss the Canadian hemlock walls and ceiling either.

Capacity:
Sit-down dinner with dance floor – 275
Sit-down dinner without dance floor – 300
Ceremony – 275

What type of couple will love a Chicago Botanic Garden wedding?

Couples looking for an outdoor wedding venue in Chicago that can accommodate a mid-size wedding guest count will love the Chicago Botanic Garden. Its romantic feel and scenic views make it a top choice for many engaged couples in Chicago. 

The couples we have photographed here appreciated all of the natural beauty of the Garden, often had lifelong ties and special family memories in the garden, and they also saw all of the potential it offers for creating a one-of-a-kind event.

Any insider tips for weddings at Chicago Botanic Garden?

Since we have photographed many weddings here over the years, we have a few recommendations for couples planning a Chicago Botanic Garden wedding.

Here are some quick tips:

• The venue requires couples to work with a wedding planner or day-of coordinator and we are happy to recommend some of our favorites who know the grounds inside-out!
• Several of the venues are only available from May to October and/or only in the evenings. Be sure to note that as you begin the planning process.
• It’s not possible to have just a wedding ceremony. Couples must also have a wedding reception, so an elopement is not an option here.
• Dressing rooms are available for wedding parties, but there are no bathrooms attached. It’s best to get ready elsewhere before arriving at the Chicago Botanic Garden, and there are plenty of lovely hotels nearby to choose from.
• Couples hosting both their ceremony and reception here can rent a golf cart to be used to help transport between venues. We especially recommend this for couples’ portraits so we can easily hit up many of the gorgeous spaces in a short amount of time!
• If you have a furry friend who wants to join us for a few photos, they’re more than welcome!

How much does a Chicago Botanic Garden wedding cost?

Depending on the day and venue, weddings at Chicago Botanic Gardens range from $2,000 to $12,000 for a Friday or Sunday venue rental. The venue fees range from $4,000 to $12,000 for a Saturday rental. The Esplanade can be rented for $30,000, no matter the day.

Another cost to consider for your Chicago Botanic Garden wedding is a wedding planner. As we mentioned before, couples getting married here are required to hire a wedding planner or coordinator. If you’re looking for a Chicago wedding planner, we’d be happy to provide a list of our favorites! 

What are your favorite photo locations at this venue?

There are truly unlimited photo options at Chicago Botanic weddings! From the flower-lined walkways to lush wooded areas to charming bridges. This picturesque venue is one of our absolute favorites as Chicago wedding photographers. 

The photography permit fee is included for couples hosting a wedding reception and ceremony at the Garden. We love that we can use any area of the Garden for photos, but it’s not possible to reserve any of the spaces. Don’t worry though, we know all the best spots and just how to avoid any Garden visitors who may be around during your wedding photos. Some of our go-to favorites shown above are the English Walled Garden, the bridge to the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Waterfall Garden.

Chicago Botanic Gardens at a Glance

• Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
• Phone: (847) 835-6801
• Website: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/
• Capacity:
  • McGinley Pavilion:
    • Sit-down dinner with dance floor – 230 guests
    • Sit-down dinner without dance floor – 270 guests
  • Rose Terrace:
    • Cocktail – 250 guests
    • Ceremony – 275 guests
  • Rose Garden:
    • 400 guests
  • English Walled Garden:
    • Cocktail – 250 guests
    • Ceremony – 175 guests
  • Esplanade
    • Ceremony – 500 guests
    • Reception – 1,500 guests
  • Buehler Enabling Garden
    • Cocktail – 250
    • Ceremony – 50
    • Sit-down dinner – 110
  • Searle Courtyard
    • Sit-down dinner – 150
    • Cocktail – 250 
    • Ceremony – 100
  • Krehbiel Gallery
    • Sit-down dinner – 75
    • Cocktail – 275
    • Ceremony – 200
  • Nichols Hall
    • Sit-down dinner with dance floor – 275
    • Sit-down dinner without dance floor – 300
    • Ceremony – 275
• What’s Included:
  • AV/sound equipment
  • Dining tables
  • Parking for guests
• Catering Options: In-house catering by Culinary Landscape

Are you planning your own Chicago Botanic Garden wedding? Get in touch today to learn more about our Chicago wedding photography services. We’d love to learn more about you and your wedding vision. 

Sunny planned the ultimate surprise for Dhara on this beautiful November day! She thought she was helping with a proposal for her friends, but it turned out to be her proposal! The icing on the cake was that Sunny had coordinated with Dhara’s friends to have them all fly into Chicago to celebrate with them.

I love seeing Dhara’s pure excitement and surprise when Sunny proposed and again when her friends popped out. I’m honored to have gotten to capture this special moment for them!

Here’s a look at some of my favorites from their garden proposal in Chicago!

Check out these other proposals on the blog!
Chicago Rooftop Proposal
Chicago Lakefront Proposal

I didn’t think it would be possible for Nicole and Mike to be as kind as they are beautiful, but I was so wrong! They are truly as beautiful inside as they are out, and I had the absolute best time wandering around their neighborhood with them for this session. Some of my favorite sessions always end up being the ones where we just wander, chat, and chase the good light around a neighborhood.

The icing on the cake of this session was Nicole running into a “friend” from the gym in her building who just happens to be the sweetest old man who she has apparently befriended along with his elderly wife. How sweet is that?! It was such a joy to witness.

I love Fourth Presbyterian Church engagement photos because the church grounds feel like an oasis within the city! Just along Michigan Avenue, this spot is perfect for couples looking for a lush background without having to venture outside of the city. Plus, it leaves you nearby other iconic Chicago backdrops like Oak Street Beach for more photos, too!

Have a peek at some of my favorties from Nicole and Mike’s session!

Don’t miss these other engagement sessions on the blog!
Fall Lincoln Park Zoo Engagement Session
Sunset Downtown Chicago Engagement Session

We wish you all so much love and joy! It was so wonderful spending time with you both! XOXO ~ Christy & James

Thanks so much for letting us be a part of these monumental occasions, Ellen and Chris! We are so honored! XOXO ~ Christy & James

Wanting to see more Chicago engagement sessions? Have a look at these:
Dipika and Jimmy’s Outdoor Engagement Photos in Chicago
Jeff and Nicole’s Romantic Chicago Lakefront Proposal

There are so many more photos from their session I’m obsessed with, but here’s a glimpse into the magic! XOXO ~ Christy & James

Wanting Chicago engagement photo inspiration? Take a peek at these other engagement sessions on the blog!
Meghan and Nick’s Chicago Museum Campus Engagement Photos
Max and Meredith’s Chicago Skyline Engagement Photos