A Chicago elopement is special to begin with…but when you can see the whole city around you, it’s a whole new feeling.
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and I know you are working hard to ensure it is perfect. At this point, you’re in the process of choosing the right venue for the occasion, which can be so challenging! To help you decide on a great location, I have put together a list of top Chicago rooftop elopement venues. These are all bucket list items for me, so if you’re here, know that these are well researched and I am PUMPED to photograph some rooftop elopements!
Take a look at these gorgeous hidden gems, perfect for any style of Chicago elopement or wedding!
Utopian Tailgate
Utopian Tailgate is a Chicago rooftop elopement space that is located in the Lincoln Park area. A total dream. This rooftop is considered an adult playground; a place with a never-ending rooftop party escape, it is sprinkled with urban garden flair and complemented with skyline views. The 10,000-square-foot venue comes with everything from eye-catching picnic tables and swings to lots of greenery and fantastic views of the city buildings. It offers private and semi-private spaces – both indoor and outdoor. The venue can easily accommodate up to 170 guests, which is perfect for every type of celebration.
LH Tri-Level Rooftop at London House Chicago
London House Chicago is a luxury lifestyle hotel. It features multiple spaces with north and south spaces, a rooftop bar, and an intimate cupola spot. There are more than a dozen spots to choose from that are perfect for any kind of elopement. It’s part of Curio – A Collection by Hilton; and this unique lifestyle hotel offers couples one of the most unforgettable and spectacular city views.
Gibsons Italia
Gibsons Italia is a modern Italian steakhouse that features unique and customizable menus for events and celebrations. This Chicago rooftop elopement space provides excellent panoramic skyline and riverfront views. Gibsons is rooted in Italian authentic cuisine while beautifully paired with superior steak tradition. In addition to these already exciting details (if you’re a foodie), they always include the highest quality ingredients from around the world – from gold extruded pasta to world-class tours of beef. You have three options for your event – the rooftop, the full buyout for catering to up to 750 guests (woah), and the boardroom for intimate gatherings.
Rooftop Garden at Celeste
Rooftop Garden at Celeste is a lush green paradise. It’s a unique space in Chicago with unique decor, amazing interiors, and an enchanting vibe. This lush rooftop garden is a total standout with a plexiglass enclosed roof- you and your guests guests will absolutely enjoy all kinds of celebrations during any season. Also, there are four spaces at the venue: a disco, pub, and art deco theme; and they comfortably accommodate up to 130 guests…talk about options :)
Upstairs at The Gwen Terrace
The Gwen is a luxury hotel collection, considered the perfect spot for elegant affairs. With sophisticated state-of-the-art amenities, glamorous architecture, and historical details, this place is surely uplifting. It also has a certain laid-back elegance that will infuse you with a relaxed vibe. Enjoy the vibrant city views, cozy fire pits, and artfully crafted cocktails that make any elopement memorable. The Gwen has multiple spots to choose from – from intimate spaces to luxe ballrooms.
Bluhm Family Terrace – The Art Institute of Chicago
If you are an art admirer, then the place is for you! The Art Institute is an iconic space for Chicago rooftop elopements, boasting beauty and history – all in one place. The institute is located on the museum’s third floor, offering some of the most amazing views of the city skyline and Millenium park. You will love the endless options the place has to offer for any kind of event you host.
Kimpton Gray Hotel
The Kimpton Gray brings you a luxe-modern vibe – with its awesome rooftop lounge mixed with the historic landmark building in which it’s nestled. On the 15th floor is Boleo, embodying the perfect unique exotic vibes, and giving you Peruvian and Argentinian-inspired cuisine. The rooftop space is available to rent as well, to host your dream elopement or intimate wedding. This hotel specializes in exceeding your expectations and turning your vision into reality :)
Arbory Chicago
Nestled in the historic western part, Arbory Chicago is an industrial chic Chicago rooftop elopements venue. The 100-year-old warehouse blends vintage charm with contemporary sophistication. The facility features six sweeping skylights, custom millwork, and state-of-the-art amenities. As you enter The Arbory Chicago, you are greeted with breathtaking views of the brick walls, and natural light that filters in from the skylights above. The reception area, “the skylight room,” comes with two bars, lounge furniture, and plenty of space for dining and dancing!
Lacuna Events by LM
Established in 1897, the expansive 250,000-square-foot venue offers couples an ideal location to celebrate a memorable elopement wedding. It’s a five-story venue that has a range of options for your ceremony. The spacious Skydeck has sweeping views of the Chicago skyline, which forms a picturesque backdrop to exchange vows. It also offers private access to the sky deck, including a custom bar area, large windows with views of the city, and dimmable bistro lighting. I mean, perfect.
Loft Lucia
Loft Lucia’s cozy atmosphere is perfect for couples who are looking for unique settings in the bustling city of Chicago. It features two indoor and rooftop spaces with brick walls, a bar with patterned marble, and oversized windows overlooking the bustling city life. The window views will give you that authentic urban feel while the wide spaces will prove to be perfect for dining and dancing.
These Chicago rooftops are GOALS for elopements :)
Chicago has no shortage of amazing rooftop venues to choose from. I lived in the area for about 3 years and I still count this city as one of my favorites to visit. If you plan to get married soon, availability can be tricky – unless you would like to have a City Hall ceremony, which… city hall elopements don’t get the credit they deserve. Regardless, I would advise you to start planning your romantic rooftop elopement by booking your venue early! If rooftops aren’t your thing and you are just wanting a really cool venue for your wedding, swing by this list of Chicago wedding venues.
If you are looking for a Chicago elopement photographer, let me know, I would love to work with you and I travel anywhere! You can also check out my “Elope in the World” package to learn more about my elopement packages for everywhere outside of Memphis.
Let’s go elope, guys :)
