Top Near South Side Wedding Venues

• Spaces for 600 Guests
• 1 Venue with Activities

FTW combines cutting-edge gaming, chef-driven cuisine, artisan libations, and miniature golf in one unique location. FTW will be a paradigm-shifting gaming destination unlike any other in the city or country, combining slick refinement with gut-busting pleasure. Catering, beverage, and entertainment options are included in our party packages, which can accommodate groups of 8 to 600 people. Our skilled event planners can work with you to design the ideal party package to meet your specific requirements. Plan your next gathering at FTW for an amazing night! Treat your guests to a luxurious dinner in one of our four world-class city view suites. Authentic wood-paneled floors and beautiful chandeliers lend a dashing touch to our unique steampunk design, transporting your guests to another planet as they gaze out our floor-to-ceiling windows at the Chicago cityscape. Glasses will stay filled thanks to a hand-selected variety of fine wine, beer, and spirits from our optional portable bar, and the private area's central location gives you quick access to both the arcade and the private parlor. We cater to a variety of events, including Corporate Events, Team Building, and Fundraisers, as well as Holiday Parties, Birthdays, Bachelor/ette Parties, and Rehearsal Dinners and Showers. Birthdays, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, School Post Prom / Grad Nights, Youth Groups, Sweet Sixteens, and Sports Parties all work well in our area! FTW provides a full food and beverage menu featuring humorous American comfort food, with some items provided through a dim sum-style cart service, bringing ready-to-eat bites to the gamers. The whole menu will be offered to guests in communal and high top table seating, with entrees and shareable items. A full bar with 32 craft beers on tap and a Victorian-inspired classic cocktail menu completes the room, giving it an opulent nightlife appeal.

• Spaces for 700 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Event Space

From the stadium to the top table, Levy creates remarkable experiences by combining unfettered creativity, custom strategy, flawless service, and a genuine passion for great food. Larry and Mark Levy bought D.B. Kaplan's Delicatessen in Chicago's Water Tower Place in 1978. Levy Restaurants was founded with the help of their mother, Eadie, and some traditional family recipes. Larry and Mark enlisted the help of their mother, Eadie, in the deli. Eadie Levy became known as our "Company Mom" after that. The concept of sports catering was born. At the former Comiskey Park in 1982, Levy pioneered the concept of excellent dining in stadiums (then home of the Chicago White Sox). We expanded our services to include Wrigley Field in 1985, and the rest is history. Our retail expansion has been amazing, from a 50th anniversary clothing line for the St. Louis Blues to a Chicago Cubs pop-up shop along the Magnificent Mile. We opened off 2017 with huge news, the debut of Rank + Rally, our retail subsidiary, with new partners the Vegas Golden Knights and the Brooklyn Nets adding to our roster. Regardless of how you want to celebrate, our assortment has something for everyone. We're thrilled to collaborate with some of the world's largest and best events, from the Grammys to the NHL All-Star Game, College Baseball to the US Open courts. Action! Lights, camera, action! Conventions don't need to be boring. From the first mouthful to the last, our access to important monuments and team of culinary and hospitality professionals make business meetings and social events extraordinary.

• Spaces for 50-70 Guests

The placement of Boqueria in the center of the West Loop's Fulton Market District provides three unique spaces for groups and parties to gather. Large events may also be held at the facility, which can be hired out in its entirety. The cocktail area, which is sandwiched between floor-to-ceiling windows and the bustling bar, is the ideal setting for festivities directly beneath the glow of the Fulton Market sign at night. The main dining area puts your guests in close proximity to the excitement at the bar while still giving them with a private spot to relax. The open-kitchen dining room combines the open kitchen and dining space together to provide a more intimate atmosphere where guests may receive a front-row seat to the activities of the cooks in their kitchen. If you would like more information about renting event space at our Fulton Market District tapas bar and restaurant, please send us an email with the specifics of your event and we will respond as soon as we can. We look forward to seeing you soon!

• Spaces for 12-150 Guests
• 6 Hotels
• 6 Meeting Spaces

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile is a full-service hotel situated in River North, two blocks from the Magnificent Mile and steps from the Grand Avenue Red Line stop. The property's 361 renovated guest rooms and central location place it within reach of Navy Pier, Merchandise Mart, and more than 200 restaurants and bars in the surrounding neighborhood. For private events and meetings, the hotel offers 7,000 square feet of flexible function space spread across 11 meeting rooms, accommodating groups of two to 200. All function rooms feature windows with natural light and high ceilings, and the 12th-floor Conference Hall includes spacious pre-function areas for meal service and networking. A designated catering and banquet team, complimentary Wi-Fi for all attendees, and audiovisual equipment support events from intimate board meetings to multi-day programs with breakout sessions. The on-site Weber Grill Restaurant — known for open-flame cooking over authentic Weber kettles — is available for dining before and after events. An indoor heated pool and 24-hour fitness center round out the property's amenities.

• Spaces for 25-200 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 2 Bars

Beatrix is a coffeehouse, restaurant, and gathering spot in the Chicago districts of River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, and Oak Brook. Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises' Founder Rich Melman, Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs, and Chef Partners John Chiakulas, Rita Dever, and Susan Weaver are the brains behind the restaurant. The menu is noted for its famous coffee and bakery counter, which includes signature cookies and in-house pastry favorites, and for its healthy meets tasty alternatives. Our coffee bar features Beatrix Coffee Roasters' house blends, which include Medium, Dark, Espresso, and Decaf roasts. Barista-created lattes, Bulletproof Coffee, Cold Brew Iced Coffee, Nitro, and featured special blends are all part of the coffee program. Honey Cinnamon Latte, Matcha Iced Latte, and Mexican Iced Coffee are all favorites. Seasonal fruits, fresh-squeezed juice, and made-in-house ingredients are featured in the cocktail program, which is inspired by the everyday healthy meets delicious concept and is founded in classic cocktails. Both home obscurities and international picks make up the wine collection. Beatrix Fulton Market in Chicago is a welcoming neighborhood restaurant, café, and gathering spot. Our semi-private dining room is ideal for a family brunch, business lunch, reception, or dinner party.

• Spaces for 70-550 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 4 Outdoor Spaces
• 4 Total Spaces

Caffè Oliva at Ohio Street Beach is a lakefront restaurant and event venue situated directly on Chicago's Ohio Street Beach at 550 E Grand Avenue. Open seasonally from May through October, the venue offers a beachside setting with views of Lake Michigan alongside a downtown skyline backdrop, making it well-suited for corporate events, family reunions, birthday celebrations, and casual group gatherings. The venue accommodates a range of group sizes across several distinct outdoor spaces: a beachfront area that handles up to 350 guests reception-style, a covered deck with seating for up to 150, and individual cabanas for smaller groups of up to 25. A full venue buyout extends capacity to 550 standing or 400 seated guests, providing exclusive use of the entire beachfront, deck, and all cabanas. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails, with custom menu options available for private events. Beach amenities including volleyball, cornhole, and live acoustic entertainment can be incorporated into events.

• Spaces for 200-749 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Boats
• 2 Waterfront

Odyssey Cruises Chicago — now operating as City Cruises, part of the City Experiences family — brings private events and celebrations onto the water in the heart of downtown Chicago. Departing from two locations, the company operates two distinctive Odyssey vessels: the Odyssey Chicago River and the Odyssey Lake Michigan. The Odyssey Chicago River is a glass-enclosed, climate-controlled single-deck dining vessel that accommodates up to 200 guests. It cruises the main branch of the Chicago River, passing landmarks such as Marina City, the Merchandise Mart, and Willis Tower — all while guests dine and celebrate from a panoramic floating vantage point. The Odyssey Lake Michigan is a multi-deck yacht berthed at Navy Pier that hosts up to 749 guests across three climate-controlled dining decks and an open-air rooftop lounge. The vessel is suited for large weddings, galas, and corporate events where guests move between indoor dining and outdoor deck views of the Chicago skyline and lakefront. All-inclusive event packages include chef-prepared cuisine, DJ entertainment, an in-house event coordinator, and customizable menus across brunch, lunch, and dinner sailings.

• Spaces for 70-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant is Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese pancake. A self-described gaijin, or “outsider” in Japanese, Virant playfully embraces this perspective and honors traditional preparations and techniques, as well as his well-known passion for pickling and preserving. Designed to deliver a lively and interactive culinary experience, the 60-seat space is anchored by a custom 12-foot griddle and chef’s counter and offers individual Hiroshima teppan griddles for table service. The dessert menu features kakigori, a shaved ice dessert, along with mochi donuts and other Japanese-inspired treats. The bar program showcases highballs and a focused selection of beer – including a Moody Tongue-Gaijin collaboration house lager, sake, Japanese whisky, and wine. We can’t wait to see you at Gaijin!

CAPACITIES ON THE ROOFTOP TERRACE 20 - 140 Reception *can be reserved as a partial or entire space 74 Seated *includes lounge seating on the terrace IMPORTANT FEATURES Rooftop Garden with City and Lake Views in a Contemporary Urban Design Seating in the Lounge on a Partial Basis Tables made of stone Bar that can be moved Capacities at the Linden Center are as follows: 120 seats, 250 reception A/V equipment is available. 4 Wireless Microphones are included. 2 stationary microphones, a screen, and an LCD projector are provided. 1 movable podium equipped with a CPU (Laptop & USB Capable) IMPORTANT FEATURES Large/Open Space with Customizable Movable Bar and Carrarra Marble Console with Dimmable Pinpoint Lighting and Full Privacy Door WoodWind brings Matt O'Neill's elegant yet simple dishes — prepared with honest excellence, playful creativity, and spirited hospitality — to a beautiful, casual, and comfortable setting. Matt O'Neill's dishes are made with honest excellence, playful creativity, and spirited hospitality. GET UP AND SHOW OFF! WoodWind, located 18 stories above Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood, serves sophisticated dishes, drinks, and panoramic views of the city. The restaurant celebrates the integrity of the ingredients at their peak, presenting them with creativity and refined techniques. Its contemporary American menu, created by Chef Matt O'Neill in collaboration with Executive Chef Alex Cabrera, is brimming with regionally sourced ingredients and epicurean playfulness. Dishes are sensibly paired with imaginative seasonal cocktails created by Beverage Director / Mixologist Carolina Gonzalez. With its boldly off-the-beaten-path location just blocks from the Magnificent Mile, the restaurant offers guests a gourmet getaway in a comfortable and decidedly classic Chicagoan setting. WoodWind, a restaurant located in the Lavin Family Pavilion on the Northwestern Medicine Campus, is owned and operated by Craveable Hospitality.

• Spaces for 20-236 Guests
• 1 Boat

From sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises, everything is better when done on the sea. The Spirit of Chicago is ready to take you on a tour of the city. With a lunch, dinner, or specialty cruise, you may eat, drink, and dance while taking in the beautiful skyline. Your taste buds will be delighted by the Spirit menu, which features a range of culturally-inspired meals made with fresh, organic ingredients. Spirit is a great place for every occasion, from romantic meals for two to business events. Let's have a party! There is nothing like it on the land: On the top deck, there is a rooftop lounge. Three internal decks with panoramic windows, each with its own climate control system. Menus featuring vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives have been included. Live DJs, large dance floors, and full-service bars are all available. Admiral Richard M. Navy Pier is known as "the People's Pier," and it is Chicago's lakefront jewel, inviting everybody and providing dynamic, diversified experiences via partnerships and activities that stimulate exploration and amazement. Guests have flocked to enjoy the Pier's 50 acres of unrivaled activities and experiences since it reopened in 1995, bringing in more than 180 million visitors since then. In 2021, Navy Pier will continue to transform into an accessible, year-round focal point for Chicago's many arts and cultural treasures, while also expanding its offerings.

• Spaces for 30 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

The Office is an intimate speakeasy located just beneath The Aviary, serving classically themed cocktails and vintage spirits. In The Office, sip on rare, antique spirits or enjoy traditional cocktails created by our professional bartenders. Not in the mood for any of the cocktails on our menu? Choose Dealer's Choice and our bartenders will create a one-of-a-kind drink using your favorite tastes and spirits. Exclusive to The Office, there are also delectable culinary options. It's an opportunity to use all of your senses — sight, smell, sound, temperature, and taste. The Aviary is one such location. This cocktail bar is the idea of chefs Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas. The Aviary is a playground where your expectations of a night out drinking are tested and redefined. The Aviary is known for its innovative cocktail presentations, such as the In-The-Rocks, Vacuum Pot, and The Porthole, but it's also known for its cutting-edge ice program and exquisite food. The Aviary was named to Food & Wine Magazine's list of America's Best New Bars, Esquire's list of Best Bars in America, and the James Beard Foundation's award for Outstanding Bar Program in the United States as a result of these programs. For smaller groups, The Office is ideal. This cozy, private speakeasy, located downstairs from the Aviary, can accommodate groups of up to 30 people. The Office offers a more traditional beverage menu as well as light family-style fare. Please complete the form on our website to request a private event at The Aviary, and we will contact you as soon as possible.

• Spaces for 15-30 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Chit Chat is a basement lounge in River West

• Spaces for 150-749 Guests
• 4 Boats

On Chicago's Lake Michigan or Chicago River, our all-inclusive events combine an intriguing venue, delectable eating, and incredible entertainment to create an unforgettable experience. Allow our in-house professionals to assist you every step of the way as you plan a one-of-a-kind event for you and your group. Weddings On the lake, say "I do." Your marriage and vows will have a backdrop befitting of your moment with customisable ceremony and reception settings. Allow our skilled wedding planners to handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your special day. Social Are you planning a get-together with your closest friends and family? We have the ideal location for you! Our dedicated onboard personnel is here to ensure that your special day runs smoothly, whether it's a milestone birthday or anniversary. Corporate Come aboard and get away from your work! Your team has the right environment to get together to celebrate, create, and learn, whether you're having a team–building event, corporate happy hour, or anything in between. The Odyssey Lake Michigan is a four-level dining vessel with three climate-controlled dining decks on the inside and two viewing decks on the outside. Plated meals are available onboard, as well as onboard entertainment and elegant touches throughout the yacht. The Odyssey Chicago River is a glass-enclosed, single-level, climate-controlled dining ship that cruises the Chicago River. Elegant plated eating is available onboard, along with architectural narration and up-close views of Chicago's renowned architecture. The Spirit of Chicago is a four-story dining ship with three climate-controlled dining decks and two observation decks on the outside. Buffet-style food, onboard DJ entertainment, and interactive activities are available throughout the vessel. The newly remodeled Chicago Elite is ideal for any event of up to 150 guests, with two completely covered, climate-controlled decks and an open-air skydeck affording panoramic views of Chicago's spectacular skyline.

Cruising on a charter yacht around magnificent surroundings converts any gathering into a world-class experience, regardless of the type of event you're throwing. Your guests will enjoy delectable cuisine and a new perspective on the city, while you will appreciate the many thanks you will receive for helping to make a wonderful event even more memorable. Our company's brand history extends back nearly a century, to the foundation of Boston Harbor Cruises in Massachusetts in 1926, and Hornblower Group on the west coast of the United States in 1980. We have a long history of experience and innovation across our expanding portfolio, and we have consistently reinvented the marine hospitality business. Our offers include water-based activities, land-based experiences, overnight cruise experiences, and ferry and transportation services, and we now have a presence in 111 nations and territories as well as 125 U.S. cities. Our sea and land-based activities include City Cruises, a sub-brand that offers dining, sightseeing, and special events.

Loft 644 is located in the heart of River North. When planning an event, loft 644 is the place for you!

The state-of-the-art amenities at Vertiport Chicago cater to the specific needs of helicopter passengers. From a 30,000 sq ft hangar with a private maintenance bay and 24/7 line service, to a dedicated business center and office space, Vertiport offers a premier FBO experience to all of its clientele. Vertiport Chicago is North America's largest helicopter landing facility, with 30,000 square feet of event space in the manner of an industrial helicopter hangar. This uncommon find offers a completely transformable area with many branding possibilities and the city's easiest load in and load out. Vertiport is situated on a 10-acre private property with a 5-acre tarmac and spectacular views of the Chicago skyline. The tarmac can be used for guest parking, additional outdoor areas, or to triple the event's footprint by tenting it. This location is ideal for car shows, sporting activities, and large-scale private/corporate gatherings. Our venue serves as a blank canvas that can be converted into any size or kind of event. Full-service, on-site planning is provided as an option to help with all the specifics. The return of a dedicated commercial helicopter facility to Chicago is marked by Vertiport Chicago. Vertiport Chicago, North America's largest and Chicago's only vertical helicopter landing facility, opened in April 2015. The company’s expansive facility serves as a Fixed Base Operation (FBO) for helicopter owners and operators and is located on ten acres of land boasting 30,000 square feet of hangar space, 11,700 square feet of office space, a 24-hour refueling station, a single take off and landing spot and eight helicopter parking spots. Because of its location in the Illinois Medical District, Vertiport has become an ideal center for EMS services, handling emergency medical flights for neighboring hospitals.

For private event and catering requests with parties of 20+ people, please feel free to call or email anytime.

• Spaces for 18-120 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue is an American restaurant with globally-influenced cuisine, situated on the second floor of Saks Fifth Avenue within The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida. The restaurant draws its name and spirit from Sophie Gimbel, a pioneering American fashion designer who led couture at Saks for over four decades — and whose philosophy of precision and elegance shapes the venue's approach to food and hospitality. The space features a dining room, a bar with views into the kitchen, and an outdoor terrace bar and lounge offering both covered and open-air seating. For private functions, the venue accommodates up to 50 seated guests or 120 for a standing reception. A dedicated private dining room seats 18 and is well suited to intimate dinners, business meetings, and social gatherings. Chef Jaryd Hearn develops seasonal menus built around locally-sourced ingredients, complemented by craft cocktails and curated wines.

• Spaces for 50-150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Bernie's Restaurant & Bar, located in Chicago's historic River North district, opened its doors in the summer of 2015. Chef Zack Sklar's first effort in the city of Chicago follows a successful career in Michigan, where he has been at the helm of several successful culinary projects. Bernie's, which is located on the corner of Erie and Orleans Streets, is situated in an appealing and informal yet polished atmosphere that includes family-style sitting, beautiful turquoise banquets, vaulted ceilings, and an unusual assortment of textiles, among other things. In addition to our wood-fired pizza oven and two big bars, we also have a seasonal rooftop terrace that is perfect for both regular eating and special events. We take great pleasure in providing each of our visitors with a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience. Our seasonal and progressive cuisine, which draws on flavors from Spain to coastal Italy, Provence, and beyond, features many locally produced foods and draws inspiration from across the world. With attentive and polite service, we also offer specialty cocktails, microbrewed beers, and a well curated wine selection, in addition to our other offerings.