Chicago Wedding Photo Blog

The Brix Carpentersville, also know as The Brix on The Fox, is becoming a very popular spot for western Chicago suburb weddings. The Brix in CVille opened in September 2018 after a full interior and exterior renovation. The building was originally constructed in the 1880’s for a dairy company. No matter what time of year it is The Brix on The Fox is a great place to host your wedding. The flexibility and easy booking make it a great choice for every couple. Also, it is located right across the street from the beautiful Fox river for incredible bridal party photos.

The Brix on The Fox Wedding Venue

The Brix has two completely separate venues for you to choose from. The Two Sixty and The Industria. They are both located in the same building but come with different entrances, bathrooms, bridal suites, and catering kitchens. The Brix Carpentersville first grabs your attention with tons of windows and an incredibly renovated brick exterior. Also, the original building brings on the industrial feel with the renovations giving it a modern touch.

The Two Sixty & The Industria – The Brix Carpentersville

The Two Sixty wedding venue space at The Brix is the largest of the two spaces, and can host up to 320 guests in the 9,000 square feet it offers. However, The Industria is slightly smaller at 7,000 square feet and can comfortably fit 200 guests. The Industria is more industrial chic while rustic elegance sums up The Two Sixty. Both spaces have plenty of free parking, a wedding suite, and the flexibility of wide open spaces for anything you are dreaming up. Every couple has the ability to bring their own caterer and bar. Although, the bartending space is grand and large enough to handle all of your guests. Finally, the bridal suites offer plenty of room for all of your needs.

The Brix on The Fox – Ceremony Space

The open floor plans and curtain systems make it fast and easy for the venue to change over from the ceremony, to cocktail hour, and then into the reception. The high ceilings and natural brick walls make incredibly beautiful backgrounds. Also, you can bring in any of your own decorations to make the space personal to you and your fiancé. As a photographer the other big point to make is that there are plenty of windows to let in all of the natural light needed to make every photo look incredible.

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Wedding Reception at The Brix Carpentersville

Transitioning from the ceremony and cocktail hour to the reception is a breeze. The staff at The Brix on The Fox uses a curtain system to transition the space. The all in one rental prices include everything you need to get the reception area ready for your wedding. Giant farm tables and stylish Tolix chairs. help keep that industrial modern vibe going through dinner. They offer all of the planning assistance for their wide open spaces to make sure you are completely satisfied with every step of the way.

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The Brix Carpentersville Pricing

This is the part almost everyone is always looking for. I get it, it is a beautiful place and now you need to know if it is in budget. Pricing can always change but all of the information in here is accurate as of the writing of this post. The Brix Carpentersville is known for their whole in one pricing. Also, they are straight forward with all of their packages and pretty all inclusive.

The rentals include:

• 13 hour rental
• Farm Tables
• Tolix chairs
• Curtain system
• Private wedding suite
• Downlights
• DJ lights
• Planning assistance
• Coat room
• String lights
• Finally, an Ice Machine

Also, you can request their Photo Booth, rehearsal time, and help with finding other vendors. You can select a caterer from their list or go with anyone you would like. This gives you the ability to shop around and find the best vendors for your day.

Pricing is different for each space.

The Two Sixty Pricing

Bookings for now until 3/15/23 for The Two Sixty are $9,900 for Fridays, $11,900 for Saturdays, and $8,900 for Sundays. After 3/15/23 the pricing goes up to $10,400 on Fridays, $13,400 on Saturdays, and $8,900 on Sundays.

The Industria Pricing

Bookings for now until 3/15/23 for The Industria are $7,900 for Fridays, $8,900 for Saturdays, and $6,600 for Sundays. After 3/15/23 the pricing is $7,900 for Fridays, $9,900 for Saturdays, and $6,900 for Sundays.

Once you are ready to book they just require a 50% deposit to hold your date and then the remaining balance due 90 days prior to your wedding. You can also tack on a rehearsal time if the date is available for and extra $250.

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In conclusion, the Brix Carpentersville is a great place to have your Fox Valley wedding. The Fox river location offers incredible photo locations and easy access to all the transportation and hotel needs you will have for the day.

Finally, head on over to The Brix Carpentersville website to schedule your in person tour by making an appointment.

The Brix on The Fox is located at 260 South Washington St. Carpentersville, Il 60110

You can call them at (847) 844-8010 or email them at info@brixonfox.com

Reach out to us if you would like to see a full gallery from The Brix Carpentersville.

The Danada House wedding venue is located in Wheaton, Illinois and was built in 1939 by Danial and Ada Rice. Hence the name, Danada House. They built this massive home to help host the many parties they threw for the area’s high end clientele. It was passed through a few famous hands before being sold to the Dupage County Forest Preserve in 1980. The 780 acres and all of its buildings help make up the natural beauty and elegance this wedding venue has to offer.

The entire property that makes up The Danada House wedding venue includes indoor and outdoor options for every bride and groom in the western suburbs of Chicago. We will talk briefly about the outdoor options but this post will focus mainly on what is available during the cold, winter months.

Danada House Wedding Venue Details

The Danada House wedding venue can accommodate up to 250 guests for your big day. The natural beauty of the forest preserve property as well as the modern elegance of the indoor spaces make this an ideal space for you and your guests. They can handle everything from weddings and corporate events to all our private parties. The Dupage County Forest Preserve property has seven ceremony locations. Six of these ceremony locations are outdoors while one is indoors. The property offers a bridal suite for all of your getting ready needs. The space features a relaxed atmosphere with vintage furniture. The parking lot on property can handle up to 150 cars giving you plenty of room for all of your guests. There are also plenty of nearby hotels that will offer shuttle service back and forth.

Weddings here can be booked up to twenty four months in advance and you should probably start early. They have a ton of great reviews form WeddingWire and The Knot so you know it is popular.

Danada Cocktail Hour

The spaces inside Danada House wedding venue are incredible and flexible. There are so many rooms for guests to break off into groups and enjoy quiet time socializing. The charming elegance and rich history of the entire mansion transports guests into another world. Many people feel like it is straight out of a movie set. With an easily accessible bar area and plenty of seating and high tops, cocktail hour is always a hit here.

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Danada House Wedding Reception

The reception space at Danada House is stunning. The Dupage County Forest Preserve owns the property and run by the Friends of Danada. The nature, history, and modern elegance all come together in the All-weather atrium. The space features stunning views and floor to ceiling windows on three sides.

You can choose a caterer form their approved list of caterers to make the day as smooth as possible. As of the writing of this post, the list includes Angeli’s, Ashyana Banquets, Belgio’s, Chef By Request, Zeld Catering, Marie’s Catering, My Chef, Tasty Catering, True Cuisine, and Uncle Bub’s. This list could change with the venue so make sure you check with them first.

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Danada House Wedding Pricing

The cost to have a wedding at Danada House can change depending on the day of the week. Each wedding rental comes with 5 hours of event time, typically from 6pm-11pm. Friday and Sunday nights start at $3,800 while Saturdays start around $5,000. You can extend your rental time for additional fees as well as add a coat check attendant.

Non-Winter Items

The Danada House includes seven ceremony locations. The indoor location is in the Atrium while the rest are outside. The outdoor ceremony locations include Magnolia Garden, Oak Garden, Rose Garden, Saddleup, as well as Front and Center.

The property is incredible during the winter time. Even when the foliage is dormant. However, go check it out during the summer when everything is green and in bloom. It truly is an incredible venue.

The Danada House Wedding Venue

3S501 Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60189

Call them at (630) 668-5392

If you are ready to go check it out, head on over to their website and set up a time to tour.

If you’d like to check out some of our other favorites, go check out our venue’s page.

There are so many decisions that have to be made when planning your wedding. I remember touring so many venues when Rue and I got married way back in 2013. It is no easy task to overcome. Some of you may have your dream venue planned out already and some of you may be searching all over for your ideal spot. The Highland Loft in Elgin, Il could just be that for you. It is a perfect place to have your wedding day from beginning to end. I’ll break down the many reasons this is true in the coming paragraphs.

Elgin and Fox Valley Area

Elgin is one of the largest cities in Illinois. This river town has a large population and a great downtown to host any large event. Several hotels, restaurants, and bars are all around the area to provide entertainment for your guests in the downtime. The Highland Loft Event Venue is also an easy drive to Schaumburg, Geneva, Naperville, and Aurora or a quick walk to the Metro station.

If you are looking for other Fox Valley or Chicago wedding venue ideas head on over to our blog page to see more.

The Highland Loft Event Venue Elgin

Highland Loft Elgin is located right in the heart of downtown Elgin. They provide event space for all sorts of events including weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other special events. The Highland Loft wedding venue is a place I recommend everyone to check out if you are planning a Fox Valley Wedding. One of my favorite things about The Highland Loft is that it is a one stop shop for your day from start to finish. The space is 19,500 square feet and offers so many incredible amenities. Go see their amazing groom’s suite, bridal suite, ceremony space, reception space, bar, and dance area before you look at any other venue.

The best part about The Highland Loft is how incredibly flexible it is. They have several different spaces within the space that they can transform into cocktail hour areas, ceremony space, and reception spaces. The sophisticated and trendy vibes can be everything you need for a small intimate wedding or an elaborate event. The almost 20,000 square feet can handle up to 600 guests, has free WiFi, ample parking, and high quality acoustics. The inside is versatile, unique and topped off with a malleable ambiance and super convenient location.

Some of my favorite highlights include the separate dance floor, customizable layout, fully equipped catering kitchen, on-site coordinator, break out rooms, and plenty of audio visual equipment to meet your needs. Also, they have space for more than 60 tables. I am pretty sure that can handle most of the weddings we shoot.

Let’s break down the individual spaces a bit more.

The Highland Loft Bridal Suite

The bridal suite at The Highland Loft wedding venue has just about every option you need in a bridal suite. Giant windows line the side of the room for perfect natural light in the massive space they provide. Also, it is tucked in the corner of the event space opposite off the groom’s suite to ensure you get the privacy you want during that time. Space is provided for hair and make-up artists to do work their magic. The attached bathroom is a huge perk that you really don’t see everywhere. This space is a perfect place to hang out with your best friends and get ready for the best day of your life.

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Highland Loft Groom’s suite

Groom’s suites are becoming more and more popular in Chicago area wedding venues. The groom’s side typically requires a few less amenities since they aren’t bringing in crews for hair and make-up. Although, it is nice to have a space large enough for your entire bridal party to get dressed and relax before the day officially starts. The Highland Loft of Elgin definitely did not forget about the guys.

The room is secluded in a corner of the event space at the end of a long hallway. This gives the guys enough space to not accidentally see the bride and have some fun without disturbing anyone else in the space setting up or getting ready. Again, huge windows provide all of the natural light you will ever need. They also nailed it with the little things. Little coat hooks, mirrors, and super comfortable couches make it the relaxing and easy place the groom and groomsmen need.

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Ceremony Space

The Chicago and Fox Valley area weather is so unpredictable. With that being said, having a quality indoor ceremony space is a requirement for much of the year. Highland Loft Elgin stepped up to provide an indoor ceremony space for the area. The stunning ceiling design, floor to ceiling windows, and exposed brick create an industrial, yet rustic, space that takes your breath away when you walk in. This whole space is located on the third floor of a historic building in Downtown Elgin on Highland Avenue.

The ceremony space is well lit with natural light from the massive windows Also, it is separate from the reception area so you don’t have to worry about shuffling guests around to tear down and set up for various portions of the day. Hardwood floors run throughout and top off this fantastic space.

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Reception Space

The reception space at The Highland Loft wedding venue in Elgin is downright huge. The hardwood floors continue and meet even more massive windows lining the entire side of the building. The ceilings are beautiful and high providing plenty of space for incredible wedding photos. The space can be divided for more intimate settings or left wide open. Also, a massive bar is right in the reception space as well as a dedicated area for a dance floor. I really loved having a separate space for the dance floor because it felt more like the party atmosphere than the typical middle of the table area set up.

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The Highland Loft Elgin Price

The cost of The Highland Lost depends greatly on what event you are looking to book. They have flexible rates and can accommodate any event you are looking to host.

Highland Loft Wedding Photos

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Go check out The Highland Loft website for more information

The Highland Loft is located at 168 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120

info@thehighlandloftevents.com or call them at (847) 254-0621

Head over to our Contact Page so we can chat about your wedding photography!

Riverside Receptions and Conference Center in Geneva, Il is right on The Fox river. It is an incredible Geneva wedding venue with two levels, four ceremony sites, and all-inclusive wedding packages to fit every brides vision and budget. The picturesque location, personalized attention as well as the quaint and rustic feel provide a wedding venue in the Chicago suburbs like no other.

Let’s dive deeper into this Geneva, Il wedding venue to break down all the reasons you should consider having your wedding here.

The Knot and Wedding Wire list this riverside event venue as moderate in cost and having a guest capacity of up to 300 people. However, the Riverside website itself says they can seat up to 260 guests for a reception. They come very highly rated with a 5.0 and a 4.9 rating on these two popular wedding sites.

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Riverside On-Site Ceremonies

Riverside Receptions and Conference Center offers four different ceremony locations for you to chose from. They include the outdoor courtyard, Mill room, Bridgeview room, and The River Room. The Mill Room is available for main level rentals and can handle up to 110 guests. Also, the outdoor courtyard is available April through October and can handle up to 130 guests. Next, the Bridgeview Room is open for upper level rentals and can handle 130 guests. Lastly, The River Room requires whole building rental but can handle up to 200 guests.

Ceremonies at Riverside Receptions Geneva can be added for a $575 ceremony set-up fee for indoor ceremonies. Additionally, you can choose the outdoor ceremony site for a $650 set-up fee.

Riverside Receptions Wedding Cost

Almost every wedding venue varies their prices based on the day of the week. This wedding venue near St. Charles is no different. Check with the venue for discounts or price changes. Evening receptions are 5.5 hours long but also include a 30 minute cool down time at the end after the bar closes to say goodbye to guests. Finally, here is a quick breakdown of the wedding pricing for Riverside. It should be noted that these are just the minimums for rental. Also, the price will actually vary based on the number of guests and plate chosen.

Riverside Receptions Wedding Pricing Room Minimums

The Lower room has a minimum rental rate of $8,500 on Fridays, $10,000 on Saturdays, and $5,000 on Sundays.

The Upper room has a minimum rental rate of $10,000 on Fridays, $13,000 on Saturdays, and $6,000 on Sundays.

Finally, the whole place has a minimum rental rate of $16,500, on Fridays, $19,500 on Saturdays, and $10,500 on Sundays.

These are just the minimums needed to rent the space. The final price will be based on the number of guests and plates chosen. Prices start at $80 per plate for a single plate option. Also, you can add a second option for $1.75 or a third plate option for $2.50 per person. All pricing here does not include facility fees, 21% gratuity, or the 8% sales tax. Catering and bar service provided by Riverside Receptions Culinary Team. Additionally, special considerations can be made for outside desserts and late night snacks. Food allergies will be accommodated as long as the food and beverage director is notified of the allergy.

When you choose to rent this space you will need to put down a 20% deposit. The next payment is 30% of the minimum and is due six months prior to the event. Finally, the last payment is due the week of the event.

Additionally, final guest count is due ten days prior to the event.

All-Inclusive Wedding Package

The wedding package cost at Riverside includes:

• Four hour open bar
• Champagne Toast
• Wine with dinner
• Four course meal
• Custom wedding cake from The Cakery
• Centerpiece Options
• Floor length tablecloths
• Ivory House linen
• Chiavari chairs
• Reception coordinator

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Riverside Receptions Geneva Lower Level

Riverside Receptions Geneva IL is known for its gorgeous views in a historic building. It can be described as peaceful, tranquil, and quaint with a rustic feel. This all happens because of its floor to ceiling windows as well as natural stone and brick walls.

The lower, or main, level can handle up to 140 guests for a seated dinner. The lower level is right at ground level and includes gorgeous views of The Fox river. The warm and cozy atmosphere helps guests feel right at home and ready to dance their night away. The pub style bar, three charming fireplaces, and natural stone throughout add to the rustic feel.

The Upper Level

The upper level is much larger and can handle up to 260 guests for a seated dinner. The spacious and elegant space offers floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Fox river. Also, the candlelit rooms add to the ambiance of the star filled night sky. The room is so well laid out and provides a perfect set-up for every wedding reception.

Brides and grooms have the option to rent the entire building and combine these unique spaces. The seating capacity remains the same due to having everyone eat in the same room but you have the option to have cocktail hour and dancing in different areas. This ensures that you have the entire space to yourself for the entire day.

Riverside Receptions

There are a few things they specifically note on their website for couples to know. These include rules like, no glitter, confetti, or sparklers allowed in the building. Also, vendors can access the space at least two hours prior to the event start. Finally, no outside food vendors without a fee and venue approval.

Riverside Receptions and Conference Center

35 North River Lane, Geneva, IL 60134

Call them at (630) 262-8371

Email them at info@riversidereceptions.com

Having experience at Riverside Receptions is key when photographing a wedding there. Let us know when you are ready to talk about your photography options.

If you are looking for other wedding venues go check out our Top Wedding Venues in the Chicago Suburbs or our venue page on our website

The Fox Valley in Illinois offers a huge array of wedding venues. You can find pretty much any style you want throughout. Brittany and Matt decided that a ceremony at Geneva Lutheran Church was the best fit for them.

The Geneva Lutheran Church IL is located in downtown Geneva. It sits right on the main strip and offers a ton of restaurants and bars for your guests as well as one of the coolest hotels around, The Herrington.

Geneva Getting Ready Photos

Matt and his groomsmen decided to get ready on the 2nd floor of the Old Towne Pub and Eatery. This spot offered a ton of natural light as well as great food and bar service. Also, the space is massive and gave all the guys plenty of room to spread out. Additionally, Brittany and her bridesmaids got ready at a nearby house.

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Geneva Lutheran Church Wedding Ceremony

Matt and Brittany picked the Geneva, IL Church location to start their married life. Pastor Trudy Stoffel took them through the entire process and made their day easy. The downtown Geneva IL Lutheran Church is well done inside and out.

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Fox Valley Bridal Portraits

After the ceremony was finished, we took Matt and Brittany around the downtown area and took their bridal portraits. The couples photos were great due to the old buildings, greenery, and proximity to the Fox River. Also, the staff at Niche was also kind enough to let the bride and groom inside to get some amazing wedding bar photos.

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Geneva Lutheran Church

The Geneva Lutheran Church in Geneva, IL was a great fit for Matt + Brittany. The uniqueness of the ceremony venue as well as the ample space for family and friends made it an easy choice.

After the ceremony was over and the bridal portraits were done Matt and Brittany headed over to the Chicago Marriott Naperville for their wedding reception. This space was an easy drive and finished off their wedding night on a perfect note.

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Go check out our location specific blog about the Naperville wedding reception venue.

Otherwise, head over to our Top Wedding Venues in the Chicago Suburbs Blog for more Spots.

If this spot sounds like a great fit for you head on over to their website!

The Chicago Marriott Naperville wedding venue is an elegant all-inclusive spot for a dream wedding in Naperville Illinois. Also, there are a ton of perks to having your wedding at a hotel. These spots can offer ceremony space, reception space, and a place to stay for the night. It truly offers all that you could possibly need. The Chicago Marriott wedding venue is a one stop shop. Also, they are well versed in all things weddings to put your mind at ease.

If you want to see an example wedding from here, go check out our other blog.

Chicago Marriott Naperville Wedding Venue Highlights

The venue itself is grand in both size and flexibility. The all-inclusive packages include amenities that every Chicago bride and groom dream of. Also, locally sourced catering all planned by Marriott Certified Wedding Planners ensure that every detail will be handled with the care that you deserve.

Some of the main highlights include:

• Outdoor & indoor ceremony locations
• 21 event rooms
• capacity of 800 reception guests
• 7,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom
• Private ballrooms
• Suitcase wall
• Custom Chiavari chairs
• Bridal Suite
• 18′ ceilings
• Oversized windows
• Expansive foyers
• Spacious lobby area
• Multiple room configurations
• High tech lighting packages

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Chicago Marriott Naperville Wedding Ceremony

This venue is located in one of the most popular Chicago suburbs. Also, conveniently located near Naperville road and I-88 you have access to everything you’ll ever need. You can choose to have your ceremony at any of the local locations or have it right on site. For example, the Naperville Marriott offers one outdoor ceremony location and 5 possible indoor wedding ceremony spots.

Naperville Marriott Wedding Ceremony Cost

• Naper Patio (outdoor) – $300, capacity – 80
• Bailey/Hobson Room – $500, capacity – 120
• Portion of Naper Ballroom – $500, capacity – 150
• Naper Ballroom – $1,000, capacity – 300
• Portion of Grand Ballroom – $1,000, capacity – 350
• Grand Ballroom – $2,000, capacity – 800

The Naper Patio is the only outdoor ceremony location the the Naperville Marriott offers. The rest of the ceremony spots are all indoor. With capacities between 80 and 800 you are sure to have plenty of space for any size wedding in the Chicago suburbs. Also, every wedding ceremony reservation includes banquet chairs, set up, tear down, rehearsal, staging, and a microphone for the officiant.

Chicago Marriott Naperville Wedding Reception

The Naperville Marriott is known for its grand and private ballrooms for massive weddings. With a capacity of up to 800 you can’t go wrong. This Chicago suburbs wedding venue has a 4.7 star rating on The Knot and is listed as a moderate cost. The all-inclusive wedding packages include an open bar, four course dinner, and a custom wedding cake. Additional amenities include gorgeous centerpieces, bridal suite, and custom Chiavari chairs. Plenty of upgrades are available to customize the venue to your liking.

All-Inclusive Wedding Packages

The Chicago Marriott Naperville offers three different wedding reception packages. They include the Romance package, Glamour package, and the Indulge package.

The Romance package includes a six hour event with five hours of premium bar. Also, you get three butler passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast, four course dinner, and wine service through dinner. Custom wedding cake, coffee station, custom menu cards, floor length linens, votive candles, and coat check are also included. Additionally, the Glamour package includes everything from the Romance package but upgrades to top shelf bar. Also, it adds one late night snack, two complimentary suites for the parents, and floral centerpieces for guest tables. Finally, the indulge package includes all the previous options as well as a 24′ head table backdrop, colored satin napkins, and upgraded colored linens or overlays for the head table.

Chicago Marriott Naperville Marriott Wedding Cost

The total price to have a wedding at the Naperville Marriott depends on a few factors. The total cost is based upon the number of guests and which entree you choose. For example, you can plan to spend between $85-$133 depending on which entree you choose for your guests. The cheapest option at $85 is the vegetarian option while the most expensive at $133 is the Filet Mignon. They also offer sorbet, a children’s menu, and a vendor meal at a lower price.

You can also choose to upgrade just the type of bar service or add hours on depending on your needs. The Marriott Certified Wedding Planners can help you figure out exactly what you need. Contact them to go over all the decor options as well as the late night snack additions to keep your guests fueled for the entire night.

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Naperville Marriott Hotel

We have gone over all the details about the site as a wedding venue. Now it is time to dive into the hotel amenities. The hotel offers 424 guest rooms, two hotel shuttles, great central location near the highway, indoor pool, and on-site dining. Also, the hotel has a full service Starbucks, Great room bar, as well as upscale, on-site accommodations. Additionally, every couple that books a wedding with the Naperville Marriott gets a free one night stay for their one year anniversary. Finally, check out the Marriott Bonvoy Rewards before you book to make sure you get all the perks you deserve.

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Naperville Illinois Wedding Venue

One stop shop wedding venues are a great fit for a lot of couples, but not every couple. If you are looking for some other unique locations go check out our Top Wedding Venues in the Chicago Suburbs. Also, you can visit our Venue page on our website.

The Chicago Marriott Naperville Wedding venue is a great place to have a worry free dream wedding. Also, the availability of a Marriott Certified Wedding Planner make it easy get everything set the way you want it.

The Chicago Marriott Naperville is located at 1801 N. Naper Boulevard, Naperville, Illinois 60563

If you are ready to check it out call them at (630) 505-4900 or go to the Marriott Website.

Let us know when you are ready to have us capture your Naperville Illinois Dream wedding! Head over to our contact page.

Choosing the best Chicago wedding photography team for your wedding is something only you can do. What is best for one person may not be the best for you. There are many pieces that need to fit in this puzzle to make sure you get exactly what you want and need. Follow the steps below to make sure you get everything that is right for you.

There are so many Chicago suburbs and City of Chicago photography teams that offer wedding and engagement packages. This process can be overwhelming to brides and grooms. We totally get that. So we created this guide to help take some stress off of you. Your wedding photos will be hung on your wall for your lifetime and passed down for generations to come. Let’s find out how to pick the best Chicago wedding photography for your wedding.

Planning the rest of your wedding day helps to create the perfect day. Photography is the only preservation of the day. Many couples forget parts of their wedding day or don’t even know some of it happened. The best wedding photographers in Chicago and the Chicago suburbs will make sure that no moment is missed!

We broke down how to choose a Chicago wedding photographer into 7 steps below. We get a lot more detailed into each step later in the post.

7 Steps to Choosing The Best Chicago Wedding Photography

1. Find your style
2. Determine your budget
3. Search multiple platforms & check reviews
4. Make a favorites list
5. Contact photographers about availability
6. Ask questions!
7. Secure your photographer

Let’s chat about your wedding plans!

1. Finding Your Wedding Photography Style

Style is so important when searching for a photo team for your wedding day. Style comes from many different factors and is usually what catches your eye first. The photographers style is the culmination of brightness, color profiles, and their approach to the day. You may not know right away which of these speaks to your wedding photography soul but the Chicago area and Chicago suburbs offers every combination.

Style is like your personality, it can’t really be changed. We have had a few people in the past say, “We love you guys but want brighter photos, can you do that?” The answer to that is complex. As a fine art wedding photographer our style/personality is what drives us to create incredible products. Also, trying to change that may not give you what you want in the end.

Style – Brightness

The brightness of the style sets a certain mood right from the start. There are some wedding and engagement photographers that stay on the side of brighter photos. Some that stay on the darker side. The brighter photos are typically called light and airy while the darker styles are called dark and moody. Photos that go too bright tend to have “blown out” skies and bright spots. Darker photos can have dark shadows with limited details seen in the shadows. Also there is a middle ground here but most photographers lean a little to one side.

Style – Color Profiles

Certain times of the year give you different colors. Fall gives you all the browns and fall foliage. Also, spring and summer the greens and florals. Finally, winter more barren, darker, or snow covered moods. While these can’t really be changed the wedding and engagement photography team has some ability to alter them in the editing process. Each person adjusts the colors to be more appealing. We lean more toward the warm, yellow colors and deep greens. Again, this is something that isn’t right or wrong. It is just what you like.

Style – Approach – Chicago Wedding Photography

In my opinion, the approach is one of the most important aspects when choosing a photo or video team for your special day. There are a ton of different approaches. I will just stick with the main ones like traditional, artistic, candid, and documentary.

Traditional

The traditional approach is the standard amongst big companies with many different photographers. This approach keeps everything systematic and consistent. Also, it includes mostly set up wedding day shots and posed portraits while capturing the important moments in a systematic way.

Artistic

The artistic approach is similar to the traditional approach due to its less candid nature. Artistic photos will usually include a grand background with some flair. The Chicago bridge and groom are still the focus. Emphasis is placed on an incredible pose in an amazing location. Chicago artistic wedding photography is so much fun downtown with the tall skyscrapers and old buildings.

Candid

The candid approach leaves all of the posing behind. There are no set up shots and the moments are captured as is. This is a great way to re-tell the story of the day through photos. Candid photos capture all of the important moments as they happen.

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Photojournalistic

The photojournalistic approach is still candid but with a little more focus on the totality of the event. This approach captures the important moments happening but also the little moments at the same time. This may be the mother of the bride wiping a tear during vow exchanges. Also, it could be a family member leaning into the isle during the first kiss. Approaching Chicago wedding photography in this way gives the bride and groom an incredible look back into everything that happened during the day.

2. Determine Your Budget

Budget time is a very important step in the wedding planning process in general. Choosing the right Chicago engagement and wedding photography team to capture your wedding day may mean checking the overall wedding financials. Most of us don’t have unlimited income or the ability to choose without thinking about money.

Typically Chicago suburbs weddings will be cheaper than weddings in the City of Chicago but that is not always true. You can find anything to fit your budget needs.

Something we always like to remind couples about, your wedding photos and wedding videography are some of the only records of your Chicago wedding. You will remember the big moments for long time but the little details are so easy to forget about. Every couple needs to think about the importance of the day. Invest in photo and video at a level that is appropriate to you.

3. Search Multiple Platforms and Check Reviews

I know I am not the only one that scrolls right past the first three Google results. These are typically ads. You and I are the same, we don’t like to pick a wedding photographer based on paid ads. This is the time to do your homework. Really into who the people are behind the companies that you love. There are several places to find reviews when it comes to Chicago wedding photography services. Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, Facebook, and Instagram are some of the few in the Chicagoland area I would try first.

Many wedding photographers pay to be on sites like The Knot and WeddingWire. However, the reviews are real and give insight into how real clients feel after working with this company. Use social media reviews as a chance to get real names and contact previous clients. You can also ask the photographers based in Chicago if you can speak with some of their past clients.

4. Make a Chicago Wedding Photography Favorites List

So, you have determined your style, figured out your budget, and begun your search for the perfect wedding photographer based in Chicago. Let’s start making a list of our favorites based on the information we know so far. Your wedding day photography team favorites list will help guide you through the remainder of the process.

You should reach out to at least 3-5 photographers in Chicago and the suburbs. This will give you plenty of options to chose from once you start checking availability. If you are less than a year out form your special day you may want to check availability first. We have plenty of clients that are trying to book Chicago wedding photography companies a year and a half out.

5. Contact Photographers About Availability

This probably seems self explanatory but it serves multiple purposes. Checking their availability is an important step. However, it is not the only thing that should be taken away from this interaction. You will reach out to the company on whatever medium suits you. I prefer to reach out to vendors directly on their website. This lets them respond without having to go through another platform.

You can judge a lot by this first interaction. First, how responsive are they to your inquiry? Second, are they actually available for your date? Third, how do you feel about their response? Human beings are pretty good about figuring people out right away. Was the first impression a good one?

I won’t give away all of our secrets but Rue and I love getting to know people. This whole process of meeting brides and grooms in Chicago helps us reach more people. Also, we love being a major part of their lives. We are the Chicago wedding photography team that they are choosing to capture their day. Our work provide memories for the rest of their lives. It is a huge task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. I say all that to say. Make sure they provide a first impression that makes you feel good about getting to know them. You have to trust your wedding photographers.

6. Ask Questions

Hopefully by now you are in a consult with an engagement and wedding photographer from your favorites list. We feel that Zoom or in-person consults are so important. You can not relay all of the important information necessary in a PDF or phone call. You should be able to see your photographers face and have fluid conversation. That last part is a very important part to remember. You need to see your photographers face. Not the owner of the company or some booking agent.

They are not the ones you are putting your trust in. You need to see the wedding photographer that will be capturing your wedding day. Do not fall for a bait and switch.

Consult Questions

Come prepared to this meeting with all of the important questions! You probably have a ton of your own questions. We will provide you with some extras just in case you need it. Make sure that there will be a contract prepared and signed by both parties. Also, be clear about payment deadlines and what happens if either party needs to back out of the contract. Ensure that you will have all the rights to your photos in high resolution and low resolution, or web size. Do they offer wedding albums? Will they travel outside of the Windy City if necessary?

Talk about pricing for add-ons and what happens if you want to add something on later. Does the price change later or is it cheaper to add on to a package now? Do you want a photo booth? Do they provide wedding videography as well? When will your photos be delivered and how? Have they shot at your wedding venue before? Also, do you get engagement photos? Lastly, what about rehearsal dinner coverage?

These are just a few questions that can help you navigate the process and compare each Chicago wedding photography company. Obviously, there will be others you can add. Especially if you start taking more specific items like engagement sessions or print items. Overall, make sure they are completely transparent with you. Again, you need to trust them and feel comfortable. Chicago and Chicago suburbs wedding photography companies can help you through it all.

7. Secure Your Photographer

Woohoo! You made it! Now is the time to dot all of the I’s and cross all of the T’s. Enjoy a glass of champagne or wine and celebrate. You found your Chicago wedding photography team to capture your big day! If you have any further questions do not be afraid to ask them.

IMPORTANT! Read through the entire contract and make sure that everything you talked about is in writing. If promises were made, they should be in the contract. Sometimes it is not intentional, it just didn’t make it in for whatever reason. If they won’t add it in the contract, I would be weary. Double check invoices and payment due dates and relax knowing you made the right decision.

Final Thoughts – Chicago Wedding Photography

You made it through the list. Again, your wedding photography team based in Chicago will be THE documentation of your wedding day. Taking the time to find your style, determine your budget, check multiple platforms and reviews, make a favorites list, check availability, ask questions, and secure your wedding photographer will make sure that you get everything that you want. Also, extra leg work in the beginning will help make your wedding day less stressful in the end.

You can now start making your family portrait list, your photo Pinterest board. Also figure out where you are going to hang those beautiful wedding photos.

Let’s chat about your Chicago wedding plan and work together!

If you need help finding your ideal engagement locations check out our blog here!

Eight Hands Weddings – Wedding Photography in Chicago Illinois and The Suburbs

Lauren and Alex took on the tall task of planning their industrial Chicago wedding from start to finish. They leaned on some friends and family when they needed and came out with an incredible result.

Bridge 410 Chicago ended up being the perfect place for the entire wedding ceremony and reception to take place. Also, the exposed brick, views of the old Paulina Street Bridge, and concrete floors created a vibe anyone looking to plan an industrial Chicago wedding would love.

Chicago Wedding Getting Ready Photos

The day started off with the bride and bridesmaids getting ready at Bridge 410 and the groom and groomsmen at one of the many nearby hotels. One of my favorite parts about this industrial Chicago wedding was the incredible bridal suite that took up the entire second floor of the venue.

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First Look and Portraits

Finding a first look spot in this West Town Chicago area was easy due to all of the old buildings and vines growing everywhere. One of the best parts about the city is the endless supply of wedding photo opportunities. Then we took the bride and groom around the area to some our favorite spots to capture some incredible portraits.

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Chicago Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

The Windy City offers some incredible views form pretty much anywhere in the city. Whether you are looking for skyline views, old buildings, amazing architecture, or even some green space, Chicago has it all. This particular Chicago wedding venue in West Town features up close views of the old Paulina Street Bridge for your ceremony background.

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Industrial Chicago Wedding Reception

Moving inside you will find exposed brick, old wood, stained concrete floors, and modern light fixtures that complete this Chicago industrial wedding venue. With multiple areas to host your guests there is sure to be enough space and fun for everyone.

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Eight Hands Photography – Artistic Chicago Wedding Photographers

Updated February 2024!! Warehouse 109 is a unique wedding venue in the Chicago southwest suburb of Plainfield. It is about 45 minutes outside Chicago but brings the city vibes inside the venue. Plainfield, Il actually has a few wedding venues with their own unique styles, but this one raises the bar. Warehouse 109 puts a vintage twist into an industrial space to make it a one of a kind venue. Additionally, this Plainfield, Il wedding venue can serve up to 200 guests in its unique and spacious event space.

Warehouse 109 Wedding Event Pricing – 2024

In season – $4,000 – $6,750

Off-Season – $2,250 – $3,750

Also, holidays are available at an extra cost.

Included in the Warehouse 109 rental cost are:

• Exclusive day of access
• Help with layout
• On-site venue manager
• Before and after cleaning
• Parking for 120 vehicles
• Wifi
• Vintage bar
• Gallery of Antique Motorcycles
• 200 black folding chairs
• (6) 6′ guest tables
• (24) 8′ guest tables
• 22 round guest tables
• 5 high top tables
• 3 buffet tables
• Farmhouse table
• Drafting table
• Round white table
• Decorative shopping cart
• Small red base table
• 4 outdoor lounge chairs
• 2 outdoor side tables
• Chalk board nook
• As well as, Outdoor sink table

Optional extras include:

• Bar service packages
• 100 white garden chairs
• Ceremony benches
• Arched arbor
• Beer garden tables and chairs
• Birdcage
• Marquee letters
• Vintage cake stands
• 2 gas heaters
• Candle votives
• Outdoor bar cart
• Tattoo bar cart
• Kraft paper table runners
• Balloons
• 12’x12′ stage
• 10’x10′ tent
• Linens
• Finally, Bridal suite

The Spaces

Plainfield’s Warehouse 109 has a main event space, courtyard area, a bridal suite as well as an outdoor ceremony location. These spaces have been put together with such attention to detail. We really just need to take the time to describe each one separately.

Warehouse 109 Plainfield Courtyard

The outdoor space includes 2,000 square feet of space for cocktail hour or reception space. Before entering into the courtyard at Warehouse 109, there is an old pick-up truck and a camper that have been restored. These items are details that make great wedding photo backgrounds at Warehouse 109. Walking under the archway and into the courtyard you are immediately drawn to the 1958 Airstream parked to the side. Also, with doors and windows wide open, it welcomes you in for a seat. Couches on either end and chairs in the middle make the space ideal for guests. They can hang out when they just want to get away from the party for a bit. Obviously, it also makes for some great Warehouse 109 wedding photos.

The courtyard includes a fire pit and string lights but most of the outdoor seating is extra. Also, there are many other items can be added on to furnish the outdoor space. Refer to the included items and add-on items in the list above.

Warehouse 109 Bridal Suite

The bridal suite is described as a comfortable and convenient place for everyone in the bridal party. There is plenty of space to get together and get ready for the wedding day. Also, the space includes a kitchen, private bathroom, living room, dining table, and fireplace. Further, this is a great space for Warehouse 109 wedding photos. Especially while the hair stylist and makeup artists are helping to get the bridal party ready. An important note, the bridal suite is an optional extra when renting Warehouse 109. Included in the rental is access up until the reception, golf cart transport, and the first bottle of champagne. Finally, no outside alcohol is allowed but wine and champagne are available for purchase by the bottle.

Ceremony Space

The ceremony space at Warehouse 109 Plainfield is a stand alone area. It is a short walk across the parking lot but nestled in a wooded space. Equally important, a paver walkway leads back to an area lined with trees and very detailed landscaping. It provides the lush and private spot for a perfect Plainfield, Il wedding ceremony.

Wedding Reception Space

The wedding event space can host up to 150 guests for a seated dinner but their website also states it can go up to 200 guests for wedding receptions. Also, warehouse 109 has 4,000 square feet of interior event space in its Plainfield, Il location and includes a very unique vintage motorcycle gallery wall and a vintage bar. Additionally, small touches throughout make the space including the high top tables, farmhouse tables, and chalkboard nook for welcoming your guests. Finally, large wood pillars line the inside of the Plainfield, Il wedding venue and patio string lights provide the perfect setting for great Warehouse 109 wedding photos.

Warehouse 109 Plainfield Wedding Highlights

There is a ton of info about this venue in this post. So let’s break it down to just the important stuff to sum this whole page up. For example, this Plainfield, Il wedding venue has a ton of optional extras available to make the space unique to you and your significant other. Also, the wedding venue can host up to 200 guests and they provide the bar service through optional packages. Food can be brought in as long as it is approved by the management. Moreover, the outdoor spaces are great and the indoor space gives plenty of space for a your wedding.

The Chicago area has a ton to offer when it comes to unique wedding venues. So, if you are looking in the southwest suburbs Warehouse 109 is totally worth checking out to see if it is the right place for you and your partner. Also, Warehouse 109 cost is affordable and gives you plenty of extras to choose from.

Furthermore, head on over to their website to get more info.

In addition to, you can shoot them an email at info@warehouse109.com or call them at (815) 556-9553

Also, they are located at: 14903 S. Center Street #109, Plainfield, Il 60544

Finally, if you are unsure or want to check out some other venues head on over to our Top Wedding Venues in The Chicago Suburbs Blog or the Venues Page. We are updating as fast as we find cool places!

Eight Hands Photography – Chicago Wedding Photographers

Chicago is home to an incredible number of wedding venues so sometimes it is hard to find one that sticks out. Bridge 410 Chicago is one of those venues that definitely separates itself from the others. If you are looking for an incredible wedding venue in West Town, Chicago, look no further.

If you are looking for some other ideas, go check out our Top Wedding Venues in The Chicago Suburbs!

Bridge 410 Chicago Wedding Pricing

According to their website currently, Bridge 410 prices vary by day of the week.

Weekdays – $3,000

Fridays & Sundays – $5,000

Saturdays & holidays – $7,000

All of this includes:

• Pre & Post Cleaning
• 160 birch wood folding chairs
• (20) 8 foot folding tables 
• (4) 6 foot folding tables 
• 13 Industrial Highboys
• Assorted Industrial Cabaret Tables
• 32 Industrial Metal Chairs
• Indoor Lounge Grouping
• Outdoor Lounge Grouping
• Outdoor Picnic Tables
• 2 Portable Bars
• 2 Marble Buffets
• 3 Propane Outdoor Heaters
• 2 Wedding Arch options 
• Chalk Board Wall
• Coat Racks and Hangers

Optional games and add ons include:

• 1 Giant Jenga
• Cornhole Set
• 1 Foosball Table
• Ring Toss
• Yardzee
• Washers
• Add on option: Portable American Bocce Courts

Bridge 410 Location

Bridge 410 wedding venue is located at 410 North Paulina by Chicago’s Brewery district in West Town. Situated between Kenzie and Hubbard on Paulina, Bridge 410 offers parking on site as well as plenty of free parking around the neighborhood.

This West Town Chicago wedding venue opened in 2017 and features tons of exposed brick throughout. Bridge 410 definitely gives you that industrial modern feel with the updates they have made. It has been well decorated with rustic and modern pieces to complete the unique space.

Bridge 410 includes The Wedding Suite, The Carriage House, The Loft and The Backyard. They can comfortably accommodate between 150-200 guests depending on the layout.

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The Wedding Suite

The Wedding Suite at Bridge 410 is insanely huge. For instance, it is 1,000 sq ft and includes bathrooms as well as a full kitchen. Chic furniture, a ten foot mirror, and a walkout balcony complete the space and make it the ultimate getting ready spot for the bridal party.

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The Carriage House

The Carriage house is the main wedding reception area. It was originally built to be a storage location for horse drawn carriages in the early 1900’s. Exposed brick lines the walls and the exposed ceilings are highlighted by modern industrial chandeliers. The room is long and offers a ton of different layout options. The total indoor space is around 4500 sq. ft. with all of the different areas. The carriage house also leads to The Loft and The Backyard spaces.

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The Loft Space

The loft space at Bridge 410 wedding venue is one of the most versatile spaces. This space can be a dance floor, cocktail hour area, game room, bar area, social hangout, entrance space, or any other space you can dream up. The loft above the space gives you even more room for entertaining.

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The Backyard

The Backyard at Bridge 410 Chicago wedding venue is a massive 4000 sq. ft. space with amazing views of the old Paulina Street Bridge. It is the backdrop for every outdoor wedding ceremony. The space has plenty of space for dancing, bar areas, and full bands. Make sure to take advantage of the balcony for some incredible pictures while you are there.

You get so much bang for your buck at Bridge 410 and the atmosphere provides some of the most amazing wedding day photos that Chicago has to offer. We have some super secret engagement session locations and bridal portrait areas in that area as well. That makes it super easy to sneak out for 30-45 minutes to capture the essence of the city in your bridal portraits while getting something that no one else has.

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Let’s chat to talk about your day and get things rolling!

If you are ready to check out Bridge 410 in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood contact them here to set up a tour!

Bridge 410 is located at

410 N. Paulina

Chicago, IL 60622

Call them at (407) 701-0883

or email : hello@bridge410.com

Eight Hands Photography – Artistic Chicago Wedding Photographers