Revel Motor Row Wedding Venue Guide

If you’re looking for a Chicago wedding venue that can accommodate a large celebration while giving you plenty of room to make it your own, Revel Motor Row is worth exploring. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I love how much flexibility it offers. With its historic architecture and outdoor courtyard, there are many ways you can transform the space. Another major perk is the experienced team behind the venue, which helps coordinate so many parts of the wedding day. 

Keep reading to learn what makes a Revel Motor Row wedding special and whether it might be the right fit for your celebration!

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

• Why I Love It
• What’s Special About a Revel Motor Row Wedding
• Ceremony and Reception Spaces
• Types of Couples Who Will Love It
• Insider Tips
• Wedding Cost
• Photo Locations
• Revel Motor Row at a Glance

Why do you love working at Revel Motor Row?

One of my favorite things about Revel Motor Row is how much you can customize the space. The venue has so many different rooms and layout options, which makes it a great choice for couples planning a larger wedding. You can host a ceremony in the Cadillac Courtyard, move indoors for dinner, and truly transform the reception space with florals, lighting, and décor.

I also love that couples who book here have an experienced team working behind the scenes. Revel Motor Row is part of Revel Global Events, which includes Revel Decor and Limelight Catering. Rather than coordinating separate companies for every major part of the day, couples can work with a team that understands how all these pieces fit together.

That can make a big difference during the planning process. Having the venue, catering, floral design, and décor coordinated together helps create a more seamless experience for couples and their vendors.

What’s special about a Revel Motor Row wedding?

Revel Motor Row has a fascinating history. Built in 1936, the building previously housed the Illinois Automobile Club and the Chicago Defender. Today, the Spanish Revival architecture and restored interiors provide a gorgeous backdrop for weddings and other events.

The venue offers approximately 50,000 square feet of event space across more than 20 rooms and areas. That flexibility makes it possible to host a wide range of celebrations, from intimate gatherings to large weddings with hundreds of guests.

Another standout feature is the Cadillac Courtyard. The large outdoor space can be used for ceremonies or cocktail hour. You can even add a tent to create a covered outdoor setting. I love that couples have the option to incorporate an outdoor element while keeping the rest of the celebration on site.

The venue’s location is another perk. It’s in a convenient location for guests traveling into Chicago for the weekend. Your guests are within reach of downtown restaurants, hotels, and other places to explore before or after the wedding.

What ceremony and reception spaces are available at Revel Motor Row?

One of the best things about Revel Motor Row is that you aren’t limited to a single room or layout. Here are a few of the spaces worth considering.

Cadillac Courtyard

The Cadillac Courtyard is a popular choice for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours. Surrounded by the building’s historic architecture, it gives couples an outdoor setting that still feels connected to the rest of the venue. You can exchange vows here, host cocktail hour before dinner, or explore a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day. 

Packard Room

The Packard Room is the primary reception space and offers plenty of room to bring your design ideas to life. The skylights, exposed brick, and iron beams give the room character before you add anything to it.

I especially love the possibilities this space offers for florals and décor. You could keep things relatively minimal and let the architecture stand out, or incorporate things like hanging floral installations and statement lighting.

The venue can accommodate around 250 guests for seated receptions with a dance floor, but some configurations offer additional capacity. If you’re planning a large wedding with a band and a full dance floor, ask the team to walk you through the layout options for your guest count.

Mercer Room

The Mercer Room is another indoor option, with a maximum capacity of 100 seated guests or 173 standing. It could be a good fit for a smaller gathering or for couples exploring different room combinations for their wedding. Depending on your plans, ask the venue how this room might work alongside other spaces for cocktail hour or other parts of the celebration.

Lincoln I and Lincoln II

Lincoln I and Lincoln II, also known as the Map Room spaces, offer additional indoor options. Each can accommodate up to 100 seated guests or 190 standing. These rooms are worth asking about if you’re planning an indoor cocktail hour or want to create an indoor and outdoor flow with the Cadillac Courtyard. 

What type of couple will love a Revel Motor Row wedding?

I think Revel Motor Row is especially great for couples who are planning a larger wedding and want flexibility with their design. The venue has the space to accommodate a substantial guest list. Plus, the different rooms offer plenty of ways to organize the day around your priorities.

It’s also a great option for couples who would rather have an experienced team coordinate several major pieces of the wedding instead of managing every vendor relationship separately. 

If you want a wedding that feels thoughtfully designed but still gives your guests plenty of room to celebrate, this venue offers a lot to work with.

Any insider tips for a Revel Motor Row wedding?

Here are a few things I’d keep in mind while planning:

• Think through the full guest experience. With so many spaces available, consider how guests will move from the ceremony to cocktail hour and dinner. A clear layout can help the day feel seamless.
• Make the most of the courtyard. If an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour is important to you, ask about available layouts, tenting, and weather backup plans early in the process.
• Start design conversations early. The Packard Room can accommodate a wide range of looks, especially with florals and hanging installations. Working with Revel Decor early will help you understand what’s possible.

How much does a Revel Motor Row wedding cost?

The venue rental fee for a ceremony and reception begins around $15,000. The rental includes event time for setup and cleanup, and additional hours may be available for an added fee. The venue also lists access to its inventory of tables, chairs, lounge groupings, and bars as part of the rental.

Pricing and package details can change, so reach out to Revel Motor Row directly for current rental rates, meal and beverage options, and a breakdown of what’s included.

What are your favorite photo locations at Revel Motor Row?

Revel Motor Row offers a variety of photo locations without having to travel far. The getting-ready spaces have beautiful historic details, and the venue’s interior offers plenty of character for portraits. The Cadillac Courtyard is another great option.

You can also step onto the surrounding city streets for an urban feel. For couples who want to explore a little farther, Museum Campus is a short drive away and offers beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Ping Tom Park with lush greenery and colorful murals is also nearby!

Your Chicago Wedding Photographer

What I love about Revel Motor Row is that it gives you room to create a wedding that feels like your own. The historic building adds plenty of character, and the flexible spaces make it easy to personalize your day with guidance from an experienced team.

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I love working with couples who want their wedding to feel personal and reflect what matters most to them. Whether you’re planning a Revel Motor Row wedding or considering another Chicago venue, I’d love to hear more about your plans. Reach out here, and let’s chat!

Revel Motor Row at a Glance

Location: 2400 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
URL: https://www.revelspace.com/
Venue highlights:

• Approximately 50,000 square feet of event space
• More than 20 event spaces and rooms
• Cadillac Courtyard for ceremonies and cocktail hours
• Packard Room for receptions
• 2 getting-ready suites
• In-house catering, floral design and décor teams
• Tables, chairs, lounge groupings, and bars included in the venue rental inventory
• Event production and coordination services