Unforgettable Art Institute of Chicago Wedding | Alex & Carlton

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve photographed weddings in some beautiful places, but there was something truly special about Alex and Carlton’s wedding at the Art Institute of Chicago. From their time with family in the gardens to their breathtaking ceremony on the Women’s Board Grand Staircase and their reception in the Modern Wing. Their guests even made their way through the Impressionism exhibit on their way to cocktail hour! In every chapter of the day, the museum felt like an integral part of their celebration. 

Alex and Carlton brought together an incredible team of artists, hospitality professionals, and expert technicians who helped bring their vision to life. Keep reading to see more of their Art Institute of Chicago wedding and learn what makes this such an extraordinary place to get married.

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

• Why I Love the Art Institute of Chicago
• What Makes an Art Institute of Chicago Wedding Special
• Alex & Carlton’s Art Institute Wedding
• What Wedding Venues Are Available at the Art Institute of Chicago?
• Favorite Photo Locations at the Art Institute of Chicago
• Insider Tips for an Art Institute of Chicago Wedding
• How Much Does an Art Institute of Chicago Wedding Cost?
• Art Institute of Chicago at a Glance

Why Do I Love the Art Institute of Chicago?

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of those venues where the setting becomes part of the experience. When you get married here, you’re surrounded by architecture, history, and some of the most recognizable works of art in the world.

I also love how much variety there is throughout the museum. You can have a ceremony on the grand marble staircase, walk through the Impressionism galleries with your guests, and then celebrate in the Modern Wing. Every space feels completely different, which gives you so many options for creating a wedding day that feels personal. For couples who love art, architecture, and Chicago, it’s hard to imagine a more memorable setting.

What Makes an Art Institute of Chicago Wedding Special?

One of the most incredible things about getting married at the Art Institute is the opportunity to make the museum part of the wedding experience itself. The museum offers a variety of event spaces, and couples can also add private viewing experiences of the permanent collection or special exhibitions. That means your guests can experience the museum throughout the celebration.

Alex and Carlton’s wedding was such a beautiful example of this. After their ceremony on the Women’s Board Grand Staircase, their guests made their way to cocktail hour through the Impressionism wing. Imagine watching a beautiful wedding ceremony and then immediately walking through galleries displaying Monet, Renoir, and Degas. That kind of experience is pretty hard to replicate anywhere else.

Alex & Carlton’s Art Institute Wedding

The day began with an architectural tour for Alex and Carlton and all of their guests. It was such an incredible way to start the day and introduce everyone to the city before the wedding festivities really began.

From there, Alex and Carlton got ready together in their suite, which was very special to witness. They took their time and helped each other with every little detail. Before we left, they even practiced their dance a few times together. It was such a fun glimpse into their relationship and the way they approach things as a team.

We then headed to the Art Institute gardens for family portraits. Since the gardens had already closed to the public, we had the place almost entirely to ourselves. That was such a treat because the gardens are usually packed. Their families had a lovely time together, and it gave us space to slow down and take some beautiful portraits before the ceremony. 

Then Alex, Carlton, and I had an entire hour to walk the galleries. It’s been a few weeks now and I still can’t quite find the words to synthesize this part of their wedding day. Walking the galleries with them was one of the most profound moments of my career, and maybe my lifetime. It was just us and the world-class artwork in the AIC. I’ll never forget the way their dress shoes sounded on the wooden floors or the way we exchanged astonished looks as we entered each new room. We kept stopping to take it all in and soaked in every moment.

Their Art Institute of Chicago Wedding Ceremony

Their ceremony took place on the Women’s Board Grand Staircase, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more dramatic processional. The staircase itself is incredible. It dates back to 1910 and is surrounded by the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries and Fullerton Hall. The stairs rise from the main floor into a sunlit second-level space surrounded by architectural fragments from some of Chicago’s most legendary buildings. It was a pretty breathtaking place to watch Alex and Carlton get married.

After the ceremony concluded, their guests made their way to cocktail hour through the Impressionism galleries. The transition felt like another part of the celebration rather than simply moving from one event space to another. The exhibits were all part of the experience their guests got to enjoy as they made their way through the museum.

Their Art Institute of Chicago Wedding Reception

The reception took place in the Modern Wing, which was a striking change of scenery after the historic architecture and galleries earlier in the day. Dramatic lighting filled the space, while avant-garde, sculptural florals complemented the elegant minimalism of the Modern Wing. A contemporary and artful way to end the evening inside the museum!

What Wedding Venues Are Available at the Art Institute of Chicago?

The Art Institute has a wide variety of spaces for weddings and other celebrations, ranging from historic rooms to modern event spaces. This makes it possible to create a wedding experience that feels very different depending on the spaces you choose.

Women’s Board Grand Staircase

This is where Alex and Carlton held their ceremony. Located just off the Michigan Avenue lobby, the Women’s Board Grand Staircase features polished marble construction dating back to 1910. The sweeping staircase rises to a second-level space surrounded by architectural fragments from historic Chicago buildings.

The space can accommodate up to 200 guests for a ceremony, 225 for a reception-style event, or 100 for a seated dinner.

Griffin Court

Located in the Modern Wing, Griffin Court is a large, light-filled space designed by architect Renzo Piano.

It can accommodate up to 300 guests for a ceremony, 400 for a seated dinner, or 900 for a reception-style event. Griffin Court can also be paired with the Pritzker Garden, giving guests the option to move between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Terzo Piano & Bluhm Family Terrace

Terzo Piano sits on the third level of the Modern Wing and features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

The space can accommodate up to 200 guests for a ceremony, 250 for a seated dinner, or 500 for a reception. The adjacent Bluhm Family Terrace gives guests an outdoor space overlooking Millennium Park and the Chicago skyline.

Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room

For couples who love historic Chicago architecture, the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room is a particularly interesting option. The original trading room was designed by Chicago architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler in 1894. Elements of the original space were preserved and incorporated into the reconstruction at the Art Institute.

The room can accommodate up to 300 guests for a ceremony or reception-style event and up to 250 for a seated dinner.

McKinlock Court

McKinlock Court is an outdoor courtyard surrounded by museum galleries. 

The space can accommodate up to 150 guests for a ceremony, 175 for a seated dinner, or 300 for a reception-style event. The courtyard centers around a fountain and offers a more intimate outdoor setting within the museum.

The Art Institute also offers several additional event spaces, including the Nichols Board of Trustees Suite, Passerelle, Pritzker Garden, Chicago Gallery, and Columbus Court. Since availability and capacity vary by space, I recommend connecting directly with the museum when planning your wedding.

Favorite Photo Locations at the Art Institute of Chicago

If you’re considering an Art Institute of Chicago wedding, one of the biggest perks is how many incredible photo locations you can access without traveling all over the city.

The Art Institute Galleries

The galleries are obviously one of the biggest draws. If you’re able to arrange private gallery access, this can be an extraordinary opportunity for portraits. Having the space to ourselves with Alex and Carlton was a highlight of the day.

Women’s Board Grand Staircase

The sweeping marble staircase is an incredible setting for portraits, and it makes for a stunning ceremony space.

Art Institute Gardens 

The gardens are a beautiful option for family photos and portraits. If you can photograph here after the gardens close to the public, even better. Having the space to ourselves made such a difference during Alex and Carlton’s family portraits.

Modern Wing

The Modern Wing brings a completely different architectural feel. The clean lines and expansive spaces make it a great option for contemporary portraits.

Millennium Park

You can easily step outside the museum for more classic Chicago portraits. We ended Alex and Carlton’s evening on an elevated walkway above Millennium Park, and the city was lit up behind them. It felt as if Chicago had been lit just for them!

Michigan Avenue

The museum’s location makes it easy to incorporate the surrounding city into your photos, too. 

What Are My Insider Tips for an Art Institute of Chicago Wedding?

Build in time for the museum. 

Give yourself enough time to actually enjoy the galleries. Alex and Carlton had an entire hour, and it was incredible to have that time without rushing from one painting to the next.

Think about your guest experience. 

One of the best things about getting married at the Art Institute is that your guests can experience the museum as part of the wedding. As you plan, consider how you want them to move through the different spaces.

Take advantage of the gardens. 

The gardens can be a beautiful place for family portraits and wedding party photos. If you have access after the public has left, take advantage of it. 

Leave room for Chicago. 

The museum is surrounded by some of the best architecture and city views in Chicago. You don’t have to spend the entire day inside. Even a short walk outside can give you an entirely different set of portraits.

How Much Does an Art Institute of Chicago Wedding Cost?

Wedding costs at the Art Institute of Chicago vary depending on the event space, guest count, date, and the details you choose for your celebration. The museum offers several different spaces and customizable options, so there isn’t one standard wedding package that applies to every event. For the most accurate and current pricing, I recommend reaching out to the Art Institute’s private events team directly.

Planning an Art Institute of Chicago Wedding?

Alex and Carlton’s wedding was filled with incredible art and architecture, but what I’ll remember most is the being there with the two of them.  The quiet calm as they got ready together, their heartfelt ceremony surrounded by loved ones, and the time we spent wandering the galleries – our hearts full of wonder. 

As a Chicago wedding photographer, getting to document a day like this is an incredible honor. If you’re planning an Art Institute of Chicago wedding and want photographs that capture not just how the day looked, but how it felt to be there, I’d love to hear more about what you’re planning. Get in touch to start the conversation, or explore more real Chicago weddings on the blog.

Art Institute of Chicago Wedding at a Glance

Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Website: https://www.artic.edu/
Wedding spaces: Multiple ceremony and reception spaces throughout the Michigan Avenue Building, Modern Wing, and Rubloff Building
Capacity: Varies by space, from intimate gatherings to receptions for up to 900 guests
Notable features:

• World-class art collections
• Historic Chicago architecture
• Modern Wing designed by Renzo Piano
• Women’s Board Grand Staircase
• Private gallery viewing options
• Pritzker Garden
• Chicago skyline and Millennium Park views
• Multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces

Vendors

Photographer: Zachera Photo
Wedding Consultant: Clementine Custom Events
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Art Institute of Chicago
Architectural Cruise: Anita Dee Yacht
Chairs & Lounge Furniture: Bowery & Bash
Caterer: Paramount Events
Floral: Yanni Design Studio
Band: TVK Orchestra
Content Creator: Amorella Events
Transportation: M&M Limo
Valet: VIP Valet
Hair & Makeup: The Bridal Beauty Team