Union League Club Wedding Venue Guide

The Union League Club is one of Chicago’s most distinctive wedding venues. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I love working with its historic architecture, elegant ballrooms, and beautiful artwork throughout the building. Keep reading to learn more about what makes a Union League Club wedding special, including the event spaces, photo locations, and a few things to consider as you plan your day.

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

• Why I Love It
• What Makes It Special
• Ceremony and Reception Spaces
• Types of Couples Who Will Love It
• Insider Tips
• Wedding Cost
• Photo Locations
• Union League Club at a Glance

Why do you love working at the Union League Club?

The Union League Club is honestly such a beautiful venue. One of my favorite things about photographing weddings here is how much variety there is throughout the building. There are multiple ballrooms, a library, spiral staircases, a grand staircase in the lobby, and small art galleries filled with pieces from the club’s collection. Each space has its own character, which gives us plenty of options for portraits throughout the day.

I’ve photographed first looks, wedding party portraits, family photos, and couple portraits in different areas of the venue. I love being able to easily move between spaces.

What’s special about a Union League Club wedding?

A Union League Club wedding has a distinctly Chicago feel. Located in the Loop, the club combines historic architecture with a collection of event spaces designed for private gatherings. 

Variety

I especially love how much variety there is inside the building. The grand staircase offers a beautiful setting for portraits, while the smaller galleries and other architectural details create quieter spots to step away from the celebration for a few minutes. You can get a wide range of photos without spending a large part of your timeline traveling between locations.

Location

The club’s downtown location is another great perk. There are plenty of outdoor photo opportunities just outside the venue like the Board Of Trade Building right around the corner! I love having the option to step outside for a few portraits and then come back inside to take advantage of all the different spaces at the club.

Accommodations

The Union League Club also has guestrooms on property, which can make the wedding day much easier for both couples and guests. You can get ready at the club with your wedding party, and guests can stay overnight without needing to arrange transportation to another hotel after the reception. 

Food & Beverage

The club also puts a lot of care into its food and beverage service, with an in-house culinary team and catering staff. The food and service are a real highlight of the experience and an important part of what makes the venue stand out.

What ceremony and reception spaces are available at the Union League Club?

The Union League Club has several event spaces to choose from.

Presidents Hall

The Presidents Hall is a great choice for a larger wedding reception. The room has expansive walls that double as a gallery for pieces from the Union League Club’s art collection, which gives the space a little more character than a typical ballroom.

The Presidents Hall can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated event or 400 for a cocktail-style event.

Lincoln Ballroom

The Lincoln Ballroom is the more dramatic of the two larger spaces. It has 28-foot ceilings, fanlight windows, hand-stenciled ceiling beams, and 12 crystal chandeliers. The space has a really grand, historic feel that works especially well for a formal wedding reception.

The ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests for a seated event or 500 for a cocktail-style event.

Crystal Room

The Crystal Room is another great option for a Union League Club wedding. Located on the fifth floor, it has a bright, open feel. With white walls and gold accents, the room has its own character while still giving couples plenty of flexibility with the overall design.

It can accommodate up to 250 guests for a seated reception or 300 for a cocktail-style event.

Heritage Room

The Heritage Room is a great option for a smaller, more intimate wedding. It has a permanent dance floor and mahogany bar, so the space is already set up for an evening of dinner and dancing.

It can accommodate up to 72 guests for a seated event or 100 guests for a cocktail-style reception.

Library and Smaller Event Rooms

The Union League Club also has several smaller spaces, including the Library, French Room, and Tudor Room. These can be useful for more intimate gatherings, luncheons, or other wedding-related events. The Library is also one of my favorite spaces to photograph.

Since the club has several event spaces, I recommend talking with the venue about which combination makes the most sense for your guest count and plans. You can also ask about using different spaces throughout the day so your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception each have their own setting.

What type of couple will love a Union League Club wedding?

The Union League Club is worth considering if you love historic architecture and want a wedding that feels connected to Chicago. The interiors have plenty of character, so you don’t need to rely on elaborate decor to make the setting feel special.

It’s also a great fit for couples planning a larger celebration with lots of family and friends. With its ballroom options and dedicated catering service, the club can accommodate events with a substantial guest list.

Lastly, it’s perfect for couples who want plenty of variety in their wedding photos but prefer to keep everything in one place. Having so many portrait locations throughout the building means we can create a diverse gallery while keeping the day moving at a comfortable pace.

Any insider tips for a Union League Club wedding?

Here are a few things I’d keep in mind when planning your day:

• Build in time for portraits around the venue. There are so many interesting spaces here that it’s worth allowing enough time to explore a few of them.
• Consider the natural flow of your timeline. We can photograph your first look, family portraits, and wedding party in different areas of the building, depending on which rooms are accessible and available.
• Ask about room access ahead of time. The club has multiple private event spaces, so confirm which areas can be used for portraits and when they will be available.
• Think about your reception layout early. If you’re planning a large guest list, ask how adding a dance floor and entertainment will affect the ballroom’s seated capacity.

How much does a Union League Club wedding cost?

Wedding costs at the Union League Club will depend on your event details, guest count, selected spaces, and food and beverage arrangements. For current pricing, I recommend contacting the Union League Club of Chicago directly. You can ask about ballroom rental, food and beverage minimums, service fees, and any additional costs that may apply to your wedding.

What are your favorite photo locations at the Union League Club?

One of my favorite things about photographing a Union League Club wedding is that we have so many options without needing to travel between locations.

Staircases

The grand staircase in the lobby is a natural choice for portraits. The scale and architectural details make it a great backdrop for both couples and wedding parties.

The spiral staircases offer a different look and can be especially fun for couple portraits. I love finding different angles and using the architecture to add interest to a photograph.

Library

The library is another space worth exploring. It has a distinct atmosphere and offers a change of scenery from the ballrooms and larger public areas.

Art Galleries

The art galleries are some of my favorite places to photograph throughout the club. The artwork gives each area its own character, and the smaller spaces can offer a quieter setting for portraits together.

The best part is that we don’t have to choose just one of these locations. Depending on your timeline and the spaces available, we can incorporate several throughout the day. 

Union League Club at a Glance

Location: 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Website: ulcc.org
Venue highlights:

• Historic downtown setting
• Multiple private event rooms
• Extensive art collection throughout the club
• On-site food and beverage service
• Private guestroom accommodations

Your Union League Club Wedding

Are you planning a Union League Club wedding? I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning for your day. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I love helping couples make the most of their venue. Reach out to tell me more about your plans and learn about my wedding photography services.