Wedding Venue Spotlight - Wedding Guide: The Arbory in Chicago, IL
We have had the pleasure of working with our friends at The Arbory many times, and quite frankly can't get enough! Everytime that we step through the doors, we are reminded of just how special weddings here are. This venue is a true Chicago gem and is the home to so many love stories, events and overall good vibes. The Arbory is a beautiful industrial style event and wedding venue in West Town Chicago. This all-season venue is one of the most versatile in the city. This venue feels so Chicago with its exposed brick walls, skylights and elegant yet industrial charm. Not only that, it's also located in a central part of the city, making it easy for your guests to arrive from anywhere! The Arbory works with you to create the wedding you have always dreamed of, and the space caters to whatever aesthetic wedding you are having. Every corner of the venue is catered to making sure that you are comfortable, excited and enjoying your day. There is just so much space for all of your ideas and creativity to shine through (and we’re not just talking about the incredible skylights!). Your time spent at The Arbory ensures you have the best day ever!
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The Space
The Arbory can host up to 200 guests, and easily accommodates for your ceremony and reception to be at the venue all day. Having everything in one place makes it so much easier for guests (and you!) to sit back, relax, and not have to worry about transportation in a traffic bound city like Chicago! All 8,000 square feet of The Arbory lends itself to the wedding of your dreams. It’s spacious enough to where a big wedding guest count can still feel intimate and a small wedding guest count can still feel lively. You can choose from a number of different floorplans and curate the exact way that you want your wedding to feel. Not only that, but the chairs and tables come with the venue rental! They have these stunning wood tables that are available to use that we absolutely love and even match the vaulted wood ceilings of the space. The exposed brick walls are the ideal backdrop to your wedding photos. Although, there are a ton of different unique backdrops throughout the venue that lend itself to the perfect photoshoot as well! The Arbory is one of those vintage-style venues that still feels new and modern. They have done such a wonderful job at making the space feel warm and inviting. Every part of this venue has character and personality, without taking too much attention from the main attraction (you and your partner of course!). The venue has two rooms for your ceremony and reception, a private suite to get ready in, an on site kitchen for catering, and best of all ample street parking for your guests that decide to drive.
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Versatility
Choosing a venue like The Arbory is ideal for couples that want a one-of-a-kind feel. The venue offers a ton of different decor items you can rent including a disco ball, video booth, and even an option to add a livestream package to your rental. Every aspect and detail of the venue is a way to make the planning process easier on you! The Arbory is a converted warehouse, so the space is large and can easily be customized. Something really unique about this venue is all of the available built in amenities, like handpainted murals, the vintage style chairs, and of course the ability to add on a cinematography package with their in-house filming company! The space works with creatives to create a unique experience for the couple and their guests. Flexibility is something that we do not often have when it comes to planning a wedding, but working with the Arbory, they are able to accommodate for so many unique requests and ideas! The venue is BYOB, has a list of recommended vendors that they vouch for and recommend, and make sure that your vendors have everything they need the day of the celebration. The Arbory makes the set up easy, the take down seamless and everything in between just right! The level of care that the venue gives to all of their couples helps you relax, take a beat and enjoy your big day. The Arbory is just one of those venues that is fully prepped and ready to take care of any and all your needs and wants!
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Flow
Flow is so important when it comes to wedding timelines, your wedding day, and the overall timing of your day. It can truly make your day that much more enjoyable when you know that everyone is working together to make sure that there are no awkward pauses or interruptions throughout the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.The Arbory makes it simple! Whether you want an intimate ceremony, or a total dance party with all of your friends and family, the venue lends itself to whatever you need it to be. Not only that, the staff here truly values each of the couples that get married here. From start to finish, The Arbory team learns about your vision and does whatever they can to make sure your day is as flawless as can be. Chairs are rearranged, décor is reset, lighting shifts to match the mood, and sound is tuned for every moment. While you’re celebrating, they’re already preparing the next phase of the day so you can stay fully present. From ceremony, to cocktail hour, to reception and on, the experience is seamless. Their employees work hard to make sure that each space is ready exactly when you need it and exactly how you want it. Their team is professional and experienced, and here for you.. The Arbory’s team is truly experienced at anticipating needs before they arise, ensuring nothing is overlooked. There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to hosting your wedding here!
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Wedding Suite
Need a second to yourself or want a place to get ready? The private suite is hidden from guests, easy to access, and the ideal spot to have a moment to breathe. Not to mention that it is a super beautiful and well decorated space for the perfect getting ready pictures! Enjoy champagne while you get your hair and makeup done, or simply just appreciate the time you have with your bridal party. The wedding suite is home to your second dress change, your late night snack and a place to keep all your personal items safe while you are with your guests. The suite is a dedicated space for your peace of mind. Beyond getting ready, the suite can be used for whatever you need it to be. These thoughtful touches are just another reason why The Arbory stands out as a truly exceptional venue, making every part of your celebration that much sweeter and more memorable. It’s the small moments during your day that sometimes are the most cherished. The Wedding Suite is one of many details that invite you to take a moment for yourself, your partner, and enjoy the day ahead.
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Plant Wonderland
If you are a plant lover, we can not recommend this wedding venue enough! Pretty much everywhere you look, there is lush greenery throughout the venue, a rarity in a city like Chicago. It’s a green oasis pretty much everywhere you look. It’s like having your own garden party in the heart of the city! There are living greenery walls throughout the space (AMAZING for photos!) and a built-in shelf with a ton of different plants throughout. There are plants of all different sizes, colors and shapes to curate the eclectic plant atmosphere. The plants are an integral part of the venue's character and vibe. The abundant plant life is ideal for a green thumb! The greenery makes this place feel so warm no matter how cold it is outside, which in our opinion is so ideal when it's cold and icy outside. The plants liven up the room and make the whole place light up.
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Lighting
Lastly, we have to talk about the impeccable lighting throughout the venue. Not only do they have cafe lighting and uplighting throughout The Arbory, they also have the best skylights!! These skylights, from day to night, add a unique flair that not a lot of venues have. We have seen that especially as your photographer takes photos of your reception space at golden hour, the skylights shine down on the area that will be filled with people eating, drinking, and celebrating your love! The skylights frame the lighting of photos so well. In our opinion, it makes the space feel more romantic just because we know how much ambient lighting can make or break an area. Whether it's day time or night time, the lighting will always be perfect and totally curated to what you want it to be. The layers of lighting throughout The Arbory is undeniably one of the main reasons we are in love with this venue.
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This venue is so special, not only to us, but to the couples we have seen get married here. It is the perfect blend of industrial, romantic, versatile, and timeless. Every detail has been placed to enhance your wedding day and make it that much more beautiful and totally you. From the moment you book, the staff is dedicating their time and effort to making your day unforgettable. Make sure you consider all of their amenities and add ons as your wedding vision comes to life! The Arbory puts your love story first and is the perfect setting for your happily ever after!
We love working with our friends over at The Arbory! We know exactly how to tie up those details in a huge bow and ensure that this is a day you remember forever. Already booked at The Arbory? Let’s chat about your vision, your day, and what you need. We’d love to work together with you to make sure you have the best day ever! We’d be so happy to help you make your Chicago wedding at The Arbory everything and more.
