Thinking of skipping the 250-person ballroom bash for something a little more personal? Intimate weddings—typically hosting 40 to 100 guests—are becoming the go-to for modern couples who want an intentional, elevated experience with the people who matter most. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic dinner party downtown or a garden celebration just outside the city, Chicago and its suburbs are filled with venues that bring big personality to small guest counts.
And just to be clear: we love a big wedding too. At Monarch, we help couples plan it all—from cozy gatherings to 300-guest blowouts. What matters most is that your wedding feels like you.
1. Big Delicious Planet (West Town, Chicago)
A lush urban farm with repurposed industrial charm, this eco-friendly venue is a dream for couples who care about sustainability and want their celebration to feel like a dinner party in a secret garden.
Guest count: Up to 100
Insider tip: A seasoned planner will know how to style the garden space into a cozy, elegant escape. Use long tables with bistro-style chairs nestled between garden beds. Add dreamy overhead string lights and clusters of taper candles. Want to elevate it even more? Bring in lounge seating around the fire pit and serve a curated tasting menu from the chef that reflects the season. With fewer guests, your food and decor budget stretches dramatically—so you can give guests an experience that feels like a 5-star garden soiree.
2. The Publishing House (West Loop, Chicago)
Part bed-and-breakfast, part modern loft, this boutique venue gives you a luxurious, residential feel. Host a full wedding weekend with your closest people—no ride shares needed.
Guest count: Around 30 for seated dinner
Insider tip: Only your planner will know how to flip the common spaces seamlessly from welcome cocktail hour to ceremony to reception. Lean into the intimate setting: drape the banisters with greenery, use layered rugs and mismatched chairs for dinner, and turn the library into a whisky tasting lounge post-dinner. Smaller weddings mean you can treat your guests to truly elevated moments, like private chefs, wine pairings, and fully customized menus that would be impossible for 200+ people.
3. Firehouse Chicago (Edgewater, Chicago)
This restored firehouse combines vintage details, a private garden, and a cozy feel that works beautifully for weddings under 100 guests.
Guest count: Up to 100
Insider tip: With help from a planner, you can transform the indoor space into a romantic hideaway. Use a U-shape layout for the dinner tables to encourage conversation and connection. Add overhead floral chandeliers to draw the eye up and warm-toned uplighting to soften the original brick. A planner can help you design transitions so each part of the day has a unique feel—without requiring extra rental space.
4. Room 1520 (West Loop, Chicago)
A whitewashed loft with high ceilings and industrial touches, Room 1520 offers a clean slate for your vision.
Guest count: 50–100
Insider tip: With a smaller group, go big on design elements that make an impact—like hanging floral installations or dramatic drapery. Your planner can help create a layout where tables hug the dance floor so the space feels full and festive without being overwhelming. Bonus: budget goes further for plush seating, custom place cards, or a wow-worthy escort card display.
5. Loft Lucia (West Loop, Chicago)
Tucked in the trendy West Loop, Loft Lucia offers a warm, modern vibe with its rooftop terrace, exposed brick, and tons of natural light. It’s stylish without trying too hard—a perfect pick for couples who want something elevated but unfussy.
Guest count: Up to 120 seated
Insider tip: Let your planner work magic by creating a rooftop ceremony that flows into an indoor dinner party with moody lighting and soft greenery. With built-in bars and a clean aesthetic, you can focus your budget on good food, great music, and thoughtful touches that make guests feel truly cared for.
6. The Lytle House (Edgewater, Chicago)
With its cozy courtyard and exposed-brick interior, this artful space is ideal for stylish, laid-back couples.
Guest count: Up to 80
Insider tip: A good planner will help you create a “flow” that uses every inch of the space efficiently: ceremony on one side of the courtyard, then flip it for dinner while guests sip cocktails in the lounge. Use layered textures like velvet table runners, patterned area rugs, and ambient string lighting for a warm, romantic atmosphere. Add heaters and a clear-top tent in cooler months—with uplighting and hanging greenery, it becomes pure magic.
7. Creativo Loft (River West, Chicago)
A historic loft from 1887 with huge windows and tons of character—perfect for couples who want a photo-friendly, light-filled space.
Guest count: Up to 84 seated
Insider tip: A brunch wedding here is a hidden gem move—vendors are more available, and guests love being home early. With a smaller group, you can serve a gourmet coffee bar, fresh pastries, and interactive breakfast stations. Keep florals simple and let the architecture and light be your backdrop. A planner can help structure a timeline that feels intentional, not rushed.
8. Homestead on the Roof (West Town, Chicago)
Rooftop garden meets cozy restaurant for a venue that feels like a secret city escape.
Guest count: Up to 100
Insider tip: Turn this into the ultimate long-table dinner party. Add overhead greenery installs to define the space and soften the open rooftop. Serve a seasonal, multi-course meal and let a planner coordinate a sommelier or mixologist-led cocktail hour. With fewer guests, you’re not stretching your budget—you’re maximizing it for thoughtful experiences guests will never forget.
9. Catalyst Ranch (West Loop, Chicago)
This colorful, eclectic space is full of personality and perfect for couples who want a wedding that’s as creative as they are.
Guest count: Up to 100
Insider tip: A great planner knows how to organize Catalyst Ranch into distinct zones: lounge seating, dinner, photo ops, and dance floor—without it feeling chaotic. Encourage mingling with unexpected experiences like tarot readers, live painters, or an interactive dessert bar. Smaller guest counts mean more room to curate those playful, unforgettable moments.
10. Villa D’ Citta (Lincoln Park, Chicago)
A romantic Italian-style B&B in the heart of the city, complete with a courtyard and luxurious overnight accommodations.
Guest count: Up to 75
Insider tip: Your planner can help treat this like a full wedding weekend retreat. Host a pizza night welcome party, courtyard ceremony, and dinner with soft lighting and Italian music. The wine cellar makes the perfect moody after-party space. With fewer people, you can bring in artisanal gelato carts, Aperol spritz bars, or even a live string quartet—all without blowing your budget.
11. Warehouse 109 (Plainfield, Suburbs)
If you’re into retro vibes and bold design, this venue delivers. Warehouse: 109 is an eclectic indoor/outdoor space featuring vintage motorcycles, neon signs, and even an Airstream lounge.
Guest count: Up to 150 (sweet spot around 100)
Insider tip: A great planner can lean into the quirk factor while keeping things stylish and cohesive. Think food trucks, graphic signage, custom cocktails, and a dance floor that keeps the party going all night.
12. LondonHouse Chicago (Downtown, Chicago)
If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” with the Chicago River and skyline as your backdrop, LondonHouse makes it happen. Their historic-meets-modern hotel has everything from an elegant ballroom to the Cupola rooftop that feels like it was designed just for unforgettable ceremonies.
Guest count: Up to 300 in the ballroom, or as few as 2–60 for intimate rooftop or Cupola ceremonies.
Insider tip: LondonHouse is all about flow. With multiple spaces (rooftop, terrace, ballroom), it’s easy to lose intimacy if you don’t have a plan. That’s where a planner comes in—we’ll map out the transitions so your guests feel like they’re on a perfectly curated journey instead of bouncing around. Bonus: weekday or brunch weddings here are a smart way to snag more rooftop time and keep the vibe intentional.
13. The Homestead 1854 (Plano, Suburbs)
Tucked away in a small town with serious storybook charm, Homestead 1854 blends historic elegance with a relaxed outdoor vibe. The lush gardens and vintage greenhouse are perfect for couples who want a private, romantic setting.
Guest count: Up to 100
Insider tip: Your planner can help design a ceremony under the trees, followed by an al fresco dinner with twinkle lights, vintage tables, and wild garden-style florals. It’s like stepping into a Jane Austen novel—with modern cocktails.
14. The Monte Bello Estate (Lemont, Suburbs)
A hidden gem nestled in the southwest suburbs, this estate offers lush gardens, a serene pond, and a warm, rustic-chic reception space.
Guest count: Up to 100
Insider tip: Your planner can help you create a seamless outdoor-to-indoor flow—ceremony under the trees, golden hour cocktails by the pond, then dinner inside with hanging greenery and warm uplighting. It’s peaceful, romantic, and feels like a destination wedding just 45 minutes from the city.
15. The Builders BLDG (Loop, Chicago)
Historic charm meets modern edge in this downtown venue with marble floors, tall ceilings, and major architectural vibes.
Guest count: Up to 100 seated
Insider tip: It’s made for a chic city celebration—think black-tie dinner, candlelit cocktails, and statement florals. A planner can help you transform the space to feel intimate and elevated without losing its bold personality.
16. Jen’s Guesthouse (Willow Springs, Suburbs)
Tucked into a wooded spot just outside the city, Jen’s Guesthouse is a warm, welcoming venue with a garden ceremony space and cozy indoor reception room.
Guest count: Up to 100
Insider tip: Perfect for couples wanting a charming, low-key vibe without sacrificing style. A planner can help you lean into the natural surroundings with floral-heavy decor, string lights, and intimate dinner tables that make guests feel right at home.
17. The Arbory (Logan Square, Chicago)
A modern venue with a greenhouse feel, The Arbory features wood beams, tons of natural light, and greenery-filled vibes that bring the outdoors in.
Guest count: Up to 300, but feels cozy and intimate around 100-200
Insider tip: This space shines with organic, minimalist design. Let your planner elevate it with layered candles, airy florals, and long tables for an effortlessly stylish dinner party feel. It’s the perfect blend of city edge and natural charm.
18. The Wellsley (River North, Chicago)
This stylish, second-floor lounge offers an intimate setting with plush velvet seating and a warm, inviting ambiance. It’s ideal for couples seeking a chic, city vibe without the typical banquet hall feel.
Guest count: Up to 100 for a reception; 60 seated
Insider tip: The Wellsley’s unique layout is perfect for a cocktail-style reception with passed hors d’oeuvres and interactive food stations. A planner can assist in creating cozy lounge areas and a dance floor that keeps the energy flowing all night.
19. The Courtyard House (South Loop, Chicago)
An urban oasis, The Courtyard House features a charming outdoor courtyard and a modern indoor space with clean lines and natural light. It’s a versatile venue that can be tailored to fit various wedding styles.
Guest count: Up to 150
Insider tip: Utilize the courtyard for a serene ceremony or cocktail hour, then transition inside for dinner and dancing. A planner can help incorporate elements like string lights and greenery to enhance the venue’s natural beauty.
20. The Robey Hotel (Wicker Park, Chicago)
Perched in the heart of Wicker Park, The Robey Hotel offers a chic rooftop venue with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. Its modern design and intimate setting make it ideal for couples seeking a stylish city celebration.
Guest count: Up to 60 guests
Insider tip: The rooftop’s sleek ambiance pairs perfectly with minimalist decor and ambient lighting. A planner can help you curate a seamless flow from ceremony to cocktail hour, ensuring a memorable experience against the backdrop of the city’s lights.
💡 Final Thoughts: Making the Most of a Smaller Space
When you’re hosting around 100 guests or fewer, you have the freedom to be intentional—and that translates to an elevated experience. See which planning package fits your vision best. (And if your dream wedding looks more like 200+, everything here still applies! A thoughtful planner will scale your budget and design so it feels personal no matter the size.)
- Create intimacy through layout: A planner can help you style the space with long tables, cozy lounges, or multiple zones (ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing) that make the venue feel full and immersive.
- Stretch your budget smartly: $100K goes way further with 50 guests than 250. Rather than thinning out your budget across hundreds, invest deeply in elevated guest experiences: top-shelf food and drinks, custom signage, rich florals, or interactive elements like champagne towers or chef stations.
- Add atmosphere: With fewer tables to decorate, go for lush florals, layered linens, personalized name cards, and thoughtful lighting. String lights, chandeliers, and hundreds of candles go a long way in transforming a space.
- Plan for connection: With fewer guests, you’ll actually get to talk to everyone. You can do multiple courses, extended toasts, games, or even private lounge areas for late-night chats.
- Rethink the timeline: Brunch weddings are a dream. Guests are fresh, your energy is high, and everyone is home by 9 PM. It also opens up more vendor availability and lower costs.
🌟 Wedding Trends to Watch in 2026 & 2027
From what I’m seeing with my couples—and my insider view of the 2026/2027 wedding world—here are the trends I know will shape weddings in the next few years:
- Intentional guest lists: Couples are focusing on people they truly connect with, trading mass invites for meaningful company.
- Elevated experiences: Think curated menus, private chefs, immersive entertainment, and interactive food or drink stations.
- Multi-day celebrations: Intimate guest counts mean you can extend the party. Welcome dinners, post-wedding brunches, and unique group outings are all on the rise.
- Statement florals & lighting: With fewer tables to decorate, couples are investing in high-impact floral installs, custom chandeliers, and candlelight to set the mood.
- Home-style vibes: Cozy furniture, mismatched vintage chairs, velvet runners, and layered textures are giving weddings a lived-in, comfortable, romantic feel.
- Creative timelines: Couples are rethinking structure—with more brunch weddings, late-night lounge vibes, and guest-centric pacing.
- Weekday weddings: These are gaining traction, offering greater availability and often better pricing for top-tier venues and vendors.
✨ Want a pro to help you bring it all together? That’s where we come in. At Monarch Creative Events, we specialize in seamless planning at every level—whether you need Event Management, Partial Planning, or Full Service with design. No matter your guest count, we’ll make your vision stress-free and unforgettable. Let’s chat.
PS: Want even more ideas? Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes tips and real wedding inspo, and on Pinterest for boards packed with planning ideas you’ll actually use.
