Eco-Friendly Wedding Venues in Chicago

Photos provided by: Fairlie

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and for many couples, it’s an opportunity to celebrate not just their love but also their values. If sustainability and environmental responsibility are important to you, finding an eco-friendly wedding venue can make your special day even more meaningful. Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods offer plenty of venues that embrace green practices. The Green Wedding Alliance features vendors dedicated to sustainability, and we’re excited to share some of our top eco-friendly venue partners who are just as committed to going green as you are.

Loft on the Lake

• Location: 1366 W Lake St. Chicago, IL 60607

• About: The venue features a spacious 4,800 square feet layout with 2,400 square feet of unobstructed space, highlighted by stunning bow truss ceilings and a 65-foot skylight that fills the space with natural light. The exposed brick and ductwork, along with copper-glossed concrete floors, create a unique and stylish backdrop. The central location offers easy access, with convenient parking options and proximity to downtown amenities.

• Green Features: Loft on Lake is dedicated to sustainability with energy-efficient LED lighting, a 65-foot skylight that conserves energy through natural light and warmth, and low-flow restroom facilities. They use environmentally safe cleaning products and bamboo-based paper products from Cloud Paper. The venue also promotes waste reduction by recycling, composting food waste with The Urban Canopy, and renting out décor items to minimize waste.

Photos by LoftyWeddings, Loft on Lake’s in-house photo & team.

The Joinery

• Location: 2533 West Homer Street, Chicago Illinois

• About: The Joinery blends minimalistic brick and timber beauty with custom lighting and handcrafted details. Its open floor plan and collection of smaller spaces offer clients the flexibility to fully customize their events. The venue’s architectural features include re-purposed machinery turned into furniture and custom details, and the use of reclaimed timber for stair treads, window framing, and farm tables. Located at the intersection of Humboldt Park, West Bucktown, and Logan Square, it is within walking distance of an El Stop and major bus lines, with close proximity to local nightlife.

• Green Features: The Joinery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its transformation from a former wood-working shop into a unique event space. The venue preserved a classic Chicago building, avoiding the energy and CO2 emissions associated with demolition and new construction. They repurpose historical artifacts and use salvaged materials, such as heavy timber lumber and barn wood tables. The space features a huge central bay skylight for daylighting, LED and dimmable lighting, high-efficiency HVAC with digital thermostats, low to no VOC paints, and environmentally safe cleaning supplies. The Joinery also has a recycling program for all vendors.

Photos by Cassie Anna Photography, Megan Saul Photography, and Joined Purposefully Photography

Colvin House

• Location: 5940 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660

• About: Designed by Prairie School architect George Washington Maher in 1909, Colvin House offers a blend of historic charm and modern elegance. The venue features a grand interior with a crystal chandelier, marble fireplaces, and stylish vintage furnishings. The lush outdoor gardens and views of Lake Michigan provide a picturesque setting for ceremonies and receptions. The original Carriage/Coach House has been converted into a charming cocktail lounge, adding versatility and reducing the need for additional rental materials. Centrally located with easy access to public transportation and ride-sharing options, Colvin House provides a unique, elegant backdrop for unforgettable events.

• Green Features: Colvin House has undergone a thoughtful restoration that balances historic preservation with modern sustainability. The mansion utilizes LED and motion-activated lighting, a new energy-efficient HVAC system, and water-saving improvements. Natural light floods the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The venue promotes sustainability through its use of non-toxic, environmentally safe cleaning supplies, and recycled or compostable paper products. Low VOC paint and repurposed materials are used in repairs, and farm timers, focused watering hoses, and deep mulching help conserve water in the gardens.

The Atria

• Location: 3146 W Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60622

• About: Situated in the heart of Humboldt Park, The Atria is a 6,000 sqft bow truss loft with a unique blend of modern and industrial aesthetics. The space features white brick walls, marbled concrete floors, a luxurious Saint Henry granite bar, and custom wood furnishings. The venue also boasts 20-foot ceilings, a conference room, four break-out offices, and eclectic textures with reclaimed textiles. The historical building’s design fosters an authentically timeless atmosphere, making it ideal for a variety of events while embracing an eco-friendly ethos.

• Green Features: The Atria is dedicated to sustainability with a range of eco-friendly practices. The venue incorporates recycling and composting and supports local and eco-friendly businesses. The space itself features creative mending practices and reclaimed materials, reflecting its commitment to repair rather than replace. A 75-foot skylight significantly reduces energy use, and the venue is designed with sustainable elegance in mind, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maintaining style and functionality.

Photos by: Tuan B & Co

Fairlie

• Location: 339 N Bell Ave Chicago, IL 60612

• About: Fairlie offers a striking 15,000 square feet of space, including a ceremony and reception area, mezzanines, and dressing lounges. The venue's design combines warm exposed-brick walls, raw steel, and marbled concrete accents to create a modern yet timeless atmosphere. Skylight atrium windows and industrial-style lighting fixtures blend natural light with soft elegance. A custom steel and grid staircase provides access to a second-floor loft and lounge area. Located in Chicago’s Kinzie Industrial Corridor, Fairlie is both versatile and stylish, ideal for a variety of events while upholding strong sustainability values.

• Green Features: Fairlie is committed to sustainability with a range of eco-friendly practices. The venue reduces waste by using reusable oil-burning candles and repurposed wood and windows for décor. It minimizes water and delivery waste by using provided curtains and drapery for partitioning. Fairlie also encourages the use of a mini fridge to replace styrofoam coolers and has an onsite recycling and waste pickup system. Energy efficiency is enhanced with high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and dimmable LED lighting. Skylights are used for natural warmth and light, and environmentally safe cleaning supplies come in recyclable packaging. The venue also uses a rechargeable battery Tuk Tuk for photo ops and minimizes paper waste with electronic document filing.

Choosing an eco-friendly wedding venue in Chicago is a wonderful way to celebrate your love while honoring your commitment to the planet. With a range of beautiful and sustainable options available, you can find a venue that not only meets your aesthetic and functional needs but also aligns with your values. By making green choices for your big day, you're not just creating lasting memories—you’re also contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future. Looking for eco-friendly wedding vendors? We’ve got you covered! Explore our curated list of approved vendors, including caterers, wedding planners, florists, and more, to help you plan a wedding that’s as sustainable as it is beautiful.