I have nightmares about getting the license on the wrong day and a) the spots all filled up the day before, and b) the licence expiring on the day before our wedding. Absolutely stunning! Loved your wedding! Sign me up for your offbeat awesomeness newsletter! Hi! Don't miss out! It took about five minutes. This Chicago Cultural Center wedding was a joyous, two-day event that combined two families and two cultures in an impressive celebration. Any info would be much appreciated! Hey, I'm Ariel Meadow Stallings, the Seattle-based author of a book called Offbeat Bride: Create a Wedding That's Authentically YOU. ), and in the beautiful lavender fields of Millennium Park with the bold skyline towering behind. The historic building is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes and many unique event spaces including galleries, halls and a theater. Venue does not do guided tours, feel free to visit park during hours of operation. If you want to promote your stuff on Offbeat Bride, join us as an advertiser instead. All free!! Your special day will be remembered fondly by all for years to come! Our offbeat wedding at a glance: We had recently moved to Chicago and found out that most venue rental fees alone were much more than we wanted to spend for one party (especially since we wanted to honeymoon in Tokyo). The winter came early this November, but this beautiful Chicago wedding snuck right in between the two days of wintery weather. ". Your email address will not be published. Hi Haley, "We are not afraid to admit that for us, the ceremony itself was not as important as the photography and the honeymoon, so that's what we spent our money on. Attire ranged from jeans to full gowns. Please just use your real name in your comment, not your business name or blog title. This choice meant our guest list was limited to our immediate families, which was a much easier decision than coming up with a guest list for a larger ceremony. Hi Heather, I fell in love with your photos! One has to have priorities, especially if you live in an expensive city (I love Chicago but yes, it's expensive). Event Center, Park/Garden, Ocean/Waterfront View, Ballrooms, 7059 South South Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60649. We called the Marriage and Civil Union Court in March to see which Saturdays in June were available. Marty found a lovely fitted suit and tie to match, and was very excited to wear shiny black patent leather shoes. Is there a contact number you may be able to provide me with? I loved seeing your wedding profile because our wedding was kinda large and very rural – just the opposite of your intimate urban affair. My sister served as our best person of honor, in charge of parent wrangling and bridal hair. I just saw your comment. Then, we picked up our marriage license at the Daley Center exactly 60 days before June 11 (April 12, 2011). Love the dress! They were always very helpful on the phone. employee of the venue, owner of the venue, photographer). Prior to the ceremony, Marty had placed our rings in his suit coat pocket. Nestled within a 65-acre park on Lake Michigan and offering breathtaking water views, the South Shore Cultural Garden offers an ideal location for both your ceremony and reception. My favorite moment: Walking hand-in-hand with Marty as we were making our way down Wabash Avenue to the ceremony site and having complete strangers congratulate us made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Our comments are not the place to pimp your website. The stunning landmark offers a variety of options for large and small gatherings – from weddings, galas and cocktail receptions to corporate events, conferences and meetings. Thanks! You chose wisely! cultural center ceremony and an amazing brunch with their immediate family, they traversed the urban terrain for a super fun portrait session. More details can be found here under FAQ: http://www.cookcountycourt.org/ABOUTTHECOURT/MunicipalDepartment/FirstMunicipalDistrictChicago/MarriageandCivilUnion.aspx It looks like they've limited the number of days per month they perform ceremonies at the Cultural Center, so good luck! I want it to be special and I think you had an amazing plan. What was yor experience like? It's near millennium park as the bride mentions, and it just keeps going with little surprises and hidden areas. Afterwards, guests can enjoy cocktails and a deliciously crafted dinner in the grand ballroom - complete with cascading chandeliers and sparkling string lights above. Hi! For anyone who visits, be sure to check it out. Get a personalized estimate now — no strings attached. This extraordinary building was designed from a vision for a club within a country setting and was inspired from a photograph of a private club in Mexico City. Part of what makes the Offbeat Empire different is our commitment to civil, constructive commenting. A refundable security deposit of $600 is required. We are just as married now as we would be if we would have had a large ceremony, and that is what matters. FH is immigrating from The Netherlands and his parents and I will be paying for all the wedding ourselves. They open at 8:30, we were in line at 8. We knew a few months ahead of time that we'd like to get married in June 2011. We're planning on getting up bright and early on April 22 for our June 21 ceremony. Message this venue now to check their availability and receive more information. This pair took serious advantage of the awesome locales in their new city of Chicago. Required fields are marked *. Your wedding looks absolutely fantastic. We share a wedding anniversary (6.11.11)! My fiance and I want a quiet, private ceremony. Hall waiting their turn to enter the ceremony room. Many congratulations and hope to see your honeymoon post soon!!! Thank you! Thanks! Love the pics! - Amplified music OK indoors and outdoors, - Alcohol must be served by licensed bartender/caterer, Price this venue to get your customized estimate, no strings attached. I realized that yes, this is a special day, and that I am so happy and excited to be marrying Marty. Care to share a few vendor/shopping links? I've had some difficulty trying to contact anyone that could help me arrange getting married there.