Chicago Athletic Association Wedding Cost Guide (2027)

Planning a wedding at the Chicago Athletic Association? As wedding videographers who’ve filmed there, here’s the realistic cost breakdown.

Venue Rental Fees

The CAA doesn’t charge a separate venue rental fee; pricing is built entirely into per-guest wedding packages. Three tiers are available: $209 per person for a three-course dinner with premium bar and five hors d’oeuvres, $279 per person for a four-course dinner with sparkling toast and upgraded hors d’oeuvres, and $309 per person for a five-course dinner with a prestige bar, intermezzo course, and late-night bites. Ceremony chairs run $5 each.

Food and Beverage

All catering and bar service is exclusive to the hotel; no outside catering or bar vendors are permitted. The per-person package covers cocktail hour, a multi-course plated dinner, an open bar, wedding cake, coffee and tea service, floor-length linens, votive candles, and modern china. A 25% service charge and 11.75% Chicago sales tax apply to food and beverage charges; venue fees themselves generally aren’t taxed in Illinois.

Other Costs to Budget

Beyond the per-guest package, plan for photography and videography, floral and decor, entertainment, and a few smaller line items: coat check runs $275 per attendant plus $2 per coat from October through April, and audio equipment goes through the hotel’s AV partner. On the upside, the package already includes a complimentary suite for the newlyweds, room upgrades for parents, a changing room, discounted valet, and a room block for up to 20 guests.

Sample Budget: 150 Guests

Using the entry-level $209 per-person package, 150 guests runs approximately $43,900 all-in for venue, food, and beverage once service charge and tax are included, based on third-party cost modeling. Factoring in photography, videography, floral, and entertainment on top, a full wedding here commonly lands around $110,000, though costs scale up quickly with the $279 or $309 packages or a larger guest count.

Is the Chicago Athletic Association Worth It?

For couples who want a single landmark building to carry an entire wedding weekend, yes. Cayli and Matt opened their day with a groomsmen basketball game on the hotel’s historic Stagg Court, married at St. John Berchmans, then closed the night dancing in the White City Ballroom under lights that glow on camera. Few venues in Chicago offer this much texture and range within one address.

Chicago Athletic Association Wedding Cost Guide FAQ

How much does a Chicago Athletic Association wedding cost?
Per-guest packages start at $209 and run up to $309, before a 25% service charge and 11.75% tax. A 150-guest wedding at the base package runs about $44,000 for venue, food, and beverage, with a full wedding commonly landing around $110,000 once all vendors are included.

Can you really play basketball on your wedding day?
At the CAA, yes. Stagg Court is part of the hotel, and ask the events team about court access when booking.

Is outside catering allowed?
No, all catering and bar service is exclusive to the hotel.

Planning a Chicago Athletic Association wedding? From the basketball court to the White City Ballroom, we know this building. Check your date with 312FILMS →