The Drake Hotel Chicago Wedding Cost Guide (2026)

Planning a wedding at The Drake Hotel in Chicago? As wedding videographers who film there regularly, we get asked about Drake costs constantly. Here is the realistic breakdown for 2026.

Venue Rental Fees

• Peak season (May to October): $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the space and day of the week. Saturday evenings in the Gold Coast Room or Grand Ballroom sit at the top of that range.
• Off-peak (November to April): $5,000 to $12,000. Winter weddings at The Drake are underrated: the holiday decor and moody lakefront light are stunning on film.

Food and Beverage

• Catering: $150 to $300 per person for plated dinners, buffets, or stations.
• Bar: open bar packages from around $40 per person, with premium upgrades available.
• Food and beverage minimums apply to prime dates, so confirm the minimum for your specific date before signing.

Other Costs to Budget

• Ceremony fee: $1,000 to $2,500 for an on-site ceremony.
• Service charge and tax: 20 to 22 percent service charge plus Chicago sales tax on top of everything above.
• Vendors: photography, videography, florals, music, and planning are separate from the venue. Most Drake couples we work with budget $25,000 to $60,000 for vendors in total.

Sample Budget: 150 Guests, Peak-Season Saturday

• Venue rental: $12,000
• Catering and bar (150 × $250): $37,500
• Ceremony fee: $2,000
• Service charge and tax (~22%): $11,300
• Venue total: roughly $63,000, before outside vendors.

Is The Drake Worth It?

In our experience filming weddings across Chicago’s luxury venues, The Drake delivers something none of the newer venues can: a century of history. The gilded ballrooms, the sweeping staircases, and Oak Street Beach minutes from the front door give a wedding film a timeless quality that modern spaces have to manufacture. See our Drake Hotel wedding films and full venue guide.

Drake Hotel Wedding Cost FAQ

What is the minimum cost for a Drake Hotel wedding?
A small off-peak wedding can start around $20,000 to $25,000 all-in at the venue. Large peak-season celebrations commonly exceed $80,000 with vendors.

How can we save money at The Drake?
Choose a Friday, Sunday, or off-peak month, keep the guest list tight, and put the savings toward what you will keep forever: your photos and film.

Getting married at The Drake? We have filmed there for years and know every corner. Check your date →