Union League Club of Chicago Wedding Cost Guide (2027)

Planning a wedding at the Union League Club of Chicago? As wedding videographers who’ve filmed there, here’s the realistic cost breakdown.

Venue Rental Fees

As a private club, the Union League Club doesn’t charge a separate room rental fee; the base wedding package starts at $145 per guest for members and $150 for non-members. That package includes five passed hors d’oeuvres, a three-course plated meal, a four-hour bar package, dinner wine service, floor-length linens, charger plates, dining chairs, the dance floor, and a one-bedroom executive suite for the couple on their wedding night. A recent Friday wedding for about 130 guests in President’s Hall came to roughly $33,000 before taxes and service charges for venue, food, and beverage.

Food and Beverage

Catering and bar service are exclusive to the club’s own team, built into the per-guest package above. Couples commonly add premium bar upgrades, signature cocktails, or late-night snacks on top of the base package, which adds to the per-guest cost.

Other Costs to Budget

Beyond the per-guest package, plan for floral and decor, photography and videography, entertainment, and any decor upgrades since the club’s landmark status means nothing can be taped, nailed, or affixed to the walls or columns; all signage and florals must be freestanding. Ali and John’s wedding also included a photo booth and calligraphy on top of catering and entertainment. Because the club spans multiple floors (getting-ready suites, cocktail spaces, and the reception room are often on different levels), a wedding planner familiar with the building’s elevator logistics is worth the cost.

Sample Budget: 130 Guests, President’s Hall

For a Friday or Sunday wedding with about 130 guests, expect the base package alone to run around $19,000 to $19,500 at $145 to $150 per person, with taxes, service charges, and typical upgrades (premium bar, late-night snacks, signature cocktails) pushing a full wedding to around $30,000 to $33,000 for venue, food, and beverage. Industry planners commonly budget $250 to $300 per guest all-in for a full Friday or Sunday celebration once florals, photography, videography, and entertainment are added. Confirm current member and non-member pricing directly with the club.

Is the Union League Club of Chicago Worth It?

For couples who want old-Chicago grandeur without needing much added decor, yes. Zac and Bridget married at Saint Clement, then closed their Main Dining Room reception with a Trinity Irish Dance performance. Ali and John paired a Church of the Holy Family ceremony with a Lincoln Ballroom reception and Ken Arlen’s Entourage on stage. Both films lean on the building’s wood-paneled rooms and soaring ceilings doing most of the visual work.

Union League Club of Chicago Wedding Cost Guide FAQ

How much does a Union League Club of Chicago wedding cost?
The base package starts at $145 to $150 per guest. A full Friday or Sunday wedding for 130 guests, including taxes, service charges, and typical upgrades, commonly runs $30,000 to $33,000 for venue, food, and beverage alone, with all-in budgets (florals, photography, entertainment included) often landing around $250 to $300 per guest.

Do you need to be a member to get married at the Union League Club?
Typically yes, couples need to be members or have a family connection, though the club’s events team can walk you through specifics.

What decor restrictions should we know about?
As a protected landmark, nothing can be taped, nailed, or affixed to the walls or columns. All florals and signage must be freestanding.

Getting married at the Union League Club of Chicago? We know the rooms, the light, and the staff. Check your date with 312FILMS →