University Club of Chicago Wedding Cost Guide (2027)

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

Venue Rental Fees

As a private club, the University Club doesn’t charge a flat room rental fee the way a hotel does; costs are driven by catering minimums, guest count, and season. A non-refundable $5,000 deposit reserves your date. If you hold your ceremony onsite, there’s a $750 fee with a hired wedding consultant or $1,500 without one. Cathedral Hall, the club’s signature ninth-floor Gothic space and the setting for all four of our University Club weddings, seats up to 300 for a formal dinner or holds 400+ for a cocktail-style reception.

Food and Beverage

Catering is exclusive to the University Club’s own kitchen, with wedding packages requiring a minimum of four dinner courses. Per-person catering typically runs $150 to $250 depending on menu. A 22% service charge plus applicable sales tax is added to all food and beverage charges, and menus must be finalized at least six weeks before the wedding.

Other Costs to Budget

Beyond catering, plan for floral and decor, entertainment, photography and videography, and hair and makeup. The club prohibits outside food and beverage in public areas and bridal changing rooms, so factor that into any vendor planning. One complimentary guest room for the couple is included on the wedding night for weddings held in Cathedral Hall or the Michigan Room.

Sample Budget: Cathedral Hall Wedding

Based on our experience filming here, most University Club weddings land around $85,000 all-in, driven primarily by guest count, season, and menu selection. For 150 guests at $200 per person plus the 22% service charge, catering alone runs close to $37,000, with the remainder of the budget going toward floral, photography, videography, and entertainment. Confirm current minimums and package details with the club’s catering team for your date.

Is the University Club of Chicago Worth It?

For couples who want a private-club, cathedral-scale room without leaving downtown, yes. Kristen and Kyle called Cathedral Hall “Hogwarts-like,” pairing a St. James Chapel ceremony with a high-energy Ken Arlen Evolution reception. Elizabeth and John Paul held a black-tie winter wedding with a classical quartet in Cathedral Hall and a 12-piece band that kept the floor packed until a late-night pizza delivery. Grace and Vincent brought a military saber arch and bagpipes to their reception after vows at St. Clement. Maggie and JT followed a Saint James Chapel Mass with dinner under the club’s beloved dinner bell tradition. Four very different weddings, all proving Cathedral Hall’s range.

University Club of Chicago Wedding Cost Guide FAQ

How much does a University Club of Chicago wedding cost?
Most weddings here total around $85,000 all-in. A $5,000 deposit reserves your date, catering runs $150 to $250 per person plus a 22% service charge, and onsite ceremonies add a $750 to $1,500 fee.

Do you need to be a member to get married at the University Club?
It’s a private club, so event access has membership-related requirements; the club’s events team can walk you through options for non-members.

How many guests does Cathedral Hall hold?
Up to 300 for a seated dinner or 400+ for a cocktail-style reception.

Getting married at the University Club of Chicago? We know every corner of Cathedral Hall, including exactly where the light falls. Check your date with 312FILMS →