The Art Institute of Chicago pairs world-class art with some of the city’s most striking modern architecture, and its Modern Wing has become one of our favorite Chicago reception spaces to film. Between Griffin Court’s glass-walled light, the Bluhm Terrace skyline views, and the Nichols Bridgeway at night, there’s no shortage of cinematic backdrops here.

Weddings We Have Filmed at the Art Institute of Chicago

Cici and Vincent were married in Griffin Court, Cici entering to “I Was Made for Loving You” and the couple exiting through a shower of paper planes to an instrumental of Coldplay’s “Paradise.” Their reception in Terzo Piano and on the Bluhm Terrace closed with a private, fireworks-lit session on the Nichols Bridgeway.

Watch the full story: Cici & Vincent’s Wedding at the Art Institute of Chicago

Lauren and Ryan married at St. Michael’s in Old Town, then brought their 415-guest energy to the Art Institute’s Modern Wing, with a Griffin Court reception, a grand entrance to “Walking on Sunshine,” and portraits on the Nichols Bridgeway at night.

Watch the full story: Lauren & Ryan’s Wedding at St. Michael’s Old Town & the Art Institute

Gina and Benjamin married at Church of the Holy Family before bringing 415 guests to the Art Institute’s Modern Wing, with purple uplighting in Griffin Court and a dramatic entrance down the Morton staircase to Calvin Harris’s “How Deep Is Your Love.”

Watch the full story: Gina & Benjamin’s Wedding at Holy Family & the Art Institute of Chicago

Filming Weddings at the Art Institute of Chicago

Griffin Court’s glass ceiling gives us beautiful, changing natural light for ceremonies and reception coverage alike, while the Bluhm Terrace and Nichols Bridgeway are our go-to spots for skyline portraits, especially once the sun goes down and the city lights come on. The Modern Wing’s clean architectural lines photograph well against nearly any wedding aesthetic, from classic to modern.

What an Art Institute of Chicago Wedding Costs

Contact the Art Institute’s private events team directly for current rental rates and catering packages.

FAQ

Can we have both our ceremony and reception at the Art Institute?
Yes. Cici and Vincent held their ceremony in Griffin Court and their reception in Terzo Piano and on the Bluhm Terrace, all within the museum.

What does the Art Institute look like on film at night?
The Nichols Bridgeway and Bluhm Terrace give us some of our favorite skyline shots in the city after dark, as seen in both Cici & Vincent’s and Lauren & Ryan’s films.

How many guests can the Modern Wing hold?
Gina and Benjamin’s reception in Griffin Court hosted 415 guests, so the space scales well for large celebrations.

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