The Harold Washington Library’s eighth-floor Winter Garden is one of Chicago’s most striking reception rooms, a glass-domed atrium that pours natural light onto marble floors, and it’s given us one of our favorite receptions to film.

A Wedding We Have Filmed at Harold Washington Library

Alexandra and Christopher’s November reception filled the Winter Garden after a cocktail hour in the Grand Lobby with a live jazz trio. Dinner and dancing beneath the glass dome included a first dance to a live performance of Elton John’s “Your Song” and a late-night delivery of Jet’s Pizza to keep the packed dance floor going.

Watch the full story: Alexandra & Christopher: A Chicago Library Romance at the Winter Garden

Filming Weddings at Harold Washington Library

The Winter Garden’s glass dome gives us natural light well into the evening, a rare quality for an indoor Chicago reception space, and the marble floors and architecture add a formal elegance that pairs well with live music. The Grand Lobby downstairs works well for a separate cocktail hour before guests move up to the Winter Garden.

What a Harold Washington Library Wedding Costs

Contact the library’s event rental office directly for current rates and availability for the Winter Garden and other event spaces.

FAQ

Can you have live music in the Winter Garden?
Yes, Alexandra and Christopher’s reception included a live jazz trio for cocktail hour and a live performance of their first dance song.

What does the Winter Garden look like on film?
Expect a glass-domed ceiling and marble floors that give a reception real architectural elegance, distinct from a typical hotel ballroom.

Do you pair Harold Washington Library with a nearby ceremony venue?
Yes, Alexandra and Christopher married at Saint James Chapel before their reception here.

Planning a wedding at Harold Washington Library? Check your date →