The Lyric Opera of Chicago makes its home in the Civic Opera House, a stunning Art Deco landmark on the Chicago River. For couples who want their wedding to feel like a scene from a grand production, the opera house’s Grand Foyer and iconic red stairs are hard to top anywhere in the city.
A Lyric Opera House Wedding Film
Watch Chelsea & Kevin’s wedding: a North Avenue Beach first look, an unplugged ceremony in the Grand Foyer, and a group photo on the iconic red stairs.
The Spaces
The Grand Foyer is the opera house’s signature ceremony and reception space, with the venue’s famous red stairs doubling as a dramatic backdrop for group photos right after the vows. A mezzanine level works well for cocktail hour before guests move to the reception.
A Second Celebration at the Civic Opera House
Mandy & James’s multi-day wedding paired a traditional tea ceremony with a full ceremony and reception at the Civic Opera House, complete with a balcony cocktail hour and a string-accompanied vocal performance during the vows.
Ceremony Options
Both couples we’ve filmed here held their full ceremony inside the opera house, whether an unplugged, device-free service or a formal ceremony with live musical performances. The Grand Foyer’s scale and acoustics give live music real presence during the processional and vows.
Photo & Video Locations
The opera house’s riverfront location puts the Chicago River, Wrigley Building, and Art Institute’s South Garden all within a short drive or walk for portraits, and both couples we’ve filmed used the South Garden as part of their day.
What a Lyric Opera House Wedding Costs
Pricing depends on guest count, chosen spaces, season, and catering package. We recommend contacting the venue’s event team directly for current rental and catering figures.
Filming Weddings at the Lyric Opera House
Few venues in Chicago give a wedding film this much drama: the Grand Foyer’s scale, the red stairs for a genuinely theatrical group photo, and acoustics built for live music. We’ve filmed an unplugged ceremony and a full traditional-plus-Western celebration here, and we know how to make the most of the opera house’s grandest moments on camera.
FAQ
Can you have both ceremony and reception at the Lyric Opera House?
Yes. Both couples we’ve filmed held their full ceremony and reception at the Civic Opera House.
Is the Lyric Opera House good for cultural or multi-day celebrations?
Yes. Mandy & James paired a traditional tea ceremony at home with their full wedding celebration at the opera house.
What’s the signature photo spot at the venue?
The Grand Foyer’s iconic red stairs, a favorite for a dramatic group photo right after the ceremony.
Who films weddings at the Lyric Opera House?
We do. Check your date →