Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Wedding Films

The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk sits on the north bank of the Chicago River at 301 East North Water Street, steps from Michigan Avenue and the Riverwalk. With more than 125,000 square feet of event space and one of the largest hotel ballrooms in Chicago, it is one of the few downtown hotels that can host a large South Asian wedding, from the Baraat to the ceremony and reception, under one roof.

Sheraton Grand Weddings We Have Filmed

Shivani & Kiran

Shivani and Kiran’s November wedding weekend began with a Haldi and Ganesh Puja at the family home in Long Grove and a Sangeet at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens. On the wedding day, Kiran arrived on horseback for a Baraat that danced through downtown Chicago, and the couple married in the hotel’s Chicago Ballroom before a reception that opened to Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” and a first dance to Johnny Cash’s “Rose of My Heart.” Watch the full story →

Why South Asian Families Choose the Sheraton Grand

Size is the first reason: few downtown hotels can seat a guest list of several hundred for dinner and dancing. The second is flexibility. With dozens of event rooms, the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception can each have their own space, so nothing has to be flipped while guests wait, and family members staying at the hotel can get ready, rest and return without leaving the building. The hotel also allows outside catering for South Asian weddings through its preferred vendors.

Planning Tips

• Plan the Baraat early. Ask the hotel where the procession can start and end, and whether a horse is allowed on the route; the hotel and city rules decide this.
• Confirm your caterer. Ask for the list of approved outside caterers before you sign with one.
• Book a room block early. A large wedding weekend fills quickly with family and out-of-town guests.
• Check current pricing. One wedding listing shows a ceremony fee of about $3,500 and packages from about $180 per person; confirm current numbers directly with the hotel.
• Give each night its own setting. Like Shivani and Kiran, many couples hold the Sangeet at a second venue, which makes every event feel different in photos and film.
• Plan for two filmmakers. On a South Asian wedding day the bride’s and groom’s preparations and the Baraat often happen at the same time, so a two-person team means nothing is missed.

Planning a wedding at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk? See more venues in our Chicago wedding venue guide, or check your date.