The Rookery Building: An Iconic Downtown Chicago Wedding Venue

A Guide to the Rookery Building, Chicago’s Iconic Wedding Venue

If you’re planning your wedding at The Rookery Building in downtown Chicago—or even just considering it—you’re in for something truly special. With its iconic Light Court, ornate grand staircase, and timeless elegance, this downtown Chicago wedding venue blends historic grandeur with city‑chic elegance.

As a Chicago wedding photographer with over a decade of experience documenting elegant and timeless celebrations, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph a wedding inside this architectural gem. While the couple I worked with requested privacy and opted not to share any identifying images, I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of the venue itself through select photographs that highlight its beauty and ambiance. I can confidently say: The Rookery Building is one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in the city.

The History of This Iconic Chicago Landmark

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Financial District, this historic downtown Chicago wedding venue offers a seamless mix of architectural brilliance and romantic charm. Constructed between 1885–1888 by Daniel Burnham and John Root, The Rookery Building was a marvel of its time: an early steel‑frame skyscraper and one of the tallest structures globally. There are several theories behind how “The Rookery” got its name—perhaps the crows and pigeons that nested on the building’s walls, or a cheeky comparison to the politicians who once spent their days there (read more about its history here). 

In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright reimagined this iconic space with white Carrara marble, gilded Persian motifs, and hanging bronze prism chandeliers. After decades of wear, a major 1989–1992 restoration revived The Rookery’s architectural glory, integrating new elevators, lighting, and accessibility upgrades while honoring its historic interiors. This means that couples planning their wedding at The Rookery get the best of both worlds—historic elegance with modern amenities.

The Rookery Building’s Architectural Highlights 

The Light Court

At the heart of The Rookery Building is its famed Light Court: a two‑story iron and glass atrium flooding the interior with natural light. Perfect for luxurious wedding ceremonies and elegant receptions, the Light Court is an architectural marvel—bright, airy, and dramatic. With a unique bird-cage-like feel, you’ll notice stunning details like the elaborate, hand-laid mosaic tile covering the main floor.

The Grand Staircase

Alongside the Light Court is the famous oriel staircase (often called the “grand staircase”)—a semi-circular staircase that rises from the 2nd to the 12th floor. Perfect for couple portraits with an editorial feel, this show-stopping architectural feature is one of the most recognizable photo locations in any downtown Chicago wedding venue.

A Photographer’s Guide to Getting Married at The Rookery

As a Chicago wedding photographer who has photographed weddings at The Rookery Building, here are a few insights to consider as you think about getting married at this venue:

Ideal Downtown Chicago Location 

With nearby hotels, iconic photo spots, and easy guest access, The Rookery Building is a perfect choice for a downtown Chicago wedding. Your guests will enjoy all that the beautiful Financial District neighborhood has to offer plus easy transportation to other city landmarks.

Lighting Inside the Rookery Building

The natural light inside the Rookery Building during daytime ceremonies is incredible—but having a photographer who understands how to work with the shadows and reflective surfaces here is key. Capturing wedding photos in The Rookery is both an art and a skill!

Transition from Ceremony to Reception Seamlessly

The flow of the space inside the Light Court allows for beautiful transitions from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception without needing to leave the venue. This is ideal for couples who want to make things easy for their guests (and simplify their wedding-day timeline).

Photo Opportunities at the Rookery

Every angle inside the Rookery Building is photo-worthy—from the old-world style of the Light Court to the unforgettable architecture of the grand staircase. If you’re a Chicago couple who wants your wedding to feel timeless, editorial, and elegant, the Rookery is a great choice for a wedding venue. Even without showing faces in these photos, we’ve captured stunning details—architectural elements, tablescapes, and artistic vignettes that tell the story of the day.

Plan Your Wedding at the Rookery Building

The Rookery Building is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue in the heart of downtown Chicago. With its architectural splendor, historic details, modern amenities, and flexible event spaces, the Rookery stands out as one of the most sought-after Chicago wedding venues for couples and photographers alike.

Curious about planning your wedding at the Rookery Building? Fill out our inquiry form to find out how Winterlyn Photography can document your day with elegant storytelling and personal care.

Vendor Team

The biggest cheers to these incredible vendors who made this wedding come together so flawlessly:

Wedding Planner: Lizzie Stam at Naturally Yours Events  

Photography: Winterlyn Photography

Ceremony & Reception: The Rookery Building

Florist: Yanni Design Studio

Makeup & Hair: Blush and Braids Beauty Bar