We’ve compiled a list of the midwest’s best small wedding venues, listed state-by-state. Find the perfect intimate space to host your 2022 wedding. Let’s start with Illinois:
Illinois Featured Small Wedding Venue:
Celeste
111 West Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654
What’s not to love about this small wedding venue!? It’s a historic restaurant space with a modern twist featuring an English garden-inspired enclosed outdoor rooftop, marble wraparound bars, an art deco-themed room, and an amazing cocktail program. Whether you’re looking to keep things relaxed with hors d’oeuvre stations and a family-style dinner or go big with passed appetizers and a plated meal, River North’s Celeste has you covered. With a capacity range of 15-125 people, this picturesque Chicago venue is sure to check all the boxes for your small wedding venue!
Kentucky Featured Small Wedding Venue:
Apiary
218 Jefferson St., Lexington, KY
I don’t want to say that I’m biased about how lovely exposed brick is in small wedding venues… but I am biased and it is lovely! This little venue offers gorgeous greenery, an urban and elegant atmosphere, and some of the best cuisine in all of Kentucky. And to stress that point, their website says it all perfectly; “Yes, Kentucky has its own culinary subtleties and the team at Apiary has combined their well-known farm to table catering with their exceptionally stylish event space.” With oodles of Southern hospitality, Old-World craftsmanship, and a capacity range of 25-200 people, the Apiary is the perfect space for your small, elegant wedding!
Ohio Featured Small Wedding Venue:
Graduate Columbus
750 N. High St., Columbus, ON 43215
If you’re looking for a venue that knows local style and culture – Graduate Columbus is exactly what you’re looking for. Besides having a Jesse Owens ballroom (who, fun fact, graduated from Ohio State) they decorate each of their hotel rooms with relevant, cheeky decor. It’s a short trip to both Ohio State and the city’s vibrant downtown, and with a capacity of 30-160 people, this venue is sure to keep you in the middle of the action!
Michigan Featured Small Wedding Venue:
Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
8540 Island Lake Rd., Dexter, MI 48130
There’s an extensive list of reasons you’re going to love this small wedding venue, but here’s a few of my favorite reasons; 27 acres of pastoral charm, a stunning 1834 Greek Revival farmhouse, and a classic gable-roof red barn. Whether you’re looking for an elopement, an intimate wedding, or even a bespoke package Zingerman’s has you covered! Their capacity ranges from 5-300 people, so no matter the size of your day they’re sure to have you covered!
Indiana Featured Small Wedding Venue:
The Sanctuary On Penn
701 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
If you want to avoid stress on your wedding day, this is the small wedding venue for you! The Sanctuary on Penn’s hospitality starts with a private tour behind their Romanesque Revival walls crawling with ivy, so you can see if they are the best venue for you and your guests. Here, you get a full-service venue that’s all about your tastes, your wishes, your family, and your beliefs. As they put it, “It’s your wedding day, not ours… there’s no reason why you should have to compromise on anything, especially your venue.” Whether you’re looking for a fabulous DJ, a skilled hairstylist, an artistic florist, or any vendor in between — you’ll find them here! Not to mention that with two stories, a cozy patio, a lush courtyard, free city parking, and a capacity of 20-250 people there’s plenty of room for everyone!
Wisconsin Featured Small Wedding Venue:
The Mitch
1104 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
If you’re anything like me, you love those light, airy vibes – and boy, does The Mitch have them! You’ll find this newly renovated venue, outfitted with everything you need to throw the perfect party, tucked into a lovely historic storefront in the heart of Mitchell Street. Their concrete flooring, exposed ductwork, and sparkling chandeliers create the perfect industrial-elegant feel while their massive windows flood the space with all the natural light your photographer could ask for! Featuring separate prep areas for the bridal party, free parking, security services, and a capacity of 5-150 guests – The Mitch is sure to be the perfect setting for your petite wedding!
Minnesota Featured Small Wedding Venue:
Lowertown Event Center
400 N. Sibley St., Saint Paul, MN 55101
What do steel columns, limestone walls, and an exposed-beam ceiling have in common? They can all be found at this charming small wedding venue! Located in the historic Park Square Court, you’re in a gorgeously revamped 19th-century Romanesque building that is right across the street from Mears Park and seconds away from everything Saint Paul has to offer. You can opt to host your ceremony at Mears Park, or if you’d like to have your ceremony on-site, Lowertown Event Center offers a private room with adjacent client suites. Once the reception begins, you’ll get to take full advantage of their Chiavari chairs, glittering chandeliers, reclaimed wooden tables, and vintage furniture. Whether you’re looking to host a wedding for 5 or 200 guests, this industrial gem has you covered on your big day!
Missouri Featured Small Weddings Venue:
Union
1721 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO 64108
If you’re looking for almost one hundred years of history, you can experience it all at this historic 1929 gem in the heart of Kansas City! Union was once a film processing plant, and now boasts open rafters, distressed wooden floors, exposed brick and stone, and oversized windows overlooking busy Baltimore Ave. It’s safe to say that their basement speakeasy is my favorite touch, but you’ll also get a 24-hour rental, a dedicated client concierge to help with the planning process, and the ability to customize in any way you’d like! With their ability to host up to 200 guests, you’re sure to have plenty of room to mingle and party in this chic, industrial wedding venue!
