Emily and Lorenzo celebrated their fall wedding at Chateau Ritz in Chicago, with photography by George Street Photo & Video. Their September celebration featured a beautiful church ceremony, vibrant coral floral details, and an elegant banquet hall reception filled with metallic touches.

At A Glance

• Venue: Chateau Ritz, Chicago, Illinois

• Best for: Elegant indoor banquet hall weddings

• Ceremony: Beautiful church wedding with minimal decor

• Reception: Banquet hall featuring metallic details and ice sculptures

• Nearby photo spots: Millennium Park (30 min), Milton Lee Olive Park (30 min), Chicago Riverwalk (35 min)

• Photography by: George Street Photo & Video

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Why Is Chateau Ritz a Great Wedding Venue in Chicago?

Chateau Ritz provides a highly sophisticated setting for classic banquet hall receptions. The venue features expansive indoor spaces that comfortably host large gatherings and elaborate dining experiences. The grand architectural details and elegant lighting fixtures create a beautiful environment for your celebration.

What makes this venue stand out for photography is the ample space for grand decor installations. The high ceilings beautifully highlight features like tall floral centerpieces and custom ice sculptures. Based on our experience shooting at Chateau Ritz, the venue provides a versatile and polished backdrop that elevates any reception aesthetic.

What Did Emily and Lorenzo's Wedding Day Look Like?

Getting Ready

The day began with beautiful getting-ready photos as the couple prepared in their respective suites. Our photographers captured stunning detail photos featuring Emily's pearl bridal earrings, custom photo wedding invitations, and the wedding rings. Emily and her bridesmaids wore beautiful getting-ready robes while sharing drinks and capturing memorable portraits.

Emily then stepped into a stunning corset wedding dress featuring a long, dramatic train. She completed her look with a vibrant white and coral bouquet. The bridesmaids wore striking coral dresses that perfectly complemented the floral arrangements. Lorenzo and his groomsmen enjoyed a fun and relaxed morning together in their suite. The groom and his party looked entirely dapper in sleek black suits.

The First Look and Ceremony

Emily and Lorenzo shared a private first look before heading to their ceremony. This gave them a quiet moment to connect and allowed for beautiful, candid couple portraits. Following the first look, the couple traveled to a beautiful local church for their ceremony. The church featured minimal decor, allowing the stunning architectural details and the couple's genuine emotions to take center stage.

Photography tip: Church sanctuaries often have strict rules regarding where photographers can stand and whether flash photography is permitted. Discuss these rules with your venue coordinator early in the planning process. This ensures your photography team can prepare the right lenses to capture clear, well-lit images from the back or sides of the church.

The Banquet Reception

The evening reception took place in the elegant banquet hall at Chateau Ritz. The room was transformed with beautiful metallic wedding ideas and champagne-colored linens. White and red flowers adorned the space, while an elaborate food and drink display kept guests entertained.

A special memorial table with framed photos honored loved ones who could not be there. The space was further elevated by gilded details, custom ice sculptures, and tall floral centerpieces. The couple eventually cut a grand all-white wedding cake decorated with cascading red flowers to conclude the evening's formal events.

Where Are the Best Wedding Photo Locations in Chicago?

Chicago features a beautiful blend of historic architecture, urban parks, and stunning waterfronts. Our photographers recommend the following locations based on their firsthand experience across the city.

• Milton Lee Olive Park: This quiet park offers some of the most spectacular skyline views and a serene walkway along the water.

• The Chicago Riverwalk: Lined with stunning bridges and towering buildings, this location provides a classic, modern urban aesthetic.

• Millennium Park: Home to iconic art installations and lush gardens, this central location is incredibly versatile for wedding photography.

• The Art Institute Gardens: The manicured landscapes and classic stone architecture create a highly elegant backdrop.

Consider booking an engagement session at one of these iconic Chicago locations. It allows you to practice posing and get comfortable with your photography team before the wedding day.

How Do You Plan a Classic Fall Wedding?

If Emily and Lorenzo's celebration inspires you, keep these practical tips in mind for your own planning.

• Incorporate warm, vibrant colors. Using bold coral and red tones against classic white and black backgrounds creates stunning visual contrast.

• Maximize your venue's features. A grand space like Chateau Ritz is perfect for statement pieces like ice sculptures and tall floral centerpieces.

• Plan for travel time. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, pad your timeline to account for Chicago traffic.

• Review comprehensive packages. Ensure you book enough photography coverage to capture everything from the morning preparations to the final reception events.

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Key Takeaways

• Chateau Ritz offers a grand and spacious indoor setting that is perfect for elegant banquet hall receptions.

• A church ceremony requires clear communication about photography rules to ensure the best possible coverage.

• Chicago features incredibly diverse photo locations ranging from the Riverwalk to beautiful lakefront parks.

• Incorporating personalized details like a memorial table adds deep meaning to your reception space.

• George Street Photo & Video provides comprehensive wedding photography coverage across the greater Chicago area.

• Our standard service includes a dedicated wedding coordinator and hand color-corrected images to make your planning effortless.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does wedding photography cost in Chicago?

Wedding photography in the Chicago area generally ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the hours of coverage and package inclusions. George Street Photo & Video offers comprehensive packages starting at $1,395 in the Chicago market. These packages include 8 hours of coverage, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and hand color-corrected images.

Is Chateau Ritz a good venue for large weddings?

Chateau Ritz is an exceptional venue for large celebrations. It features a grand indoor banquet hall that easily accommodates large guest lists, extensive dining displays, and a spacious dance floor. The venue is highly regarded for its elegant atmosphere and versatile layout.

What are the benefits of having a first look?

A first look gives you a private moment to see each other before the ceremony begins. It also allows you to complete your couple and wedding party portraits early in the day. This frees up your timeline, allowing you to actually attend your cocktail hour and spend more time with your guests.

How many hours of wedding photography do I need?

Most couples need 8 hours of wedding photography to completely cover everything from morning preparations through the reception events. George Street Photo & Video includes 8 hours of coverage in our standard packages. This ensures our team is present to capture all the candid moments without rushing.

What is the Style Test?

The Style Test is a quick tool designed to identify your preferred photography aesthetic. It helps our team understand whether you prefer bright and airy images, moody and dramatic tones, or classic true-to-life colors. You can take the Style Test on our website to find your ideal photographer match.

About George Street Photo & Video

George Street Photo & Video has been capturing weddings since 2004 across 47 cities nationwide. With a network of 2,000+ photographers and videographers, 3,000+ five-star reviews, and recognition including The Knot Hall of Fame and WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards, George Street specializes in affordable, candid wedding photography and videography. Packages start at $1,395 and include 8 hours of coverage, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and hand color-corrected images. Take the Style Test to find your photographer match, or check price and availability for your date.