The Old Post Office Chicago is one of the city’s most iconic and sought‑after wedding venues, celebrated for its grand architecture, modern luxury, and breathtaking skyline views. As a true Chicago landmark wedding venue, it showcases dramatic Art Deco architecture and a sweeping historic lobby that creates an unforgettable backdrop for any celebration. As experienced Chicago wedding planners, we’ve created this comprehensive Old Post Office Chicago wedding guide to answer the questions couples ask most, including pricing, guest capacity, layout options, and behind-the-scenes logistics you won’t find on the venue’s website. For more inspiration and real wedding examples at this unforgettable venue, explore our full Old Post Office Chicago wedding portfolio.
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Why Couples Love Old Post Office Chicago Weddings
Couples are drawn to The Old Post Office for its unmatched combination of historic charm and modern luxury. The venue’s dramatic Art Deco architecture, soaring marble lobby, and thoughtfully updated 1920s-inspired design create a truly unforgettable backdrop for your celebration. With expansive event spaces, flexible layouts, and the ability to accommodate large guest lists, The Old Post Office in Chicago offers couples the rare opportunity to host a grand, downtown Chicago wedding without sacrificing style or comfort. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated black-tie affair or a chic, contemporary celebration, this iconic venue provides the perfect balance of historic elegance and modern amenities that make an Old Post Office Chicago wedding so unforgettable.
Old Post Office Chicago Wedding Venue Overview
The Old Post Office Chicago is one of the most sought-after historic wedding venues in downtown Chicago, offering couples a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury. With dramatic Art Deco architecture, soaring ceilings, and abundant natural light, this iconic venue provides a stunning backdrop for luxury Chicago weddings of all sizes. Couples and wedding planners often choose the Old Post Office for:
Large-scale downtown Chicago weddings that impress with grand architecture and high guest capacity
Photogenic wedding spaces in Chicago ideal for unforgettable photography
Flexible ceremony and reception layouts that accommodate any event style seamlessly
Breathtaking skyline views in downtown Chicago that elevate every celebration
The combination of historic charm, monumental scale, and refined sophistication makes the Old Post Office the perfect luxury Chicago wedding venue for couples who want their celebration to feel both grand and deeply personal.
Ceremony & Reception Spaces at The Old Post Office
As a historic Chicago wedding venue, the Old Post Office offers multiple spaces that blend preserved architecture with modern amenities. One of the standout features of an Old Post Office Chicago wedding is its versatile event spaces. Whether you’re planning a seated dinner, cocktail-style reception, or a combination of both, the venue accommodates a range of layouts. View the Old Post Office virtual tour to better understand the scale, flow, and design possibilities of each event space.
The Historic Lobby
The Historic Lobby at the Old Post Office is one of the most iconic wedding spaces in Chicago. Towering marble columns, brass architectural details, and soaring ceilings create a dramatic first impression that feels timeless and cinematic. The Historic Lobby showcases some of the most striking Art Deco architecture Chicago has to offer. The scale and natural grandeur of the Historic Lobby make it ideal for luxury weddings that want a bold, unforgettable backdrop in the heart of Chicago.
Capacity:
Cocktail‑Style Reception (Standing): Accommodates up to 1,400 guests
Ceremony Seating: Comfortable for 1,000 guests
Seated Wedding Reception: Ideal for 800 guests with a dance floor
Aesthetic: Floor‑to‑ceiling marble, gold leaf ceilings, brass details, original chandeliers
Best For: Grand receptions, ceremonies, or large‑scale celebrations
Why It’s Special: It’s one of the few Chicago venues that can host a truly epic guest count without sacrificing elegance
Pro tip: If you plan to use the Historic Lobby for both your ceremony and reception, you can intentionally divide the space with drapes to create a more intimate atmosphere while still taking advantage of the full room
The Telegram Lounge
The Telegram Lounge offers a warm and stylish setting that blends vintage charm with modern comfort. Rich textures, mid century furnishings, and subtle nods to the building’s postal history create an inviting atmosphere for pre ceremony gatherings, cocktail hour, or late night transitions. This space photographs beautifully and adds a relaxed, social energy to an Old Post Office wedding day. It is a favorite for couples who want a chic lounge environment that complements the venue’s larger event spaces.
Capacity:
Cocktail‑Style Reception (Standing): Accommodates up to 300 guests
Seated Wedding Reception: Ideal for 140 guests
Vibe: Speakeasy‑meets‑social‑club
Features: Wrap‑around bar, bocce lane, pool tables, Chicago River views, and lounge furniture
Best For: Cocktail hour, after‑parties, or a playful reception twist
Planner Tip: Use this space to break up the evening and create a dynamic guest experience
The Library
The Library is one of the most refined and intimate spaces within the Old Post Office. Dark wood details, built in shelving, and soft ambient lighting create a sophisticated environment perfect for portraits, private moments, or smaller gatherings. Many couples use The Library for gifting suites, letter writing guest books, or VIP hospitality during the wedding weekend. Its warm, editorial look adds depth and elegance to any Chicago wedding.
Capacity:
Cocktail‑Style Reception (Standing): Accommodates up to 90 guests
Seated Wedding Reception: Ideal for 60 guests
Best For: wedding portraits, getting ready, or a quiet retreat space
The Vault
The Vault is a hidden gem that brings an unexpected and architectural edge to an Old Post Office wedding. Original steel doors, concrete textures, and preserved historic details create a moody and dramatic setting for portraits, first looks, or unique lounge activations. Couples who want a bold contrast to the venue’s grander spaces love incorporating The Vault into their photography timeline. It adds character, personality, and a distinctly Chicago feel to the wedding experience.
Capacity: 45 people
Features: Full-service bar, fireplace with seating, television, and East facing view of the river
Best For: Photo ops, bridal suite, showers, or a VIP area
The Penthouse
The Penthouse at The Old Post Office is one of the venue’s most sought‑after spaces, offering a modern, light‑filled setting with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. Located on the rooftop level, this space blends contemporary design with the building’s historic Art Deco character, creating a stunning backdrop for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or intimate receptions.
- Capacity:
Cocktail‑Style Reception (Standing): Accommodates up to 300 guests
Seated Wedding Reception: Ideal for 200 guests or 160 guests with a dance floor
Features: Floor‑to‑ceiling windows, private restrooms, and flexible layout options
- Best For: Ceremonies, cocktail‑style celebrations, intimate receptions, and welcome parties
Outdoor Wedding Spaces at The Old Post Office
The Old Post Office offers one signature outdoor space that brings fresh air, skyline views, and a modern garden atmosphere to your wedding day. This open‑air setting adds a beautiful contrast to the venue’s historic interiors and gives couples the opportunity to incorporate natural light and greenery into their celebration.
The Meadow
The Meadow is the rooftop garden at The Old Post Office and the venue’s only dedicated outdoor event space. Designed with native plantings, clean architectural lines, and panoramic city views, it creates a serene and contemporary backdrop for wedding moments that feel relaxed and elevated.
Capacity:
Cocktail‑Style Reception (Standing): Accommodates up to 245 guests
Features: Seasonal floral plantings, built‑in bar, Full running track, 2 pickleball courts, Full basketball court
Best For: Cocktail‑style celebrations, first looks, bridal party photos, and outdoor wedding moments with skyline views
Important Note: The Meadow is available seasonally and may be reserved based on weather conditions
Old Post Office Chicago Wedding Capacity & Layouts
Capacity is a key consideration when planning an Old Post Office Chicago wedding. This iconic downtown venue offers a rare combination of grand scale and flexible event spaces, making it perfect for medium to large weddings, as well as more intimate gatherings.
Seated Dinner: The Historic Lobby can host up to 800 guests comfortably, making it ideal for couples planning a large-scale downtown Chicago wedding.
Cocktail-Style Reception: The venue can accommodate up to 1,400+ guests when hosting a standing cocktail reception, perfect for couples who want a lively, energetic celebration.
Intimate Gatherings: Smaller spaces like the Telegram Lounge (140 seated, 300 standing) and the Library (60 seated, 90 standing) are ideal for cozy Chicago weddings or pre-wedding events, allowing couples to use the space without it feeling empty.
No matter the guest count, careful attention to layout, furniture placement, and décor is essential. In our experience, layered lighting, large-scale floral arrangements, and strategically placed lounge areas transform the Old Post Office from monumental to intimate, ensuring every wedding feels personal and unforgettable.
Hosting your wedding at Chicago’s Old Post Office? Contact us today to work with a team experienced in bringing unforgettable celebrations to this historic venue.
Historic Lobby Arrival & Parking Instructions
Clear arrival instructions help guests navigate The Old Post Office with ease, especially for ceremonies held in the Historic Lobby. These details ensure a smooth, stress‑free experience for your wedding day. Unlike many Downtown Chicago wedding locations, the Old Post Office offers easy access for guests arriving from the suburbs or staying in nearby hotels.
Guest Arrival (Shuttle, Uber, Train)
Guests should arrive at 433 West Van Buren St. and enter through the East revolving doors at the top of the steps or ramp on Van Buren. Once inside the Historic Lobby:
Ceremony Location: Immediately to the left
Restrooms: To the right, through the Grand Hall and underneath the escalators
Parking Information
For guests driving, onsite parking is available at 404 W Harrison St. (enter this address directly into GPS for the most accurate route).
Look for the orange sign indicating the “2nd Floor Entrance to Historic Lobby.”
After entering, guests will take the escalators down and walk straight ahead to reach the Historic Lobby.
Parking is typically $15 for 12 hours after 4:00 PM on weekdays.
Limited street parking is also available west of the building.
Old Post Office Chicago Wedding Cost & Budget Guide
Budget transparency is essential, and while pricing varies, couples should anticipate a luxury wedding venue investment when hosting at the Old Post Office. This iconic Chicago landmark offers an unparalleled blend of historic architecture and modern amenities—an experience that comes with a premium but delivers extraordinary value.
Venue Rental Fee
Most couples can expect rental fees to begin in the $13,000 to $25,000 range depending on the space, season, and day of the week.
Key Factors That Influence Cost
Day of the week
Season and demand
Guest count and staffing
Event scope, production, and specialty rentals
While the Old Post Office is a significant investment, its dramatic scale, Art Deco character, and flexible event spaces create a wedding experience that guests, and you, will remember long after the celebration ends.
Typical All‑In Wedding Budgets
Budgets for our clients’ Old Post Office Chicago weddings generally range from $100,000 to $350,000+, depending on factors like guest count, design complexity, and custom décor. While this is a significant investment, it ensures a luxurious, full-service wedding experience in one of downtown Chicago’s most iconic and historic venues.
Commission Policy at The Old Post Office
When planning an Old Post Office Chicago wedding, understanding the venue’s commission structure is key to budgeting and vendor decisions. The Old Post Office applies commission to food, beverage, and rental items brought into the venue, but working with preferred vendors can reduce costs and simplify the planning process.
Here’s what couples should know:
Standard Commission: 18% on food, beverage, and rental items.
Preferred Vendors: Using a preferred vendor lowers the commission to 11%, typically included as a “venue fee” on their quote. View the full list of preferred vendors here.
Rental Items Subject to Venue Comission: Tables, chairs, custom linens, staging, draping, lighting/AV, truss, hanging décor, and similar items. Commission does not apply to labor, trucking, or taxes.
Excluded Services: Bands, DJs, wedding planners, photo/video, and small floral arrangements are not subject to commission.
Non-Preferred Vendors: Standard 18% commission applies, and building approval may be required. Always coordinate with your planner to ensure smooth approval and accurate budgeting.
Understanding the Old Post Office Chicago wedding commission allows couples to make informed choices about rentals and vendors, ensuring their celebration remains luxurious, seamless, and within budget. Proper planning helps transform the venue’s historic grandeur into a personal, unforgettable experience.
What’s Included vs. What You’ll Need to Rent
Understanding what the venue provides, and what needs to be rented, is essential for accurate budgeting and smooth planning. The Old Post Office offers a stunning architectural backdrop, but most event furniture and specialty pieces will come through your caterer or rental partner.
What’s Included in your rental
Twenty 66‑inch round tables onsite
Standard venue infrastructure (lighting, power, restrooms, security, etc.)
Built‑in bars in select spaces
Existing lounge furniture in designated areas (varies by space)
What You’ll Need to Rent
The venue does not provide the following items, which are commonly needed for weddings and receptions:
Highboy cocktail tables
6‑foot banquet tables
8‑foot banquet tables
Additional rounds beyond the twenty 66‑inch tables provided
Specialty tables (estate tables, serpentine tables, etc.)
Upgraded Chairs (Chiavari, Cross‑Back, Ghost, and More). Gold Chiavari chairs are available for rent from the venue for $6 each
Linens, chargers, and tabletop décor
All additional tables, chairs, and specialty pieces can be rented directly through your caterer, who will coordinate delivery, setup, and breakdown as part of your event rental order.
Upgraded Linens, Rentals, and Flatware
Many couples choose to elevate their design with upgraded linens, specialty rentals, and premium flatware. These enhancements can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of the Historic Lobby or Penthouse.
Important Note: All rentals must be dropped off and picked up on the same day, which can increase delivery and pickup fees. Your caterer or rental partner will coordinate these logistics, but it’s helpful to factor the additional cost into your overall budget.
Budget Tips for an Old Post Office Chicago Wedding
Planning a wedding at the Old Post Office Chicago is a remarkable experience, but it also comes with investment-level considerations. With thoughtful planning, couples can maximize their budget while creating a day that feels lavish, personal, and unforgettable. Here are our top budget tips:
1. Prioritize the Venue Experience
The Old Post Office is a statement venue, so allocate the largest portion of your budget to venue fees and must-have elements like catering, lighting, and décor that complement its grandeur. Investing here ensures your guests feel the wow-factor from the moment they arrive.
2. Be Strategic with Guest Count
Guest count heavily influences overall costs, including catering, rentals, and staffing. Consider inviting only your closest family and friends to maintain intimacy without sacrificing the space’s dramatic presence.
3. Maximize Rentals That Elevate the Space
Choose rental items that enhance the venue’s architecture. Think statement tables, luxe linens, layered lighting, and large-scale floral installations. Focus on pieces that create visual impact without requiring excessive quantity.
4. Consider Off-Peak Timing
Weddings on weekdays or during less busy months may offer more flexibility with pricing. If your schedule allows, an off-peak wedding can help reduce venue fees and vendor costs while still delivering an unforgettable experience.
5. Bundle Services with Preferred Vendors
When planning an Old Post Office Chicago wedding, consider using your preferred vendors for multiple services such as catering, bar, rentals, and décor whenever possible. Bundling services with one vendor simplifies coordination, ensures seamless execution, and can reduce multiple delivery fees.
6. Work With an Experienced Planner
A professional full-service Chicago wedding planner can help you identify hidden costs, negotiate vendor fees, and creatively allocate your budget. With careful guidance, you can maintain a luxurious aesthetic while staying within your financial parameters.
Expert Planning Tips for an Old Post Office Wedding
Draping Matters More Than You Think in the Historic Lobby
The Historic Lobby is breathtaking, but its scale can easily overpower a wedding design without intentional softening. Strategic draping is one of the most effective ways to shape the room, define focal points, and create intimacy within such a grand space. Even minimal draping—behind the ceremony, around the stage, or framing the head table—adds warmth, absorbs echo, and helps balance the marble and brass architecture. It’s a subtle design layer that elevates the entire guest experience while keeping the venue’s historic character front and center.
Prioritize Sound Control and Hire an Experienced DJ
The Old Post Office’s soaring ceilings and hard surfaces make sound management a critical part of your planning. Without the right equipment and an experienced DJ, audio can bounce, echo, or feel uneven across the room. A seasoned DJ who understands large, reflective spaces will bring directional speakers, tuned subwoofers, and proper sound zoning to ensure speeches are crisp and the dance floor feels immersive without overwhelming the rest of the space. Great sound design transforms the lobby from “beautiful but boomy” into a polished, high‑end celebration.
Reserve Time for Building Access & Security Checkpoints
The Old Post Office has strict security procedures and controlled access points, which can add unexpected time to your wedding day if you don’t plan ahead. All vendors, décor teams, and even some guests may need to pass through designated entrances or security screening depending on the event layout.
Build an extra 15–20 minutes into your timeline for vendor arrival and guest entry, especially during peak hours or when multiple events are happening in the building. Share the correct entrance details, parking instructions, and elevator access points in advance so no one is delayed.
Old Post Office Chicago Wedding FAQ
How Have You Transformed This Venue in Different Ways?
Our team has transformed The Old Post Office in countless ways by using its architectural scale, historic character, and multi space layout to create weddings that feel completely unique to each couple. Because the venue offers distinct environments including the Historic Lobby, Telegram Lounge, Library, and Vault, we are able to reimagine the flow, lighting, and design for every celebration.
In the Historic Lobby, our team has softened the grand marble architecture with intentional draping, warm lighting, and layered floral installations to create intimate, romantic atmospheres. For other weddings, we have leaned into the building’s Art Deco roots with bold color palettes, dramatic uplighting, and statement staging that highlight the brass details and soaring ceilings.
We also transform the guest experience by designing multi chapter events such as cocktail hour in the Telegram Lounge, a reception reveal in the Lobby, quiet lounge moments in the Library, or an after party in the Vault. Each layout and lighting plan reshapes how guests move through the building, turning the venue into a curated, immersive experience rather than a single static space.
Every transformation reflects the couple’s vision and our team’s deep understanding of how to bring that vision to life inside one of Chicago’s most iconic wedding venues.
What is special about weddings at the Old Post Office?
Weddings at The Old Post Office are special because the venue blends historic Chicago architecture with modern, high‑end event design in a way few spaces can match. The building’s Art Deco details, soaring marble lobby, and iconic brass accents create a dramatic backdrop that feels instantly elevated without requiring heavy décor. Couples get the rare combination of historic character, massive capacity, and flexible, multi‑space flow, which allows the celebration to unfold in beautifully curated chapters.
What truly sets it apart is how immersive the guest experience becomes. From cocktail hour in the Telegram Lounge to a grand reception reveal in the Historic Lobby, every transition feels intentional and memorable. The venue offers endless editorial‑worthy photo locations, exceptional acoustics when managed well, and a sense of scale that turns a wedding into a full architectural experience. It’s a Chicago landmark that transforms into a deeply personal, unforgettable celebration.
Why do you love planning weddings at the Old Post Office?
Our team loves planning weddings at The Old Post Office because it’s one of the few Chicago venues that truly transforms with each couple’s vision. The Historic Lobby has this incredible ability to feel grand and architectural while still becoming deeply personal once the design, lighting, and layout come together. Every event feels different and that’s rare in a landmark space.
What makes it even more special is how many “chapters” you can create throughout the day. Moving guests from the Telegram Lounge to the Lobby to the Vault gives the celebration a natural flow and a sense of discovery. It’s a venue where thoughtful planning genuinely elevates the experience, and we love using the building’s scale, history, and modern amenities to craft something unforgettable.
From a planner’s perspective, it’s a dream canvas: endless photo opportunities, dramatic architecture, flexible layouts, and the ability to host both intimate and large‑scale celebrations without losing warmth. Every time our team is there, we are reminded why it’s one of Chicago’s most iconic places to say “I do.”
Is a planner necessary for an Old Post Office wedding?
While not required, a planner with experience at the venue is invaluable. The building’s size, load‑in logistics, sound considerations, and multi‑space flow benefit from expert coordination. A seasoned planner ensures the day feels seamless, intentional, and elevated. As a luxury Chicago wedding planner, our team guides couples through every detail of planning an Old Post Office wedding, from vendor selection to guest flow.
- Location: Located in downtown Chicago along the historic Chicago River, minutes from Millennium Park and the Loop.
- Address: 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Phone: (312) 481-7900
- Website: Old Post Office Chicago
- Capacity: Up to 800 guests for a seated reception in the Historic Lobby, with additional spaces available for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and after‑parties.
- Exclusive Vendors: Couples may select from a curated list of approved caterers and vendors familiar with the venue’s logistics.
- Events Supported: Ceremonies, cocktail hours, receptions, after‑parties, and multi‑space wedding experiences.
- Amenities: Includes six hours of venue access, on-site event staff, security, loading dock access, and full coordination support for logistics and setup.
Start Planning Your Old Post Office Chicago Wedding
Let our expert team curate every detail, from dramatic floral designs to seamless vendor coordination, ensuring your celebration is as extraordinary as your love story. Schedule your private consultation today.
Still exploring where your celebration should unfold? Our Chicago Venue Guide highlights the most beautiful, thoughtfully selected wedding venues across the city.
