A Moody + Romantic InterContinental Chicago Wedding

The InterContinental Chicago is a wedding venue with so much history and character, from the gorgeous interior architecture to the rooftop views of the city. I personally love the dark, moody, artistic vibe inside the venue, and then being able to step outside for portraits on the roof with the Chicago skyline in the background. It gives couples a lot of variety, and makes it one of the most unique wedding venues in Chicago.

That was a big part of what made Lilian and Kipp’s InterContinental Chicago wedding so fun to photograph. Throughout the day we were able to move between spaces that each had their own look and feel, which always helps create a gallery with a lot of depth and variety.

With Lilian’s family flying in from Beijing, Kipp’s family traveling from Iowa, and friends gathering from all parts of their lives in Chicago, the day had a really welcoming energy. What I appreciated most about them, though, was how calm and present they stayed throughout everything. Even with a full wedding day schedule, they never seemed rushed or overwhelmed. They were just focused on celebrating with all of their people.

If you’re planning your own Chicago wedding and are considering venues like the InterContinental, you can learn more about my approach to documenting days like this here.

A Heartfelt Wedding in Chicago

One of the spaces Lilian and Kipp were most excited about at the InterContinental Chicago was the stained glass window where they chose to hold their ceremony. The scale of the room and the color from the glass creates such a striking setting, it was the perfect place to exchange vows.

Their ceremony felt especially meaningful because Kipp’s brother officiated the wedding. He managed to strike the perfect balance of heartfelt and hilarious. I found myself laughing and tearing up behind the camera!

Lilian’s parents had also traveled from Beijing to be there. Because they don’t speak English, the couple arranged for a translator so they could still give a speech and fully participate in the celebration. It was really touching to watch both families connect throughout the day.

Moments like that are the ones I’m always watching for. The big architectural spaces of the InterContinental make for incredible photos, but the real story of the day always comes from the people filling those spaces.

See more of my work as a Chicago wedding photographer here.

Sunset Portraits on the Rooftop

Just before sunset we stepped outside to the rooftop of the InterContinental for portraits. The skyline views up there are incredible, and the evening light that night was perfectly golden.

Lilian and Kipp were naturals together, which always makes this part of the day fun. We kept things moving, walked around a bit, and let the city do its thing in the background. Moments like this usually end up being some of my favorite portraits from the day.

When couples tell me they want their photos to feel natural and not overly posed, this is usually what they mean. I’ll give direction when needed, but the goal is always to create space for people to interact with each other instead of feeling like they’re performing for the camera.

See more of my weddings and tips and tricks on the blog.

Wedding Reception at the InterContinental Chicago

Once guests moved into the reception, the room really came to life. The InterContinental’s dark wood architecture and stained glass windows create such a beautiful and unique setting for dinner. It has a classic, old-world feel that makes the space feel warm and atmospheric. 

After dinner wrapped up, DJ Milk Majer from Love Entertainment kicked things off and did an incredible job at filling up the dance floor. At one point the bride’s father started showing off his dance moves, which quickly turned into a fun crowd moment with everyone trying to copy him.

Between guests dropping it low, friends belting out the lyrics to every song, and people cheering each other on from the sidelines, it was clear this group came ready to celebrate. By the end of the night it was one of those dance floors where no one really wanted the music to stop! Always a sign of a great wedding.

What to Know About the Venue

Located at 505 N Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile, the InterContinental Chicago is one of the city’s most historic hotel venues. Originally built in 1929 you can still sense the history in its architecture, but you get the convenience of a full-service luxury hotel, which makes it an incredible wedding venue.

The hotel has multiple ballrooms across several private floors, allowing couples to host their entire wedding day in one place, from getting ready through the reception. Spaces like the Renaissance Ballroom and King Arthur Court feature ornate wood carvings, painted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and stained glass that are beautiful details for ceremonies and receptions.

One of the biggest advantages of hosting an InterContinental Chicago wedding is how easy the flow of the day can be. Couples can choose to hold their ceremony and reception in the same ballroom with a quick room transformation in between, or take advantage of the different spaces within the hotel for cocktail hour or welcome events.

Because the venue sits right on the Magnificent Mile, it’s also incredibly convenient for guests traveling into Chicago. Out-of-town guests can stay at the hotel, explore downtown, and walk to nearby landmarks and restaurants.

What I Personally Love About the InterContinental Chicago

One of the things that makes the InterContinental Chicago such a memorable place to host a wedding is how much character the building already has. Between the beautiful wood architecture, the stained glass windows, and the warm lighting throughout the spaces, the venue naturally creates a setting that feels elegant, with old-world vibes.

Lilian and Kipp really leaned into that. Their ceremony took place in front of the stained glass windows, which created a beautiful focal point. After the ceremony, the room was transformed for the reception, and the space filled with guests for dinner and dancing. The architecture of the room gives everything a really cool moody and intimate atmosphere that photographs beautifully.

From a photography perspective, venues like this are always so exciting to work in. The mix of historic design, dramatic lighting, and city views means there’s a lot of variety throughout the day. It’s one of the reasons the InterContinental Chicago stands out to me as one of the more unique wedding venues in the city.

If you’re planning your own Chicago wedding and are considering venues like the InterContinental, you can learn more about my work or reach out here. I’d love to hear what you’re planning!

Photographer: @audreysimperphoto // Wedding Venue: @interconchicago // Videographer: @gordino_photoandvideo // Wedding Planner: @simplyelegantxo @eventsbyrmh // Hair & Makeup: @btmakeupchicago // DJ: @milkmajer // Florist: @flowersfordreams // Bridal Dress: @lihihod // Wedding Cake: @bittersweetpastryshop // Mens Wear: @suitsupply // Rings: @brilliantearth