Ovation Chicago Wedding | Shelby + Jason

Choosing a reception venue is one of the biggest decisions in wedding planning, and for this couple, an Ovation Chicago wedding was the easy answer. Ovation is a beautiful West Loop event space known for its industrial-chic look and its all-in-one approach to weddings, making it easy for couples to have an amazing day. Here’s a look at how their wedding came together, starting with a rooftop ceremony and ending with a full night of getting down on the dance floor at Ovation.

The Ceremony: Lacuna Lofts

Before heading to Ovation, Shelby and Jason said “I do” on the rooftop at Lacuna Lofts in Pilsen. The rooftop is a popular choice for Chicago ceremonies because of the gorgeous wide-open skyline views. It gave their guests (many of whom were from out of town) a clear shot of the Chicago skyline as a backdrop for the vows, which was spectacular. It was a sweet, simple ceremony officiated by one of the Shelby and Jason’s close friends. After some champagne, rooftop photos, and time to roam the city, the guests headed over to Ovation for the reception.

The Reception Space at Ovation Chicago

Ovation sits inside a converted industrial building on West Fulton Street in the popular (and growing!) Chicago neighborhood, West Loop. The main room has exposed brick walls, tall ceilings, and a large skylight that lets in natural light during the day and gives the space a different feel once the sun goes down. The soft lighting throughout the day means beautifully-lit photos all throughout your wedding day.

A few things stand out about the reception space:

• One-room flexibility. The main room can be used for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, with curtains that section off areas as needed. For this wedding, the room was divided. On one side, guests mingled for a short cocktail hour, where eventually Jason and Shelby made their entrance, shared their first dance, and danced with their parents. Set up on the other side of the reception space were long dining tables running the length of the room for dinner. After dinner and toasts, everyone went back to the other side of the room for dancing.
• Built-in tech and lighting. Ovation has a programmable video wall, a full sound system, and Edison bulb chandeliers built into the design. None of it needs to be rented separately, which cuts down on costs and vendor coordination.
• In-house DJ services. Ovation works with the Style Matters DJ collective, so the couple didn’t need to source an outside DJ. Their DJ read the room well and kept the dance floor full most of the night.
• The Rolls Royce. Ovation includes access to a stunning vintage 1959 Rolls Royce, which the couple used for photos between the ceremony and reception. It’s a small detail, but it shows up in a lot of their favorite pictures.
• A dedicated bar. The bar is built from mixed wood and sits near the entrance to the main room, giving guests a clear spot to gather during cocktail hour before dinner started.
• The photo booth. Ovation Chicago weddings featured a free photo booth for marriers and their guests to use throughtout the night. Again, a small detail, but it makes a big impact.

The overall look is industrial, yet warm with minimal red accents. Brick and metal balanced out by the wood tones and the warm light from the chandeliers. It photographs well both during the day and at night, which is part of why so many Chicago couples choose it, and why many Chicago photographers love it.

Why This Combination Worked

Pairing a Lacuna Lofts rooftop ceremony with an Ovation Chicago wedding reception gave this couple two different backdrops in one day: an open-air skyline view for the vows, and a moody, indoor industrial space for the party. Both venues are a short drive apart, which kept the transition simple for guests. It also allowed us to get photos and video downtown, since both locations are so close to The Loop.

FAQ: What Engaged Couples Ask About an Ovation Chicago Wedding

How many guests can Ovation hold? Ovation can comfortably host cocktail-style receptions for up to around 275 guests. For a seated dinner, capacity will be somewhat lower depending on the floor plan you choose, so it’s worth confirming exact numbers with the venue based on your table layout. However, this is a large space and can definitely hold a good amount of guests, even seated.

Is parking available near Ovation? Yes. Ovation has a parking lot on the east side of the building, plus free street parking nearby. If your guest list is large, it’s a good idea to mention parking options in your invitations or on your wedding website.

Does Ovation provide a DJ, or do we need to bring our own? Ovation includes in-house DJ services through Style Matters. Most couples use the in-house DJ, since it’s already built into the booking and the DJ knows the space well. If you have a specific DJ you want to work with, ask the venue whether outside DJs are allowed.

Can we have both our ceremony and reception at Ovation? Yes, Ovation’s main room can easily be flipped from a ceremony setup to a reception setup during cocktail hour, using curtains to divide the space. Some couples choose this option so guests don’t have to travel between venues. Others, like the couple featured here, prefer a separate ceremony location for a different backdrop before heading to Ovation for the reception. This also means your reception space can be set up prior to your arrival, reducing stress on the wedding day.

Final Thoughts

An Ovation Chicago wedding gives couples a flexible, all-in-one reception space with built-in amenities that cut down on planning stress. Whether you host your ceremony there too, or bring guests over from another Chicago venue, it’s a solid pick for anyone who wants an industrial-chic reception with a personal, warm feel.

Interested in other industrial wedding venues in Chicago? Check out this wedding at The Arbory.

This wedding is thanks to the following vendors:

Photography: Tawny Ballard Photography / Videography: Ray Replogle / Ceremony Venue: Lacuna Lofts / Reception Venue: Ovation Chicago / Planner: Gina with Mostest / Florals: Something Borrowed Blooms