Theater on the Lake Review
Heirloom Event Company does not receive a commission for reviews or venue referrals for Theater on the Lake.
On Chicago’s shoreline, Theater on the Lake sets the stage—literally—for celebrations that are anything but ordinary. This venue seamlessly blends indoor elegance with outdoor charm, making it an ideal choice for couples who want a scenic and sophisticated setting for their wedding. With its flexible layout and stunning backdrops, it’s easy to see why so many couples fall for this Chicago spot.
Price
Booking Theater on the Lake typically costs about $19,000 for the space, plus an $11,000 bar minimum for a five-hour event. That averages out to around $41 per guest. The venue can comfortably accommodate up to 400 guests, and can be divided into up to three sections with movable dividers—ideal for tailoring the space to your guest count and event flow. One of our 2025 couples used two dividers to accommodate their party size perfectly.
What’s Included
A full-day venue reservation beginning at 11 a.m. (earlier access is available for an additional fee).
25 round tables are included, but additional tables and chairs must be rented through your caterer
Two security guards and coat check service for up to 200 guests
Access to an upstairs suite for changing and storage purposes.
The Lake Shore restaurant next door for cocktail hour.
Access to South Patio with city and lake views, plus an East Terrace that runs the whole length of the building.
There are logistical challenges and hidden costs that couples need to factor into their plans. For example, all catering must be passed or served—no self-serve, not even for wine. This bumps up catering costs and changes how dinner feels.
Additionally, Theater on the Lake charges a 15% commission fee on the gross total for any subcontractors, ike your caterer or florist. This can quickly increase overall costs, so it’s critical to carefully review your contracts and calculate the added expenses before committing. Some preferred floral vendors had starting packages of $40,000–$45,000, further reinforcing the importance of balancing quality with affordability.
Another thing to note is removing furniture or requesting additional rentals also incurs fees, as does catering equipment since there is no on-site kitchen.
One of our 2024 couples originally planned to stay within an $80,000 budget but ultimately spent over $140,000 due to these additional expenses.
Rating: 3/10
Planning Process
While Theater on the Lake provides a one-of-a-kind setting, planning a wedding at this venue attention to detail and, honestly, a good spreadsheet. The venue’s unique requirements—like no self-serve bars and the commission fee—mean you need to read vendor contracts closely.
Furniture arrangements are another consideration. If you’re not completely in love with the Lake Shore restaurant’s existing furniture, plan for both removal costs and upgraded rentals to match your vision. Without an on-site kitchen, catering equipment must also be rented, adding another layer of coordination. Venue management will, however, provide full access to the South Patio, East Terrace, and grassy areas adjacent to the building, offering flexibility for personalized layouts and guest activities.
Ultimately, the venue’s picturesque lakefront views and upscale design make it worth the extra effort—just be sure to lean on a professional planning team to keep things running smoothly and within budget.
Rating: 5/10
Day-Of Execution
Our last wedding here had more vendors than we’ve ever coordinated in one day—security staff, parking attendants, building management, catering and bartending teams, two photographers, two videographers, table rentals, cake baker, dessert vendor, DJ and karaoke, florist, and car service. Managing this many moving parts alongside intricate seating arrangements and a precise vision was no small feat.
Despite the complexities, every vendor played their part in creating a flawless and enjoyable day. That teamwork made what could have been a logistical challenge feel fun and even more rewarding.
Rating: 9/10
Is This the Venue for You?
A lakefront wedding in Chicago truly is the cream of the crop. Theater on the Lake is a standout option for couples seeking a versatile venue along Chicago’s iconic lakefront. Its expansive indoor-outdoor layout provides flexibility for designing a one-of-a-kind wedding day, and the built-in views create stunning backdrops for photography and guest enjoyment alike.
That said, it’s best for couples with larger budgets ($100,000 or more) and guest counts closer to the 400-person capacity. If you’re hoping for something more intimate or watching expenses closely, the bar minimum and extra fees might give you pause.