The Joinery Chicago Review
Heirloom Event Company does not receive a commission for positive reviews or venue referrals for The Joinery.
The Joinery is a cozy, versatile venue in Logan Square with tons of character. It's the kind of space where you can host anything from a laid-back Sunday brunch wedding to a large Saturday soiree and still feel like you're getting great value. Whether your budget is $40K or $100K+, you won't have to compromise style, service, or atmosphere.
What makes The Joinery shine, though, is the team behind it. Venue manager Shay is there to help you every step of the way. She's responsive, down-to-earth, and full of creative ideas to make your wedding unique. She even runs the Wedding Recyclery, a "garage sale" event with Green Wedding Alliance. Couples can snag chic secondhand décor and save big on wedding details. Shay's passion and resourcefulness turn even the most budget-conscious plans into something extraordinary.
Price
If you're looking for flexibility and transparency, The Joinery hits the mark. You can bring in almost any licensed and insured vendor you want (aside from bands, due to size limitations), eliminating the costly "preferred vendor" requirement many venues enforce.
The Joinery's character comes from its rich history. Once home to a mop handle factory, letterpress warehouse, and cabinet maker, the space has retained its industrial charm with thoughtful design touches. You'll find features like:
Custom easels and display pieces
A vintage donut wall
Mid-century mint-green chairs
Tables and chairs for up to 160 guests
Outdoor patio (ideal for cocktail hour)
Indoor ceremony/reception area with a dramatic "grand reveal"
Having a separate space for cocktails outside and a coordinated grand reveal inside helps make celebrations here feel special and unforgettable. The practical extras, like the coat rack (so handy for Chicago winters), show how much thoughtfulness went into this space.
Pricing varies but stays reasonable, given what's included. We've seen rental fees around $9,500 for a Saturday wedding and $5,350 for Sunday events. For what you get, that's a solid value.
Rating: 8/10
Planning Process
We met Shay during a walkthrough for Shannon and Armand's wedding in 2024. It was immediately clear that her approach wasn't just about managing logistics. She cared deeply about the wedding itself. Shay paid attention to every detail, making sure everything—from signage placement to the day's timeline—felt intentional and seamless. Her involvement made a massive difference in ensuring the day ran smoothly.
For couples looking to simplify their planning and stay close to the venue on the big day, The Joinery offers two fantastic onsite lodging options:
A 2-bedroom speakeasy-style apartment directly above the venue, perfect for smaller groups.
The Millhouse is a charming 4-bedroom home next door that sleeps up to 12 guests.
Did we mention it's walking distance to Starbucks? That's a huge plus when grabbing a bridal party's coffee order at 7 a.m.
That said, the Joinery's residential location does come with a couple of things to keep in mind:
There's no dedicated vendor or guest parking.
A 10 p.m. noise ordinance means celebrations wrap up earlier, with security ensuring a quiet and smooth guest exit.
None of this is a deal-breaker, but it is worth considering for late-night dance floor dreams.
Rating: 8/10
Day-Of Execution
Shay made sure everything ran smoothly on the wedding day. She gave the photographer and bridal party early access to the patio. While vendors were originally scheduled to arrive at 2 p.m. for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony, Shay allowed them access as early as noon. This extra time made all the difference. Vendors could set up without rushing, and the couple had a precious moment to relax and see the space before the big day kicked off. They loved it.
Every detail came together flawlessly. Studio Poppy's florals transformed the space, and Shannon and Armand's custom signage was a standout. The Joinery team made sure everything was displayed beautifully. Shay worked hand in hand with us throughout the day, keeping an eye on every detail. She checked in with the couple, communicated with vendors, and ensured each transition—from the ceremony to the reception—was seamless.
Rating: 10/10
Why You'll Love It
Beautiful spaces inside and out
No vendor exclusivity (within reason)
Convenient Airbnb lodging options steps away
Easily accessible for local and out-of-town guests
Transparent pricing
Incredible onsite support from venue management
The Joinery is perfect for couples who want a space that feels both thoughtful and adaptable. Whether you're planning a simple, minimalist event or a bold, floral-filled celebration, the venue shapes itself into your vision. It's hard to find a place that offers this much character, flexibility, and support all in one.