Bridgeport Art Center Wedding in Chicago

Hannah & Johnny are the kind of people that are easy to be obsessed with, trust me. As soon as we met up in Rome to shoot their engagement photos, it was over. We had such a blast that I could barely wait to come back to Chicago and shoot with them again on their wedding day at the Bridgeport Art Center! And, trust me, it did NOT disappoint.

Bridgeport Art Center – Elegant Chicago Wedding Venue 

I was so happy that Hannah & Johnny chose the Bridgeport Art Center for their wedding venue – it’s one of the best wedding venues for couples who want that modern luxe aesthetic with some extra warmth and character. Its exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows give an elevated and luxurious vibe, without feeling same-y. I can definitely say Hannah & Johnny did a great job using the space to create really intimate and personal moments (stay tuned to see the surprise Johnny managed to pull off). The skylights, the wood beams and rich floral arrangements, the floor to ceiling doors and windows draped elegantly  – all the details balanced perfectly to be charming, warm and yet contemporary!

My Favorite Photo Spots Near Bridgeport Art Center

One of my go-to spots for photos nearby is the Museum Campus area – so many options! All along the exterior of the Field Museum there are elegant spots with gorgeous columns, terraces, beautiful architecture, plenty of lighting options – the works. The back of the building is one of the best spots to grab photos with your wedding party. There’s plenty of space and great details to include. If you’re heading towards the lake, the massive tree lined sidewalks are perfect for groups. And just a few feet away is your gorgeous skyline view. 

Pro tip – Hit up Kim + Carlo’s Hot Dog Cart right behind the Field Museum if you’re looking for something to hold you over til the reception!

A Versatile Wedding Venue Space

The Bridgeport Art Center offers two incredible spaces for weddings: the Skyline Loft and the Sculpture Garden. The Skyline Loft on the top floor has gorgeous skylights flooding the space with natural light, while the brick and wooden beams bring in warmth. To make it even more special, the loft has absolutely stunning views of the Chicago skyline. The Sculpture Garden, with its partially covered patio and sculptures by local artists, is perfect for adding an outdoor element while staying prepped for any weather surprises.

Having multiple spaces gives so much flexibility to couples, and I love seeing them be able to use it to create a seamless experience just like they envisioned. Having some built in options to your wedding venue is not just practical for planning, but for Bridgeport Art Center, it’s what makes it a refined and curated experience.

The Spaces – Sculpture Garden 

The Sculpture Garden is one spot I am just absolutely obsessed with! Every detail of Hannah & Johnny’s ceremony in the Sculpture Garden was sophisticated and refined. The space is so dynamic, stylish and yet still so practical for the wedding day. I think every guest who enters through the dramatic chandelier-ed entryway into a massive 12,000 square foot space feels that sophistication immediately. The garden itself includes 4,500 covered square feet of courtyard built along the historic railway. You couldn’t ask for a better aesthetic for your ceremony!

The Spaces – Skyline Loft

For me, the Skyline Loft speaks to modern elegance, 100%. Located on the top floor, the loft features skylights that provide an abundance of natural light, highlighting the warm tones of the rest of the space. Just about everyone I’ve spoken to agrees that the view of the Chicago skyline is a hidden gem as well. And the loft’s open layout makes it easy to customize the space to fit any vision. 

Speaking of special moments, Hannah & Johnny used the open layout downstairs to pull off the surprise of the night! Johnny’s old band from high school managed a surprise performance in front of all their guests! The couple and the vendors all planned in advance to have the DJ call all of the guests out onto the dance floor and face away for a big group shot, only for the groom to surprise everyone as soon as the pic was done, and they turned around to a full band performance! I adore when couples are able to add a moment so personal and unforgettable to the memory of their day!

FAQs for Bridgeport Art Center Weddings

• What is the maximum capacity of each space?
  • The Skyline Loft can host large gatherings, seating 600 or more. The Sculpture Garden provides plenty of space for outdoor events, fitting over 500 depending on the layout. Contact the great team at Bridgeport Art Center for detailed info based around a particular setup.
• What are the parking options?
  • The venue offers plenty of parking for guests, including a secure lot on the north side of the building. Check out the map they provide to see more details.
• Are there options for unpredictable weather?
  • The Sculpture Garden’s partially covered patio ensures a comfortable experience, even with unexpected weather changes.

A Dream Chicago Wedding Venue

The Bridgeport Art Center is a premier wedding venue that offers the perfect mix of style, flexibility, and sophistication for its couples. Its thoughtfully designed spaces like the Sculpture Garden and the Skyline Loft make it a can’t-miss choice for a venue when your goal is a seamlessly curated wedding day. I’d love to connect and talk about your celebration. See more of my wedding work at Bridgeport Art Center and more Chicago wedding venues in my portfolio, or reach out to chat more about your wedding day!

Photographer: Loren Weddings // Venue: The Bridgeport Art Center // Planner: Amelia Cole Events // Makeup: Marissa Flood Makeuplan // Hair: Megan Schnell Hair and Studio Marie // Video: Hunter Floyd Films // Floral: Thistle + Plume // Second Photographer: Karlie Dru Photographer