Wedding Blog
Every day on my way home from work, I pass the River East Art Center. Actually, I pass it while stopping off at Fox & Obel for a cupcake– their red velvet cupcakes are so good! Anyway, the River East Art Center is a multi-use space in Streeterville, right along the Chicago River. It’s become an extremely popular wedding venue in recent years, so I thought I’d gather some information for Chicago area bride-to-bees 
River East is a multi-arts venue dedicated to galleries, artist studio spaces, and special events. It features high, airy ceilings, a 60-foot waterwall, and a lovely walkway along the riverfront. The Spiazzo, their main space for wedding functions, seats 350 guests with a dance floor. They work exclusively with three Chicago caterers: Blue Plate, Food for Thought, and Catering by Michael’s. Each bride and groom works with the caterer to create a per-head cost based on menu, tables, chairs, glassware, linens, etc. This allows each couple a lot of creative freedom in designing an event that fits their vision and theme.
In addition to the per-head cost, River East has a rental fee. The rental fee fluctuates slighly by season, but is generally $7500 for a Friday night, $15,000 for a Saturday night, and $6500 for a Sunday night. While I balked a little at those rental fees, I still wanted to share information about this amazing venue. River East could be the ideal site for the bride with a larger budget who wants to splash out on a space to call her own.
I love the effect of covering the pillars in soft, draped fabric!
For more information, contact the River East Art Center at (312) 321-1001 or info@rivereastartcenter.com
all images from river east art center. all information accurate as of october 2007.
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We also briefly considered this venue (I work right next door to it!) and were turned off not only by the high price tag, but by the idea that if you want to hold a ceremony there it would have to be in the same room as the reception. So there would be a “turn-around” where everyone would have to leave the room after the ceremony and then come back in. I agree that its gorgeous, just wanted to throw out that information in case it helps anyone else!
The venue definitely looks nice all decorated, but I am a little turned off by the high price tag…and the fact that the ceremony and reception would have to be in the same room. So, thanks for the information Miss Jasmine and Darci!
I went to a wedding there two years ago. It was gorgeous! It totally made me want to have my own wedding in a museum or art gallery, but alas, everything in NY was too expensive or too small to accommodate my 250+ guests.
Oh, to answer Jennifer’s concern, at my friend’s wedding, we had cocktail hour on the terrace area, overlooking the river. In addition, guests also walked through the galleries. So with good views, food, drinks, and art to entertain us, the transition from ceremony to reception (although in the same room) was barely noticeable.
Good point. Thanks for clearing that up, Miss Peony
Miss Jasmine, what a beautiful venue! I love the double-height ceilings and the airiness.
P.S. My favorite cupcakes are red velvet too. 
In New York, I always head to Buttercup Cupcakes.
Miss Jasmine, what a beautiful venue! I love the double-height ceilings and the airiness.
P.S. My favorite cupcakes are red velvet too. In New York, I always head to Buttercup Cupcakes.
Just wanted to let you know….Your rental fees are a bit inflated. This is a response I recieved from Lindy Nagele, CMP Sales and Venue Consultant @ the REAC regarding a wedding in the summer of 2011:
Rental charges vary depending on the day of the week. Our rental rate for Saturday nights is $10,000.00. This is a flat rate (not taxed), and includes 6 hours of event time in our main event space plus 4 hours for setup and 4 hours for breakdown.
Just wanted to let you know! By no means is that inexpensive…..but a bit unfair considering that extra 5k would be a break it for me! Thanks & I love your Blog!
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Mrs. Jasmine, Chicago/LA
Age and Occupation: 25, Attorney
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Attorney
Engagement Date: March 24, 2007
Wedding Date: June 7, 2008
Blogging Since: September 20, 2007
Venue: Hotel on the westside of Los Angeles
About Me: I'm a happy-go-lucky, imaginative spirit trapped in the body of a lawyer. I love reading, shopping, dining out, and exploring my beloved adopted city of Chicago with my fiance. We're planning the wedding of our dreams in my hometown of Los Angeles and we're excited to incorporate our cherished Indian/Pakistani customs and traditions.
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