“Bright lights, big city” is what you envision for your wedding day, one with a view that will knock your guests’ brightly colored socks off.
By: Maya VandenbergIndulge in the alfresco wedding of your dreams at these metropolitan hotels, and you’ll have a twinkling cityscape as the backdrop for your special day. Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a bigger, crowd-pleasing bash, share the love at these sophisticated urban venues.
Hotel Eventi, New York City
Photo courtesy of Kimpton Hotels
Exchange vows on the 292-room Hotel Eventi’s fifth-floor Veranda South terrace in Chelsea and you’ll have spectacular views down Sixth Avenue all the way to the new World Trade Center. Stand underneath a canopy swathed in white fabric or have the entire terrace tented — either way, the dazzling New York City lights will be part of your story. Afterwards, keep the party alfresco or move it indoors to the Eventi Suite for intimate gatherings of up to 15. For larger parties, head down to the Verdi rooms, which have an adjoining outdoor terrace and comfortably seat up to 260 guests when combined. Customize your day by taking advantage of the hotel’s exclusive partnerships and choose an amazing creation from Sylvia Weinstock, wedding cake designer to the stars, or dance the night away to the best bands and DJs the city has to offer. Weddings start at $180 per person and include five- hour bar and a three-course dinner, plus a Sylvia Weinstock wedding cake.
LondonHouse, Chicago
Photo Credit: Nicholas James Photography
Say “I do” standing 23 floors up in the stunning, original Beaux Arts cupola that crowns this hotel and you’ll truly feel on top of the world. The 452-room LondonHouse opened in 2016 in a historic Michigan Avenue building with a modernist all-glass 22-story addition, and the dramatic rooftop dome showcases 360-degree panoramas of downtown, the Chicago skyline and the Chicago River. It’s ideal for petite weddings of up to 10 seated guests.
For larger affairs, the sophisticated tri-level LH bar with an outdoor bar and terrace on the 22nd floor offers a seamless indoor-outdoor space that can accommodate up to 190 people.
Toast to your new life together while taking in scenic vistas of Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. And if the weather isn’t on your side, the hotel’s Grand Ballroom also has top Windy City views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Cupola rental starts at $1,000, and the Vaughn wedding package starts at $170 per person, includes a four-hour deluxe bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast and a three-course dinner.
Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver
This 489-room hotel on Vancouver Harbour and its 2,100-square-foot terrace, herb garden and apiary paved the way for green roofs in Vancouver. The third-floor space also serves as a gorgeous site for outdoor nuptials. Marry beneath a billowy white marquee surrounded not only by your loved ones, but also over 20 varieties of herbs, fruits and edible flowers — many of which you’ll find right on your dinner plate after you’ve made it official. The terrace, which boasts stellar city and harbor views, can hold up to 80 people if you opt for a stand-up reception with cold canapés and hot hors d’oeuvres, or 50 guests if you prefer a formal sit-down dinner. Expect fresh, seasonal fare like short ribs with whipped potatoes, and pan-flashed Arctic char with tomato couscous. Ceremony set- ups start at $3,000 and wedding packages start at $80 per person.
Legally Wedded: Marriage licenses are required in New York and Illinois and are valid for 60 days from date of issue. Couples must apply in person and provide proof of age, valid ID and, if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate. New York State has a waiting period of one day. A marriage license is also required in British Columbia and is valid for 90 days. Only one member of the couple is required to apply, but they must do so in person.
