Fairlie | Chicago Wedding Venue Spotlight
Nestled in the West Loop at the corner of Fulton and Bell is one of our favorite Chicago wedding venues: Fairlie. With its spacious layout and minimalist, industrial-chic aesthetic, the space naturally inspires creativity—making it a perfect fit for couples who want a wedding that feels uniquely theirs. It’s also a venue that’s close to our hearts as a planning team. In fact, we loved it so much that we chose Fairlie to host Event Shoppe’s fifth anniversary celebration!
Let’s explore what makes this venue such a standout choice for couples who want a celebration rooted in meaningful details.
Fairlie: A Blank Canvas for Your Wedding Vision
Fairlie is a venue for couples who don’t want their wedding to look like anyone else’s. It’s made for those who want to curate a space that reflects their story and personal style—creating an experience that’s truly one of a kind. In other words, a Fairlie couple is a lot like an Event Shoppe Chicago couple!
With exposed brick and lofty ceilings, Fairlie is a chameleonic space that pairs beautifully with virtually any wedding aesthetic. Whether your style leans boho, modern, or rustic, your vision will shine against this versatile blank canvas. Farm tables and silver X-back chairs, included with your rental, provide a neutral foundation for bringing your tablescape dreams to life.
Couples looking for a fuss-free wedding day will also appreciate that Fairlie is a true one-stop shop. Spacious getting-ready suites and a ceremony space filled with natural light allow you to spend your entire day in one thoughtfully designed location. And as a bonus, your guests will love the convenience of on-site parking.
Intentional Design, Big Impact
Although Fairlie is a highly versatile venue, its considered details and naturally lit spaces mean you don’t need an abundance of décor unless that’s your style. A few intentional touches can make a big impact. Proud plant parent? Plants can be hung from the ceiling in the reception space. Prefer lush, stop-you-in-your-tracks florals? The staircase can be covered in blooms, creating a stunning focal point.
The upstairs loft offers even more opportunities for personalization. We love transforming it into a lounge-style space—whether that’s a speakeasy, a casual hangout spot, or even a cannabis bar, like we created for our company’s anniversary party.
Planning for a Seamless Fairlie Ballroom Flip
Once the décor and layout are set, the next step is planning the flow of your day—especially in the ballroom. Fairlie can accommodate up to 250 guests, but we recommend not pushing that upper limit. Because both your ceremony and reception take place in the ballroom, the space needs to be flipped in between. During that time, you and your guests will enjoy cocktail hour at the adjacent bar. If the room is too crowded, however, the flip can become more challenging than it needs to be.
Our advice? Keep your guest list conservative (under 225), and the transition will be a piece of cake.
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your Chicago wedding—but your planner matters almost as much. Why? Because they’re the ones who guide you through the entire process and can truly shape your experience.
Driven by our couple-first approach (and fueled by lots of tacos), our team is here to help you spend your time and money wisely. Whether you choose Full Service, Partial Planning, or Wedding Management, our goal is the same: to help you enjoy the journey and walk away with a smile and memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to get started? Share your details or schedule a discovery call with us today!
Vendors:
Featured Venue: Fairlie
Photography: Nikole Marie; Jacob Ryan Funk Photography; Faith is Love Co.
