There’s something timeless about a Westin Chicago Wedding. Nestled in the heart of Chicago, the venue offers a mix of elegance and ease. As a photographer, I love how the outdoor spaces are filled with light, greenery, and room for joy to unfold naturally. It’s the perfect backdrop for a celebration like Maura and Ian’s.
Maura and Ian’s story began on a dance floor. She was in college, and he was training to be a firefighter. That spark carried them through years of laughter, adventures, and eventually to this beautiful day. Watching their journey come full circle made every moment of the wedding feel even more meaningful.
The day started with laughter in the bridal suite, surrounded by bridesmaids in silky navy robes. Details like Maura’s lace gown, Ian’s sharp navy suit, and soft white florals set the tone for a classic and elegant day. Their ceremony under the trees felt intimate and heartfelt, with sunlight pouring through as they exchanged vows.
Following the ceremony, there were plenty of unscripted giggles, bridal party fun, and golden-hour photographs. Gold and navy accents within the reception brought everything together. As the newlyweds performed their first dance and sliced into their gorgeous white cake, the guests applauded. Joe Cano kept the night lively by bringing the dance floor to life.
Our professional wedding photographer team captured not only the big moments but also the small, emotional details that made the day unique. Our wedding videographer brought it all to life again in motion, creating a cinematic memory they’ll treasure. Many couples share their experience on our reviews page—where their words reflect the joy we strive to capture.
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Westin Chicago Wedding Photos
The Westin Wedding Venue
One thing caught my attention as I browsed Maura and Ian’s day photo gallery: the backdrop, the foliage, and the light all felt so lovely. The Westin Chicago Wedding venue is unique because of this. It combines contemporary style with rustic charm and is conveniently located. Outside, trees and grass surround peaceful moments, while the inner ballrooms feature high ceilings and sleek lines. That combination is crucial to a photographer because it creates contrast between unguarded laughter beneath trees, serene portraits, and large group images. You gain adaptability. The Westin offers stunning views as well as private nooks. Its architecture, lighting choices, and thoughtfully planned spaces make every shot feel deliberate.
Westin Wedding Cost
Now switching gears: cost matters, and the Westin Chicago Wedding delivers value if you know where to focus. From what I’ve learned, weddings here often start with a minimum food & beverage spend, including rentals (tables, linens, chairs), and in-house catering. Ceremony site fees can begin around $1,000 (depending on whether it’s indoor or outdoor). Larger events or weekends will push prices higher. As a photographer who’s worked many weddings here, I see couples spend more when they add extras — custom lighting, luxe florals, upgraded menus. It’s good to budget beyond the basic package so you’re not surprised. When you value both style and service, the Westin feels worth every extra dollar.
Westin Banquet Hall
Moving on to the banquet hall itself: this is where the Westin Chicago Wedding really shines in the photos. The banquet halls are spacious and flexible. As I stood in the Grand Ballroom during Maura & Ian’s reception, I noticed how it swallowed sound nicely but still felt warm thanks to the decor and soft lighting. There’s room for large guest counts, and yet you don’t lose romance — thanks to ceilings, drapery, and chandeliers. The layout lets couples have a grand entrance, first dance, then dinner, then dance floor — all in one sweeping space. Also, the banquet hall connects nicely to cocktail-hour areas and outdoor terraces, so guests can flow inside-out. From a photography standpoint, that gives so many angles: wide sweeping shots, detail shots, dancing shots — all with good light.
