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Weddings

Pricing information

Price range: $13,100 - $15,800 Price range: $13,100 - $15,800
Couples usually spend $14,450 Couples usually spend $14,450
Ceremony
$1,000 starting price
Ceremony
$500 starting price

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Attributes highlighted by couples

Unique aesthetic style
Quality catering
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

On WeddingWire since 2011

Celebrate your special day in style at the Royal Sonesta River North neighborhood gem, the trendy area hotel that’s surrounded by the finest shopping and cultural experiences.

Nestled in the heart of an iconic vibrant community, the River North Royal Sonesta offers the perfect blend of modern elegance and local appeal. Whether for the big day, laid-back rehearsal dinner, shower or day-after brunch, a unique wedding experience awaits you at The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North. Situated in Chicago’s storied arts and design district, our River North property offers a sleek escape from the bustle of the city and has a vibe all its own.

Allow our diverse spaces and culinary delights to craft a memorable wedding experience for you and your guests. If grandeur and tradition are on your mood board, we offer our Gallery Ballroom featuring soaring ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and dripping crystal chandeliers.

For a more unique and eclectic vibe, we invite you to consider our private and semi-private dining spaces at CBR and Canvas; both offering flexibility in space to design an event to bring your vision to life. CBR and Canvas offer options of additional outdoor space so you can take in the sights and sounds of the River North neighborhood pulsing with a unique music and art scene.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

No

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)
Wedding Cake

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
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Message vendor
4.7 out of 5 rating
19 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
94% Recommended by couples
A
Ashley H. Sent on 07/19/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible service, food, and drinks!

I could not recommend a wedding venue more than the Hotel Palomar. From the minute that we met Allison and her team, my husband and I were treated like actual royalty. The team’s attention to detail was incredible and shined through even in our first meeting. Not only did we receive a detailed tour of the ballroom, hotel, and guest rooms but we left with a goodie bag of cookies with a handwritten note from the Executive Chef congratulating us on our engagement!

The food is unbelievable and is sure to wow your guests. The menu choices are very expansive which meant we got to choose items that aren’t often seen at other weddings. Hot tip: the red wine braised short ribs were life-changing.

The bar was also spectacular - good quality liquor choices and well made drinks by the bartenders.

But the service, my goodness this might be the best part. I am the sort of person with endless questions and Allison was incredibly patient and responsive throughout the entire planning process. Also, during the entire wedding weekend the in-room dining and housekeeping teams took outstanding care of everyone in our room block.

There was legitimately nothing that I would change about our wedding day because of the incredible care and hard work put in by the Hotel Palomar team! Choosing to host your wedding at the Palomar should be a no-brainer.
A
Alexa M. Sent on 09/13/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Nothing but rave reviews!!

Allison S. and the team at the Royal Sonesta River North (FKA The Kimpton Hotel Palomar) were the glue that held our wedding together. Unfortunately, due to COVID we had to reschedule our wedding twice. (The third time was the charm!) Allison and the team made the wedding planning process seamless and demonstrated compassion and understanding.

Allison was the absolute best! She stuck with us through postponements, answered hundreds of questions, and coordinated many meetings/phone calls. She was patient, efficient, hard-working and knowledgeable about the wedding planning process/industry. There were many times throughout the planning process where we didn’t know if we could have 10, 30, 50 or 150 guests at our wedding. Allison was always there to share everything she knew about the very fluid changes that were happening in the COVID landscape between event spaces and the city. We could not have had a successful wedding without all of Allison’s work behind the scenes as well as help leading up to and on the day of our wedding!

Additionally, all of the bartenders, waitstaff, and additional team members at the Sonesta were amazing. Everyone was incredibly friendly and hospitable. Our friends still rave about how fun they helped make the night! The food served at our wedding was also phenomenal! We elected to offer our guests the option of a chicken, fish, or vegetarian dish. We heard great things about all three meals. The passed appetizers at cocktail hour and late night snack (pretzels) were also terrific.

All in all, the Royal Sonesta River North was an incredible place to host our wedding. The staff, delicious food, and beautiful ballroom helped bring our vision/dream wedding to life. We would recommend the Sonesta to anyone! If you’re considering this venue, do not hesitate!
Jennifer
Jennifer Sent on 03/07/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic Customer Service

Lindsey at Hotel Palomar is fantastic! We booked a block through Hotel Palomar for our April wedding and she is one of the most responsive vendors we have worked with.

She was very accommodating with the block and was great about answering all our questions (since we've never done a hotel block before). Hotel Palomar is a BEAUTIFUL hotel and the rooms are cozy and welcoming.

Also, it is in one of the best areas of the city so it is a great place to send your friends and family. They have so many options in walking distance from their hotel.

Thank you to Lindsey for making the process an easy and stress-free part of the wedding planning process.
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Awards

19

Real Weddings

Stela & Alex
22 photos · 08/28/2021
Rebecca & Julio
19 photos · 10/05/2019
Rebecca & Katy
22 photos · 10/25/2015

Team

Robert Warsaw
Robert Warsaw
Area Director of Catering & Conference Services

Kay Alonge, Senior Catering Sales Manager

kaykimberly.alonge@sonesta.com

312.236.0123

Mark Johnson, Catering Sales Manager

mark.johnson@sonesta.com

312.346.7100

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