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Weddings

Pricing information

Reception
$1,375 starting price
Ceremony
$500 starting price
Reception
$1,165 starting price
Ceremony
$500 starting price
These prices are available for the months of April through November. These prices are available for the months of December through March.

About

Catalyst Ranch is a whimsically designed space which naturally lends itself to festive occasions – weddings, commitment ceremonies, anniversary parties, networking events, corporate dinners, quinceanera, bar & bat mitzvahs. Fully furnished and decorated, it’s easy to throw a party here. You naturally want to dance – The Polka, The Cha Cha, The Jitterbug, The Mambo and The Tango, of course. We work with a diverse group of outstanding caterers, guaranteed to meet your every desire.

Catalyst Ranch is all about throwing a great party. And making it super easy for you to be the host(ess) with the most(est) and not even get your hands dirty. Since the rooms are fully furnished with an eclectic mix of vintage and ethnic pieces, there’s no rentals needed and your guests have plenty of places to recline, cozy up in a corner and have a private tête-à-tête or put their feet up between dance numbers.

With all the colors and artwork on the walls, there’s no need to form a decorating committee (you can put that behind you with prom). Instead, put your effort into cool invitations, selecting party favors, making that select guest list and picking out the tunes.

As for food for your party, we’ve teamed up with some of the most scrumdilly-icious caterers in Chicago! They’re chock-full of tasty ideas and talent, all at your beck and call.

And, the best part is that you don’t have to it all alone. Our Gala Girl is here to guide you all the way, whether it’s introducing you to some great vendors, pointing you to the vintage photo booth or figuring out the perfect layout for the room. No matter whether you’re looking to pull something together quickly and simply at the last minute or you’ve got a year to plan every detail, we can help!

Catalyst Ranch is very conveniently located in the West Loop, in downtown Chicago. Right off the expressway and near all the major train stations, getting here is easy. There are wonderful hotels nearby and fast taxis or limos to get you here. Thrifty parking is all around, too.

Let’s Celebrate – Catalyst Ranch style!

  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

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

Yes

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

$1,375

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

$1,165

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?

$500

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
Set Up
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall
Historic Building
Loft

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Wifi

What event items are available?

Chairs
Decor
Furniture
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
December
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Reviews of Catalyst Ranch

4.7 out of 5 rating
4.7 out of 5 rating
5 Reviews
94% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.3 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
L
Martha Sent on 09/08/2009
5 out of 5 rating
This venue almost speaks for itself! As soon as you walk into this space, you can't help but to smile. Everything is so sunny, happy and quirky. There is a definite retro feel to the space. Needless to say, this venue is for the offbeat couple! The more formal Bridezilla need not apply here. All of our guests could not stop talking about how awesome they thought Catalyst was. They commented on how it almost felt like we were having the reception at our home as opposed to a rented facility! That is how intimate it felt. Paulette was such a pleasure to work with. She was extremely responsive before, during and after our contract with Catalyst. She was very helpful in helping us with vendor recommendations and giving us tips early on in our wedding planning process. She was acting almost as our unofficial wedding planner for a while. She was patient with us as we asked endless questions and was extremely flexible with our requests. We are threatening to have a large one-year anniversary party just so we can go party at Catalyst again. Book them now!
S
Sterling Sent on 12/05/2008
5 out of 5 rating
Catalyst Ranch was my dream reception hall.
I am not a traditional person so this place was perfect!
My husband and I didn't want to spend tons of money on decorations that no one would remember, so when we met with Paulette at the venue we loved it immediately. The walls are all brightly colored, there are games and toys, costumes, big couches, and tables from the 40s, 50s and 60s. It was perfect for us.

If you want a wedding that is more about having fun and celebrating your marriage than centerpieces and candelabras this is the place for you.

It was honestly the perfect wedding.
N
Nicole Sent on 04/27/2015
4.8 out of 5 rating
We were looking for something unique for our wedding and catalyst was exactly that. Directly off the expressway and with convenient parking it was very accessible for our guests too. Krissy was a breeze to work with and all their staff was friendly. Thank you for helping to make our day memorable for us and our guests for years to come!
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Awards

5

Real Weddings

Kate & Phil
28 photos · 01/12/2019

Professional Network & Endorsements

3 Endorsements
Beth Bernstein Events Beth Bernstein Events Wedding Planners

If you are looking for a fun and (truly) unique place to throw a party, look no further than Catalyst Ranch! Every inch (make that centimeter!) is covered with colorful, humorous and nostalgic decor that will put a smile on everyone's face. The staff is super fun -- and professional. We can't wait to work there again!

Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc. Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc. Wedding Planners

What an fantastic venue!! Catalyst Ranch is one of Chicago most unique, fun and creative spaces. We love working there!

AnitaWeds AnitaWeds Wedding Officiants

Catalyst Ranch is a fantastic venue!! Everyone who knows me can tell you that this is my favorite. The decor is fun and whimsical - a wonderful atmosphere for a wedding. Plus, there are great spots for a ceremony that have a warm, intimate feel. A perfect combination of funky & friendly! The staff is amazing - every single person I have encountered has been approachable and eager to help - they are definitely there to make sure your day is perfect. I have performed several ceremonies at Catalyst Ranch and every couple I've worked with was thrilled with their choice.

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Catalyst Ranch frequently asked questions

Catalyst Ranch includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The space offered by Catalyst Ranch for wedding events is known for:
  • Banquet Hall
  • Historic Building
  • Loft
Catalyst Ranch offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
Catalyst Ranch offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Catalyst Ranch offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Wifi
Catalyst Ranch offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Decor
  • Furniture
  • Tables
Catalyst Ranch is recommended by 94% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 5 in professionalism, 4.9 in flexibility, 4.8 in quality of service, 4.6 in average response time and 4.3 in value.

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