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Weddings

About

The story of the hotel is one of undeniable charm...an introduction by Potter Palmer's former business partner, Marshall Field, sparked the engagement of Potter & Bertha that led to perhaps one of the most extravagant wedding gifts of all time - The Palmer House Hilton.

Celebrating over 140 years and 9,000 weddings, we invite you to share the Palmer House Hilton as your "Something Borrowed."

Contact Us

Palmer House Catering Office

17 East Monroe Street | Chicago, IL 60603

direct: 312.422.1325 | fax: 312.332.7670

palmerhousecatering@hilton.com

More Information

Venues: Five Ballrooms and unique one of a kind ceremony, reception, rehearsal and morning brunch venues including the Grand Ballroom, the famed Empire Room, the Honore Ballroom, the Red Lacquer Room as well as Potter's, Lockwood Restaurant Bar and Hospitality Suites.

Culinary Philosophy: Use fresh, local, seasonal product, and use plenty of it. In our rooftop garden, we grow fresh herbs, vegetables, and lettuces that we harvest and then prepare in our kitchens. Combining this approach with our signature restaurants’ farm-to-table cuisine, we have created banquet menus for all seasons. Our culinary team works to create great-tasting, customized menus while setting new culinary trends for every occasion. Culinary fun fact - the brownie was invented at the Palmer House.

Icing on the Cake: Set the stage for your wedding guests with an unforgettable arrival experience to our crown gem and heart of the house, the Grand Lobby, featuring a ceiling of 21 Greek mythological panels rivaling those of the Sistine Chapel. As America's longest operating hotel, we've recently completed a $215M restoration of the entire hotel offering you a historic yet hip venue.

Extra Indulgences: Balance Spa for treatments and hair prior to and following the celebration, Complimentary Balance Fitness center with in-door pool, Complimentary Connectivity Station, Concierge, Shoe Shine Service, as well as an on site Starbucks, Freshii, and Merz Apothecary.

Wedding Coordination: Our catering team is committed to helping you host an extraordinary wedding - one that's not only remembered, but talked about. As experts in all facets of wedding planning, our Wedding Coordinators are devoted to ensure your wedding surpasses your greatest expectations. And, as one would expect from a hotel renowned for its stunning decor, the Palmer House wedding decorators are also exceptionally skilled in creating elegant, opulent wedding settings. Not to mention that our catering team is one of the finest in Chicago, having catered countless events for the heads of state and foreign dignitaries. We can provide you with recommendations for wedding coordinators for day of or full service.

Exclusive: Palmer House Hilton Wedding Package available

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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?

$1,200

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

$1,200

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

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

Server(s)
Wedding Cake

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$52

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

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
Open Bar
Premium Liquor

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Hotel

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Get Ready Rooms

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
French Service
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Chocolate Fountain
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access

Reviews of The Palmer House Hilton

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

The Palmer House is highly praised as a wedding venue, with a special mention of the Red Lacquer Room and Empire Room. Multiple reviewers highlight the exceptional service provided by Mina, the event coordinator, who went above and beyond to ensure a seamless and memorable wedding experience. Guests appreciate the luxurious and well-thought-out details, from customized menus to VIP treatment, making the wedding weekends feel like a dream come true. The venue's historic charm, beautiful ballrooms, and the attentive staff contribute to creating unforgettable weddings at the Palmer House.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The Palmer House is highly praised as a wedding venue, with a special mention of the Red Lacquer Room and Empire Room. Multiple reviewers highlight the exceptional service provided by Mina, the event coordinator, who went above and beyond to ensure a seamless and memorable wedding experience. Guests appreciate the luxurious and well-thought-out details, from customized menus to VIP treatment, making the wedding weekends feel like a dream come true. The venue's historic charm, beautiful ballrooms, and the attentive staff contribute to creating unforgettable weddings at the Palmer House.

Mona
Mona Sent on 12/13/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful experience with Mina at The Palmer House!

We loved working with the Palmer House! Mina, our catering/venue contact was amazing and really went above and beyond for us. We had an incredible wedding day due in large part to all her hard working leading up to and on the actual wedding day. She accommodated our requests and answered all of our questions throughout the planning process. On the day itself, Mina added so many little touches to make us feel extra special. I’m not exaggerating when I say we didn’t notice a single thing go wrong on our wedding day. The Palmer House is beautiful and we had a great experience. We would definitely recommend it as a wedding venue.
A
Aubrey Sent on 12/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding of my Dreams

I cannot recommend Mina enough! 🩷🩷🩷 From the moment we started planning our wedding, Mina was a guiding light. Her kindness, professionalism, and unwavering dedication turned what could have been a stressful process into a joyful experience. Every detail, from my bachelorette party to the wedding reception, was handled with the utmost care, and I felt completely at ease knowing Mina was in charge.

Her ability to understand my vision and bring it to life was nothing short of amazing. She made sure everything was perfect, and her calm, warm demeanor made her an absolute pleasure to work with. In fact, Mina’s incredible service is the reason I chose The Palmer House for all my wedding events. I followed her from the Chicago Botanic Garden to The Palmer House because I knew I could trust her to make everything perfect.🙏🏻

Mina truly went above and beyond, and I am so grateful for all the hard work and dedication she put into making my wedding day everything I dreamed of and more. If you’re looking for a planner who genuinely cares about your vision and will ensure your day is flawless, Mina is the one to have by your side. Thank you for having such a remarkable team member!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

R
Ryan Sent on 12/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Palmer House Wedding - There is no better!

My wife and I had our wedding reception in the Red Lacquer Room at the Palmer House Hilton and it truly was amazing! This hotel is a beautiful staple of Chicago history, and we are honored to have celebrated our love in such a wonderful hotel. The staff was so friendly and accommodating in all of our requests, they made our special day everything we ever dreamed of! The ballroom was absolutely gorgeous, and it was able to hold our 250 guests, who all raved about how stunning the room and decorations looked.

Our event planner was Mina Lee with the Palmer House. She made our wedding her number one priority and worked so hard to make sure every minute of our reception was perfect! Mina helped us every step of the way and met with us multiple times to go over all the options the Palmer House could offer. We really couldn’t have done this without her and we are so grateful for all of her hard work.

If you are looked to host a magical evening that will leave all your family and friends speechless, there is no better option than the Palmer House Hilton!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Sent on 09/30/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Palmer House Wedding Experience

The Palmer House is a perfect venue to throw a wedding I genuinely could not be happier. We were extremely well taken care of. Upon arrival, we were marked as VIPs and the entire experience felt luxurious and well thought out. I could not recommend it any higher.
R
Rebecca Sent on 08/12/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Wedding!

Mina was incredible! She helped us put together ther perfect wedding. She was very responsive even through her personal vacations making sure that we had everything in line. With her experience, she was able to recommend other trusted vendors that have done weddings at the Palmer House and were familiar with the room and standards. Mina and the Palmer House went above and beyond our expectations.
C
C V Sent on 08/02/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Mina is the Best!

Mina was wonderful to work with. As out of town people, she helped us navigate planning a wedding in Chicago and was always responsive to emails (multiple emails and questions!). She was instrumental with every aspect of the wedding including the wonderful florist, transportation and hair. On the day of the wedding, she was there to make sure everything ran smoothly. She went above and beyond and I could not recommend the Palmer and Mina more!!!
D
Doris Sent on 06/03/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Highly Recommend Palmer House

My husband and i held our wedding on May 4 in the Empire Room and we could not have dreamt of a more beautiful wedding. From day one when we met Mina Lee, the Palmer House coordinator for our wedding, we knew we were in great hands. Her service from the day we toured the venue all the way through the week's after our wedding, she was always one call, email or text away. She was EXCELLENT. We are so grateful we had the blessing to meet her and that she worked on our wedding. She treated us like we were a king and queen on our wedding day. I HIGHLY recommend Palmer House for weddings or your special event and request to work with Mina!!! Mina treated us and our guests like VIPs and all of our guests were so happy with the wedding and the weekend spent at Palmer House. I wish I could have a second wedding at Palmer because it was truly one of the BEST days of our lives and we owe it all to Mina and the beautiful hotel.
C
Courtneyandjeff Sent on 07/04/2018
5 out of 5 rating
We had a wedding block here for our wedding guests and booked the Parlour Suite for all of our bridal party to get ready in. It was so beautiful! We worked with Alexis and she was absolutely wonderful and kept in touch with us throughout our planning process. We also had the Palmer House brownies delivered to our guests and they loved them! And Alexis sent us, the bride and groom, a Palmer House brownie with chocolate covered strawberries on top and champagne for our special wedding weekend. Excellent service and stay!
U
User2035845 Sent on 02/10/2015
5 out of 5 rating
If you had to ask you obviously have not stayed at the Palmer House.
V
Veronica Sent on 10/25/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Excellent Excellent from beginning to end. Palmer house and Joy made my event like a fairy tale. From the rooms to the food to the service was A++++!! Thank you I could not ask for anything more!!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

30
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2025 Winner

Map

The Palmer House Hilton frequently asked questions

The Palmer House Hilton includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The Palmer House Hilton includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Server(s)
  • Wedding Cake
The bar service starting price at The Palmer House Hilton includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • Champagne Toast
  • Open Bar
  • Premium Liquor
The space offered by The Palmer House Hilton for wedding events is known for:
  • Historic Building
  • Hotel
The Palmer House Hilton offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
The Palmer House Hilton offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
The Palmer House Hilton offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Get Ready Rooms
The Palmer House Hilton is recommended by 87% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.4 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.5 in professionalism, 4.4 in quality of service, 4.3 in average response time, 4.3 in flexibility and 4.3 in value.
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