Wedding Cost Estimate for 2026 in Chicago IL

Planning a wedding in Chicago IL? You're in the right place. This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 200 to 300 people and an average wedding cost of $18,733 - $22,895. Below, we've answered the most common questions about wedding costs to help you understand how this budget breaks down across different categories, from the venue to the photographer. Use these estimates to guide your planning and vendor selection.

Wedding Cost Summary

Wedding Budget: $18,733 - $22,895
Lives in: Evanston IL - Evanston IL Wedding Statistics
Planning a wedding in: Chicago IL
Season: Fall Wedding in 2026
How many guests: This estimate is based on having 250 guests with a range of 200 to 300 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $75 - $92 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony and reception will be at the same location
Wedding Location: an event facility
Type of wedding: Elegant, Fun, Traditional
Wedding color theme: White
Highest priorities:
  • Entertainment (DJ, Live Band, Musician/s, etc.)
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue

Wedding Cost Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 250 guests in Chicago IL?
For a wedding with 250 guests in the Chicago IL, the estimated total cost is around $18,733 - $22,895. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for all vendor categories.
How much does a wedding cost per person in Chicago IL?
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Chicago IL is approximately $83. With a guest count of 250, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $18,733 - $22,895.
How does the cost of a wedding in Chicago IL compare to the national average?
The average wedding cost in Chicago IL is currently trending lower than the national average. The estimated budget of $18,733 - $22,895 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
What is the average price of a wedding cake in Chicago IL?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 250 guests in Chicago IL is $1,013 - $1,238. This price can vary based on the complexity of the design and flavors.
How much does a wedding cake cost per slice in my area?
In the Chicago IL area and for this wedding, expect wedding cake pricing to be around $4 - $5 per slice.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Bakery Cost $1,013 - $1,238 5.4%
Wedding Cake/dessert $1,013 - $1,238 5.4%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Chicago IL?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,807 - $2,209, which is 9.6% of your total.
What's the average price for a wedding DJ in Chicago IL?
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Chicago IL area is $1,252 - $1,530.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $1,807 - $2,209 9.6%
DJ/MC $1,252 - $1,530 6.7%
Entertainment lighting $555 - $679 3.0%
How much does it cost to rent a wedding venue in Chicago IL?
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 250 guest wedding in Chicago IL, you should budget approximately $15,662 - $19,142, which is about 83.6% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Event Venue Cost $15,662 - $19,142 83.6%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $5,350 - $6,538 28.6%
Wedding Venue Food Service $10,312 - $12,604 55.0%
What is the average fee for a wedding officiant in Chicago IL?
The average fee for a professional wedding officiant in the Chicago IL area is $251 - $307. This can vary depending on ceremony customization and travel.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Officiant
Officiant Cost $251 - $307 1.3%
Officiant $251 - $307 1.3%

The average cost of a wedding in Chicago IL is based on real spending reported by couples, not vendor price lists. It includes both new and used items, and services provided by professionals, independent providers, or even friends and family. Every wedding is unique, and what couples spend can vary widely depending on their preferences and circumstances.

Other Wedding Cost Estimates for Chicago IL

Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 25 to 50 guests is between $12,170 and $14,874
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a fall wedding in 2026 with 25 to 50 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is DIY, Elegant, Fun and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $12,170 and $14,874.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 100 to 150 guests is between $40,832 and $49,906
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Experience, Fun, Garden and the wedding color theme is Purples. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $40,832 and $49,906.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 150 to 200 guests is between $53,758 and $65,704
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a summer wedding in 2026 with 150 to 200 guests. The ceremony is at a church or other place of worship and reception is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Modern, Romantic, Unique and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $53,758 and $65,704.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 50 to 100 guests is between $17,665 and $21,591
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a fall wedding in 2027 with 50 to 100 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is DIY, Fun, Modern and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $17,665 and $21,591.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 50 to 100 guests is between $28,070 and $34,308
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2026 with 50 to 100 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Intimate, Romantic, Unique and the wedding color theme is Ivory. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $28,070 and $34,308.