Chicago Park District Wedding Fees Explained

do chicago park districts charge for wedding at field house

Chicago Park District offers a range of outdoor and indoor spaces for weddings and other events. The rental fees for these spaces vary depending on factors such as location, demand, amenities, and attendance. For outdoor ceremonies, a Special Event Permit is required, which allows the use of designated space for a specific time frame and includes a $35 application fee. The rental fee is calculated based on the park cluster, with additional charges for certain features like alcohol service and setup dates. Field houses within the Chicago Park District also offer spaces for weddings, with varying sizes and amenities, including ballrooms and rooftop terraces. The availability and rental process for these field houses can be discussed with the Chicago Park District staff.

Characteristics Values
Type of events Outdoor ceremonies such as baptisms, dedications, memorials, religious services, and weddings
Permit required Special Event Permit – Commemorative level
Permit validity 2 or 4 hours
Fee calculation Base rental fee + any add-ons
Fee calculation (setup and teardown days) Base rental fee for each date
Fee calculation (alcohol) Base rental fee + alcohol add-on fee
Refundable security deposit Yes
Park clusters Assigned based on demand, amenities, and location
Park cluster fee Assigned based on cluster
Attendance Calculated per day
Alcohol Must be provided by a licensed company
Pet policy No pets allowed at indoor facilities

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Chicago Park District field houses vary in size and amenities

The rental fees for field houses in the Chicago Park District depend on the specific location, the size of the event, and the duration of the rental. There are three clusters of parks, and fees are assigned based on these clusters, which take into account factors such as demand, amenities, and location. The base rental fee is calculated based on the assigned park cluster and expected daily attendance.

For example, a birthday party with 50 people at a cluster 1 park might cost $126 as a base fee, while a health fair with 600 people at a cluster 2 park could be as much as $2762. Additional fees may apply for specific features or add-ons, such as routes for walks or runs, alcohol service, or security deposits.

The Chicago Park District's website provides a list of field houses available for rent, including the Brighton Park Community Campus Fieldhouse and the Leonard M. Louie Fieldhouse. Each manned field house has staff members who can assist with registering for programs or securing rental space.

When planning an event in a Chicago Park District field house, it's important to be mindful of certain restrictions. For instance, no driving is permitted on grass or sports fields, and littering is strictly prohibited. These rules help maintain the beauty and functionality of the parks for all visitors and events.

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Outdoor weddings require a Special Event Permit

If you're planning an outdoor wedding in one of Chicago's beautiful park districts, there are a few things you should know about permits and rentals. Firstly, outdoor weddings are considered special events by the Chicago Park District, and as such, they require a Special Event Permit – Commemorative Level. This permit allows you to use designated outdoor space for either a two or four-hour time frame.

The Chicago Park District offers a variety of picturesque locations for your special day, including the Chicago Women's Park & Garden, Lincoln Park Grandmother's Garden, Humboldt Park's Formal Garden, Douglass Park Flower Hall, and Washington Square Park. These locations provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding ceremony.

To secure your preferred location, you will need to obtain the Special Event Permit. The pricing for this permit includes a $35 application fee, plus additional rental fees. The rental fees are determined based on the park cluster, which takes into account factors such as demand, amenities, and location. Each Chicago Park District Park is assigned a cluster rating of 1 to 3, and the fees vary accordingly. It's important to note that a refundable security deposit may also be charged on top of the permit rental fee.

When planning your outdoor wedding, keep in mind that food and beverage service is not permitted as part of the Special Event Permit. However, you can enhance your event by renting equipment such as chairs and a trellis from the Chicago Park District's Preferred Professionals. Additionally, summer beach events must be completed before 11 am, and permits are not issued on holidays.

By following these guidelines and obtaining the necessary Special Event Permit, you can ensure that your outdoor wedding in one of Chicago's park districts is not only compliant but also a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

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Fees are calculated by adding the base rental fee and any add-ons

To host an outdoor wedding ceremony in one of Chicago's Park District gardens or beaches, you will need a Special Event Permit. This permit allows for the use of designated outdoor space for a two or four-hour time frame. The pricing for this includes a $35 application fee plus rental fees.

The rental fees are calculated by adding the base rental fee and any add-ons. The base rental fee is calculated using the assigned park cluster and expected daily attendance. For example, a birthday party with 50 people at a cluster 1 park costs $126, whereas a health fair with 600 people at a cluster 2 park costs $2762.

Some features, such as a route (run/walk/bike/parade) or alcohol, will result in an additional charge. If alcohol is served, it must be provided by a company that is properly licensed by the State of Illinois Liquor Commission and the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Licensing. A refundable security deposit may also be charged in addition to the permit rental fee.

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A refundable security deposit is charged in addition to the permit rental fee

To host an outdoor wedding ceremony in one of the Chicago Park District's gardens or beaches, a Special Event Permit is required, regardless of the location and the number of people. This permit includes a $35 application fee and rental fees, which are assigned based on park cluster. Park clusters are determined by variables such as demand, amenities, and location.

In addition to the permit rental fee, a refundable security deposit is charged. The amount of this deposit varies depending on the event and location. For example, a health fair with 600 people at a cluster 2 park had a $1,500 security deposit, while a 2-day concert with 9,000 people at a cluster 1 park, 2 setup days, 1 teardown day, and alcohol sales had a $5,000 security deposit.

The base rental fee is calculated using the assigned park cluster and expected daily attendance. Certain features, such as a route for a run/walk/bike/parade or alcohol service, result in additional charges. If there are no add-ons, the base rental fee is the permit rental fee.

Fieldhouses within the Chicago Park District also offer spaces that can be rented for weddings. These fieldhouses vary in size and amenities, ranging from gymnasiums and meeting rooms to auditoriums, ballrooms, fitness centres, and rooftop terraces.

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No food or beverage service is allowed at outdoor weddings

To host an outdoor wedding ceremony in one of Chicago's Park District gardens or beaches, a Special Event Permit is required. This permit allows for the use of designated outdoor space for a two or four-hour time frame.

While the permit allows for a beautiful outdoor setting, it is important to note that no food or beverage service of any kind is permitted. This restriction is in place for all outdoor weddings, regardless of the location or number of guests.

This restriction on food and beverage service is specific to outdoor weddings and does not apply to other types of events or indoor gatherings. It is crucial to adhere to this rule to ensure compliance with the permit regulations.

Couples can still create a memorable wedding experience within the permitted timeframe by incorporating other special touches, such as equipment rentals. Chairs, a trellis, and other items can be contracted through the Park District's Preferred Professionals, adding convenience and elegance to the ceremony.

Additionally, for those seeking indoor wedding venues, Chicago offers a variety of options, such as The Lytle House. This unique space boasts 2,800 square feet of indoor-outdoor flow, high ceilings, and original industrial features. The Lytle House accommodates weddings, bridal showers, engagement parties, and more, providing a flexible and distinctive setting for various wedding-related celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Chicago park districts charge for weddings at field houses. The fees are calculated based on the location and expected daily attendance.

The fees for weddings at field houses in Chicago park districts are calculated by adding the base rental fee, which is determined by the park cluster and expected daily attendance, plus any add-ons. If set-up and tear-down dates are required, they are billed at the base rental fee for each date.

The base rental fee includes the use of the field house space, which may include amenities such as gymnasiums, meeting rooms, auditoriums, ballrooms, and more, depending on the specific field house. Chicago Park District staff are also included to assist with event needs.

Yes, there may be additional charges for certain features such as a route for a run/walk/bike event, alcohol service, or a security deposit. These charges vary depending on the specific park cluster and the event's requirements.

To reserve a Chicago park district field house for your wedding, you will need to obtain a Special Event Permit, which allows for the use of designated outdoor space for a two or four-hour time frame. The permit includes a $35 application fee, and the availability of specific field houses can vary.

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