If you’re dreaming of a wedding along the Chicago River, a River Roast Chicago wedding might be just what you’re looking for. With boats passing by and city views surrounding your celebration, the setting makes Chicago part of your day.

When I photographed Jack and Jill’s summer wedding at River Roast, one of my favorite details was Jill’s hairpiece, which was made from her mom’s wedding veil. I’m sharing their River Roast wedding photos, where we took portraits along the Chicago Riverwalk, and helpful tips for planning your own wedding here.

Why Choose River Roast for Your Chicago Wedding?

If you’re considering a restaurant wedding in Chicago, one of my favorite things about River Roast is having the river and city views right outside! You can take beautiful portraits nearby, then get back to celebrating with your favorite people.

Make Chicago Part of Your Day

If you live in Chicago, River Roast is a beautiful way to include the city you call home in your wedding. And for out-of-town guests, celebrating along the Chicago River gives them a chance to experience the city while they’re here.

I especially love the patio for cocktail hour. It’s such a fun place for everyone to gather and enjoy the riverfront setting.

Wedding Photos Along the Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk and nearby bridges give you several options for wedding photos without traveling far. For Jack and Jill’s wedding, we took photos on Clark Street Bridge and along the Chicago Riverwalk.

I’ll help you plan locations and timing so we can get photos you love while leaving time to enjoy your day.

Bring Your Celebration Together

From colorful flowers to meaningful family details, there are plenty of ways to make your River Roast wedding reception feel personal, just like Jack and Jill did.

Nearby hotels can also make getting ready and guest travel easier. Jack and Jill got ready at The Westin Chicago River North, then held their ceremony and reception in the Monarch Room at River Roast.

Before booking, ask the River Roast Events team how the spaces could work for your guest count and plans. It helps to picture the whole day, from getting ready to that last song on the dance floor.

Inside Jack & Jill’s River Roast Chicago Wedding

Jack and Jill’s River Roast Chicago wedding was especially meaningful for me, because I also photographed their proposal in June 2025 at Lincoln Park Zoo. A little over a year later, I got to capture them getting married in Chicago. I loved being part of both moments and seeing them celebrate with their friends and family.

Getting Ready at The Westin Chicago River North

Jack and Jill got ready at The Westin Chicago River North, where they each read letters from one another before their first look. Jack also surprised Jill with a memory box where she could keep important mementos from their wedding day. It was such a thoughtful and sweet gift.

Another detail I loved was Jill’s hairpiece. She incorporated her mother’s wedding veil into it, bringing a piece of her mom’s wedding day into her own.

Their First Look and Wedding Ceremony at River Roast

Their first look took place on the River Roast patio. Afterward, we took portraits on Clark Street Bridge and the Chicago Riverwalk. I love how we were able to include different views of their home city without going far from the venue.

If you’re considering a first look, you can read more about the benefits of seeing each other before the ceremony here.

Surrounded by their favorite people, Jack and Jill exchanged personal vows during their River Roast wedding ceremony in the Monarch Room. It was another favorite part of their day.

A Patio Cocktail Hour With a Magician

I especially loved Jack and Jill’s cocktail hour. Walking down the stairs to the River Roast patio makes for such a fun entrance, with the river as your backdrop.

Jack and Jill had a magician, AJ Sacco, entertaining guests, which was such a fun element for cocktail hour. Jill’s mom was also showing everyone a photo of her wedding veil—the same one Jill had incorporated into her hairpiece. It was so sweet to see her sharing that detail with guests.

A Colorful Reception in the Monarch Room

Their River Roast wedding reception took place in the Monarch Room, with bright, vibrant florals bringing so much color to the celebration.

Bluewater Kings Band kept the party going, and I loved photographing Jack and Jill dancing with their friends and family!

From the letters and thoughtful gifts to celebrating along the river, their day was full of personal touches. I’m so grateful I got to capture Jack and Jill’s special day at River Roast.

Tips for a Smooth River Roast Wedding Day

As you plan your River Roast Chicago wedding, a few thoughtful decisions can help you enjoy the day without feeling rushed. Here are some things I recommend when planning your day.

Think Through Your Locations

Consider how you’ll get from your getting-ready location to your portraits and ceremony. For Jack and Jill, The Westin Chicago River North, River Roast, Clark Street Bridge, and the Chicago Riverwalk were all within walking distance. They didn’t have to worry about transportation between those stops.

If your plans include locations farther apart, leave plenty of time for travel so you don’t feel rushed and can truly enjoy your day.

Choose Photo Locations You Love

You don’t need a long list of stops to get variety in your wedding photos. I’ll help you choose locations based on your timeline, the setting, and what you love about Chicago.

The river and nearby bridges offer beautiful backdrops close to River Roast. We’ll also talk through a rainy day backup photo plan as well.

Planning an engagement session, too? Here are some Chicago engagement photo ideas to help you choose something that feels like you!

Plan Your Family Photos Ahead of Time

Before the wedding, we’ll put together a list of the family photos you’d like. Let everyone involved know when and where they’ll be needed.

Asking someone who knows your family to help gather people can make this part easier, too. A little preparation helps us keep things moving so everyone can get back to celebrating.

Leave Some Breathing Room

Getting dressed, gathering your belongings, and heading out for photos can take longer than expected. Leaving a little extra time means a small delay doesn’t have to throw off the rest of your day.

I’ll help you create a photo timeline that leaves room for the photographs you want and time to enjoy the celebration. You’ve put so much into planning your wedding—you should get to enjoy it!

Frequently Asked Questions About River Roast Weddings

How much does a River Roast Chicago wedding cost?

The cost of a River Roast Chicago wedding depends on your date, guest count, event space, and food and beverage selections. Ask the River Roast Events team for a personalized quote that includes minimums, ceremony fees, taxes, and service charges so you can plan your budget.

Can you have your ceremony and reception at River Roast?

Yes! River Roast hosts both wedding ceremonies and receptions. Jack and Jill held both in the Monarch Room, with cocktail hour outside on the riverfront patio. Ask the venue team how the spaces and transitions could work for your celebration.

How many guests can River Roast accommodate for a wedding?

River Roast currently lists seated capacities of 130 guests in the Monarch Room and 240 in the Murdoch Room. Your wedding layout may affect capacity, so confirm how many guests your chosen space can accommodate with dining tables, entertainment, and a dance floor.

Where can you take wedding photos near River Roast?

The Chicago Riverwalk, Clark Street Bridge, and River Roast patio offer beautiful settings for wedding photos. For Jack and Jill’s wedding, we used all three! I’ll help you choose portrait locations based on your timeline, the setting, and what you love about Chicago.

Where can you get ready for a River Roast wedding?

The Westin Chicago River North is a nearby option where Jack and Jill got ready. They could walk to River Roast and their portrait locations without arranging transportation between stops. When choosing your hotel, consider room size, natural light, and travel time to your venue.

Jack & Jill’s River Roast Vendors

• Venue: River Roast
• Photography: Chelsey Joy Photography
• Planner: Olive Fine Weddings (Kirsten)
• Hair & Makeup: Elle Artistry
• Hotel: The Westin Chicago River North
• Florals: Branching Out Chicago
• Band: Bluewater Kings Band
• Magician: AJ Sacco
• Cake: Bittersweet Pastry
• Bridal: Vanessa’s Modern Bride
• Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux

Looking for a River Roast Chicago Wedding Photographer?

If you’re looking for a River Roast Chicago wedding photographer, I’d love to hear what you’re planning! After photographing Jack and Jill’s proposal and wedding, this venue will always remind me of their celebration, from their first look overlooking the Chicago River to everyone dancing along with the live band.

I’m here to help you with your photo timeline, choose portrait locations, and feel comfortable in front of the camera. Whether we’re taking photos along the Chicago Riverwalk or gathering your family before the reception, I’ll give you guidance so you can relax and enjoy being together.

Throughout the day, I’ll be looking for the moments you might otherwise miss—the hugs, happy tears, and your favorite people having fun.

Want to see more of my work? Head on over to my wedding photography page.

Planning a wedding at River Roast or somewhere else in Chicago? Fill out the form below. I can’t wait to hear from you!