What’s New Around Chicagoland: Summer 2026
Feature Photo of Sew Bridal Boutique
This summer’s New To The Scene highlights our favorite additions to the Chicagoland scene, from the recently opened businesses to sparkling new renovations. Stay in the loop and check out these fresh picks!
Providence Vineyard
11510 Vanderkarr Rd. | Hebron, IL 60034
@providencevineyard | providencevineyard.com
Nestled among the vines, Providence Vineyard has completed a sweeping renovation of its outdoor event experience, finished in summer 2025.
A new tiered stone patio and winding bridal pathway guide guests seamlessly into a ceremony space nestled between lush rows of grapevines, while the expansive surrounding grounds offer plenty of room for cocktail hour mingling. As evening falls, ambient lighting casts a warm glow across the property, setting the mood for an unforgettable celebration under the open sky.
Photo by Megan Hochbaum Photography
Ampersand Events
Chicago, IL
@ampersandevents_chi | ampersandeventschi.com
Ampersand Events is a Chicago-based planning practice founded by Krupa Patel, whose background in finance and event coordination brings both precision and artistry to each celebration. Known for a calm, detail-driven approach and a timeless aesthetic, Krupa creates weddings that feel effortless while remaining deeply personal. Services range from day-of coordination to full-service planning, all designed to keep couples present and immersed throughout every step of the process.
Photo by Purple Peacock Studios
The Vue at Heritage Harbor
417 E. Great Loop Dr. | Ottawa, IL 61350
@heritageharborottawa | visitheritageharbor.com/the-vue-waterfront-event-venue
Set along the Illinois River in the heart of Starved Rock Country, The Vue at Heritage Harbor is a new waterfront venue opening in 2026. The space features clean architectural lines, open gathering areas and uninterrupted harbor views, accommodating up to 250 guests for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and full wedding weekends. On-site accommodations at the adjacent Harbor Inn allow guests to extend the celebration into a full waterfront getaway just 90 minutes from Chicago.
Anyvent Event Planning
Chicago, IL
@anyvent_eventplanning | anyventeventplanning.com
Anyvent Event Planning is expanding its signature approach to the Chicago market after more than 12 years of crafting celebrations in Charlottesville, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The company’s brand philosophy is rooted in approachable luxury, pairing refined design with warm hospitality so that couples and guests feel genuinely cared for from start to finish. What started in Virginia has grown nationwide, all while keeping its passion for meaningful storytelling, intentional hospitality and beautiful events that never feel one-size-fits-all. The Anyvent Team looks forward to bringing that same intentional, kindness-forward planning style to the Windy City.
Photo by Stephanie Parshall Photography
Acre 17 Weddings & Events
3401 N. IL 23 | Ottawa, IL 61350
@acre17ottawa | acre17.com
Acre 17 Weddings & Events is a beautifully renovated countryside venue set across 17 acres in Ottawa, Illinois. The property’s scenic indoor and outdoor spaces, thoughtful amenities and attentive service are tailored to every couple’s vision. From intimate ceremonies beneath mature oak trees to unforgettable receptions in the contemporary event space, Acre 17 provides a refined yet welcoming setting where meaningful moments become lasting memories.
Photo by Precision Social
BOSS Made to Order
BOSS Store – The Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. #116 | Chicago, IL 60611
@boss | hugoboss.com
BOSS Made to Order brings the brand’s celebrated tailoring heritage to a fully personalized experience at its North Michigan Avenue location. Couples and their wedding parties can design a custom suit or tuxedo from scratch, selecting from an extensive range of fabrics, colors, patterns, buttons and linings — down to a final monogrammed detail. Available in two-piece suits, three- piece suits, tuxedos and sport coats, each garment is meticulously created and takes approximately four to six weeks to complete. This is more than just a suit, it’s your story, tailored to perfection.
RR Events
315 N. LaSalle St. | Chicago, IL 60654
@rreventschicago | riverroastchicago.com/private-events
Levy Restaurants is reimagining its riverfront event offerings with the debut of RR Events, a fully renovated venue adjacent to River Roast in the historic Reid Murdoch Building. Opening in early summer 2026, the space will accommodate gatherings from 20 to 1,200, all set against sweeping views of the downtown skyline and Chicago River. A grand curved staircase, dedicated riverside entrance, dual nested bars and a refreshed veranda anchor the redesign, while direct culinary ties to River Roast ensure chef-driven menus and elevated food and beverage service throughout.
Sew Bridal Boutique
6677 N. Northwest Hwy. | Chicago, IL 60631
@sewbridalchicago | sewbridalchicago.com
Meet the Northwest side’s newest must-visit salon: Sew Bridal Boutique. Building on what they’ve grown since establishment in 2018, their new space elevates the “cool bridal shop” vibe to a whole new level. Prioritizing quality over quantity, Owner Kelly Clark’s mission is to offer an intentionally curated, size-inclusive collection where every handpicked piece feels special. Enjoy an intimate, champagne-filled experience with your VIP squad in an atmosphere that is as comfortable as it is chic. Specializing in expert in-house alterations and bespoke customizations, the Sew Bridal team ensures every gown is perfectly tailored and uniquely you.
Photo by Anamaria Vieriu Photography
NAIA
300 N. LaSalle Dr., LL 100 | Chicago, IL 60654
@naiaontheriver | naiarestaurant.com
DineAmic Hospitality is debuting NAIA, a new Greek-Levantine restaurant and event destination along the Chicago Riverwalk. Guests descend a dramatic exterior staircase to more than 150 feet of waterfront space spanning 12,000 square feet, where operable window walls and heated, louvered pergolas allow the venue to evolve between seasons. A dedicated indoor-outdoor event space on the east side accommodates groups from 30 to 500, anchored by a striking rectangular bar and connected riverfront terraces.
The Urban Union
Chicago, IL
@the.urban.union | theurbanunion.org
The Urban Union is a new Chicago-based wedding planning and officiating studio built around one belief: the best weddings tell the truth about the people at the center of them. Founded by Joseph Brenckle — an experienced event producer, nationally ranked public speaker and wedding officiant — The Urban Union blends thoughtful planning, grounded hospitality and deeply personal ceremony writing to create celebrations that are intentional from start to finish. From shaping the guest experience to crafting the words spoken at the altar, the studio helps couples turn their story into a wedding that feels unmistakably, beautifully their own.
Photo by Kyle Long Photography
The Statement at Elara
800 S. Illinois Hwy. 31 | Crystal Lake, IL 60014
@elaraholidayinn | elaraconvention.com
Located within the Elara Convention Center at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake, The Statement at Elara is a newly unveiled event space designed for celebrations of every scale. The venue pairs soaring architecture and abundant natural light with warm oak flooring to create an elevated setting suited to both intimate gatherings and grand occasions. When designing this brand new venue, every detail of the space was thoughtfully considered to leave a lasting impression.
Venue 5126
5126 Stephens Rd. | Oswego, IL 60543
@venue5126 | venue5126.com
Venue 5126 has debuted a redesigned dining atrium that blends beauty with functionality. The updated space features a fully enclosed, light-filled structure with modern framing, allowing for abundant natural light while reliably protecting guests from the elements. Enhanced lighting, including elegant chandeliers and café string light set a warm, inviting tone from day to evening. The updated layout comfortably accommodates up to 250 guests and adapts easily to a wide range of event styles, giving couples a refined, versatile backdrop for bringing their vision to life.
Photo by Joy Lyn Photography
Clover & Hive
Chicago + worldwide
@cloverandhive.co | cloverandhiveweddings.co
Founded by husband-and-wife filmmakers, Clover & Hive creates cinematic wedding films focused on genuine connection and rooted in storytelling. With a servant-hearted approach, they prioritize building meaningful relationships with each couple so every film reflects the personality, emotions and unique dynamic of the people at its center. Rather than simply recording the day’s events, Clover & Hive works to preserve the emotion behind every moment, producing heirloom-quality films that couples and families can revisit for generations. The duo is based in Chicago, but available for destination weddings worldwide.
Photo by Nick Osty
Centre Court Productions
469 N. Racine Ave. | Chicago, IL 60642
@centreproductions_ | centrecourtproductions.com
Centre Court Productions brings a new kind of wedding celebration space to Chicago’s West Loop. The 2,500-square- foot venue is built for after-parties, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, showers and private events, featuring a custom shipping container bar, loft seating, lounge furniture, customizable lighting, a 150-inch LED video wall and built-in sound. With on-site entertainment including a golf simulator, basketball, pickleball, ping pong and shuffleboard, Centre Court gives couples a lively, memorable place to mark the occasion on their own terms.
