It’s all about location, location, location.
One of the most important parts of an Event Planner’s job is finding the perfect place for your event. Honestly, this can be make or break because one of the key aspects of any successful event is the vibe that you create and maintain.
When we’re hunting down the best location for you to host your event, we think about the vision you have and then try to see how we can enhance that to bring it to the next level.
I’ve put together a list of seven venues that I absolutely love and try to use whenever I can. They continually land on my top faves list because they’re multipurpose (they’re as good for birthday parties as they are for corporate functions) and offer their own unique features.
If you’re looking for some awesome ideas or inspiration, read on!
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium in Chicago, IL, is incredibly versatile with spaces that accommodate anywhere from 50 to 1,200 people. It has perfect views of the stunning Chicago skyline and they also offer some other fun extras like a sky show and an astronomy presentation. They’re one of the most popular venues in the Chicago area, playing host to weddings, birthdays, and corporate affairs year round, so you can rest assured that the service and professionalism match their reputation.
Barr Mansion
If you’re looking for something more rustic, take a look at the Barr Mansion tucked away in Austin, TX. The unfinished wood and exposed brick decor give the space a lovely, cozy country-chic vibe that find the perfect balance between elegant and easygoing. It has a max capacity of 300 people and they offer full service packages including organic catering. It’s a dream of a place for intimate gatherings, weddings, and smaller company events that want laidback sophistication.
Springs Preserve
Based in Las Vegas, NV, Springs Preserve is a flexible multi-space event venue that has everything from a botanical garden to an amphitheater to a more traditional banquet room. They’re decked out with AV equipment and there’s even a theater space if you’re planning a conference with video presentations or any kind of screening. You’ll also have both indoor and outdoor options which means speaker-based events and other corporate functions will fit in just as well as weddings and social affairs.
SLS South Beach
Welcome to Miami! The SLS South Beach is a hotel and popular event venue, due in no small part to its location and flexibility. It has the signature slick stylishness of Miami’s South Beach with rooms that range from business events for 20 people to big fat weddings with 400 people. You can also make use of the indoor-outdoor spaces, and the luxurious modern decor and backdrop of palm trees mean you can probably save on your decorating budget. There are also poolside cabanas so if you’re looking for a place to host a retreat, put this at the top of your list.
Four Seasons Resort – Vail
Not one for surf and sand? Run away to the mountains for some fresh, crisp air and beautiful views at the Four Seasons Resort – Vail in Colorado. You’ll have your pick of the litter with a range of function rooms that go from an 8-person boardroom all the way up the ballroom with space for 300 reception guests. With the reputable Four Seasons name, you can expect top-notch service to accompany any of the events you host here. Plus there are year-round outdoor activities if you’re planning a retreat of any kind!
Thorncrown Chapel
You might not have expected an event space in Eureka Springs, AR, to make this list but Thorncrown Chapel is absolutely beautiful. It’s primarily a wedding venue with people from all around coming to this chapel in the woods to exchange vows. The towering glass structure is an architectural stunner, giving the impression that you’re sitting amidst the trees. Offering seating for up to 100 guests, it’s the perfect space for intimate, memorable ceremonies.
Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo
Located within the grounds of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, Café Brauer is another beautiful and popular event space in the city. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1908, they have hosted a multitude of functions from weddings to galas to non-profit events. Their largest space holds up to 400 people for a reception and there are both indoor and outdoor areas if you’re in the mood to have the best of both worlds.
A common mistake when planning an event is not allowing enough time to book the venue. Summers are notoriously popular and book up months, sometimes even a year, in advance. You’ll be competing with weddings, proms, graduations, and summer galas, so make sure you and your event planner are on the same page.
Let them know about your dream venue, your budget, vision, and “musts” for your event, so they can get to work quickly. The sooner you’re ready to book your venue, the better the chances of it being available for the date you want it!
