4.9
Praised by couples for:
Amenities
Helpful staff
Guests comfort
Real Chicago... Real Weddings
Holds ceremonies and receptions
A dream come true. Thank you Ariella and the whole team for providing us and our guests with DELICIOUS food and the most incredible space, and taking care of everything we asked!
Katy H.
5.0
Ariella and the Drake team did an Amazing job with our October 3rd wedding. They were extremely attentive to detail and helped with all of our requests and wedding needs. I would 100% recommend them to anyone wanting an iconic Chicago wedding.
Jill G.
5.0
Ali Foster
DIRECTOR OF CATERING
AWARD WINNER (5X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Celebrate Your Love at The Drake Hotel
Steeped in history and timeless elegance, The Drake Hotel is one of Chicago’s most iconic wedding venues. A proud member of Historic Hotels of America, our grand spaces echo the glamour of the 1920s with soaring architecture and classic charm—perfect for couples seeking a wedding as unforgettable as their love story.
Host your special day in one of our two stunning banquet halls, each fully customizable to reflect your unique style. The legendary Gold Coast Room—with its golden tones, symmetrical pillars, and sweeping views of Lake Michigan—has welcomed Hollywood greats like Walt Disney and Bing Crosby. It’s a space that radiates sophistication and romance.
For those drawn to timeless grandeur, the Grand Ballroom offers old-world beauty with intricate architectural details, a charming balcony, and dramatic lighting that transitions effortlessly from day to night. It’s an enchanting backdrop for a celebration that’s nothing short of magical.
Our wedding packages are designed to suit a range of budgets, all featuring gourmet catering prepared by our seasoned banquet kitchen team—renowned for their skill, creativity, and years of experience crafting unforgettable meals. Whether you're dreaming of a formal plated dinner or a chic cocktail reception, our chefs will work with you to create a menu that delights every guest.
After the last toast, retreat to one of our historic suites—rich with character and comfort—for a truly luxurious end to your celebration.
At The Drake, we understand that your wedding is more than just a day. From the initial planning stages to the moment you say “I do,” our experienced team ensures every detail exceeds your expectations. We’re with you every step of the way, making sure everything runs seamlessly—from your first visit to your final dance. Let us help you bring your vision to life in a setting as iconic as your love.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
On-Site Accommodations
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Ballroom
Historic Venue
Hotel
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Packages
Destination Wedding Planning
Food & Catering
Planning
Destination Wedding Planning
Se Habla Español
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
5-Time 'Best of Weddings'
2026.2025.2021.+2 more.
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Hall of Fame
Earned by winning 'Best of Weddings' four or more times.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 2
- Meet The TeamCatering TeamSpecialize in Weddings
- Ali FosterDirector of CateringTrusted by corporate and discerning event hosts as the premier event planner in the Chicago area. Her industry connections and eye for exceptional style has made her the sought after social event planner and wedding planner. Her experience managing traditional weddings and well as ethnic, cross-cultural weddings, makes her the first call for brides in Chicago. She has successfully executed lavish, luxurious weddings for discerning and discreet clientele in and around Chicago.
Reviews
4.9
out of 5.0101 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
The Drake is a timeless, historic Chicago venue with stunning ballrooms and a central, fairytale atmosphere. Guests rave about the seasoned, attentive staff and on-site planners who made the process seamless and stress-free. Food, service, included rentals, thoughtful touches, and weekend event convenience earned glowing reviews.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Katy H
5.0
A dream come true. Thank you Ariella and the whole team for providing us and our guests with DELICIOUS food and the most incredible space, and taking care of everything we asked!
Jill G
5.0
Ariella and the Drake team did an Amazing job with our October 3rd wedding. They were extremely attentive to detail and helped with all of our requests and wedding needs. I would ...
100% recommend them to anyone wanting an iconic Chicago wedding.
Any questions?
KJ F
5.0
When we picked the Drake, it was a unanimous decision with all involved. We never looked back or thought about changing our minds. Ali and Arianna were fantastic to work with. They...
were super diligent, accommodating, and a true joy to work with over the ensuing year. We asked them many questions. They gave us honest answers. Their staff was amazing on wedding day. The fact that they have waiters, bakers, and other team members that have been with them for 30 plus years is a testament to the institution. All details were executed according to plan. I had scores of people tell me it was the best wedding they have ever attended. The Drake played a significant role in earning the compliments.
Madeline S
5.0
We couldn't have had a better experience at the Drake for our wedding on 9/12. We started the process about a year and a half in advance, so our venue contact changed halfway throu...
gh. However, the transition was made seamlessly, and Ariella was a fabulous contact. She was responsive to emails, open to feedback and worked very hard to make any adjustment that we requested. The staff at the hotel on the day of were also phenomenal. Every server, bartender, bellman, front desk person was friendly, calm and patient. Our guests raved about the rooms and they said it was some of the best wedding food they ever had. We would highly recommend Ariella and the Drake!
Molly M
5.0
Wowowow, if you're considering getting married at The Drake, you MUST! It's truly the best venue in the world. I could not recommend it more.
We got married 18 mos ago & are still...
daydreaming about it. & our guests are still raving about it. The Drake did an incredible job giving us our perfect day.
We worked with Ali Foster (The Drake’s Coordinator) who was absolutely amazing. She answered alllll of our questions w/ knowledge, grace, & kindness. She gave plenty of tours of The Drake, helped us brainstorm different options for the layout, head table, ceremony, etc. We had a ton of ideas to make our day special, & Ali was always willing to chat through & add her knowledge. She understood the importance, but also added some jokes & lightness that made each of the tastings, tours, & walkthroughs more fun.
Plus, she worked really well with our wedding planner - Kelly from Shannon Gail. If you're getting married at The Drake, use Kelly! She is incredibly knowledgeable on the space and worked really well with the whole team. I highly recommend both Ali and Kelly.
We loved getting married at The Drake, because it is such a timeless venue, with a central location, & a super seasoned staff. The venue is incredibly historical & magical, which made for an amazing guest experience & wedding photos. The central location allowed for out-of-town guests to explore Chicago, like shopping on Mag Mile. And the seasoned staff worked with us to make the dream wedding - brainstorming how to make the venue feel like “ours” while adding expert advice.
The venue was such an incredible vibe. The gold, marble columns, & old architecture looked so incredible in all of our photos. Plus, it made it really easy to pick a wedding vibe (classic, timeless Chicago) & wedding colors (black, white, gold). I was considering adding turquoise into my bridal colors, but The Drake had just enough light touches (The Gold Coast Room columns, the robins egg blue cocktail room).
The staff was amazing & we loved Ali. My husband & I are extremely particular & had a super specific vision. We visited The Drake almost weekly, checking out other weddings for inspo. We would walk The Gold Cost room as other vendors were setting up, so we could see what we liked & what we didn’t. I was really torn over where to put the head table. We checked out a ton of different layouts & could see which head table spot had the best view of the party (so I could see my guests as the bride) & which had the best view for the guests (so each guest felt like they had a view of the bride and groom). This sounds so specific, but it was something that was important to us - & The Drake made it important to them. We ended up with the perfect layout for our vision.
One important piece I hadn’t considered before wedding planning: The Drake includes tables, linens, flatware, etc. Many venues require you to bring in outside rentals, but we were able to avoid an incremental cost & the headache of working with more vendors.
One more thing - The Drake does a Champagne Parade, serving every person at the head table champagne at the exact same time. Ours got a little messy, so I would recommend a run-through with the servers ahead of time based on your layout, but it is a super cool concept & makes for fun pictures/vibes!
I cannot recommend The Drake enough. It was our fairytale wedding & we love reliving it through stories from our guests, photos, & the memories.
GET MARRIED AT THE DRAKE!!! You will love it
Brigid G
5.0
Top notch staff led by Ariella Ensinger, whose team exceeded our expectations throughout the planning process. Great communication and support with budget and main event options a...
nd revisions. The wedding event was spectacular. The reception and next day brunch food was delicious. The service exceptional especially given the veteran servers and captains who have so many years of experience. If you want a worry-free experience and an on-site planning staff that addresses each and every concern and question with competence and grace, plan your wedding at the Drake Chicago!
Leslie G
5.0
We had the most wonderful wedding at the Drake Hotel. The Gold Coast room is exceptionally beautiful, and the service and food were excellent. Ariella was wonderful to work with an...
d I highly recommend the Drake to anyone planning a wedding or other special event.
Caroline V
5.0
I cannot begin to explain how amazing The Drake was. They truly went ABOVE and beyond helping us put together the most special day. Ariella & Ali along with their amazing team were...
so accommodating and helpful throughout our entire experience planning our wedding day. My husband and I knew very little what planning a wedding would entail, and they guided us along smoothly making the process FUN. Working with the team at The Drake felt comfortable, supportive, exciting, and stress-free. Their wedding packages include so much! Our wedding guests have been telling us that this was the best wedding experience they have ever had. No one ever had to wait in line for a drink, if there was a spill, someone was there in 2 seconds to clean it up. The Drake staff was 2 steps ahead of the game in every aspect. Thank you so so much for an amazing experience. We truly do not know how we would plan and experience this beautiful experience without you! Love, Caroline & Grant.
Alexandra S
5.0
The Drake hotel is the only venue in Chicago you need consider having your wedding! From the first tour of the venue, to the tasting, to sorting out all of the rooming accommodati...
ons to the final actual wedding day, I wish we could relive this experience every year!
We had our rehearsal/welcome reception, wedding day and farewell brunch at the hotel!
Having our wedding at the Drake felt like coming home and being among family. My dad worked there in the 80s and also were married in the same room in '89! It also truly felt like everyone who participated in our wedding had a vested interest in our happiness on that day. The hospitality across the board was prompt, courteous and exceeded absolutely all of our expectations. We are blown away at the level of service provided to us and our families throughout the whole experience - the chilled spoons, steamed linens and so many more little details that I can’t wait to tell other people we know in the industry about!
Truly, thank you all for making our day one that we will reflect on fondly with wonderful memories and minimal hiccups!
Annie R
5.0
We had our wedding at The Drake Hotel, and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish! The venue itself is stunning, classic, elegant, and full of character. The entire hotel f...
elt special, and our guests couldn’t stop raving about how beautiful everything looked.
The staff was incredibly accommodating throughout the entire process. They went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly and that we felt completely taken care of on the big day. A huge shoutout to our planner, Ariella, who was amazing! She was so organized, attentive, and genuinely invested in making sure our vision came to life. She made the planning process stress free and fun and the day itself seamless.
All of our guests had an incredible time, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re looking for a timeless, beautiful venue with an exceptional team behind it, The Drake Hotel is truly the place to celebrate your wedding!
Madison H
5.0
I am so glad we went with the Drake as our wedding venue. From day one the team (especially Ariella) at the Drake was able to support us with all of our questions and truly made us...
feel like we were all on a team. They anticipated everything that we could possibly need for the weekend making it a less stressful wedding planning process. They were able to accommodate a large amount of dietary restrictions and ensure that each person at our wedding was taken care of.
The team at the Drake took so much stress off our plate since they were there from start to finish wedding weekend from loading decor in and out of our car, providing a spacious place for us to get ready in, and accommodating room requests regarding rehearsals and farewell brunches. They really do have it all and have a great team behind what they do!
Jenn C
5.0
We recently had our wedding at The Drake, and it was truly amazing. Rose, our main contact, was incredibly helpful leading up to the event and made sure everything went smoothly. T...
he venue was beautiful, and the staff was exceptional.
A special thanks to Chris, the bellhop, who went out of his way to make our guests feel welcome and have a good time. The food was delicious, and the service was top-notch, along with the tasting. A couple highlights day-of were the champagne parade and photos on the rooftop.
Overall, The Drake provided us with a perfect wedding day, and we highly recommend it to any couple looking for a memorable venue.
Sabrina S
5.0
Having our wedding at The Drake Hotel was an absolute DREAM and Ariella and her team took everything over the top. We cannot say enough kind words about the Drake and everything th...
ey did to make our wedding picture perfect.
Ariella was always willing to help and responded to my many many questions with professionalism and care. Ariella additionally went above and beyond making notes of our parents favorite drinks and surprised them with a welcome basket in their room upon arrival for the wedding. The little touches are what puts The Drake on top. For an already iconic Chicago location, they really provide exceptional service and live up to the name.
We cannot wait for many more stays at The Drake soaking in the memories we will forever cherish.
Linda M
5.0
What a fairytale experience! The Drake team is amazing and was so easy and helpful on every front.
Emily W
5.0
We can’t say enough wonderful things about The Drake. The team was organized, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our day perfect. Every detail — from setup to catering to ...
coordination with vendors — was handled flawlessly. The venue itself is stunning, but what really sets it apart is the level of service and care from the staff. Our guests were raving about how beautiful and smooth the day was. The Drake made our wedding truly unforgettable. I felt like a princess, and my family felt like royalty. I can't thank that team enough.
Cassie P
5.0
Our wedding at The Drake was perfect. The food was incredible and our guests raved about, the rooms are so beautiful that we were able to save on the cost of decor, and the staff w...
ere attentive and wonderful.
As an LGBTQ+ couple, the Drake ensured it was inclusive and addressed our needs.
Suzanne H
5.0
Our family recently celebrated my son’s wedding at The Drake, and I cannot say enough about how incredible the entire experience was. From start to finish, everything was perfect,...
and our guests are still raving about the wedding.
Ali, the Sales Catering Manager, was an absolute pleasure to work with from the moment we booked two years ago. She stayed on top of every detail and provided excellent customer service throughout the process. As a wedding planner myself, I’ve had the privilege of working with Ali in the past, and she consistently goes above and beyond. This time, as the mother of the groom, I experienced firsthand the heart and care she puts into making families feel special, and I am deeply grateful.
About a year ago, Ali passed the baton to her assistant, Ariella, who has also been amazing. Ariella stepped in seamlessly, handling everything with professionalism, warmth, and great attention to detail. She made the planning process so smooth and stress-free, and I truly hope to work with her again in the future.
Thanks to both Ali and Ariella, our son’s wedding was everything we dreamed it would be—and more. The Drake is such a beautiful venue, and with a team like this behind it, it truly sets the standard for excellence.
Mary P
5.0
Our wedding at The Drake was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very beginning, the planning process was smooth,
organized, and truly stress-free. The team at The Drake is u...
nmatched when it comes to professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for making your day perfect.
The moment we arrived at the hotel, we were treated like royalty. Every interaction felt personalized and thoughtful, and we were blown away by the level of service.
A huge thank you to Ariella, our incredible coordinator, who made the entire planning experience not only seamless but enjoyable. Her communication, creativity, and calm demeanor were everything we needed to feel confident going into our big day.
On the day of, Rafael, the Head Banquet Captain, was an absolute rockstar. He ensured every detail ran perfectly—timing, service, setup—everything was flawless. He was so kind, patient, and always had a smile on his face. It truly felt like he cared as much about our wedding as we did.
And the staff… wow. Every single server and bartender was outstanding—attentive, friendly, and professional. Our guests are still raving about how well they were taken care of.
If you’re considering The Drake for your wedding, stop thinking and just book it. You will not regret it. It was, hands down, the best decision we made for our wedding
Thomas O
5.0
We had the most incredible experience with The Drake as our wedding venue! From start to finish, the team went above and beyond to make our weekend unforgettable. Ariella (the Drak...
e’s event coordinator) answered all our questions with patience, arranged multiple walk-throughs, and truly went out of her way to make us feel special throughout the entire wedding weekend.
The Gold Coast Ballroom itself was absolutely stunning—the majestic colonnades paired with the rich history of The Drake made the venue truly iconic and the perfect backdrop for our celebration.
The service across the board was outstanding. The serving team was kind, professional, and attentive. The food was absolutely delicious, the cocktails at the open bar were fantastic (and got everyone grooving on the dance floor), and the champagne parade was such a fun highlight—we received countless compliments from our guests about it.
Another huge advantage was being able to host all of our events in one place: the rehearsal dinner, welcome event, and wedding reception (which all counted toward our food & beverage minimum). Each event was executed flawlessly by The Drake’s team, making the whole weekend so convenient for us and our guests.
We are so grateful to Ariella and the entire staff at The Drake for making our wedding weekend beyond perfect. We cannot recommend them highly enough!
John B
5.0
We had our wedding at the Drake and could not be more happy with the outcome! The Staff was top notch from start to finish! Throughout the entire process their treatment was first ...
class, they listened to us, were always responsive, and helped make sure our wedding night was the best night of our lives. The food was incredible, the service was first class and the venue is unparalleled. I thank the entire staff: the chefs, the servers, the bartenders and especially Ali and Ariella - our wedding liaisons - for assisting us in making our dream wedding night come true!
Kalie K
5.0
The Drake was our dream wedding venue, and from the moment we walked through their doors, we felt like family. Ariella and the entire Drake team were an absolute dream to work with...
—from their incredible communication and positive attitude to the peace of mind they gave us, allowing us to sleep soundly knowing everything would be handled perfectly. The weekend could not have gone better, and there is nowhere else that could have compared to The Drake. We are so grateful to the entire Drake staff and feel truly blessed to have celebrated our wedding there!
Charlie E
5.0
Ariella and the entire Drake Team provided exceptional service from start to finish. The attention to detail and all the love shown on our weekend made it truly incredible. The cha...
mpagne parade was an unforgettable experience we will never forget, and the photos on the rooftop were a once in a lifetime experience.
Linda K
5.0
I am the mother of the bride…
The Drake exceeded our expectations! The service was exceptional Ariella, the catering service manager, made the whole experience go so smoothly! We c...
annot thank her enough! The whole staff were professional, warm, organized and detailed. We had 229 guests and the food was absolutely delicious! We had so many complements on the food, the Palm Court room and the beautiful Gold Coast room. It was the perfect venue to make the dreams come true for our daughter and son in law. I cannot recommend The Drake enough!
Elizabeth S
5.0
Could not recommend this venue enough! It was perfect and all the staff was amazing. It was the perfect day from our big day.
Jenna S
5.0
We loved our wedding at the Drake!!!! We worked with Sydney and Ariella and they made everything so much fun!! They always answered ours and our family’s questions, all while being...
organized and making sure we stayed on top of everything. The venue itself is a classic Chicago icon and our pictures look amazing at The Drake. The room was so beautiful, definitely reflected our “classic with a modern twist” aesthetic we were looking for.
We would do it all again there in a heartbeat!!
Lauren P
5.0
I had the absolute joy of getting married at The Drake Hotel on May 3, 2025, and I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience. From the moment we started plannin...
g in January 2024, Ali and Ariella were incredible — thoughtful, organized, responsive, and genuinely kind. Now that our wedding has come and gone, I honestly miss talking with them!
We kicked off our wedding weekend with a super fun Welcome Party the night before, and then celebrated with 260 guests in the stunning Gold Coast Room for our reception. So many of our friends and family — of all ages and backgrounds — told us it was the best wedding they had ever been to. They were blown away by the beauty of the space, the impeccable service, the delicious multi-course dinner, and the quality of drinks.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Drake for anyone planning a wedding or even just a stay in Chicago. Compared to other Downtown venues, the pricing was fair — and in return, we got so much more value, beauty, and care than we ever expected.
This day will stay with us forever. Thank you, Ali and Ariella, and the entire Drake team — you helped make it unforgettable!
A+++ and 10/10!
Joey G
5.0
My wife and I got married here on May 3, 2025. Ali and Ariella were such a joy to work with! We started our planning in January of 2024 and now that our wedding has passed, we mi...
ss our time talking with Ali, Ariella, and the rest of The Drake team.
The day before our wedding, we had an incredibly fun Welcome Party. We had 260 guests attend our wedding reception in the Gold Coast room. Our guests of all ages and backgrounds could not say enough amazing things. Many of them even said it was the best reception they ever attended largely due to the beauty of the room, the pristine service, the plentiful and very tasty courses, and the quality of beverages.
I cannot recommend the Drake enough, both for a wedding and a stay in Chicago. The price is comparable to other Downtown Chicago venues, and I know you get so much more than you realize you are paying for.
My wife and I will never forget our special day. Thank you so much Drake Team and thank you so much Ali and Ariella!
A+++ and 10 Stars!
Tiffany S
5.0
My daughter's wedding was last weekend at The Drake in Chicago. Everything went perfect. Sydney and Sonya were in charge of planning our wedding and they were very helpful. Everyt...
hing from the set up to the menu to the servers were amazing. The food was so delicious and perfectly served. There was a champagne parade which was so fun and just made The Drake experience one of a kind!
Taylor K
5.0
My wife and I (and Mom who worked as a planner lowkey) worked with Sydney and Sonya for our wedding in April 2025. Our planning process with The Drake started in Spring 2024. From ...
the beginning, they made every meeting, tour, and event on site feel very special. The planning process was as much an experience as the day of the wedding. There were many wonderful surprises on the weekend of the wedding from drink deliveries to the suites and personal cards from our team.
Many of our guests have expressed how amazing the venue and staff were and how the wedding meal was “the best wedding meal I have ever had”.
As a same-sex couple, my wife and I were always comfortable when working with Sydney, Sonya, and all of staff at The Drake. They took the time to get to know us individually and personalize surprises in our suites. The night of the wedding everyone (staff included) gave us hugs because thats just the level of relationships we formed through the planning process. I will genuinely miss the interactions I had and only hope I can one day host another event at The Drake.
Thank you so much to The Drake team for making our day so wonderful and streamlined.
Angela B
5.0
The entire staff, especially Ariella and Alexandra, were professional and attentive. From being to end The Drake went above and beyond to make our daughter's wedding day special....
We had many questions, phone calls and emails to ensure we had everything we needed for that day. I can't say enough good things about the execution of the food and service by the waitstaff at The Drake. Our guests were impressed by the way the Champagne was delivered! The Grand Ballroom was the perfect venue for the ceremony and reception, so beautiful.
Diana H
5.0
My husband and I had our wedding here over the weekend and it truly couldn’t have gone any smoother! Ariella was such a delight to work with and was always so accommodating to our ...
needs. It’s been almost a week since the wedding and guests are still raving about the food, how stunning the place looked, and how friendly the staff was. Thank you to the entire Drake team for making my wedding weekend the best weekend of my life!
Barb M
5.0
Five stars is not high enough for The Drake Hotel Chicago! Every aspect of my daughter’s wedding planning and celebration was truly extraordinary. Within minutes of meeting our mai...
n contact, Sydney Waclawik, we knew we were in the best hands. From the first planning meeting to the final moments of the wedding day, Sydney was a steady, knowledgeable, and reassuring presence. Her professionalism, organization, and attention to detail were unmatched. Her fabulous support team of Sonya Ward and Shalinee Abraham assisted in seeing that all of our needs were met and executed flawlessly.
Sydney and her team truly listened to my daughter’s vision and brought it to life with care and precision. They worked seamlessly with our vendors, ensuring everything went smoothly. Sharon Johnson, the Director of Reservations, made the guest room block process effortless, with prompt responses, clear communication, and kindness.
The historic French Room set a stunning stage for the cocktail hour, and the timeless beauty of The Gold Coast Room wowed our guests as the reception venue. Unique traditions like The Drake’s renowned Bookbinders soup and the celebratory champagne parade added memorable wow factors that our guests are still talking about.
The cuisine was extraordinary—every dish was delicious, artfully presented, and served with impeccable care. Under the direction of Georges, the Director of Banquets who oversaw the setup, the Banquet Captains Jorge and Lino delivered a dining experience that exceeded all expectations, making every guest feel celebrated.
The guest rooms were spacious, immaculate, and luxurious. Floyd, the bellhop, was always on hand with a friendly smile and efficient service, further enhancing our experience.
From start to finish, the entire team at The Drake Hotel was impeccable. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect venue or team to host this special occasion. Thank you for making our daughter’s wedding a dream come true!
Molly J
5.0
The Drake was BEYOND amazing in helping me plan my wedding. Ali and Ariella are the BEST and I wish everyone could work with such an amazing catering team!!! They executed my visio...
n to a T and were so calm, cool, and collected throughout the process. They were even able to secure me the second ballroom (when we had only originally booked one) and were genuinely excited for me that I got to use both. They know EVERYTHING that there is to know about wedding planning and answered all questions easily and with confidence. I had no doubt in my mind that they would make sure my day went perfectly. I wish every bride got to experience the magic of the Drake as all of my guests were blown away by its beauty. The Drake staff and servers are all first class and do an incredible job. Also, the team threw in a lot of deals for us. Plus they made us feel like royalty (truly.. I got the Princess Diana suite for the weekend and my husband had the Presidential suite at no charge). Again, cannot recommend highly enough having your wedding at the Drake.
Marina K
5.0
We recently hosted my daughter's wedding at the Drake in Chicago. My experience from the very beginning was nothing but exceptional when I was introduced to Alexandra Foster and A...
riella Ensinger as my contacts for all the wedding details. Both ladies and the entire staff went above and beyond through the entire process and most importantly, the day of the wedding could not have been more perfect!! Any requests, including last minute details, were acknowledged and done with pleasure. I am truly blessed that I had the honor of working with such an incredible team to make my daughter's day one for the books. THANK YOU just does not seem to be enough!! I will highly recommend them to all our family and friends.
Cecile F
5.0
The event/catering planners at THE DRAKE was a "dream team" to work with for my daughter's wedding celebration! The venue with its Gold Coast Room and French Room presented a feel ...
and style that was timeless overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan. Our guests were "wowed" by the setting, floral design, extraordinary service provided by THE DRAKE, and fabulous food. Mangel Florist located in THE DRAKE provided the floral arrangements which were truly works of floral art.
Atalia D
5.0
The Drake Hotel is a dream venue to get married at. The hotel staff, Alexandra Foster and Ariella Ensinger were such an amazing help throughout the whole planning process! The Drak...
e Team was with us every step of the way and even joined us on our wedding night and at our after party. The Princess Diana Suite & The Gold Coast room was such a classy and chic experience to be apart of. We cannot thank The Drake enough for how special and important they made us feel on our wedding weekend. We wish we could do it all over again! You cannot go wrong with anything at the Drake, the team is a well oiled machine that is beyond experienced! Thank you again to such an INCREDIBLE staff and team for bringing our dream wedding to life!! We are forever thankful! <3
Deanna M
5.0
We had our wedding at the Drake and it was the most flawless experience we could have asked for. The team was so communicative and helpful every step of the way. Specifically, Arie...
lla is fantastic to work with and she really cared about making our wedding as special as possible. It was so fun having her and the rest of the team by our side throughout the entire process and we could not be happier with how everything went!
David S
5.0
The staff at the Drake were so helpful and caring at every step of the way and the event was handled beyond our wildest dreams!
Ana G
5.0
Ariella, Ali and the rest of the team were phenomenal during our wedding planning process! We could not be more thankful for how supportive and helpful they were to make our day tr...
uly special not only for us but for our 250+ guests!
The food was absolutely delicious and our guests commented about how wonderful and accommodating the service was throughout the entire night. I could not recommend this team more to help plan your special event at The Drake!
Shaun R
5.0
Dear Ali Foster, Ariella, George El Bekai, Captain Jorge, Raphael, and the entire banquet team,
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional experience I had worki...
ng with as a wedding planner at The Drake Hotel.
Having spent 16 years of my career at The Grand Dame of Chicago, it felt like coming home when I returned to host an event at The Drake. Ali, Ariella, your support throughout the entire process was invaluable. While my familiarity with the space certainly helped, your availability and assistance from the tasting to the day of operations made the experience truly seamless.
For someone who has spent years in the business and expects perfection, it was delivered. Working with the banquet team, led by George El Bekai, Captain Jorge, and Raphael, was a pleasure. The event was executed flawlessly, and it was wonderful to be back on the floor, working with such a dedicated and professional team.
Thank you all for making my return to The Drake Hotel such a memorable and successful experience.
Warm regards,
Shaun Rajah - Events by Shaun Rajah
Www.ShaunRajah.com
Daniela C
5.0
As a wedding photographer who has worked extensively with The Drake Hotel and with my husband, a wedding DJ who also has a longstanding relationship with the venue, we had high exp...
ectations for our wedding day. The Drake Hotel, Alexandra, and Ariella exceeded those expectations in every possible way.
Having worked behind the scenes at numerous weddings hosted by The Drake, we knew firsthand the professionalism and attention to detail they bring to every event. However, experiencing it as a bride and groom was an entirely different and incredibly rewarding experience.
Alexandra and Ariella seamlessly coordinated with us, understanding our unique perspective as industry professionals. They ensured that every aspect of our wedding was flawless, from accommodating our specific requests to anticipating our needs before we knew them. They truly went above and beyond to make our day unforgettable.
The staff at The Drake Hotel treated us as valued clients, colleagues, and friends, ensuring that every moment was captured beautifully and that the music set the perfect tone for the celebration.
As wedding professionals, we know the importance of choosing the right venue and team to bring your vision to life. Undoubtedly, The Drake Hotel and its team are top-notch in every regard, and we are grateful for their exceptional service, attention to detail, and genuine care in making our wedding day perfect. Thank you for everything!
Kristi H
5.0
We hosted our daughter’s wedding at the Drake and it was absolutely fabulous from start to finish. Ali Foster made everything so easy! She was always so prompt with responding ...
to questions and was great with coordinating all of the details. Besides the reception, we hosted all of our wedding related events at the hotel, including the Rehearsal Dinner, Welcome Party and Brunch. It all went so smoothly!
The dinner itself was an amazing event. The food was out of this world and the staff made you feel like royalty.
They offered a really good room rate and went above and beyond with offering complementary rooms for the bride, groom as well as their parents.
I cannot say how happy we were everything at the Drake! I would highly recommend it and will hopefully be hosting another wedding there in the future!
Leah S
5.0
There is no better hotel ballroom than the Gold Coast Room. The staff at the Drake makes the entire experience. Ali was fantastic!
Jean U
5.0
I will begin at the end.
On the night of our daughter’s wedding, we had at least three couples approach us to to tell us they had been to many, many weddings and this was by far ...
and away the best wedding they had ever attended,
We ourselves had been to many high end weddings and we were blown away. The vendor recommendations (florist, band etc) also helped to ensure this wedding was a huge success.
Antoinette, Karina, Raphael were all extremely personable and very much invested in making our wedding be exactly what we were hoping for. I don’t believe we heard the word “no” at any point during the process. You do need to trust the process and that these folks know how to pull off a wedding in their professional timeline. They do have weddings every weekend but when your turn rolls around it is “all you” and they make the magic happen.
I can honestly say we wouldn’t have changed a thing and if any small thing happened it was all part of the process and everyone made it right in the end.
Very happy we chose The Drake!
Justin S
5.0
My wife and I were married at the Drake in July 2023 and had the best experience. Antoinette, Karina, and their team were extremely friendly, attentive, and helpful. The wedding ...
was a huge success with friends and family, and this wouldn't have been possible without the Drake team. The rooms, common spaces, and the Coq d'Or are also very nice, clean, and comfortable. 10/10.
Margaret C
5.0
The Drake was a stunningly beautiful reception and ceremony spot. They are a one stop shop! The food was delicious and everyone was extremely helpful.
Nikki B
5.0
We had the best wedding at The Drake on NYE! Melissa was so amazing to work with and really made the day run perfectly.
Val R
5.0
Not only did the Drake treat my fiance and I like royalty, but all my guests commented on the fantastic service! The bridal suite was gorgeous and made for fantastic pictures getti...
ng ready. Our breakfast was late but a quick phone call remedied that with a bottle of champagne as an apology. When you add in all the included features, the Drake was actually very affordable compared to event spaces where you pay for each and every small thing. The quality of the food and service made this an amazing experience for my now husband I! Room block was a great deal, we did our welcome party and Sunday brunch here too and it was so fabulous and convenient. The event coordinator changed a few months before our wedding but the transition was seamless and Ali took great care of us
get married at the drake!!
Lizzie B
5.0
Getting married at the Drake downtown is every girls dream and the team there made it just that! Everything was incredible, from the room to the food. Our guests were amazed at the...
venue and we felt so lucky to have hosted our wedding there! Incredible service and team over at the Drake !!
Stephanie T
5.0
There are not enough words to describe how wonderful our 200 person wedding was at the Drake Hotel in Chicago a few weeks ago. It had always been a dream of mine to get married in ...
the Gold Coast room and Antoinette and her team made that come true! Not only was the venue itself absolutely stunning, but the staff made the wedding process easy and day of they were truly a well-oiled machine. They were there for everything we needed, whether it be room deliveries, vendors, security, etc. they were phenomenal. I want to get a personal shoutout specifically to Antoinette - with all of the covid weddings getting pushed into 2022 I don’t think I’ve ever seen a business person and she somehow managed to stay on top of everything for us. She was readily available by text/call whenever I had questions over the course of the last year. She was able to get us everything we needed and handled our wedding craziness with ease. She even was able to set up some time to allow us to take some pics on the roof in front of the famous Drake sign! Thank you Antoinette you truly are amazing at what you do! And also shoutout to our captains - Jorge, Lino, and Andy! You guys were top notch!
All in all, if you’re debating booking the drake for your wedding venue I would highly recommend you do so ASAP! Could not have asked for a better day! Thank you Drake team!!
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The Drake, a Hilton Hotel
Ali Foster
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Director of Catering
Wedding vendors in Chicago
The Drake, a Hilton Hotel
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