Why Choose The Murphy As Your Chicago Wedding Venue?

Photo courtesy of Christy Tyler Photography

Chicago is the most visited city in the Midwest and one of the most popular destinations for weddings in the United States. That’s no surprise, considering Chicago is a diverse cultural center offering outstanding cuisine and a wide variety of entertainment options.

There are thousands of wedding venues in the city and the surrounding suburbs, but The Murphy is a truly unique choice. Described by Choose Chicago as “Chicago’s most elegant venue,” The Murphy Auditorium offers stunning architecture, luxury, and attention to detail. A historical wedding venue, the original auditorium was built in 1926 and has since been renovated and restored. The Murphy is truly one of Chicago’s finest architectural jewels, and our gorgeous Tiffany doors are the perfect backdrop for gorgeous wedding photos. 

The Murphy is the right choice for your wedding because we offer plenty of space, an on-site event coordinator, and have relationships with the top wedding vendors in Chicago. Our venue can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests and can host both the ceremony and reception if needed. Our 4-story ceiling creates a stunning open space, and our intricate French architecture sets the tone for an unforgettable ‘I Do’ moment.

We also offer a private bridal suite that allows the bride to get ready in a relaxed setting and provides the couple with a space to store their belongings in a private and secure area away from the commotion.

The Murphy also features a balcony that can be used for a cocktail hour in the summer or can serve as a space for guests to catch some fresh air.

The Murphy is one of Chicago’s top wedding venues. But don’t just take our word for it! 

The following websites have listed The Murphy as a Chicago wedding venue worth considering:

Junebug Weddings - Illinois’s Best Wedding Venues

http://junebugweddings.com/wedding-venues/Chicago-wedding-reception-sites-locations-venues/

The Knot - Wedding Reception Venues near Chicago, IL https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/wedding-reception-venues-chicago-il

Wedding Wire - Wedding Venues in Chicago, IL

https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/the-murphy-chicago/03db3ffe67b3ccb7.html

Chicago Style Weddings - Ceremony & Reception Locations

http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/wedding_vendor_detailsNew.aspx?vid=3879

Chicago Wedding Venues

http://www.chicagoweddingvenues.com/main/murphy-auditorium-chicago-il/

Big City Bride

http://bigcitybride.com/content/murphy-chicago-driehaus-museum-2/

Choose Chicago

http://www.choosechicago.com/listing/the-murphy/39015/

Borrowed & Blue - Chicago Ballrooms & Banquet Halls

https://www.borrowedandblue.com/chicago/wedding-venues/ballrooms-banquet-halls/the-murphy

Brides.com - Venues near Chicago, IL

http://www.brides.com/wedding-vendors/detail/venue/03db3ffe67b3ccb7-The-Murphy?reviews_sort_by=rating_highest&reviews_page=1&tab=profile

If you’re interested in hosting your wedding at The Murphy, please contact us today. For more information about our venue, visit our website.

Writing the Perfect Maid of Honor Speech

Being asked to be the Maid of Honor in Your Best Friends Wedding is a Pretty Big Deal.

 The maid of honor has many responsibilities, one of which includes writing and delivering a speech. The maid of honor speech usually occurs during the wedding reception, you may even be asked to deliver it at the rehearsal dinner as well. If you’re comfortable with public speaking or have a background in theatre, the maid of honor speech should be a piece of (wedding) cake! However, public speaking is a very common fear for many people, so, it’s understandable that you may have some anxiety regarding the delivery of your speech - especially if it’s in front of hundreds of people. Figuring out exactly how to write a maid of honor speech can also cause some anxiety and frustrations as it is an important moment for both you and the bride. Obviously, you want to make it special and give the most heartwarming maid of honor speech she’s ever heard.

How to start writing your MOH speech?

When you start writing your speech you will want to give yourself as much preparation time as possible  — at least three weeks to a month before the wedding, even longer if you can. This may seem like a lot of time to write a short maid of honor speech, but the longer you wait, the more stressful it will become. Start by brainstorming some key ideas; Think of times you have been inspired by your friendship with the bride -  or them as a couple. If you’re feeling extra sentimental dig up some old pictures and find nostalgic memories you think the bride may have forgotten about. Don’t underestimate the power of a good brainstorm sesh - unleash all of your feelings and anecdotes about your bestie that come to mind. Write this all down so that you’ll be able to see all of your feelings and memories all together at once. From here, you're more likely to discover some inspiration within your memories and reflection.

Speech Intro - Where to Begin?

First, start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the bride or couple. Next, thank whomever you feel is important enough to mention — parents, other family members, wedding party members, etc. After you have the formalities out of the way, talk about the bride - make it personal. One story you might consider starting with is how you met the bride. Tell a quick story about the two of you which really exemplifies your friendship, or even talk about the moment when you knew you were going to be friends forever. Get creative, be sentimental, and most importantly- don’t be afraid to be funny.

Talking Points

In addition to talking about your friendship with the bride, including how you first met her hubby in the maid of honor speech. This gives a nice transition from talking about you and the bride to talking about the bride and her husband. If you don't particularly know your besties new husband, you can talk about them as a couple. You know your bestie well enough to know when she realized that he was the ONE. You may have witnessed first hand the evolution of their budding love - even if from afar, you could hear the excitement in your besties voice when she spoke of him. What did she tell you after they said "I love you," for the first time? Talk about how she has grown and changed for the better because of this new love and happiness. It's even better if you’ve known both of them for a long time and can speak to the growth and evolution of their relationship together. Maybe you were there on the night when they had their first date, and you witnessed her giddy excitement beforehand.

Topics to Avoid

You can be nostalgic, sweet, or sentimental — but not drunk. Wait until after your maid of honor speech before you start drinking.  A wedding is a family event so keep your speech PG (if there are no children within earshot PG-13). A good rule of thumb: Don’t talk about anything the bride wouldn’t mind her grandparents hearing. Do NOT mention divorce — even jokingly. It will not be well received. Show your support for their relationship - no matter how you truly feel, keep a happy face on.

 Keep it Short and Sweet.  

Because we tend to speak faster when we’re nervous, be aware of your pace and speak clearly. Be sure to practice your speech in advance — whether it’s in front of a mirror, your dog, a family member, or a friend. If you're worried about the duration your speech, set a timer to make sure the speech is an appropriate length. A maid of honor speech should only be about 2-3 minutes long. That’s just long enough to tell a few short stories about the couple and toast to their happily ever after. Guests will probably want to start dancing (and drinking - since most ‘open-bars’ are closed during speeches) so there’s no need to drag it on.

Speak from the Heart 💗

 Whatever you write your speech, the most important thing is that your words come from the heart. Speak with feeling and emotion talk directly to the couple, rather than focusing on the many other faces in the crowd. Your bestie loves you for a reason, so just be yourself. If humor isn’t your thing, you don't have to be funny - it doesn’t have to be a hilarious maid of honor speech. Remember the reasons why you two are besties. whatever it is-  focus on those good qualities. Your bestie may not remember your exact words during your maid of honor speech, but she’ll remember how it made her feel - and that's really all that matters.
Cheers!

How to Get Married in Chicago

When you’re planning a wedding in Chicago, your wedding ceremony and reception seem full of infinite possibilities. You instantly start visualizing which backdrops you want for your wedding photos: “The Sears Tower or the Chicago skyline overlooking Lake Michigan?” Or deciding which caterers and DJs you want at your favorite Chicago wedding venue in the heart of the city. However, before you can delve into planning for your big day in the windy city, you need to understand and consider the legal requirements for getting married in Chicago, as it’ll help you plan your wedding effectively.

How to Legally Get Married in Chicago:

In Illinois, not just anyone can get married. In order to get married in Illinois, you must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk’s office, which has certain eligibility requirements. Before you run on down to the Clerk’s office, you need to make sure that both you and your partner are:

• 18 years of age or older
• Aren’t legally married to someone else
• Aren’t blood-related

Couples must appear together at one of the Clerk’s six locations. If only one of you show up, you will not be able to apply for a marriage license. Both of you must also be prepared to:

• Provide a valid photo ID with proof of name
• Fill out the marriage license application
• Pay the marriage fee of $60

* If either of you have been divorced, you must provide the date the divorce was finalized. If divorce happened within the last six months, you must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree.

Timeline and Restrictions

• Illinois marriage licenses are issued the day of and effective the following day (24 hours) after they’re issued
• They are only effective in Chicago and suburban Cook County
• They are only valid for 60 days

* If you are going to have a wedding ceremony in Chicago, you must bring your marriage license. The officiant, or person who is legally able to perform your wedding ceremony, will have to fill out a few remaining details on your marriage license and sign it once the ceremony has ended. The officiant (whether it be a judge, religious leader, or friend ordained for the day) is then responsible for returning the marriage license to the Clerk’s office. It’ll be easier if you include an addressed and stamped envelope so the officiant doesn’t have to return it in person. Therefore, since marriage licenses in Illinois are only valid for 60 days, it’s important that you plan your wedding ceremony within this time frame.

Your wedding license is technically like an application to be married. Once you’ve filled it out, had the ceremony, got it signed, and had your officiant turn it back to the county, you then receive your marriage certificate, which proves that you are married- wa la! After the wedding ceremony, you will need to request a copy of your official marriage certificate, which can be completed online.

Understanding what you need to do in order to legally get married in Chicago will help you in planning the Chicago wedding of your dreams. If you’re on the hunt for a premier Chicago wedding venue, look no further than The Murphy. The Murphy is a top choice for weddings due to its charming architectural design and ideal location. We are located right in the heart of downtown Chicago along the Magnificent Mile. Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to host a plethora of gorgeous weddings, and aim to turn your special day into a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.

Click here to view our gallery to see some behind-the-scenes photos of the weddings we’ve held at our venue, and contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about our venue, scheduling a tour, or booking a wedding!

Why Host your Wedding in Chicago?

Chicago, AKA “The Windy City” is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason! Chicago is a bustling multicultural city that thrives on the diversity of its people and neighborhoods. With distinctive qualities like one-of-a-kind skyscrapers, infamous attractions, a dedicated sports fan base, and the best pizza around, Chicago rightfully earns its name as “the great American city”. 

There is a lot that Chicago has to offer, especially for wedding celebrations! Each year, thousands of brides and grooms celebrate their wedding day in Chicago. Aside from numerous skyscrapers and mouthwatering pizza, what makes Chicago the ideal location for hosting weddings? Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of the top reasons to get married in Chicago!

What Makes Chicago Ideal for Weddings?

Gorgeous backdrops. One of the main reasons Chicago is a great city for weddings is because it is sprawling with gorgeous architecture, famous monuments, colorful districts, and picturesque surroundings, making the perfect backdrops for wedding photos. Known as having one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, many brides and grooms prefer the Chicago skyline overlooking Lake Michigan as their wedding backdrop of choice. You simply can’t beat Chicago’s breathtaking skyscrapers dazzled with bright, sparkling lights standing tall above the water. If you’re looking for more of a fun, eccentric backdrop for your wedding photos, Chicago’s art districts offer the perfect surroundings. Pose behind a giant mural or make your photos pop with a local artist’s sculpture. No matter what corner you turn, there are limitless options for wedding backdrops in Chicago.

Unique setting. Compared to other cities, Chicago offers a little bit of everything, for everyone. For those of you who wish to have a more classic, traditional wedding, Chicago’s older neighborhoods and quiet, serene parks can be just what you need to bring your vision to life. Old Town, one of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods, is lined with victorian-era buildings, old brick alleyways, and tree-lined streets, and that’s only one of many! Chicago has a lot to offer people on the other end of the spectrum, as well. If you’re looking to switch things up and break the mold of traditional weddings, Chicago’s edgy, urban districts can provide a hip look and feel that will give your wedding a more urban flair. Neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Logan Square, Ukranian Village, and Pilsen are perfect examples.

Plenty to do. Chicago isn’t only one of the largest tourist destinations in the world because of its manifold and diverse neighborhoods, but also because there is so much to do, and so much to see! Museums, art exhibits, restaurants, bars, hotels, sports stadiums, shopping centers, music festivals, the list goes on and on. Places like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and Willis Tower are infamous to Chicago and are perfect destinations to visit on your wedding day. After all, what’s a wedding in Chicago without visiting The Bean!?

Easy transportation. Chicago’s public transportation system makes it so easy to get to and from places. Almost every business, shop, and neighborhood is accessible by train, taxi, subway, and even your feet! If you host a wedding in Chicago, you won’t have to worry about getting people to and from your celebration. 

At The Murphy, we have everything you need to give you the Chicago wedding of your dreams. Located in the heart of the city and just minutes from the Magnificent Mile, The Murphy is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Chicago. Hundreds of weddings have been held in our auditorium, each one bringing a different style and feel to the space. With gorgeous french-style architecture designed with precision, The Murphy can comfortably accommodate your guests, setting the stage for an unforgettable Chicago event.

If you’re planning a wedding in Chicago, look no further than The Murphy! Give us a call today!

It’s Not Too Soon to Book Your 2019 Wedding Venue!

You finally announce to your friends and family you’re engaged! Not only do you get bombarded with well-wishes and congratulations, but you also get hit with the inevitable question- “Where are you going to have your wedding?!” While you may think you have all the time in the world to figure it out, booking a venue requires a lot more timing and planning than you may think.

According to the nation’s largest source for wedding news and inspiration, The Knot, people begin looking into wedding venues as early as one year to 9 months before the wedding date. So, although we just entered 2018, it’s not too soon to start looking at venues for your 2019 wedding!

Not sure where to even start? No worries! We’ve put together a quick and easy guide to booking a wedding venue.

How to Book a Wedding Venue

Start With the Basics

Before you begin your search, you’ll want to figure out a few basic things, including: your budget, your wedding date, and your wedding location. These pieces of information are among the most important and will help narrow your search, as you can rule-out the venues that aren’t available on your desired date or aren’t within your budget.

Be Aware of Popular Dates

It’s important to note that the more flexible you are with your dates, the easier it may be to find a venue. If you are planning to have your wedding around a major holiday, you’ll need to start making arrangements as soon as possible, as you’ll find yourself competing with company holiday parties and other events for those desired dates. Typically, the least popular time to get married is during the winter months, January-March. Whereas the most popular time to get married is during the summer months, June-September, which is often considered “wedding season”. So, if you have your heart set on having a romantic summer wedding, be sure to start looking early and book in advance!

Do Plenty of Research

There are many different ways to go about researching venues. Websites like WeddingWire allow you to search for spaces based on your location. People also rely on word of mouth or recommendations from friends and family. Before the research even begins, you may already have an idea of what type of wedding venue you’re looking for. For example, if you know you want an outdoor wedding, that already narrows down your search. However, you may fall in love with a venue you’ve never even heard of before during your research and decide on the spot you just have to get married there. Since you’ll come across many different venues with many different styles, accommodations, and perks, it’s important you narrow it down to your favorites. Browse their websites, read their reviews, and check them out on social media to get a better sense of their personality. Hint: Our social media sites are linked below, in case you’re interested in a behind-the-scenes look!

Reach Out and Ask Questions

Once you have a few venues in mind, it’s time to reach out to the venue personally! Reaching out will allow you to ask all the additional questions you need to figure out if this is the perfect wedding venue for you. There are many questions to ask your event venue before you book. Is the space available for your desired date? What furniture/equipment comes with the venue? How much is the deposit? Do they have a liquor license? The list goes on! Don’t be afraid to dig deep. After all, it’s your big day!

If you already know you’d like to book The Murphy Auditorium for your Chicago wedding, now is the time! Our staff at The Murphy wants to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. Our historic Chicago wedding venue offers the perfect, romantic setting for your 2019 wedding. However, we book up fast, so don’t wait until last minute to get the ball rolling! We’re here to answer any questions and offer assistance to make the process easier.

To figure out if The Murphy is the perfect spot to host your 2019 wedding, check out our user’s guide and feel free to contact us directly with any and all questions! And feel free to check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see some of our recent weddings!

Carolyn and Brian's Summer Wedding at The Murphy!

Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to host hundreds of magical weddings and wedding receptions at The Murphy. We pride ourselves on establishing relationships with the couples who choose to celebrate one of the most important days of their lives with us, and often receive incredible feedback from brides who love to share and get the word out about their unforgettable time at our venue! We recently heard from a bride who was more than happy to share her Murphy wedding experience with us.

Carolyn and Brian’s summer wedding at The Murphy was a day to remember. Their photographer, Spoon and Design, recently wrote a blog about their wedding ceremony and reception - both held at The Murphy last summer! Spoon and Design (AKA Michelle Greenspoon) has known the couple for quite some time now, and was chosen by them to capture some amazing photos of their big day. Michelle captured everything from their heart-felt engagement session, to their beautiful wedding cake made by Elysia Root Cakes, to the moment they said “I Do”!

Carolyn and Brian’s wedding was carefully planned, with beautiful white and gold-themed decor. Our space was transformed to fit their vision, and of course our Tiffany doors made for a gorgeous backdrop for their wedding photos!

As always, weddings held at The Murphy wouldn’t be made possible without the help of our vendors. Companies we partnered with to make Carolyn and Brian’s wedding day one to remember included:

• Catering - Jewell Events Catering
• Floral Design - Flower Firm
• DJ - DJ Chicago
• Videographer - Lexoria Wedding Films

Browse the photos below for a behind-the-scenes look at Carolyn and Brian’s wedding!

Denise & Mike's Wedding Reception at The Murphy!

As one of Chicago’s top wedding venues, we’re fortunate enough to host weddings at The Murphy nearly every weekend. Recently, we were the chosen venue for a gorgeous couple’s magical wedding reception.

Despite being a rainy day, Denise and Mike’s reception at The Murphy was an evening to be remembered.

Our space was set up to allow plenty of room for the couple and their guests to dance the night away to music provided by wedding DJ company, Spin Chicago. The space was transformed to match Denise and Mike’s vision, allowing for a night they’ll both remember for many years to come.

We were happy to work with Denise and Mike through every step of the wedding planning process, and are proud to say the reception went off without a hitch!

As always, no wedding held at The Murphy is possible without some incredible vendors. For Denise and Mike’s Chicago wedding, we partnered with the following companies:

• Catering: Jewell Events Catering
• Photographer: Daniela Cardili Photography
• Floral Design: Ashland Addison Floral & Event Decor
• Videographer: 312 Film
• DJ: Spin Chicago

For a behind-the-scenes look at Denise and Mike’s big day, browse the gorgeous photos below, taken by the talented Daniela Cardili Photography.

The Murphy Named as a 'Chicago Event Venue Attendees Will Love!'

We’re proud to announce that The Murphy Auditorium has been listed on Bizzabo’s list of “30 Chicago Event Venues That Attendees Will Love!”

We’re honored to be recognized alongside some of the most well-known event spaces in Chicago, such as The Field Museum, Navy Pier, Park West, and Soho House Chicago.

The article lists The Murphy as one of the “30 best Chicago event venues to consider” when planning your next corporate event, and they describe The Murphy as “one of Chicago’s most elegant and austere venues,” noting our French Renaissance style architecture and “classic ambiance.”

The Murphy isn’t just a wedding venue. We host all types of special events, from nonprofit fundraisers to corporate dinners. As the article points out, The Murphy is an incredibly versatile event venue and we’ve been fortunate to host some truly memorable events, such as fashion shows, commercial shoots, and sports media events.

This isn’t the first time our historic event space has been recognized as a top Chicago event venue. We were also named as one of the “Top 5 Corporate Event Venues in Chicago” by socialtables, who described us as a “top-tier corporate event venue in the city of Chicago.” Chicago Wedding Venues also listed The Murphy as a “Metropolitan Chicago Wedding Venue.”

If you’re looking for an event space that offers elegance, history, and a versatile layout, The Murphy Auditorium in Chicago is the perfect event venue for your upcoming wedding, corporate event, or fundraiser. For more information and to book our space for your upcoming special event, Contact us today!

32 Questions to Ask an Event Venue Before You Book

Choosing the perfect venue for your special event can be a daunting task. There’s so much to consider and keep track of that it can get very overwhelming.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, gala, fundraiser, or corporate event, it’s important to know exactly what to ask when you visit a venue. That’s why we took the time to create a list of questions you should ask any event venue before you book it for your special day.

The Date

• Is the space available on your desired date?
• Is there a discount for booking during a certain time of year or season?
• Is there a price difference for booking during the busy season vs. the off-season?

Set Up/Logistics

• How many hours do you have the venue for in total? How many hours early can you get there for set up? How long do you have to clean up after the event? Can you pay for additional hours?
• Can things be shipped or dropped off at the venue prior to the event?
• What furniture/equipment comes with the venue?
• What staff is included in the booking cost?
• What kind of security is provided with the venue?
• Who exactly will be managing your event? How much experience do they have?

The Cost

• How much is the deposit? Is the deposit refundable?
• What are the policies to book? Be sure you fully understand all of the terms and conditions for booking the venue before you make any decisions.
• Are there hidden costs, such as service charges, gratuity, cleaning fees, or overtime charges?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Do they offer certain packages?
• What is included in the price? Is it strictly the venue, or are security, set up, etc included?
• What forms of payment are acceptable and is there a payment schedule?

Space/Accommodations

• Is the venue big enough to accommodate your number of guests?
• Are there spaces for all of the activities you have planned? For example, if you’re interested in having a separate cocktail hour, a stage, or space for dancing, it’s important to be sure the venue can accommodate.
• Is the venue located in a convenient location for all attending?
• Is there enough parking for guests?
• Is public transportation near the venue or easy to access?
• Will the decor of the venue match with your desired event decor and design?
• Does the event space have the right acoustics and is it wired for AV equipment? Are there volume restrictions?
• Are there any restrictions? Such as decorations, outside vendors, alcohol minimums, etc.
• If your event is a wedding, are there other rooms available for the bride and groom to get ready in prior to the event?
• Is there a coat check?
• Is the space wheelchair accessible?

Food & Drink

• Do they allow you to use your own vendors, or must you use theirs? Is there an additional charge if you use outside vendors?
• Do they have a liquor license?
• Can you bring your own alcohol? If so, is there a charge to do this?
• Are there food and drink minimums? What are they?
• Is there a cake cutting fee?

The Murphy is a Chicago wedding venue that offers a historic setting, plenty of space, and gorgeous architecture. We’ve served as the setting for a number of weddings, nonprofit events, and corporate events over the years, and are dedicated to helping you create an event you and your guests will never forget.

For booking information and to learn more about our Chicago event space, contact The Murphy today!