Proposals and weddings at Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk can host proposals, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, and full wedding receptions with large ballrooms and riverfront views right on the Chicago Riverwalk. The hotel offers a range of event spaces (from private dining rooms to the Sheraton Chicago Ballroom and the Chicago Ballroom), in-house catering and wedding services, and more than 1,200 guest rooms and suites for wedding stays.
In this guide
Event spaces and capacities
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk provides a large collection of meeting and event rooms across the property, including named ballrooms and a Promenade with floor-to-ceiling windows that face the river and skyline.
Major spaces include the Sheraton Chicago Ballroom and the Chicago Ballroom; the property lists up to about 125,000 square feet of meeting space across 43 rooms and many configurable ballroom sections.
- Sheraton Chicago Ballroom: capacity cited on the hotel listing (up to 4,600 guests).
- Chicago Ballroom: roughly 40,000 sq ft with river/promenade windows; wedding capacity listings show up to 1,200 seated or 2,000 cocktail-style in some vendor sources.
- Smaller ballrooms: Sheraton Ballroom I–III, IV–V and Chicago Ballroom VI–X (many sections suitable for midsize receptions).
| Venue | Typical Max Capacity |
|---|---|
| Sheraton Chicago Ballroom | Up to 4,600 (hotel listing) |
| Chicago Ballroom (Promenade) | Listed by vendors as up to 1,200 seated / 2,000 cocktail |
| Sheraton Ballroom I–III / IV–V | Flexible sections for 100s |
Ceremony options — indoor and outdoor
Couples can choose indoor ceremonies in ballrooms of various sizes or an outdoor riverside ceremony on the Promenade / Riverwalk area. The hotel’s event descriptions and third-party listings indicate outdoor seated ceremonies are possible for smaller groups.
Here Comes the Guide and vendor listings summarize the maximums: indoor seated ceremony capacity can reach thousands for very large setups, while outdoor seated ceremonies are noted around 75 guests; exact allowances and layouts should be confirmed with the hotel events team.
- Outdoor riverside ceremonies: vendor listings note up to 75 seated guests on the Riverwalk/Promenade area.
- Indoor ceremonies: the hotel lists very large capacities (many ballrooms can be combined for larger counts).
- Minimum event booking: the property’s group/event listing specifies a minimum of 10 guests for wedding/event bookings.
| Type | Vendor-listed Capacity |
|---|---|
| Outdoor seated (Riverwalk/Promenade) | Up to 75 |
| Indoor seated (large ballrooms) | Hundreds to thousands depending on room configuration |
| Minimum group size to book event | 10 guests |
Food, beverage and reception dining
On-site dining options give couples a choice between formal and casual reception experiences. Shula's Steak House provides an evening fine-dining option and private dining for groups; Riverside Café can host breakfasts, brunches, and smaller private dinners with river views.
Third-party venue packages reported by vendors include food-and-beverage minimums and a sample set of inclusions; confirm current menus, minimums, and package details with the hotel’s sales team.
- Shula's Steak House: dinner service daily 5:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.; private dining options and reservations via OpenTable or the restaurant phone.
- Riverside Café: breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch with river views; a private dining room fits up to about 44 people and the café can be reconfigured for receptions.
- CHI Bar, Link Café and seasonal Chicago Burger Company offer more casual on-site options for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding meals.
| Restaurant / Bar | Typical Use for Weddings |
|---|---|
| Shula's Steak House | Formal rehearsal dinners, private dinners, plated receptions |
| Riverside Café | Brunches, breakfasts, small private dining |
| Chicago Burger Company & CHI Bar | Casual welcome events or after-parties (seasonal for Chicago Burger Company) |
Wedding packages, costs and what to confirm
Vendor listings describe sample wedding packages that can include a primary bar for a set number of hours, passed hors d’oeuvres, a plated dinner, a wedding cake, dance floor, DJ staging, linens, chairs, a complimentary suite for the couple, and breakfast the next morning. These are examples pulled from public vendor pages; confirm current package inclusions directly with the hotel.
Here Comes the Guide lists an example food & beverage minimum starting around $5,000 plus a service charge in its vendor write-up; exact minimums, service charges, tax, and any destination fees or room-block policies must be confirmed with the hotel events team when planning.
- Common inclusions shown by vendor listings: 4-hour primary bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, 3-course dinner, 3-tier cake, DJ/dance floor, linens/tables/chairs, and a complimentary bridal suite.
- Reported sample food & beverage minimums start from vendor-listed $5,000 and up; a service charge (example: 25%) may apply — verify current figures with the hotel.
- Ask the event sales manager about destination fees, room-block guarantees, attrition policies, and any required deposits.
| Item to Confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Package inclusions and hours | Determines what is provided and any overtime charges |
| F&B minimums and service charge | Affects total budget and payment schedule |
| Complimentary suite / room-block rates | Impacts couple’s stay and guest room logistics |
Rooms and overnight options for wedding parties
The hotel lists 1,218 guest rooms across 34 floors and multiple suite options that can accommodate wedding parties and guests. Named room types include Traditional Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Room, River View, Suite, 1 Bedroom, River View (Ambassador), Suite, 1 Bedroom (Burnham), Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom (Skyline View), Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, Lake View, and the Presidential Suite, among others.
Wedding planners typically reserve a block of rooms for guests; the hotel also offers a Sheraton Club Lounge on the 33rd floor for eligible room types or club access reservations.
- Typical room types to reference when booking blocks: Traditional Room; Deluxe Room, River View; Suite, 1 Bedroom (Burnham); Suite, 1 Bedroom, River View (Ambassador); Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom (Skyline View); Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom, Club Lounge Access (Skyline View, High Floor).
- Vendor pages mention complimentary suite offers for couples in some packages; always confirm which suite is provided and whether club lounge access is included.
- Rollaway beds: the property allows rollaway beds for a nightly fee (reported as USD 25 per night) — request in advance.
| Room Category (examples) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Traditional Room | Standard guest room options (King or 2 Double Beds) |
| Deluxe Room, River View | River-facing rooms — good for guests who want water views |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom (Burnham) / Ambassador / Governor | One-bedroom suites that can serve couples or VIP guests |
Practical logistics: check-in, amenities, parking and transport
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM (noon); the hotel requires the registering guest to be at least 21 to check in and to present a valid photo ID and credit card. Late check-out may be available subject to availability and fees.
Note the hotel charges a daily destination fee that bundles certain items; there are also on-site parking fees for self-parking and valet and other surcharges wedding planners should include in budgets.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check-out: 12:00 PM (noon).
- Minimum check-in age: 21 with ID and credit card.
- Destination fee: the hotel charges a daily destination fee that includes some amenities (confirm current rate with the hotel).
- Parking: on-site self-parking and valet are available for a daily surcharge; verify current rates with the hotel.
- Amenities useful for guests: indoor heated pool (7th floor), Sheraton Fitness Center (7th floor, Peloton bikes, Life Fitness equipment, dry sauna), in-room Wi‑Fi bundled in destination fee, and multiple on-site restaurants and bars.
| Service / Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor heated pool | Located on the 7th floor; vendor and hotel listings show pool open year-round |
| Fitness center | Two-story Sheraton Fitness Center on 7th floor; Peloton bikes and dry sauna |
| Club Lounge | Sheraton Club Lounge on 33rd floor for eligible room types or access |
