The Drake Hotel is one of the few extraordinary hotels in the world, renowned for its iconic hosting of Royals, celebrities, and socialites along Michigan Avenue. For over a century, the hotel offers Real Chicago experiences and continues to emanate charm and refinement marked by warm gestures of hospitality to encapsulate life-long memories.
A love story that continued here, is that of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio. Following their honeymoon, the two visited Chicago and stayed at the hotel. While here, they carved their initials, MM + JD, on the bar of The Cape Cod Room, now known as Café on Oak. Even more romantic, Marilyn Monroe wrote penned a love message for Joe which she placed in a decorative bottle, entrusting it to the bartender and vowed they would return to retrieve the message. Just like Marilyn & Joe, you’re invited to create your own symbolic love gestures that speak to Real Chicago matrimonial experience, uniquely yours.
Imagine your once-in-a-lifetime celebration, starting at the exclusive Princess Diana Suite, offering a royal experience before saying “I Do” in one of the renowned ballrooms of the hotel. From the Avant-Garde architecture of the Gold Coast Ballroom, with sweeping shoreline views of Lake Michigan, accommodating up to 900 guests, to the Grand Ballroom, which is ideal for couples that are natural socialites. Originally built in the Roaring ’20s during the Charleston craze, the floor is equipped to put a literal spring in your step, perfectly outfitted for your first dance to kick off your wedding celebration.
Courtesy of Robert Swiderski Photography
For an intimate and regal setting, The French Room is recommended. This space features cerulean hues accented by silk wall coverings, crystal-basket chandeliers, and satin damask draperies. Consider the Camellia Room for small to mid-size weddings, perfect for 200 guests, which presents a romantic ambiance adorned with trellis patterned wallcovering, crystal beaded chandeliers, and complemented with the city and Lake Michigan views.
Ever since the hotel opened its doors on New Year’s Eve in 1920, it’s been renowned for its iconic Champagne Parade, an illustrious add-on to your celebration. This choreographed parade of wait staff with suggested orchestra accompaniment will usher bottles of bubbly upon the room, surrounding the bridal party with a synchronized pour of champagne.
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Courtesy of Robert Swiderski Photography
A truly remarkable generational trend is emerging, as many couples are selecting the same event space at the hotel where their (grand) parents wed. A trend the team views as a wonderful testament to iconic service delivered and one that is proudly honored. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or establishing a new custom, the wedding team welcomes a consultation to create a plan reflective of your distinct style and personality. Discover your wedding style and contact to arrange a wedding consultation.
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