EDGEWATER — Getting married soon but tired of the same old Downtown scene?
Five Far North Side business organizations want to make their communities the next go-to spot for wedding celebrations and preparation.
The Edgewater, Lincoln Square/Ravenswood, Andersonville and Uptown Chambers of Commerce united with the Rogers Park Business Alliance to create a "Northside Wedding Guide" that lists more than 150 caterers, venues, photographers and more.
Ally Brisbin, marketing and events manager with the Edgewater chamber, said she and members of other chambers began hearing from some businesses that they were often filling orders related to weddings. The group decided to collaborate on the guide to create a resource for people looking to ditch the Loop look for something more creative and unique.
The Far North Side has an abundance of architectural gems and historical places that have been renovated for use as a wedding venue or photography backdrop. The majestic Edgewater Beach Apartments, Swedish-American Museum in Andersonville, Firehouse Chicago in Edgewater and Ravenswood Event Center have all become hot spots for North Siders already getting hitched in the area.
There are some gaps in the guide, like no places to get a gown or tuxedo, but Brisbin said overall it's a great starting point for people with a healthy dose of "North Side pride."
That's what drew Carolyn Clifford back to her old neighborhood of Andersonville for her 2014 wedding.
"I've always wanted to get married in an art museum," Clifford said.
The "price was right," she said, adding that for her wedding at the museum, amenities like tables and chairs, plus a bridal room, kitchen prep area and piano were all included in the cost for the space.
She said some drawbacks were difficulty parking and lack of local hotels, but said her "Where The Wild Things Are"-themed wedding was spectacular nonetheless.
Brisbin said early next year the business organizations will host a mini wedding expo featuring many of the guide's vendors and more.
Local chambers have paper copies of the guide, which will later appear online.
Edgewater: 1210 W. Rosedale Ave.
Lincoln Square/Ravenswood: 2611 W. Lawrence Ave.
Uptown: 4753 N. Broadway
Rogers Park: 1448 W. Morse Ave.
Andersonville: 5314 N. Clark St.
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