Fall Wedding at The Emily Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market

A fall wedding at The Emily Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market District is the perfect choice for couples who want an intimate, design forward celebration in the heart of the West Loop. Sam and Matt’s wedding took place entirely inside FORA, the hotel’s restaurant, and leaned fully into a dark, elevated, candlelit aesthetic.

With rich burgundy florals, moody lighting, and a non traditional ceremony setup. Their wedding was a reminder that rules are optional and atmosphere matters.

Why The Emily Hotel Is a Standout West Loop Wedding Venue

Located in Chicago’s Fulton Market District within the West Loop, The Emily Hotel is a favorite for couples planning modern, non traditional weddings with a strong design focus. It offers beautiful interiors, walkable streets for portraits, and a restaurant space that easily transforms from ceremony to dinner to dance floor.

FORA at The Emily Hotel for Ceremony and Reception

FORA is one of the most sought after restaurant wedding spaces in Fulton Market, which offers a warm, moody atmosphere that feels intimate while still accommodating a full wedding day flow.

Sam and Matt hosted both their ceremony and reception in FORA, with guests seated at the same tables for the entire evening. There were no rows, no aisle, and no formal room flip. Instead, the space felt communal and relaxed while still feeling intentional and refined.

This setup is perfect for couples who want a non traditional wedding that prioritizes connection and experience over formality.

A Dark and Moody Fall Wedding Design

The entire design leaned into fall in the best way. Burgundy and dark red roses, lush greenery, black taper candles, and warm ambient light filled the room. Matt wore a dark green suit to tie into the aesthetic. The overall vibe was bold, romantic, and very much “Til Death Do Us Party.”

A Personal and Non Traditional Wedding Ceremony

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was how personal everything felt. Sam’s sister officiated and shared a heartfelt speech during the ceremony. Instead of exchanging personal vows in front of everyone, Sam and Matt chose to read them privately earlier in the day.

A close friend sang their walk out song, which added an emotional and unforgettable moment to the ceremony. It was intimate without feeling performative and intentional without feeling rigid.

First Look and Wedding Portraits in the West Loop and Fulton Market

After their first look at Selva, a rooftop bar at The Emily Hotel with views of the West Loop and Chicago skyline, Sam and Matt stepped out into the West Loop and Fulton Market for portraits in the urban Chicago landscape.

Portraits at Aberdeen Tap

One of the most meaningful stops was Aberdeen Tap, the bar where Sam and Matt met five years earlier. Incorporating a place that mattered to them made their portraits feel personal with a Chicago touch.

A Lake Geneva Engagement Full of Nostalgia

Matt proposed during the Fourth of July weekend in Lake Geneva, surrounded by family. Sam grew up spending every summer there, and it was their first summer back after years away. The proposal was relaxed and emotional. It took place in the backyard overlooking the golf course, with parents, cousins, and friends nearby.

Vendor Team for This Fall Wedding at The Emily Hotel

Sam and Matt brought together an incredible team of vendors who helped bring their vision to life.

• Wedding Planner: Emily Nuzzo
• Photographer: Melissa Ferrara Photography
• Venue: The Emily Hotel
• Dress: Grace Loves Lace
• Jewelry and Shoes: Black Suede Studio, Electric Picks
• Suits: Nichola Joseph
• Hair and Makeup: Dani Norman
• Florist: EcoWilde
• Catering: FORA
• Cake: Ashley Torto Original
• DJ: Freddy Phatz

Planning a Fall Wedding at The Emily Hotel in Chicago

Fulton Market weddings are especially popular in the fall, thanks to the neighborhood’s energy, walkability, and mix of industrial and modern backdrops. Shorter days mean candlelight shines earlier, rich tones photograph beautifully, and the indoor spaces feel cozy without being dark.

From a photography perspective, this venue is perfect for couples who want mood, movement, and real moments captured naturally.

Chicago Wedding Photographer for The Emily Hotel and West Loop Weddings

If you are planning a fall wedding at The Emily Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, West Loop, or someplace else, and care more about how your day feels than following tradition, I’d love to be your photographer. I specialize in photographing intimate, non-traditional weddings that focus on connection, atmosphere, and honest moments.

Reach out to me here. I’d love to hear more about your plans!