A Romantic Micro Wedding at La Storia in Chicago’s Gold Coast
Tucked inside a historic 19th-century brownstone in Chicago’s Gold Coast, La Storia offers an elegant, warm setting that feels tailor-made for couples seeking a micro wedding or intimate wedding experience filled with beautiful food, close connections, and a storybook atmosphere.
This isn’t just a place to host a celebration — it’s a space that holds it: rich wood interiors, cozy private rooms, and an authentic Italian culinary experience that invites your guests to linger long after the last toast.
Why La Storia Ristorante Is a Perfect Chicago Micro Wedding Venue & Intimate Wedding Space
Located at 1154 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood
An Intimate Venue with Warmth, History, and Heart
From the moment you walk into La Storia, you sense something special. The owners designed this space as a celebration of Italian tradition and hospitality, a place where friends and families gather around the table to share meals, stories, and memories.
It’s that same sense of warmth and connection that makes La Storia a standout Chicago micro wedding venue for couples who want a cozy, elevated celebration centered on great food and meaningful moments.
Whether you’re planning a ceremony with under 40 guests or an intimate celebration that flows seamlessly from vows to dinner, La Storia’s private event spaces - including the Vintage Room and Dearborn Room, both deliver comfort, character, and an atmosphere that invites everyone to linger.
A Micro Wedding to Remember
Last spring, I had the joy of officiating a beautiful micro wedding in this evocative space.
The day began with the couple’s first look and portrait session downtown, where they wandered through the streets of Chicago and along the river with their photographer, capturing moments full of quiet joy and anticipation. Back at La Storia, guests arrived for a relaxed cocktail and greeting hour, setting an intimate tone before the ceremony.
When it was time to begin, we gathered in the Vintage Room, a space rich with original woodwork and charm — complete with a gorgeous bar, making it an ideal setting for an intimate wedding ceremony. The couple entered hand in hand, choosing to walk into life together rather than being introduced separately, a simple but meaningful expression of unity.
Their ceremony was short and heartfelt, honoring who they are: introverted, sincere, and deeply connected. With guests standing and the light streaming through the Vintage Room’s windows behind them, the moment felt tender, intentional, and perfectly suited to their personalities.
As part of their ceremony, we included a short reading from “To Be With Each Other” by George Eliot — a timeless reflection on partnership, presence, and choosing one another day after day. In a space as warm and intimate as the Vintage Room, the words felt especially fitting, grounding the moment in both love and intention. It was a reminder that a micro wedding doesn’t mean less meaning — often, it allows more.
A Celebration Centered on Food, Family & Connection
After the ceremony, guests returned to cocktail hour, keeping the celebration flowing naturally before settling into an intimate dinner in the Dearborn Room. The space — anchored by rich wood walls, warm colors, and a welcoming fireplace — created the kind of environment where laughter and conversation felt effortless.
And because La Storia is a restaurant first, the culinary experience became part of the memory itself. With hand-made pastas, regional Italian dishes, and an extensive wine list, every bite and sip elevated the celebration.
Experience the Venue Before Your Wedding
One of the many things that makes La Storia stand out as a micro wedding venue is its wine dinner series, a perfect way for couples to experience the food, wine, and ambiance before booking. Attending a wine dinner offers a firsthand look at how the service flows and how the space feels during a full evening of dining.
Couples planning a micro wedding also have catering options for venues outside La Storia, giving flexibility in how they curate their menu and event experience.
Why Couples Love La Storia for Micro Weddings
Intimate and cozy private event spaces — ideal for micro weddings and intimate weddings up to ~50 guests.
Historic charm and romantic ambiance that requires minimal décor because the space itself sets the mood.
Exceptional in-house dining experience, featuring authentic Italian cuisine and thoughtfully curated wine pairings.
Flexible catering and event options, including wine dinners for tasting experiences before booking.
A welcoming atmosphere that blends ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner seamlessly, keeping guests connected throughout the event.
A Note of Gratitude for the Photography
The day was beautifully documented by Nichole Babiez, whose photography captured the warmth, intimacy, and emotion that defined this micro wedding at La Storia. Her ability to tell a story through imagery made it possible to relive every meaningful moment — from the couple’s first look to their heartfelt ceremony and intimate dinner.
Planning a Micro Wedding at La Storia?
If you’re dreaming of a micro wedding or intimate ceremony at La Storia, I would be honored to be part of your day. This space is incredibly special — warm, welcoming, and perfectly suited for couples who value connection, intention, and a ceremony that feels deeply personal.
I specialize in custom, creative micro-wedding ceremonies that reflect who you are as individuals and as a couple — whether that means keeping things beautifully simple, incorporating meaningful readings, or creating a moment that feels effortless and true to you.
If you’re planning an intimate celebration at La Storia (or are just beginning to explore what a micro wedding could look like), I’d love to connect and see if we’re the right fit.
✨ Reach out to start the conversation — I would love nothing more than to create more intimate, heartfelt ceremonies in this incredible space. ✨