Editorial

Married at the Museum

by Anna Tonarely

A wedding bride and groom poses next to a vintage white car in front of the MCA

There aren’t too many places in the world where you have the chance to be married atop a large, in-ground Sol LeWitt sculpture, dine under a Mini Cooper that’s anchored 20 feet high on a wall, or take wedding photos in front of a billboard-sized photo of David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. That is, unless you’re having your wedding and reception at the MCA. As a museum dedicated to contemporary art, the MCA is an unforgettable space for your big day and the ideal venue for a cultured couple. Here are a few reasons why your guests will not be able to stop talking about your museum wedding.

Unique Photos

We may be a bit biased, but we think that art makes the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.

Two male-presenting people in suits pose in holes cut into a large concrete circle.
Two peas in a pod. Andrew and Jason were one of many couples to get creative with the art on view. Installation view, MCA Chicago Plaza Project: Alexandre da Cunha, MCA Chicago, Jul 18, 2015–Jul 24, 2016. Photo: Colin Lyons Photography
A bride and groom hold each other outdoors in a garden over a stone formation of lines
Capturing an intimate moment atop our large, in-ground Sol LeWitt sculpture. Photo: Durling Photography

Whether it’s a work of art that feels apropos as couples officially start their lives together, or a painting that accentuates some of your favorite details, there’s always something to catch the photographer’s eye with our ever-changing array of artworks.

Blinking from Me to We, this Glenn Ligon artwork makes for an appropriate couples photo setting. Work shown: Glenn Ligon, Give us a Poem, 2007. Black PVC and white neon; 75 5/8 x 74 1/4 in. (192.1 x 188.6 cm). The Studio Museum in Harlem, gift of the artist. Photo: Candice C Cusic Photography
Inside a hot air balloon makes for a unique photo no other couple will have. Work shown: Kris Martin, T.Y.F.F.S.H., 2011. Hot air balloon, basket, metal ring, and fans; overall dimensions variable. Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Mary and Earle Ludgin by exchange, 2011.43. © 2011 Kris Martin. Photo: Candice C Cusic Photography

Art That Can Influence Your Theme

This past summer, Lauren and James were so inspired by Johnston Marklee’s Grid Is a Grid Is a Grid Is a Grid installation in the café that they planned their entire wedding around it, including Lauren’s stunning black-and-white dress dress and the couple’s unique cake. Other couples, inspired by the more than 100 colors used in Martin Creed’s Work No. 1351, went pops of color throughout.

A bride and groom cut a black and white cake in a room featuring a black, 3D grid on the ceiling
Lauren and James cut their beautiful cake, inspired by Johnston Marklee: Grid Is a Grid Is a Grid Is a Grid, MCA Chicago, Oct 1, 2015–Nov 18, 2016. Photo: Studio This Is

Jaw-Dropping Architecture

While it’s true that all venues have that something special, museums of art are sure to have a wow factor.

Our iconic staircase always make for a glamour photoshoot.
A couple poses for an intimate photo with the MCA facade serving as a backdrop
The museum, and its surroundings, provide beautiful backdrops for wedding photos. Todd James Photography

TIP: Keep the décor to a minimum and let the architecture speak for itself.

The Art of Surprise

We love a couple who is excited about the idea of having a car on the wall, à la Simon Starling: Metamorphology, or a fire escape hanging from the ceiling during their reception. The rotating nature of installations will surprise even the most avid of museum visitors and give your guests something to talk about long after the salad course.

Guests gather under Monika Sosnowska's The Fire Escape for a wedding reception. Photo: Durling Photography
Rory and Andrew make their grand entrance under Simon Starling's Flaga, MCA Chicago, Jun 7–Nov 2, 2014. Photo: Elena Bazini Photography

Open Galleries

Give guests a little something extra to talk about by having the galleries open during cocktail hour.

Wedding guests view Andy Warhol's Jackie Frieze, 1964. Silkscreen on linen 20 x 128 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 325 x 3.8 cm). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Beatrice Cummings Mayer, 2007.32 Photo: Durling Photography
A bride and groom embrace in front of an artwork, with their backs to the camera.
A couple gazes at Thomas Ruff's zycles 3065, 2008. Ink-jet on canvas; framed: 104 1/4 × 92 1/2 in. (264.8 × 235 cm). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Marilyn and Larry Fields 2009.4. Photo: Fandl Photography

TIP: Allowing guests to peruse the galleries gives couples more time to take their photos after the ceremony before making their grand entrance.

Tables set for wedding reception under a sheer curtain canopy in a multistory room

Why settle for ordinary?

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