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Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book hotel rooms for my wedding in Illinois?
Most couples reserve a room block six to twelve months before their wedding date, particularly for peak wedding season (May through October). Popular properties like Marriott Marquis Chicago or Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk can book up early, so reaching out nine months ahead gives your guests the best availability. If you're planning a destination wedding or a holiday weekend, consider securing rooms even earlier.
How do I book a block of rooms for out-of-town wedding guests?
If you need nine or more rooms, Engine Groups will handle the booking for you. For eight rooms or fewer, you can search, compare, and book the block yourself on Engine. Either way, your guests get access to pre-negotiated rates at properties across Illinois, from Chicago to Schaumburg and beyond.
Can Engine help me book both guest rooms and the reception space?
Engine Groups handles guest-room blocks of nine or more rooms, while eight or fewer can be booked self-serve. The hotel's reception and event space can be searched and booked through Engine Spaces, a free marketplace of hotel meeting and event spaces across the U.S. and Canada, or arranged with the property directly. Services like catering, coordination, and vendors are arranged separately with the hotel or your chosen providers.
How does billing work when I book a room block for my wedding?
Engine offers consolidated invoicing, so you can manage guest-room charges in one place rather than tracking individual reservations. You'll have multiple payment options, and there's no membership fee to use the platform. This makes it easier to keep your wedding budget organized, whether you're booking rooms in Chicago, Schaumburg, or anywhere else in the state.
Which parts of Illinois have the most hotels with wedding and event space?
Chicago and its surrounding suburbs offer the largest concentration of properties with ballrooms and banquet space. The city itself has hotels like Marriott Marquis Chicago (about 100,000 square feet in its largest space, 71 event spaces) and Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk (about 40,000 square feet, 50 event spaces), while Schaumburg has options like Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel (about 28,000 square feet, 43 event spaces). You'll find venues throughout the state, but the Chicago area provides the widest selection for larger receptions.