Destination Wedding Transportation: Chicago as Your Wedding Destination
Quick Answer
For destination weddings in Chicago, coordinate airport transfers from O'Hare and Midway, arrange hotel shuttle blocks for guests, and create a detailed transportation schedule. Book 6+ months ahead for peak season. Budget $50-75 per guest for comprehensive transportation coverage.
Why Chicago is a Perfect Wedding Destination
Chicago welcomes hundreds of destination weddings each year. With two major airports, world-class venues, and iconic photo locations, it's an ideal choice for couples with guests traveling from across the country or globe.
Airport Logistics for Out-of-Town Guests
O'Hare International Airport
- Distance to downtown: 17 miles, 30-60 minutes depending on traffic
- Best for: Guests from both coasts and international travelers
- Peak times to avoid: 4-7 PM weekdays
- Recommended vehicles: Sprinter vans for group arrivals, sedans for VIPs
Midway Airport
- Distance to downtown: 11 miles, 20-40 minutes
- Best for: Southwest Airlines travelers, budget-conscious guests
- Advantage: Faster security, easier navigation
Coordinated Pickup Strategy
For weddings with 50+ out-of-town guests, we recommend:
- Collecting all flight information in advance
- Grouping arrivals into 2-3 hour pickup windows
- Stationing vehicles at both airports during peak arrival times
- Providing guests with driver contact information
Hotel Block Transportation
Choosing the Right Hotel
Select hotels based on:
- Proximity to your venue (reduces transportation costs)
- Adequate bus loading zones
- Group rates for wedding blocks
- Accessibility for elderly or mobility-impaired guests
Shuttle Scheduling
Typical destination wedding shuttle schedule:
- Thursday: Welcome dinner transportation
- Friday: Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner shuttles
- Saturday: Ceremony and reception transportation
- Sunday: Farewell brunch + airport transfers
Welcome Packet Transportation Info
Include in your guest welcome packets:
- Shuttle schedule with pickup times and locations
- Contact information for transportation coordinator
- Map of pickup/dropoff points
- Backup rideshare instructions
- Emergency contact numbers
Budget Planning for Destination Wedding Transportation
Per-Guest Estimates
- Airport transfers only: $30-50 per guest
- Full weekend coverage: $75-100 per guest
- VIP bridal party package: $150-200 per person
Cost-Saving Tips
- Consolidate airport arrivals into group pickups
- Choose a venue near the hotel block
- Use larger vehicles (Sprinters, coaches) for groups
- Skip individual sedan service for most guests
Timeline for Booking
- 6-12 months out: Book transportation company, reserve vehicles
- 3 months out: Finalize hotel blocks, create preliminary schedule
- 1 month out: Collect guest flight information
- 2 weeks out: Finalize schedule, distribute to guests
- 1 week out: Confirm all details with transportation company
Communication with Guests
Keep out-of-town guests informed:
- Include transportation details on wedding website
- Send reminder emails with pickup times
- Create a group text or chat for real-time updates
- Designate a transportation point person
Planning a Chicago Destination Wedding?
Let us coordinate all your guest transportation needs. We specialize in destination wedding logistics.