You might be wondering about some things…

Where should I stay?
Visit our Travel + Stay page to learn more about room blocks at the Chicago Athletic Association and the Arlo Hotel. If you’re looking for other recommendations, there are lots of hotels near the wedding venue. We like The Pendry, The LaSalle (Marriott-owned) and The JW Marriott. Points disclaimer: the Chicago Athletic Association is eligible for World of Hyatt benefits.

What’s the best way to get downtown from the airports?
O’Hare and Midway are about the same distance from downtown Chicago, and both are roughly $50 by taxi or rideshare. Chicagoland traffic is unpredictable, but you can expect the drive to be 30-40 minutes during off-peak times (early morning, late evening) and about an hour in moderate traffic. Public transportation — the Blue Line from O’Hare and Orange Line from Midway — is also available and takes about an hour as well.

What’s the parking situation?
Glad you asked! Courtesy of the Mother of the Groom, here’s a comprehensive rundown of parking options near the Chicago Athletic Association and Arlo Hotels:

Valet Parking and Related Information for Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30

For guests arriving at the CAA on Friday evening, valet parking is available at the hotel side entrance at 71 E. Madison Street. For a reduced rate of $22 for up to three hours (or $35 for up to eight hours), guests can give the discount code of 2440 to the valet upon arrival. Mention the Dickens/Johnson party. If you are driving and wish to unload prior to parking elsewhere, please arrive at 71 E. Madison and text (312) 313-4096 for service. Hotel staff will arrive promptly to assist. If you are walking or taking a rideshare, you’ll want to enter the hotel at the main entrance on 12 S. Michigan Avenue.

Grant Park North is the closest parking garage. It is located at 25 North Michigan Avenue. The Hotel cannot validate parking tickets at this garage. For more information about overnight and long term parking at the Grant Park North/Millennium Garages, see the section below. 

Overnight and Long Term Parking Information for The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and The Arlo Hotel 

For guests staying overnight at the CAA Hotel, the rate is $79 per night with in and out privileges. The CAA is conveniently located next to the Grant Park North Garage, which is a good and more reasonably priced parking garage for overnight parking. It is located at 25 North Michigan Avenue. Information and parking for this garage can be found at https://www.millenniumgarages.com/ for a reduced daily rate and it also allows in and out privileges.

For guests staying overnight at the Arlo Hotel, it is affiliated with the Randolph and Wabash Parking Garage, which is a 2 minute walk from the hotel. There are two options for parking in this garage near the Arlo Hotel: (1) 24 hour parking for $40. The Arlo Hotel will validate the ticket provided to you by the parking garage at the front desk with a sticker; and (2) 24 hour parking for $55 per day for in and out privileges. This requires booking through a link Destination Parking | iParkit  Additionally, you can park at Grant Park North Garage. It is located at 25 North Michigan Avenue. Information and parking for this garage can be found at https://www.millenniumgarages.com/ for a reduced daily rate and it also allows in and out privileges. 

Do you have recommendations for things to do in Chicago in November?
We want this to be a fun weekend for all involved, so cold weather be damned, we encourage you to explore the hotel and the city if you have some free time. There’s Chicago history all over the CAA. It opened in 1893, just in time for the World’s Fair. As Charlie knows well, the Chicago Cubs logo comes from this place! You’ll see it on the stained glass in the White City ballroom and on floor tiles near the Cherry Circle Room steakhouse on the 2nd floor. The Art Institute and Millennium Park are right across the street, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is close by as well (Google it). The architecture boat tour through Shoreline Sightseeing -- while it might be a bit chilly -- is a quick and unique way to the see the city and learn about its incredible history.

What should I plan to wear?
Our wedding will be Black Tie Optional, which means it’s going to be “pretty fancy.” Tuxedoes and regular suits are both on point, as are midi and full-length dresses, skirts and jumpsuits. If you’re traveling to Chicago from out of town, it’s helpful to know that late-November weather in the Midwest can range from about 45-55 degrees during the day to 30-35 degrees at night. Jackets, hats and gloves are recommended.

Do you have a Honeymoon Fund?
Nah, just a registry, which you can find here.