What's the capacity at Fairlie?
We can accommodate up to 250 guests for a ceremony + reception and up to 400 for a cocktail style event.
Who will we be working with?
Our Venue Manager will be your main point of contact throughout your planning process, beginning with our initial visit, contract signing and through the day of your event and security deposit return.
Am I responsible for clean-up?
Fairlie will clean the space before and after your event: sweeping, mopping, detailing the bathroom, and taking care of any necessary repairs. In order to get your full security deposit back, your hired staff must complete break down procedures provided at contract execution.
Recommended. Our Venue Manager will be on-site during your event to direct and work with vendors, answer any questions, provide general assistance and oversee the facilities, but they will not coordinate your event. Your caterer may be able to provide coordination services, but we recommend that all clients have a designated planner/coordinator to manage the timeline of the event.
Do I need to hire an event planner or coordinator?
A 50% deposit of the rental fee is due at the time of booking. In addition, we require a $1000 security deposit,
which is held through the event and returned, provided there are no damages or unauthorized overages. The remaining balance is due 1 month before the event date. Fairlie accepts cash, check, money order, and payment through online invoicing.
How do I book a date?
Your vendors gain access to Fairlie at 2:00pm on the day of your event unless otherwise arranged and approved. Additional time can be purchased.
When can we get in to set up?
Yes! Many couples use our private lounges to relax with their wedding parties before the main event, and some couples use them as a place to sneak away during the reception.
Is there a dressing area onsite?
Yes, however all candles must be contained in votives. Open flames are not allowed anywhere in the building.
Are candles allowed?
Yes. The Main floor of our space is on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible – the additional space on the second floor mezzanine is only accessible via stair.
Is the building wheelchair accessible?
We require you to provide a certificate of insurance that covers your vendors. Your caterer may be able to add your vendors as additional insured to their policy. We require $1M general aggregate / $1M per occurrence including property damage. We recommend The Event Helper or WedSafe. Please have a copy of the policy sent directly to your private event manager no later than 1 week prior to your event date.
Do I need to provide my own insurance?
All beverage service at the Fairlie will be exclusively provided through your contracted full-service and fully licensed caterer. Your caterer must hold business licensing and a Chicago Caterer’s Liquor License.
Am I allowed to use my own bartenders or have my caterer provide bar service?
Pups on leash are permitted in the space during the ceremony with prior approval. Following the ceremony the pet must be escorted out of the space for the remainder of the event.