Catalyst Ranch
Suite 3W & 4E
Chicago, IL 60661
(map) Phone: 312-207-1710
Reviews for Catalyst Ranch
I haven't gotten married here yet, but I'm completely crazy-in-love with this place. It's as cute and fun as it looks on its website. There's a photobooth on the premises, which is great (although the cost is separate from the room rental). Catalyst Ranch is furnished with vintage tables and chairs, so you don't have to worry about renting furnishings. And the decorations are brilliant, so you won't really need to worry about that, either. They have audio all ready for your ipod; just make a mix for your reception and you're set! And although you have to use one of their 7 caterers, they use Bleeding Heart Bakery. Amazing!
GUEST
This venue almost speaks for itself! As soon as you walk into this space, you can't help but to smile. Everything is so sunny, happy and quirky. There is a definite retro feel to the space. Needless to say, this venue is for the offbeat couple! The more formal Bridezilla need not apply here. All of our guests could not stop talking about how awesome they thought Catalyst was. They commented on how it almost felt like we were having the reception at our home as opposed to a rented facility! That is how intimate it felt. Paulette was such a pleasure to work with. She was extremely responsive before, during and after our contract with Catalyst. She was very helpful in helping us with vendor recommendations and giving us tips early on in our wedding planning process. She was acting almost as our unofficial wedding planner for a while. She was patient with us as we asked endless questions and was extremely flexible with our requests. We are threatening to have a large one-year anniversary party just so we can go party at Catalyst again. Book them now!
GUEST
Catalyst Ranch was my dream reception hall.
I am not a traditional person so this place was perfect!
My husband and I didn't want to spend tons of money on decorations that no one would remember, so when we met with Paulette at the venue we loved it immediately. The walls are all brightly colored, there are games and toys, costumes, big couches, and tables from the 40s, 50s and 60s. It was perfect for us.
If you want a wedding that is more about having fun and celebrating your marriage than centerpieces and candelabras this is the place for you.
It was honestly the perfect wedding.
GUEST
Catalyst Ranch is by far the most unique and fun place to hold a wedding reception in Chicago. My husband found their site online and once we took a look at the space our minds were made up. It's hard to describe in words just how special this place is. You really have to go there and see the space for yourself.
We worked with Paulette who is a true professional and so great to work with, but everyone we met there has the same great attitude so I think whoever you work with will be just as great.
If you're looking for an elegant reception hall, this is probably not for you. But if you want your guests to have an amazing time they'll remember forever and more importantly that you'll remember forever, book this space.
We held both our ceremony and reception here on the 4th floor - The Jitterbug and the Mambo rooms - and it was a perfect size for our 90 guests. The Ranch has a preferred caterer list and can help recommend all vendors as they work with many.
The place is a little on the pricey side, we were lucky to book the space before they raised their rates, but in comparison to any other loft spaces, hotel ballroom, or other event hall in Chicago, it is actually a great value. No decoration is needed at all. They have all the furniture, which is amazing mismatched vintage, and they'll take care of just about anything you need or point you in the direction of who can help you. They have so much experience with what they do, you'll have nothing to worry about the day of the event.
I can't emphasize enough just how much fun your guests will have. The rooms have all kinds of old vintage knick knacks and wigs and costumes for your guests to get into, which by the end of the night, or at the very beginning of the night for us, you'll find your friends and family knee deep in, which made for some amazing photos!
I enjoyed every minute of our time working with the staff of Catalyst Ranch and hope that we get to attend another event there although I don't know if it will match the amazing time we had on the day of our wedding.
Thanks everyone at CR for all your help to make our day so special!
Alissa
GUEST
This was an incredibly awesome place to have a reception! It is a large loft-type space that is loaded with in multi-cultural decor. There are several different rooms with different styles, that I believe fit up to 150 people. Check our their website to see their photos, and if this is your style, I would highly recommend them. They are very easy to work with, the woman who helped me to plan my reception was very helpful... her name was Paulette. They are very flexible and their staff is very friendly. The cost is very good and cheaper than the other places I checked out to have the reception in the city. The only problem I encountered was that the woman who was helping me to plan the reception left to go back to school before my wedding, so my planner was changed... I was stuck in limbo for a little while, but it did not affect the reception at all... overall, highly recommended!
If you are looking for a fun and (truly) unique place to throw a party, look no further than Catalyst Ranch! Every inch (make that centimeter!) is covered with colorful, humorous and nostalgic decor that will put a smile on everyone's face. The staff is super fun -- and professional. We can't wait to work there again!
What an fantastic venue!! Catalyst Ranch is one of Chicago most unique, fun and creative spaces. We love working there!
Catalyst Ranch is a fantastic venue!! Everyone who knows me can tell you that this is my favorite. The decor is fun and whimsical - a wonderful atmosphere for a wedding. Plus, there are great spots for a ceremony that have a warm, intimate feel. A perfect combination of funky & friendly!
The staff is amazing - every single person I have encountered has been approachable and eager to help - they are definitely there to make sure your day is perfect.
I have performed several ceremonies at Catalyst Ranch and every couple I've worked with was thrilled with their...
About Catalyst Ranch
Catalyst Ranch is a whimsically designed space which naturally lends itself to festive occasions – weddings, commitment ceremonies, anniversary parties, networking events, corporate dinners, quinceanera, bar & bat mitzvahs. Fully furnished and decorated, it’s easy to throw a party here. You naturally want to dance – The Polka, The Cha Cha, The Jitterbug, The Mambo and The Tango, of course. We work with a diverse group of outstanding caterers, guaranteed to meet your every desire.
Catalyst Ranch is all about throwing a great party. And making it super easy for you to be the host(ess) with the most(est) and not even get your hands dirty. Since the rooms are fully furnished with an eclectic mix of vintage and ethnic pieces, there’s no rentals needed and your guests have plenty of places to recline, cozy up in a corner and have a private tête-à-tête or put their feet up between dance numbers.
With all the colors and artwork on the walls, there’s no need to form a decorating committee (you can put that behind you with prom). Instead, put your effort into cool invitations, selecting party favors, making that select guest list and picking out the tunes.
As for food for your party, we’ve teamed up with some of the most scrumdilly-icious caterers in Chicago! They’re chock-full of tasty ideas and talent, all at your beck and call.
And, the best part is that you don’t have to it all alone. Our Gala Girl is here to guide you all the way, whether it’s introducing you to some great vendors, pointing you to the vintage photo booth or figuring out the perfect layout for the room. No matter whether you’re looking to pull something together quickly and simply at the last minute or you’ve got a year to plan every detail, we can help!
Catalyst Ranch is very conveniently located in the West Loop, in downtown Chicago. Right off the expressway and near all the major train stations, getting here is easy. There are wonderful hotels nearby and fast taxis or limos to get you here. Thrifty parking is all around, too.
Let’s Celebrate – Catalyst Ranch style!
FAQ for Catalyst Ranch
Absolutely! Up to 10 children of any age are allowed at Ranch events.
May we use our own caterer?
Catalyst Ranch has tracked down 13 amazing caterers that are all listed on our website with all the contact information you need to get started. The catering component of your event is a big decision so if you need guidance just call our Gala Girl.
May we rent a dance floor, DJ and/or Band?
Absolutely. Bands, DJs, string quartets, dancers, you name it and we will coordinate the logistics with the entertainment company you select.
Will anybody else be using the space while we’re there?
Absolutely not! Your event will be the only booking on the floor.
How’s parking?
The lot we suggest is on Lake Street between Jefferson and Des Plaines just a short block and a half from the Ranch. Parking vouchers are available for this lot at $10 a piece. What a deal!
How far in advance can we book?
We recommend as soon as possible, whatever your date. However, if you decide on a ceremony only a month before and the date is open, we’re happy to accommodate you.
Deals for Catalyst Ranch
Events for Catalyst Ranch
