Planning a rehearsal dinner is one of the most meaningful pre-wedding celebrations—a chance to gather your closest loved ones and create lasting memories before the big day. If you’re looking for a venue that combines elegance, intimacy, and unforgettable views, an intimate yacht rehearsal dinner in Chicago might be exactly what you’re searching for.
At Anita Dee Yacht Charters, we’ve created magical moments on the water for over 50 years. Our yachts are specifically designed for intimate gatherings, offering the perfect setting for rehearsal dinners that feel personal, sophisticated, and truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re planning a Chicago yacht charter for your wedding celebration or exploring wedding events, we have the expertise and vessels to make your vision a reality.
Why Choose a Yacht for Your Rehearsal Dinner?
The Magic of Celebrating on the Water
A rehearsal dinner on a luxury yacht is fundamentally different from traditional venue celebrations. There’s something inherently special about gathering your inner circle on the water, surrounded by the twinkling lights of Chicago’s iconic skyline. Unlike banquet halls or restaurants, a private yacht offers an exclusive, intimate atmosphere where your guests feel genuinely celebrated.
The gentle motion of the water, the fresh air, and the stunning panoramic views create a natural elegance that requires minimal additional décor. Your guests won’t just attend your rehearsal dinner—they’ll experience it. The Chicago River and Lake Michigan provide a constantly changing backdrop throughout your event.
As the sun sets, the city transforms into a glittering wonderland of lights reflecting off the water. If you’re planning an evening event during summer, you might even catch the spectacular fireworks display over Navy Pier—a memory your guests will treasure forever.
Anita Dee Yacht Charters I: The Perfect Vessel for Small, Intimate Gatherings
Intimate Capacity & Elegant Design
The Anita Dee Yacht Charters I is a 90-foot luxury yacht explicitly designed for intimate events. With a capacity of 20 to 127 guests, it’s the ideal size for a rehearsal dinner where you want every guest to feel like part of an exclusive celebration. Our yacht gallery showcases the elegant spaces available for your event.
The yacht features two distinct spaces: an open-air observation deck perfect for cocktails and toasts, and a temperature-controlled enclosed salon deck for dining and entertainment. This flexibility means your event can adapt to Chicago’s weather while maintaining that magical outdoor experience. Recently remodeled interiors showcase elegant finishes and thoughtful design.
Every detail aboard the Anita Dee Yacht Charters I has been carefully considered to create an atmosphere of refined luxury without feeling stuffy or formal. Your guests will feel pampered and celebrated in an environment that’s both sophisticated and genuinely welcoming. Explore our wedding gallery to see how other couples have utilized our yacht for their special celebrations.
Customizable Experiences Tailored to Your Vision
One of the most significant advantages of hosting your rehearsal dinner aboard Anita Dee Yacht Charters is the customization available. This isn’t a cookie-cutter event space—it’s a blank canvas for your vision. From catering options to entertainment, we handle every detail.
Gourmet Catering Options
We partner with Chicago’s finest caterers, including Catered by Design (known for artfully presented cuisine), Beyond Catering & Events (25+ years of excellence), Harry Caray’s Catering and Events (award-winning dishes), and Blue Plate Catering. Each brings their own culinary expertise to create a menu that reflects your style and preferences. Our catering page provides detailed information about all available options.
If you have a favorite caterer in mind, we welcome any licensed and insured caterer of your choice for an additional fee. Your rehearsal dinner should taste as good as it looks.
Premium Bar Service
Choose from customizable bar packages including premium open bar options featuring top-shelf brands, or beer and wine selections. Each package includes professional bartending service, high-quality glassware, and a full selection of mixers and garnishes. Your guests will enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and seamless service throughout the evening. Check our bar pricing page for detailed package information.
Entertainment & Ambiance
Our state-of-the-art sound system fills every corner of the yacht with high-quality music. Whether you want background music during dinner or a DJ to keep the energy up later in the evening, we’ve got you covered. We can arrange live entertainment options for those wanting something extra special, including live bands, magic shows, and more (additional fees apply).
Personalized Décor & Layout
Work with our event coordination team to customize the floor plan, décor, and overall ambiance. From intimate table arrangements to elegant centerpieces, every element can be tailored to match your vision and wedding theme. Our team specializes in creating memorable wedding celebrations that exceed expectations.
Scenic Routes & Unforgettable Views
Your rehearsal dinner isn’t just about the food and celebration—it’s about the experience. As your yacht departs from DuSable Harbor, your guests will be treated to some of Chicago’s most iconic views. Our Chicago architecture yacht tours showcase the city’s most impressive landmarks.
The Chicago River Experience
Cruising down the Chicago River offers views of over 40 architectural landmarks, including Marina City, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Willis Tower. Your guests will marvel at the architectural masterpieces that line the river, gaining a new appreciation for Chicago’s design heritage. For more information about Chicago’s architectural significance, explore our architectural cruises page.
Lake Michigan & Navy Pier
As you venture into the open waters of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and the city skyline come into full view. During the day, the contrast between the blue water and the gleaming buildings is stunning. As evening falls and the city lights begin to twinkle, the skyline transforms into a breathtaking spectacle. Learn about the top 10 Chicago sights from Lake Michigan.
Millennium Park & The Bean
From the water, you’ll have a unique vantage point on Millennium Park and the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as “The Bean”). It’s a sight that captures the essence of Chicago, combining nature, art, and architecture in a way that’s impossible to experience from land. This iconic view is featured in many of our wedding celebration photos.
Summer Fireworks
If you’re planning your rehearsal dinner during the summer months, you might catch the spectacular fireworks display over Navy Pier. Imagine toasting to the happy couple while fireworks light up the sky above Lake Michigan—it’s the kind of moment that becomes legendary in wedding lore.
What Sets Anita Dee Yacht Charters Apart: 50+ Years of Excellence
In a market with many yacht charter options, Anita Dee Yacht Charters stands out for one simple reason: we genuinely care about creating unforgettable experiences. With over 50 years of experience hosting events on the water, we’ve perfected the art of seamless, elegant celebrations.
Our dedicated event coordination team works with you from initial planning through the final toast, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision.
Our reputation speaks for itself. Couples, families, and organizations throughout Chicago have trusted us to host their most important moments. From intimate rehearsal dinners to large wedding receptions, from corporate events to milestone celebrations, we’ve created thousands of memories on our yachts. Check out our testimonials to see what our clients have to say.
What guests consistently mention is the exceptional service. Our crew is trained to anticipate needs, handle logistics seamlessly, and make every guest feel genuinely welcomed. One recent couple wrote: “We are still receiving messages about how this wedding was the best wedding they’ve ever been to.”
The DuSable Harbor location is also a significant advantage. Centrally located and easily accessible by car, public transit, or foot, it’s convenient for your guests while offering that iconic Chicago waterfront experience. Learn more about our docking locations and how to reach us.
Planning Your Intimate Rehearsal Dinner: Next Steps
Ready to create an unforgettable rehearsal dinner experience? Here’s how to get started:
Personalized Consultation
We’ll schedule a consultation to understand your preferences, guest count, date, and budget. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for our work.
Customization & Planning
Together, we’ll customize every aspect of your event—from catering and bar options to entertainment and décor. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you feel confident and excited about your celebration. Consider pairing your rehearsal dinner with other wedding events like a bridal shower, bachelor or bachelorette party, or post-wedding brunch.
Flexible Booking
We work with your timeline and preferences. Whether you’re planning months in advance or need something sooner, we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. Our pricing for Anita I and Anita II can be viewed on our transparent information about yacht rental costs page.
Create Your Unforgettable Memory
Your rehearsal dinner is more than just a pre-wedding event—it’s a celebration of the relationships that matter most. It’s a chance to gather your inner circle, share meaningful moments, and create memories that will be cherished for years to come.
An intimate yacht rehearsal dinner aboard Anita Dee Yacht Charters offers something special: the perfect blend of elegance, intimacy, and unforgettable Chicago views. Your guests won’t just attend your rehearsal dinner—they’ll experience something magical. Explore our wedding planning guide for comprehensive tips and ideas.
Ready to plan your intimate yacht rehearsal dinner? Contact Anita Dee Yacht Charters today at (312) 379-3191 or visit our contact page to request availability and plan your unforgettable celebration.
About Anita Dee Yacht Charters
For over 50 years, Anita Dee Yacht Charters has been Chicago’s premier private yacht charter company. We specialize in creating customizable, unforgettable events aboard our two luxury yachts—the intimate Anita Dee Yacht Charters I and the grand Anita Dee Yacht Charters II. Whether you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, wedding, corporate event, or special celebration, we’re committed to making your event truly memorable. Contact us today at (312) 379-3191.