7 Best Chicago Engagement Session Locations

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I know that when it comes to choosing where to take your engagement photos in the Windy City, it can either leave you feeling overwhelmed or drawing a blank. Not really a fan of either of those options. So, I’ve put together a list of some of the best engagement photo locations in Chicago.

For most of my sessions, outdoor, open-air environments are always my first choice. I love shooting in wide-open spaces because the light is divine, especially during golden hour (that 2-hour window before the sun sets). But, whether you’d like to have your engagement photos taken with the iconic Chicago skyline in the background, along the shores of Lake Michigan, among the busy streets, or at a more nature-filled location, I hope this list gives you some ideas and helps narrow down the right location for these meaningful images! 

North Avenue Beach

North Avenue Beach is perhaps the perfect location for those iconic Chicago skyline photos. I usually recommend this as the spot to end your engagement session because as the sun begins to dip behind the buildings, it casts a beautiful golden glow and it gets less busy closer to the sunset.

Art Institute of Chicago

The south garden is one of my favorite places, as well as the areas surrounding it. In the winter months or in the case of bad weather, the inside of the Art Institute is also the perfect backdrop for photos (just make sure you double-check permitting for taking photos indoors)!

Fullerton Beach

Fullerton Beach is usually less populated and has more open space than North Avenue Beach (although I seriously love both). You get a beautiful skyline backdrop at Fullerton and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic blanket and some wine and cheese.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

This jewel is ideal if you’re looking for a more natural Chicago photo location that’s easy to access and close to downtown. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is usually fairly quiet as you might not know it’s there unless you’re looking for it!

Your Neighborhood

From your street to your stoop to your favorite coffee shop around the corner, it’s special to be able to document more everyday scenes in your neighborhood.

Along the Chicago River

While along the actual Riverwalk is gorgeous, it can get pretty congested at times, especially during the summer. So, my favorite option is to go up to street level on the DuSable Bridge, the Wrigley Building, and the Kinzie Street Bridge.

Lurie Garden in Millennium Park

The gardens are especially gorgeous when the flowers are blooming spring to early fall. It’s a little more manicured than the Lily Pond, but still very natural with lots of green against the backdrop of the city.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, I do think the above are some of the best Chicago engagement session locations! But, in addition to the above locations, I would encourage you to brainstorm unique places that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you (or someone you know) have access to a gorgeous location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate or rooftop. Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around with friends. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with! Remember, if something seems out of reach, you never know until you ask!

Explore more ideas for your engagement session
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Lake Michigan Engagement Session