So, you just got engaged and are looking for the best places to capture your dream photoshoot. These photos will announce your engagement to your friends and family. They have to be perfect. As a wedding and elopement photographer based in Chicago, I have some insight into the best locations in Chicago for an engagement photoshoot.
1.) North Avenue Beach
First, I will let you know my favorite location- North Avenue Beach. This location combines a beach photoshoot with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop. With the water and skyline, these engagement photos will certainly be dreamy. North Avenue Beach is most beautiful at sunset, and even a little after sunset, when you can capture the glow of the city.
2.) The Art Institute
If you have moody, romantic art museum images saved on your Pinterest board, the Chicago Art Institute, with its thousands of art installations and grand staircase, is for you. The one caveat is that you do have to ensure that your photographer fills out a permission form. This lets the Art Institute know you are bringing a professional camera. Sometimes if they have certain events going on they will restrict camera access, but I got permission when I did it. In some places, they don’t allow flash, so keep that in mind as well if you want brighter images.
3.) The Cultural Center
The Cultural Center is another interior perfect for romantic, grandeur engagement images. It is open to the public, and photography is allowed. The stunning detail of the interior and large staircase make for some beautiful engagement photos. I also always keep this place in mind as a backup in case of rain since it doesn’t need a permit.
5.) Lincoln Park Nature Walk & Honeycomb
Lincoln Park nature walk is where the city and nature scenery collide. I think the honeycomb structure in the Lincoln Park nature walk is so unique and it can offer a great spot to get engagement photos.
6.) Chicago RiverWalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is one photoshoot location I recommend going to during the early morning hours. You can capture some theatrical images while walking up the stairs. However, the evening riverwalk can be extremely crowded around sunset.
7.) Wrigley Building
The Wrigley Building has some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. I love taking a couple here to do some walking or running photos. Whatever you photograph here will be incredible, simply because of the architecture.
8.) Museum Campus
The Museum Campus allows for multiple options for photos with Lake Michigan and the skyline as a backdrop. I recommend parking just outside the Alder Planetarium in the morning. If you go early enough in the morning, you might be able to catch the the warm glow of the sunrise. Some of the street parking is free in the early morning hours.
9.) Navy Pier
Navy Pier will always hold a special place in my heart. It is where I photographed my cousin getting engaged. Navy Pier is known for it’s giant Ferris wheel. For a photoshoot location you can take photos in front of the ferris wheel, inside, and around for skyline views.
10.) Chicago Lakefront Trail
The soft color of the water always looks so dreamy in photographs. If you love the a seaside vibe to your images walking along the lakefront is another option for you Chicago engagement photos.
There are so many options for a Chicago engagement photoshoot. I hope you find the perfect location for your day.
Less or Morgan Photo 