8 Best Locations for Chicago Engagement Photos

The location for your engagement photos can completely change the feel of your session. As a Chicago engagement photographer, I love that there are so many options around the city. Whether you want lake views, architecture, greenery, or something different, Chicago has it all. Some locations are especially beautiful at sunset, while others are perfect for colder months or a little rain. Here are some of my favorite Chicago engagement photo locations and what makes each one worth considering!

1. North Avenue Beach

North Avenue Beach is one of my favorite places for Chicago engagement photos, especially around sunset. You get an incredible view of the Chicago skyline, and there’s so much to explore during your session.

You can walk along the sand for a more relaxed feel, head out onto the pier for the skyline and lake behind you, or use some of the nearby paths and greenery for a little variety. I especially love ending sessions here around sunset when the sky starts to change colors and the city lights begin to come on.

I photographed Cassie and David’s engagement session here at sunset, and we had such a fun time laughing, exploring, and popping champagne together. You can see their full North Avenue Beach engagement session here.

2. South Pond Natural Area

South Pond is a great option if you want a little more greenery while still having the Chicago skyline in the background. The location gives you a nice mix of natural surroundings and city views without needing to travel between multiple spots. I also love that this area feels a little removed from the busy city while still giving you that classic Chicago backdrop.

There are paths around the pond, plenty of trees, and open areas that give us room to move around throughout the session. The skyline views are especially nice from the north side of the pond, and the trees are gorgeous in the fall.

3. University of Chicago Campus

The University of Chicago campus is one of my favorite options for couples who love architecture and want something a little different from the typical downtown Chicago locations. 

There are so many lovely buildings, courtyards, and walkways throughout campus. The historic architecture and ivy-covered stone create a completely different atmosphere from the lakefront. It is especially pretty in the fall when the trees start changing colors.

This is a great location if you want your engagement photos to feel more architectural and timeless while still having plenty of places to wander together.

4. The Art Institute of Chicago

It doesn’t get much more Chicago than the Art Institute. Between the galleries and gardens, there are so many possibilities for engagement photos here.

Even when the galleries are open to the public, we’ll find quieter corners where we can tuck away for portraits. The architecture inside the museum creates a beautiful backdrop, and the artwork itself adds something really special to the photos.

The gardens are another favorite of mine. They’re perfectly manicured and always stunning. I love this area for couples who want a little more nature without leaving the heart of the city.

I recently photographed Alex and Carlton’s wedding at the Art Institute, and we had the incredible opportunity to spend time walking through the galleries. You can see their Art Institute of Chicago wedding here to get a feel for the space.

5. Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is one of my favorite indoor options, especially during the winter. There are so many exquisite details throughout the building. The famous Tiffany glass dome is an obvious highlight, but I also love the intricate ceilings, staircases, columns, and colorful details throughout the building. It gives engagement photos a completely different feel from an outdoor session while still feeling very Chicago.

If you’re planning a winter engagement session and don’t want to spend the whole time bundled up outside, this is a great option.

6. Union Station

Union Station is another favorite for couples who want beautiful architecture and the classic Chicago feeling. Taking engagement photos here also gives us the opportunity to step outside and use the city streets around the station.

Union Station can also be a really fun starting point for a date-night style engagement session. We could start with photos around the station, then head to one of your favorite restaurants or bars nearby. I’m always down to build your session around the places you already love spending time together!

7. The Wrigley Building

I love the architecture, the river views, and the way the city surrounds you when you’re at the Wrigley Building. The area around the building gives us several different backdrops within a relatively small space, including the Chicago River.

It works beautifully throughout the year, too. The Christmas tree during the holidays is such a fun addition, but it’s  a great spot for engagement photos any time of year.

For couples who want their photos to immediately feel like Chicago, this location is hard to beat.

8. Museum Campus

You really can’t go wrong with Museum Campus. It gives us some of the best views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. Plus, there are plenty of places to walk around and change up the scenery throughout the session. You can get the iconic skyline view from the Adler Planetarium, walk along the lakefront, head toward 12th Street Beach, or wander through the paths around the Field Museum.

Outside the City

Some of my favorite engagement photo locations are just outside Chicago, too. If you’re open to a little bit of a drive, there are some great options that give us a completely different setting while still being easy to get to from the city.

Cantigny Park in Wheaton is the perfect option if you want gardens, open space, and historic architecture. There are plenty of places to walk and explore together, which makes it especially nice for couples who want their session to feel more relaxed and casual.

Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve is another favorite for a more nature-focused session. The combination of wooded trails, open fields, and historic surroundings gives us a lot of variety. 

Your Chicago Engagement Photos

Your engagement photos should feel like more than checking something off your wedding planning list! No matter which location you choose, the session should feel fun, relaxed, and like a chance to actually enjoy being engaged.

As a Chicago engagement photographer, I’m happy to help you choose a location, plan around the best light, and figure out all the little details before we meet. Whether you already know exactly where you want to go or you’re completely stuck between the lake, the city, and somewhere a little quieter, we can find a spot that feels right for you. If you’re ready to start planning your Chicago engagement photos, let’s get in touch!