14 Unique Engagement Photo Ideas In Chicago to Consider!
For years now, you have dreamt about getting married, and now that the ring is on your finger (congratulations!!!), you are going wild with the planning process. If you are looking for the best way to slow things down and just appreciate this milestone, it’s time to book some portraits that let you celebrate your love story. I can help with that! As a Chicago wedding photographer, I love working with couples to plan portraits that perfectly represent them. Here are the engagement photo ideas in Chicago to consider for your session!
Plan Your Engagement Session With These Fantastic Photo Ideas In Chicago
Grab Drinks at Your Favorite Bar or Brewery
Your favorite bar or brewery tends to say a lot about you. It sets the tone for your engagement photos, from glamorous cocktails at a speakeasy to beers at your favorite Chicago dive bar. When I planned a session with Gabby and Joel, we spent some time at the Willow Room Chicago, taking stylish pics on the vintage-inspired furniture with the exposed brick walls giving an industrial feel.
Just a note, I always recommend calling up to public spaces ahead of time to ensure they allow indoor photography!
Plan an Activity
As a photographer, I know how awkward it can feel to step in front of the camera. Incorporating an activity gives you a way to get through the stiffness and actually have a great time! If there’s a shared hobby (think pickleball, mini-golf, or hiking), let’s talk so we can work it into your session!
Visit Your Favorite Food Spot
Why not grab some lunch while you’re out and about? Hit up your favorite Chicago cafe or restaurant and put in an order for your must-have dish during your engagement photos. You can hang around, share a meal together, and get some pics that feel fun and authentic! Again, just be sure to call ahead of time so you can make sure the restaurant is okay with you setting up shop for a bit.
Play With Seasons
Here in the Midwest, we really get to experience all the seasons. Throughout the spring, it’s the ideal time to take a stroll through Lincoln Park. Once we hit summer, you can head down to Lake Michigan and get pictures along the shore. October is the ideal spot to take some pictures with the rich fall tones in the backdrop. And of course, winter is your time to trounce out in the snow for a bit before heading into your favorite coffee shop for a latte.
Explore a Record Shop or Bookstore
Record stores and Chicago bookshops are another great way to tell everyone all about your tastes through your engagement photos! Record shops always tend to give your portraits a bit of a stylistic, vintage feel, while bookstores are the perfect spot for the eclectic couple. With either option, you are going to have so many classic Chicago spots to choose from!
Visit a Museum
Not only are our museums full of incredible exhibits, but they also give you the coolest architecture in the city. With the soaring ceilings, historic details, open layouts, and bright lighting, they really are the perfect spot for planning a photo session. Just be sure to review their photo policies ahead of time, including whether or not you need a permit.
Embrace the Arts at the Art Institute or Cultural Center
You don’t have to be an artist to fall in love with the Art Institute. This Chicago spot has stunning paintings guaranteed to liven up the backdrop of your engagement photo session. Meanwhile, the Cultural Center gives you so many amazing backgrounds, including marble staircases and glass domes. By the way, neither spot requires a photography permit.
Sunrise or Sunset With the Skyline
Our skyline is pretty dang iconic, and the sunsets are second to none! There are a few ideal spots where you can get clear views. If heights aren’t a big deal, you can book some portraits up at The Ledge in Willis Tower and get some portraits with the skyline beneath you. The Adler Planetarium gives you one of the most picturesque views with the water in front of the skyscrapers. And the sunrises over Lake Michigan are to die for!
Get Out on the Water
Speaking of the water, renting out a boat is always a great way to take in Chicago and capture stunning engagement photos. We have a number of boat companies with your choice of watercraft available for use. From upscale yachts to vintage row boats, you are going to find an option that fits the vibes of your session.
Visit a Greenhouse
No matter the season, a greenhouse is the best way to add some greenery to your portraits. Both Lincoln Park Conservatory and Garfield Park Conservatory give you lush backdrops where you never have to stress about the forecast. You can get a great outdoorsy feel with no coats required!
Set Up a Picnic
Picnics can be such a romantic way to unwind, especially with Chicago shining in the background of your engagement photos. Pack up your favorite wine and some cheese, spread a blanket, and take a break from all the chaos of planning. You deserve it! Don’t know what to pack? There are several companies now that are completely devoted to bringing the picnics to you, giving you a scenic backdrop with literally none of the work.
Hit the Beach
We get so many gorgeous waterfront views in Chicago, but I don’t know if any compare to the shores of Lake Michigan. This spot gives you the best of both worlds. If you want to put on your coastal best and pretend like you’re halfway across the country, you’ll have endless options that put you out in the midst of nature. If you want to use this part of the session to celebrate the city, you’ll also have some of the best views of the skyline.
Reminisce Where You First Met
Throughout your Chicago session, you get the chance to celebrate your love story and all its unique twists and turns to get to engagement. This is why I love using this as a chance to revisit the place where you first met. You can also use your session to recreate your first date. I think the results will give you portraits you’ll always treasure!
Show Off Your Home
If you are looking for something a bit more intimate, why not take some pictures going behind the scenes of your house? Show off your style, cozy up with your pup, and take some pictures of what a lazy Saturday looks like for you. It’s my very favorite way to have portraits that perfectly capture you and your partner.
I Can’t Wait To Capture Your Love Story With These Engagement Photo Ideas In Chicago
If you are looking for portraits that perfectly represent you, I think you are going to love these engagement photo ideas in Chicago. Now, it’s time to find the photographer to document this chapter of your story. I can help with that, too! As a Chicago wedding photographer, I adore working with my clients to plan authentic sessions that celebrate their love. If you would like to see if I’m the one for you, let’s chat! Send me a message today to find out more!
