10 Beautiful Engagement Photo Locations In Chicago You Will Love
Engagement pictures are kind of the best. During your engagement, you are probably caught up in the whirlwind of planning. It’s like the ring of your finger marks the start of a mad dash to the finish line at the end of the aisle. With engagement picture sessions, you get the chance to slow things down and just appreciate being with each other. It’s your time to show off the things that made your love story so unique. Choosing your engagement photo locations in Chicago can be the first step in telling your story and capturing the season you are in!
As a Chicago wedding and engagement photographer, I love spending time with couples trying to plan out their perfect session. One of the most important things we talk about during these chats? Location, location, location. When it comes to this decision, there are endless choices you can use as your backdrop. Many of the couples prefer to keep things personal. Maybe they want lifestyle pics inside their home or want to use it as an excuse to kill time at their favorite coffee shop. Other couples choose to go out and explore the streets of Chicago. No matter what you want, my job is to make sure your vision comes to life!
If you are on the search for the perfect engagement photo locations in Chicago, this is the post for you! With all these destinations, you are going to have a backdrop that is representative of the city while still feeling authentic and genuine to you.
10 Stunning And Unique Engagement Photo Locations In Chicago For Your Dream Photos
North Avenue Beach
1691 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60611
North Avenue Beach gives you the best of both worlds. As you wander around the Chicago beach location, you are going to have the waves of Lake Michigan just feet away from your engagement photos. In the background, you will see the dramatic skyline of the city. My favorite thing about this location is how versatile it is. With the right angles, you can effortlessly switch from nature-filled backdrops to celebrations of Chicago. Bonus: because much of the beach is paved, you don’t have to worry about your heels sinking into the ground!
Milton Lee Olive Park
E Ohio Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Milton Lee Olive Park is another fabulous location to incorporate both Chicago and the water into your engagement photos. Seriously, you are going to get one of the best views of Chicago as you wander along the pathway. As we move along the tree-lined path, you can sneak a kiss beneath the shade. There are also tons of features you can work into your images, including fountains, statues, and quiet park benches.
The Wrigley Building
400-410 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611
When it comes to iconic skyscrapers, you really can’t do better than The Wrigley Building! Because this building has an open-air courtyard, you are going to get the chance to work on all the interior features without officially stepping foot in the building. It’s urban charm meets natural lighting. There are also the classic brass revolving doors, romantic balconies, and the intricate stone facade all along the exterior.
Montrose Harbor
601 W. Montrose Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60613
Montrose Harbor is located inside Lincoln Park, which is just a quick stroll away from Montrose Beach. When you take engagement photos at this location, you get the perfect marriage of the choppy Lake Michigan waves and the distant skyline of Chicago. The best thing about this destination is definitely the sailboats. You’ll likely get some in the backdrop, and you might even be able to talk to the owners about getting some pictures onboard!
LondonHouse Rooftop
85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois 606021
If you want the best views from inside Chicago, the rooftop at LondonHouse is the engagement photos location for you. With this option, you are going to be right in the heart of the city with the Chicago River prominently in view. This area has a bar that is open all day long so you can go and order some cocktails and enjoy them amongst this chic backdrop.
Chicago Riverwalk
376 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Chicago Riverwalk lasts 1.25 miles and takes you alongside some of the best views of the city. As opposed to the aforementioned beaches and harbors, the Riverwalk is going to put you right in the middle of all the skyscrapers, with the Chicago River just to the side. I love this destination because of the countless photo ops. From the stoic buildings to the colorful gardens, you are going to have no shortage of gorgeous backgrounds!
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Hear me out. I know Navy Pier has a reputation as a tourist trap, but there’s a reason why! You are going to have some of the most iconic backdrops of the city right at your fingertips. Hop aboard the Ferris wheel and go for a spin or steal a kiss right at the edge of the pier with the endless water behind you.
Magnificent Mile
Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60604
If you feel like going for a walk, the Magnificent Mile is your spot. Alongside the city views, you are going to find picturesque spots where you can share an intimate moment together. The stone fence and the towering arches accented by the lush trees and hedges are the perfect backdrop amidst the bustling city just beyond the space.
The Chicago Theatre
175 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601
While the entirety of the Chicago Theatre is positively stunning, the legendary marquee on the outside elevates this to a can’t-miss location in my book. Once you are done being totally adorable together in front of the sign, you can move around and find other urban backdrops nearby that show off the best city on earth!
Grant (Ulysses) Park
331 E. Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Grant Park is full of positively unforgettable backdrops for your pics. The park features 312 acres where you can find art installments, Congress Plaza, Buckingham Fountain, and the Chicago Lakefront Trail. From fields with whimsical flowers to buildings with intricate stonework, you can honestly spend all day finding brand-new spots for your pictures.
I Hope You Just Found Your Dream Engagement Photo Locations In Chicago
I hope this guide helps you as you plan your engagement photo locations in Chicago. If you still need some help- or if you need a photographer- just let me know! As a Chicago wedding and engagement photographer, I love coming alongside you, getting to know your story, and capturing your moments in a way that is true to you! So let’s get drinks, go grab pizza, hit the lake front, or head downtown! I’m here for you and hope to connect & capture your moments soon! 🙂
