All You Need To Know For Winter Engagement Photos In Chicago
Your engagement session is a moment to pause and reflect on your love story. Throughout your actual engagement, it feels like you’re constantly rushing around, chatting with vendors, and finalizing guest lists. During your photo session, you get to catch your breath and get back to the basics. Plus, at the end, you get some pretty great pics for the save-the-dates! As a Chicago engagement and wedding photographer, I adore working with couples to plan their ideal sessions. If you are planning your winter engagement photos in Chicago, here’s a guide on everything you need to know!
What to Wear for Your Winter Engagement Photos in Chicago
They don’t call us the Windy City for nothing! Throughout your winter engagement session, you want to keep things stylish yet warm. Lucky for you, winter tends to be the season for the best, most versatile styles! For your outfits, think cozy yet tailored. Knits are always a solid choice. Not only will they keep out the chill, but they tend to photograph well. Don’t neglect your coat! Most likely, you won’t want to keep taking it off throughout your session, so find one that will match your overall color scheme. Long peacoats look great while keeping you nice and toasty, and you can shop across styles! Here are a few other ways you can keep warm throughout:
- Wear boots or closed-toe shoes
- Incorporate matching gloves and hats
- Keep hand warmers in your pockets
- Dress in several layers
- Keep hand warmers in your coat pocket.
Ways to Prepare for Your Session
Besides your wardrobe, there are other ways you need to be prepared throughout your session. One of my biggest pieces of advice is to have extra makeup on hand. That cold, blustery weather can really wear down on your foundation, so you might need touch-ups throughout the day. You can also bring along a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee to keep your hands warm. (We got some from Ghirardelli Hot chocolate after this session – delish!) This also makes for some pretty cute pictures when you’re walking around the city!
Be selective with your locations and check the forecast ahead of time. While the lakefront is a great spot throughout the warmer months, it can be downright miserable as the temperatures dip. Inside the actual city, some places might require a permit to photograph indoor too, so check with your photographer to ensure there are both outdoor and indoor locations for your shoot. We went into the Chicago Cultural Center for some pictures (Featured below) and it was stunning!
Lastly, think about the time of day you want your pictures. Sunrise and sunset are going to be chillier, but they will also give you some really dreamy colors that will shine through the finished product. More than anything, flexibility is going to be key! Yes, plan ahead, but also be ready for last-minute changes.
Stunning Locations for Your Winter Engagement Photos in Chicago
Once you have your outfits planned, it’s time to start thinking about locations. It never hurts to pick more than one spot so you can add more than one backdrop. Plus, this gives you the ability to escape from the cold by heading into a climate-controlled building for a bit. Here are some of my favorite spots in the city.
The Wrigley Building
410 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611
The Wrigley Building is a legendary landmark with some of the best architecture in town. The open-aired atrium catches some of the wind while giving you a classic white backdrop for your picture. The balconies overlooking the Chicago River tend to be a popular spot for portrait sessions. This spot shows off the surrounding skyscrapers while giving you a romantic spot to steal a kiss. I also adore the gilded doors where you can add in the right amount of glam!
The Old Post Office
433 W Van Buren Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607
The Old Post Office is going to be the ideal indoor spot for you to take your pictures. The venue is a popular spot for weddings thanks to its open interior and extravagant features. All those artistic touches are going to elevate your photo sessions while letting you take a break from the cold temperatures. The open lobby is the ideal spot for your pictures. At this spot, you get the marble flooring, sweeping ceilings, and gold accents as the background of your portraits.
The Rookery Building
209 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604
The Rookery Building is one of the grandest spots we have in the city. The interior is nothing short of decadent with an indoor lobby designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The glass skylights let in plenty of natural light while the staircases give you a dreamy backdrop as you walk hand-in-hand. Once you’re done out here, head into the elevator where you can share a kiss surrounded by gold-accented marble. The exterior of the building carries much of the same charm with details dating back to the 19th century.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60624
When you step inside the Garfield Park Conservatory, you are going to know exactly what Frosty felt like as he sat in the greenhouse. This fully enclosed space has tropical temperatures so their plants can thrive year-round. It’s the best way to celebrate this city while also adding in some rich greenery no matter the forecast outside!
Coffee Shops
Lastly, coffee shops are some of my favorite spots for photo sessions. Just a side note, it’s never a bad idea to call ahead and be sure they’re okay with us taking pictures inside. Once you have that blessing, you’ll have the perfect spot to warm up over a cup of coffee at one of your favorite spots.
Need help deciding on a cafe? Here are some of my faves:
Nomad Chicago: with blush pink walls and intricate archways, this spot combines delicious coffee with beautiful backdrops.
Metric Coffee: With brick walls and wooden accents, this spot embodies urban luxury.
The Crepe Shop: The artisanal drinks taste a whole lot better when you’re lazing around in their bohemian furniture!
Ludlow Charlington’s Coffee Shop: A wonderfully moody coffee shop that is full of charm!
I Hope This Helps You Plan Perfect Winter Engagement Photos In Chicago That Best Capture Your Love
With these tips for winter engagement photos in Chicago, you can have pictures that suit you perfectly! If you could still use some guidance, I would love to chat. As a Chicago engagement photographer, I adore working with couples so they can have sessions they treasure for years to come. Send me a message today if you’d like to learn more about what your experience will look like!
