19 Chicago Engagement Photo Locations in 2024

I have been working as a wedding photographer for 3 years since moving to Chicago. During this time, I was able to visit the most beautiful and popular Chicago engagement photo locations.

Some of newlyweds are more interested in picturesque tourist spots, while others want to find a remote place. My task is to help them find an excellent spot where they can spend this memorable day and get romantic photos.

Address: 2121 STOCKTON DR, CHICAGO, IL 60614

Hours: 7:00AM-7:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: $45 per hour for non-commercial photography

The Nature Boardwalk was initially created as a simple pond in the Lincoln Park Zoo. However, as this location has been gradually improved and renovated, it has become one of the most stunning spots in the vicinity of Lincoln Park.

These days, the boardwalk visitors can enjoy a lush garden in the prairie style. It surrounds a verdant lagoon, creating a picturesque setting for photoshoots. Here, you will find bridges and multiple spots with magnificent views, making it an excellent photography location in Chicago.

Address: 400 MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60611

Hours: 8:00AM-6:00PM (from Monday till Friday, 8:00AM-12:00AM on Saturday), on Sunday – closed

Cost of entry: Free for tourists

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: By request

Being one of the best Chicago engagement photo locations, the Wrigley Building remains a favorite place of many photographers, romantic couples, and regular tourists. You can find it on Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s Near North Side.

The office building itself has the name of a well-known chewing gum company. There are two main reasons that explain why it remains a hot engagement photography location.

Firstly, the Wrigley building has a magnificent facade with iconic brass revolving doors. In addition, here, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Chicago River.

Address: CHICAGO RIVERWALK, CHICAGO, IL 60601

Hours: 6:00AM-11:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: No

Cost of permit: Free

The Chicago Riverwalk is a lovely spot for taking engagement pics. Here, you can see creative murals and picturesque shop facades and enjoy stunning views of the city and the river. You will definitely find the best place to capture romantic shots here.

What I like the most about this Chicago engagement location is that it remains open until 11 pm, which allows photographers to organize shooting at night and capture the future newlyweds in the most intimate setting. You can also take dramatic shots here.

Address: 85 E WACKER DR, CHICAGO, IL 60601

Hours: By request

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: By request

The London House hotel is famous for its stunning cupola designed in the beaux-arts style. Visit this unforgettable place if a couple wants to take photos with skyscrapers in the background. The Windy City is best suited for proposal or engagement photoshoots. It allows photographers to capture awe-inspiring views and magnificent architecture of the heart of the city.

I prefer working at this Chicago engagement photo location during the golden hour, as it allows me to take excellent romantic pics.

Address: S MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60604

Hours: Round-the-clock

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: No

Cost of permit: No

If a couple wants to get pictures taken against the city background with some green spaces, there is no need to look for other Chicago engagement photo locations. This place is best suited for couple photography, as it has everything newlyweds have ever dreamed of.

Here, you will see the iconic brass bust of a former Chicago Symphony Orchestra conductor, Sir Georg Solti. I like working at this location as it allows me to find the perfect spot in the park and capture the elegant lines of the buildings on Michigan Avenue.

Address: 78 E WASHINGTON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60602

Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: No

Cost of permit: No

The Chicago Cultural Center is a beloved spot with a stunning Tiffany dome. At this indoor location, you can implement any engagement photo idea you like. This location remains open in Chicago during winter. You can visit it freely, without any permit.

Address: 220 E MONROE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60601

Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: No

Cost of permit: No

Address: 175 N STATE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60601

Hours: According to its event schedule

Cost of entry: Free/the cost of the ticket

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: By request

Many couples who want to take photos in an urban setting opt for this location as the Chicago Theatre holds a special place in the heart of every person who likes the city.

Located in the vicinity of other memorable downtown locations, the Chicago Theatre will allow you to capture pics with an iconic building in the background. For this reason, this location is frequented by many engagement photographers.

Address: 1601 N LAKE SHORE DR, CHICAGO, IL 60611

Hours: 6:00AM-11:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: $45/hour

If you visit North Avenue Beach in summer, you will see for yourself why it remains one of the most visited Chicago destinations.

Photos taken on the pristine beach or lovely pathways with the imposing skyline views across Lake Michigan won’t leave your clients indifferent. Here, you can capture stunning pics with a strong cinematic feel.

Address: E OHIO ST, CHICAGO, IL 60611

Hours: 7:00AM-8:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: By request

If you want to take truly memorable engagement photos Chicago locations with a clear view of the city’s skyline are a rare find. Milton Lee Olive Park remains my clear favorite in this category. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this place and take a walk down its tree-lined paths. It is the perfect place for taking romantic engagement photos or even doing wedding photography. Here, you can capture stunning overview pics of Lake Michigan with the city’s skyline in the background.

Address: 1840 W HUBBARD ST, CHICAGO, IL 60622

Hours: 7:00AM-8:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: By request

Taking up 60,000 square feet, the showrooms of Salvage One remain the stunning place for fans of vintage interiors. Here, the couple can pose in elegantly furnished rooms with stylish décor elements in the background.

There is no need to take any extra steps to take pics at this place. It is perfect for capturing unforgettable retro style photos, which makes it different from other Chicago locations.

Address: 600 E GRAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60611

Hours: 11:00AM-21:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: $150-200

Loved by many tourists, Navy Pier stands out for its iconic views. Visit this location to capture the couple with the Ferris Wheel in the background or go to the Crystal Gardens to take pics in a more romantic setting.

Address: 111 S MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60603

Hours: 11:00AM-5:00PM (on Tuesday, Wednesday closed)

Cost of entry: $25/per adult

Photo permit required: No

Cost of permit: Free

If you are interested in capturing a timeless city atmosphere, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, as it is the perfect location for implementing creative couple photo ideas. I prefer it to other indoor locations, as it allows me to capture stunning photos even when the weather is bad.

You can find plenty of nice spots here for your entire photosession, so there is no need to go to another Chicago engagement photo location. If the weather is nice, you can visit the lovely garden outside.

Address: 209 S LA SALLE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60604

Hours: 9:00AM-5:00PM (on Tuesday, Wednesday closed)

Cost of entry: $25/per adult

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: $80

After taking a glance at the mesmerizing spiral staircase at the Rockery, I immediately think about Chicago as it evokes strong memories of this city. You will be pleased to discover that your clients can pose for your engagement and wedding photos there.

If you compare it to other indoor locations, you will see that this place enjoys deserved popularity among wedding photographers and newlyweds alike.

Address: 601 W MONTROSE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60613

Hours: 8:00AM-6:00PM (on Friday, Saturday, Sunday), 10:00AM-6:00PM (from Monday till Thursday)

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: By request

Montrose Harbor is one of the best Chicago engagement photo locations in my opinion, as it allows visitors to enjoy a stunning view of the city’s skyline, explore the paved harbor front, and visit pristine beaches. You may also try booking a sailboat to take stunning pictures there.

Address: 601 W MONTROSE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60613

Hours: 6:00AM-11:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: By request

Jane Addams Memorial Park is located not far from Lakeshore Drive. You can book an Uber ride from the Magnificent Mile if you want to switch between different locations. However, you can also take all the photos here, as there are plenty of lovely spots.

When you visit the park, you will see a sea of greenery. The open lawn surrounded by trees looks like a forest glen, a magical world in the heart of the Windy City.

Address: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, EVANSTON, IL 60208

Hours: 6:00AM-11:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: $45/hour

If you are looking for romantic engagement photos Chicago locations, you will be happy to discover this option. Not many people know about it as it is not frequented by tourists. You will find it between Northwestern University’s science building and the Garett Seminary at Evanston.

Those who want to see the plants mentioned in famous plays, visit the Shakespeare garden to take photos at its benches and enjoy the gorgeous stonework. Here, you can experiment with various couple poses and take memorable engagement pics.

Address: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, EVANSTON, IL 60208

Hours: 6:00AM-11:00PM

Cost of entry: Free

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: By request

Long ago, it was built as a summer home for Chicago’s wealthy inhabitants. Lately, it was carefully restored and turned into a wedding venue. You will like its magnificent columned façade and well-groomed grounds. Here, you can take capture the most memorable moments of an engagement day against the mesmerizing background.

Address: 300 N CENTRAL PARK AVE, CHCIAGO, IL 60624

Hours: 10:00AM-17:00PM (from Thursday till Sunday), 10:00AM-8:00PM (on Wednesday), closed on Monday, Tuesday

Cost of entry: $15/per adult, $10/per senior 65+

Photo permit required: Yes

Cost of permit: $150/hour