Photographers Favorite Chicago Engagement Photo Locations

Congrats! You just got engaged! Now you want to send engagement photos to your guests to share the big news, or maybe you just want to take some intimate photos with you and your partner. Which ever the case, the most important thing to remember with your engagement photos is to show “who you are” and “what your story is”. If you live in Chicago, or possibly have a strong connection to the city, you might want to take your engagement photos in the Windy City. Here are some of our personal Favorite Chicago Engagement Photo Locations. Don’t quite believe us? We also asked some of our preferred photographers their favorite spots as well!

Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk

517 E Solidarity Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

One of the most iconic Chicago backdrops is the Chicago Skyline, and one of the best places to capture it is at the Adler Planetarium. The Planetarium is at the end of the Museum Campus, and allows guests to look back at the gorgeous Lake Michigan and downtown area. The walking path is called The Skyline Walk, and it is perfect for morning, sunset, and even night shoots. The Skyline Walk has patches of grass, and even long concrete stairs for a variation of textures to your shoot. The Skyline Walk is also beautiful for pictures on your wedding day.


CHicago Beaches

Though Chicago’s skyline and downtown area get lots of love, you can’t forget about Chicago beaches and lakefront areas. AJ Abelman, of AJ Abelman Photography states, “There are so many little spots all along the Lakefront, from Edgewater to the Southside, and so much in between, that are perfect for engagement sessions. I love the dramatic light off the water, and the neutral tones of the lakefront path and sidewalks that line it. I really love the sandy beaches for summer evening sessions…You can’t get much more romantic than crashing waves, sandy toes, and the skyline fading into the sunset behind you.” The beach areas can also be used for some playful water shots if you bring a change of clothes.

If you want a specific beach location, Jason Brown, of J. Brown Photography loves Fullerton Beach. “For a view of the Chicago skyline, Fullerton Beach is one of my favorites. I like how I can place the couple near the shore and compose them with the distant buildings. It also can be a little easier to get to and is less crowded compared to North Avenue Beach.”

Crown Fountains at Millennium Park

201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

The Crown Fountains were designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, and they are in interactive art piece at Millennium Park. Roni, of Roni Rose Photography states, “ [I] love the combination of art and nature there, and it's got such great views of Michigan Ave.” The fountains during the colder months are shut off and allow guests to get close and personal with the images. During the summer, the floor becomes a reflective pool, and the faces “spit out water”. The location allows for a playful water shoot. Maybe bring a change of clothes…


Murals in West Loop/Fulton Market

The West Loop used to be an industrial zone, and is now an art and nightlife hotspot. The West Loop is filled with artistic murals, and is the perfect spot to explore and find hidden artistic wonders. The murals will definitely make your engagement session stand out. J. Brown Photography states, “There’s an ever evolving selection of street art, as well as access to the Metra tracks. Before the pandemic, I also like starting or ending sessions at one of the many cocktail bars nearby.” The West Loop is a perfect spot to capture colorful shots, “get lost”, and see what you might capture!

Clark (Richard) WMS Park Boathouse

3400 N. Rockwell St. Chicago, IL 60618

The triangular shapes of the boat house make it a great location to take your engagement photos. You can play with size orientation, space, and on gorgeous days, the blue sky makes the buildings pop. There are also walking paths, a lake, sports fields, bike rentals, and dirt tracks to personalize your photos. You can also rent kayak and canoes at the Boathouse, and have some intimate moments on the water. This is the perfect spot if you love geometry, architecture, or want a playful sports vibe.

Humboldt Park

1400 N Humboldt Dr, Chicago, IL 60622

Humboldt Park is a glorious park located in the west side of Chicago. AJ Abelman Photography says, “Every year I find a new spot tucked into Humboldt Park to fall in love with. In addition to some gorgeous structures and architecture (like the Humboldt Park Boathouse’s elegant arches), it has tons of winding paths, wildflowers, and greenery all year round…I can always count on engagement sessions in Humboldt Park to be, literally, a walk in the park: relaxing, laid back, beautiful, and so dang fun. Plus, it’s dog friendly with tons of space, so it’s a great spot to bring along your pals with paws!”

The park might be beautiful, but the surrounding Humboldt Park area also is note worthy for engagement photos. Humboldt Park has a strong Puerto Rican community, and they bring a perfect touch of spice, and color. It’s a great place to represent your Puerto Rican heritage! Especially by the Paseo Boricua Gateway Flags located on Division St. between Western and California avenues. There are also many colorful murals you can pose in front of such as The Birds of Latin America. Humboldt park is the perfect place to capture some greenery, and then color!

“Greetings from Chicago” Mural in Logan Square

2226 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

Nothing says Chicago like, well the word Chicago! You can take some great photos around Logan Square, but you can really flaunt the city at this mural. This mural can be a fun way to inform guests where your wedding will take place, or it can be a perfect way to share your relationship! Because each letter is a specific element of Chicago, maybe you can stand in front of your favorite part—whether it be the food, art, or sports!


Lincoln Park

2045 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park is a very popular location for engagement photos in Chicago. To AJ of AJ Abelman Photography, it’s iconic! “Lincoln Park is a classic location, and in my opinion it’s the perfect combo of city skyline meets park district flowers and greenery. With stunning views of the Chicago skyline, multiple ponds, and many gardens, Lincoln Park is a fabulous location for those who want an engagement session location with a little bit of everything.”

If you also want a specific suggestion in Lincoln Park, J.Brown Photography suggests The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. “Another natural escape from the city, this location next to the Lincoln Park Zoo is absolutely beautiful. The stone walking paths, waterfall and expansive pool offer some amazing backdrops. Though very pretty in the summer, it’s a fantastic place to photograph fall colors.”

bridges and the EL

Might not seem like a super fancy location, but as Roni, of Roni Rose Photography says: “We always love when we end up working under or on the El, or the many Chicago bridges around. It's such an iconic way to showcase the city without going to the same locations as all of your friends' engagement sessions.” Though they might be overlooked, the El and Bridges are iconic ways to showcase your city, and your relationship.

Love Mural on Damen in Wicker Park

1873 North Damen Avenue

The Wicker Park Area is another area filled with art, and murals. It’s an area of Chicago you can explore and see what colorful backdrops you can find. One of our favorite murals is the love wall. You can take a picture in front of the word ‘love’ in black, white, or colored. What better way to show your love than with the word ‘love’. Have fun and explore the area! Having colorful murals will really make your engagement photos stand out!

South Garden of the Art Institute

100 East Jackson Drive Chicago, IL 60603

A small hidden wonder in the South Loop Area. The Art Institute has an intimate garden area for summer, and fall sessions. The spot is unfortunately closed during spring and winter. For Jason of J.Brown Photography, “For both weddings and engagements, the South Garden at the Art Institute is one of my absolutely favorites. Right at the corner of Michigan & Jackson, it a little escape from the busy streets. The trees form a natural canopy that filters the sunlight and offers perfect framing for the couple. It’s a great spot, rain or shine.”

Your Own Neighborhood and home!

If you live in Chicago, your own home could be an amazing location. Roni Rose Photography encourages “…our clients to include their home if they're up for it, as it's easy to really show their personalities and hobbies in their own space. Plus pets!” “We also take walks with our couples in their neighborhoods which gives us a ton of opportunities along the streets.”

AJ Abelman Photography agrees! “If they don’t have a specific spot in mind, or care about water or skyline views, I often encourage my clients to do their engagement photos in their very own neighborhood! You know a true Chicagoan when they rep their neighborhood harder than anywhere else in the city. One of my favorite ways to spend an engagement session is getting to know my clients on a deeper level by photographing them in their very own living rooms, or at their favorite local coffee shop. Having your engagement photos taken in the home you and your partner have built together is a unique and intimate way to capture this time in your life!”

Luckily your engagement session can happen anywhere! If you are struggling deciding on your location, feel free to chat with your photographer. They are professionals and know the best spots to capture images. For a list of Chicago murals, you can view an interactive Map of all the Chicago Murals here! Have some fun!

Laura Reitsma