Chicago is a city of immense beauty and character, and as such it’s practically bursting at the seams with amazing locations for wedding portraits. From instantly recognizable and iconic buildings like the Cultural Center, to stunning views of the city skyline at spots like North Avenue Beach, there are so many wonderful options to choose from. Knowing this, I thought it’d be helpful to go through 10 of my favorite portrait locations in the city to show you firsthand some of the beauty that’s available to you in the Windy City!
Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk
The Nature Boardwalk that winds through Lincoln Park is the first location we’ll be checking out as it’s one of my favorites for taking wedding portraits in Chicago. The Nature Boardwalk provides a completely unique backdrop for your portraits thanks to the combination of the city skyline and the lush greenery of the park. It feels like an oasis in the hustle and bustle of Chicago, though like many of the most popular locations in the city it can get pretty busy in the park from day to day. There is also a permit requirement to take your portraits in the park.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
A strikingly gorgeous piece of the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk that deserves its own section is the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. Where the Nature Boardwalk leaves you feeling as if you’re in an oasis in Chicago, the Lily Pool instead feels as if you’re in an entirely different world. The stunning rock pathways, wonderful pavilion, and gorgeous Lily Pool the space gets its name from all come together to create the perfect setting for your wedding day portraits. Just know that like the Nature Boardwalk, the Lily Pool also requires a photography permit in order to have your portraits done here.
The Loop
The very heart of Chicago is known as The Loop, and within this area are TONS of incredible places and backdrops for your wedding portraits. Whether it’s the towering skyscrapers that seem to stretch up forever, the scenic Chicago River that weaves through the city, or any number of other wonderful settings, The Loop has plenty of options!
Art Institute of Chicago
Speaking of The Loop, Chicago’s Art Institute is one of the best places for wedding portraits in this area. There are so many reasons to love The Art Institute. First is the stunning artwork which makes for dramatic and beautiful backdrops for your photos. Next are the outdoor gardens, which are kept pristine and breathtaking. Finally, and this is the best part, there’s NO photography permit required! All that you need to do in order to have your wedding portraits done here is pay the fee of admission, and not disturb any of the other patrons.
Chicago Board of Trade Building
Also found within The Loop is the impressive and iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building. This towering skyscraper looms above La Salle street, which for a street in the heart of Chicago it’s actually pretty simple to have your portraits taken while in the street itself!
Chicago Cultural Center
The final location on my list that also happens to be in The Loop is the Chicago Cultural Center, one of THE best indoor locations for wedding portraits. The architecture of the interior is incredible, but the best parts are of course the massive stained glass domes that act as the most gorgeous skylights. It’s an all around beautiful indoor setting, and the best part is that there’s no photography permit needed!
North Avenue Beach
If you’re wanting the Chicago skyline as the backdrop for your wedding portraits, there’s no better option than North Avenue Beach! While the beach is one of the most popular locations in Chicago, especially in the warmer months, the view and setting are SO worth braving the crowds. Recently Chicago has started requiring photography permits for portrait photos here, but this is a small price to pay for a background as grand as this!
Your Favorite Neighborhood
Anyone who’s lived in Chicago, or is at least somewhat familiar with it, knows that a great deal of what makes this city special are its various neighborhoods. Bursting with charm and character, these distinct neighborhoods all have their own unique draw and appeal to them. Whether it’s the neighborhood you met in, one you love to visit, or even one you’ve been meaning to check out, taking your wedding portraits in one of these neighborhoods is a surefire way to give your photos that authentic Chicago feel!
University of Chicago
South of the city center is the amazing campus of the University of Chicago. Even if you didn’t attend the University of Chicago, this campus makes for an amazing wedding portrait location thanks to the classic architecture and wonderful landscaping. Another draw of taking portraits here is that you’ll have to deal with far less traffic traveling to and from the university than you would if you chose a location in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Your Venue
Last but not least is your wedding venue! If you’re planning a wedding in Chicago, then you probably already know how incredible a lot of the wedding venues here are. Your venue could have a unique style to it, be found in a scenic neighborhood, have rooftop access for photos, or in some cases all of the above! It’s a great option for your wedding portraits if you’re looking to minimize your travel time and maximize your time with friends and family.
Those are 10 of my favorite locations for taking wedding portraits in Chicago! If you’re looking to have me document your wedding day here, head over to my contact page to send me an inquiry today. I’d love to get to know you, your love story, and the vision you have for your celebration here in the Windy City!
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