The city has so many amazing spots for beautiful Chicago engagement photos. Here are the best Chicago engagement photography locations, from the lakefront to the urban bridges.
01
Wrigley Building
This is definitely not a secret spot and nearly impossible to shoot there when there are not tourists. But, it's popular for a reason. It's beautiful.
02
Chicago Riverwalk & Bridges
This section of the Chicago Riverwalk for engagement shoots is my sweet spot! Anywhere around Michigan Avenue is always crowded, but there are a few secret spots where you can escape the crowds.
03
Dusable Bridge
This is another of my favorite secret engagement shoot spots. If you can brave the trip through lower wacker drive, the view is incredible. And trust me, no tourists venture down there! And bonus, if it's raining, you are mostly sheltered from the rain.
04
Museum Campus
Of course the most popular spot for Chicago engagement photos around Museum Campus is the skyline view by the Planetarium. But there are so many other little spots around the different museums that are stunning.
05
Millennium Park
Millennium Park has so many great spots. My favorite is the garden. The lush flowers and foliage against the cement and glass buildings are a beautiful contrast.
06
Chicago Board of Trade
The iconic view down LaSalle Street of the Chicago Board of Trade is a classic engagement and wedding photo. This view has been the backdrop to many movies, including the Batman series.
07
Lincoln Park South Pond
The Lincoln Park pond area is a great spot for engagement photos almost all year round. In the summer, it overflows with flowers and vegetation. With views of the city and the honeycomb structure in the middle of the pond, there's a lot of beautiful backdrops.
08
North Avenue Beach
Any movie shot around the lakefront features this view. It's the classic Chicago shot with the Drake Hotel and Hancock Building in the background.
09
Honeycomb
Pavilion
Right in the heart of the Lincoln Park south pond area is the honeycomb pavilion. It's definitely not a secret spot and it's very popular!
10
Oak Street Beach
With views of the Drake Hotel and the most beautiful condo buildings in Chicago sits Oak Street Beach.
11
Lincoln Park North Pond
On the other side of Fullerton is a secluded pond that has a pier so you can feel like you are in the middle of the pond.
Fullerton Beach
12
With skyline and lake views, this is a romantic spot for engagement photos. On a beautiful sunny day, it will be crowded, so get your photoshop brush out to eliminate the runners and bikers going by.
13
Alfred Caldwell Lilly Pool
Unless you know this lovely spot is there, you'd likely walk by and never know it. Alfred Caldwell spent his own money to create this beautiful oasis for the public to enjoy. The pool eventually fell into ruin after years of neglect, but it was restored to its original beauty in 1997.
14
Navy Pier
Navy Pier has gone through huge renovation in the past couple of years. Gone are most of the cheesy carnival elements. The ferris wheel and the merry-go-round are still fun spots for photos.
15
Olive Park
Located near Navy Pier, Olive Park is a gorgeous location for skyline and lake view. The jetty stretched over the lake makes a perfect spot to capture the lake with the city backdrop.
16
Ohio Street Beach
Right near Olive Park, Ohio Street Beach is a beautiful beach with lake and city views. And you can have fun playing on the beach!
17
West Loop
The West Loop area is perfect for more urban grunge engagement photos. With bridges, brick industrial buildings and the river, it's a great combination for urban style.
Museum of
Science & Industry
18
Anyone familiar with the Chicago world's fair and the book, "The Devil and the White City" knows this iconic building. Known as the white city, the Museum of Science & Industry features cobble stone sidewalks, grand columns and the white stone facade. The perfect time for a Museum of Science & Industry engagement is in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
19
Logan Square
Logan Square is a fun neighborhood filled with fun restaurants and bars and a beautiful red brick church near the city center.
20
Garfield Park Conservatory
If you are looking for a hot spot in the winter or just some lush green nature, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a beautiful spot in the city. You will need to have a permit for engagement shoots.
Chicago River
21
If you are one of the lucky few people who have access to a boat, you can't beat the amazing view right on the Chicago River! Cruising down the river makes for a really special engagement shoot.
22
Northwestern University
Whether you went to Northwestern University or just love the campus, it's a great spot for engagement photos.
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