Maybe I'm biased, but the city has the most amazing spots for gorgeous Chicago wedding photos! Here are 23 of my favorite epic Chicago wedding photography spots.
01
Chicago Board of Trade
If you look around my site, it's probably pretty clear I love the Board of Trade building. Little known fact, working at the Board of Trade was my first job out of college. Memories aside, it's such a gorgeous structure and I love shooting there. It's the perfect wedding location because it doesn't see direct sunlight, so you can shoot there in the blazing summer sun.
02
Wrigley Building
This is definitely not a hidden secret. It's one of the most popular photography spots in Chicago. And it's no wonder, it's picture perfect. Be prepared for crowds and make sure your photographer knows how to use photoshop - it's near impossible to get a clean shot without people in the background.
03
Millennium Park
The gardens at Millennium Park is one of the most beautiful spots in the city for wedding pictures. Even in the winter when nothing is in bloom, the foliage is lovely and the backdrop of the Chicago skyline is the perfect contrast. Be aware, they are now requiring a permit to shoot there.
04
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk has so many fantastic little spots for pictures. The architecture, bridges and the river are such a perfect combination. Aside from a gorgeous backdrop, the Riverwalk is a great location for weddings because there are many shaded spots. If it's high noon in July, you will want some shade!
05
Bridges
The Riverwalk is comprised of different sections of the river, spanning Wabash Avenue to Lake Street. My favorite section for weddings is the most western parts, the Jetty & the Riverbank. These sections are wonderful for weddings because there is not as much pedestrian traffic and you can get the full view of the river and bridges.
06
Art Institute Garden
The gardens on either side of the Art Institute are beautifully maintained with arching trees over an intimate garden and giant fountain. Toss a coin in the fountain for good luck!
Fullerton Beach
07
There are a few select spots along the lakefront for fabulous images. Montrose Harbor, North Avenue Beach and Museum Campus are among the most lovely spots for great skyline and lake views.
08
Museum Campus
Located between the Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium, Museum Campus is a classic skyline wedding photo.
09
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.
10
Lincoln Park South Pond
The boardwalk surrounding the south pond in Lincoln Park wraps around the pond from Cafe Brauer to the Lincoln Park zoo.
11
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.
12
Honeycomb Pavillion
The Pavilion is the honeycomb structure near the south pond and Lincoln Park Zoo. It's a beautiful spot, but it's popular! During busy wedding months, there are a lot of wedding parties waiting in line.
13
Grant Park
Located along Michigan Avenue, Grant Park is the perfect spot to capture garden nature with the city backdrop.
14
Buckingham Fountain
There are a few select spots along the lakefront for fabulous images. Montrose Harbor, North Avenue Beach and Museum Campus are among the most lovely spots for great skyline and lake views.
15
Lyric Opera House
The Lyric Opera House is a beautiful spot in the loop with grand columns. This is a great spot if the weather is rainy because it's covered.
16
Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is located in Millennium Park. The beautiful cancer survivor's garden is full of beautiful flowers and trees.
17
Palmisano Park
Located near the Bridgeport Art Center, Palmisano Park is the perfect spot nearby. The romantic pond is tucked away beneath a wall of ivy.
18
Fourth Presbyterian Church
Located on Michigan Avenue across from the Hancock is the beautiful Fourth Presbyterian Church. The ivy covered archway is a perfect setting for wedding photos.
19
Chicago Theater District
For an edgier wedding look, the Chicago Theater district is a cool alley with graffiti and metal balconies.
20
Promontory Point
South of the loop near the University of Chicago campus is a gorgeous jetty overlooking Lake Michigan. It's a huge area with rocky boulders along the lake and a skyline view.
21
South Shore Cultural Center
This is a gorgeous park district venue where Michelle & Barack were married!
22
Montgomery Ward Park
Along the Chicago River in the River North area is the Montgomery Ward Park. It has views of the river, bridges and downtown.
23
Ping Tom Park
Just south of the city in China town, Ping Tom park is a beautiful park sitting on the south branch of the river.
25
Union Station
Both the outside and inside of Union Station are great spots for wedding photos.
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