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Best Chicago Engagement Session Locations
Are you planning your engagement session in Chicago but feeling overwhelmed by the endless options? Choosing the perfect location can be a big decision. Luckily, with so many incredible options in downtown Chicago, you can capture unforgettable moments with a stunning backdrop. Whether you’re looking for a picturesque skyline or a charming urban vibe, I’ve got you covered with a curated list of the best engagement session locations in downtown Chicago. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the perfect spots for your unforgettable session.
The first location on our list is none other than North Avenue Beach, and for a good reason! This iconic spot offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, making it an ideal backdrop for couples who want to capture a breathtaking shot of the city. Centrally located within Lincoln Park, North Ave provides easy access to other nearby locations, giving you plenty of variety for your engagement session. Wether you want those stunning landscape shots or more intimate sandy photos, North Avenue Beach is the perfect location. North Avenue Beach is hands down one of my favorite locations to get creative with my couples.
Next on the list, another stunning location to consider for your engagement session in downtown Chicago is the Chicago Board of Trade building. Located in the heart of the city, the Chicago Board of Trade is an excellent representation of Chicago’s rich and beautiful architectural heritage. This art-deco building boasts intricate limestone detailing, bronze sculptures, and ornate Roman-inspired statues, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your photos. In fact, the building’s impressive architecture has been featured in several Hollywood movies, including the Batman franchise, adding an extra level of excitement to your session. If you’re looking for a location that exudes class and elegance, the Chicago Board of Trade is the perfect spot to capture those editorial vibes. This is also one of my all time favorite locations to do engagement session and wedding day photos!
The Art Institute of Chicago is not only one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, but it is also an excellent location for your engagement session. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the museum is conveniently close to Millennium Park and boasts an impressive collection of art. There is also a beautiful garden next to the museum as well that can be used for photos. The museum’s architecture is as impressive as its collection, featuring a Beaux-Arts style with gorgeous and complex uses of various materials that make for incredibly visually stunning shots. The museum’s main entrance features two massive bronze lions, which are an iconic symbol of the city and a great addition to any photo session. The museum’s interior is just as breathtaking, with beautiful vaulted ceilings and marble floors that provide a grand backdrop for your photos. The impressive mix of classical and modern architecture within the museum creates a beautiful and unique setting for your engagement photos, making it a must-visit location for any couple looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
If you’re looking for a location with a touch of history, then The Rookery Building is an excellent choice for your engagement session. Located in the Loop neighborhood of downtown Chicago, this iconic skyscraper is considered one of the city’s architectural masterpieces. The building’s lobby is among the most beautiful in the entire city, with its two-story ornate wrought-iron balconies, marble stairs, and intricate tile work, creating a stunning setting for your photos. The building’s exterior is equally impressive, with its distinctive red brick and terracotta elements, along with its ornate decorative details, making it a perfect backdrop for those moody and intimate photos. Whether you’re looking for a location that showcases elegance or a spot that has a touch of old-world charm, The Rookery Building is undoubtedly a beautiful and breathtaking location that you won’t want to miss. The Chicago Board of Trade is also right outside The Rookery Building so snapping a few photos at that iconic location on your way out would be a perfect way to incorporate the two stunning locations.
Union Station is a classic example of the Beaux-Arts style and is a perfect location for couples looking for a touch of class and elegance in their engagement photos. The exterior of the station is simply stunning, featuring a monumental clock tower and a large arched entrance. The Indiana limestone facade is adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements, making for a beautiful and detailed backdrop to any photo. As you step inside, the station’s interior is just as impressive, boasting 110ft ceilings that allow incredible natural light to flood the space. The space is filled with stunning columns, beautiful marble floors, and bronze chandeliers, all framed by decorative plasterwork. The mix of natural light and incredible architectural details make Union Station a photographer’s dream, providing endless opportunities for beautiful and timeless photos inside and out.
The Wrigley Building is yet another iconic skyscraper in downtown Chicago that is worth considering for your engagement session. Located on the Magnificent Mile, this historic building provides incredible views of the city skyline and the Chicago River. The building’s grand lobby features marble floors, ornate columns, and intricate ceiling frescoes, along with a beautiful massive clock that makes for a perfect photo backdrop. The exterior of the building is just as impressive, with its massive golden doors and beautiful stonework, creating an elegant and classy setting for your photos. One of the best things about shooting at the Wrigley Building is the variety of locations it offers. With the building’s close proximity to the riverwalk, you can easily incorporate that into your session, giving you even more location options to choose from. So, if you’re looking for a location that boasts both historic charm and stunning city views, the Wrigley Building is an excellent option for your engagement session.
For those looking for a unique destination unlike any other location in Chicago, Garfield Park Conservatory is the perfectplace for engagement photos. This botanical garden is located in the heart of the city and offers a stunning glass dome that provides incredible natural light and a beautiful backdrop for any photo. With 65ft tall ceilings, the space is filled with lush greenery and countless locations on the property, providing a wide range of options for photo shoots. Garfield Park Conservatory is truly a hidden gem in the city and is the perfect location for couples looking for a touch of nature and a break from the urban landscape. Whether you’re looking for a pop of color or a serene, natural setting, Garfield Park Conservatory offers the perfect blend of both. If your engagement session is taking place in the winter but you want that beautiful greenery in your photos this is a location to consider!
If you are looking for a luxurious and upscale setting for their engagement photos, The Pendry is a prime location to consider. This beautiful hotel is located in the Historic District of Chicago and boasts a stunning blend of art-deco and contemporary design with touches of modern features. The Pendry offers the perfect mix of bold and elegant aesthetics that are sure to impress. While the exterior of the hotel is beautiful and unique, nothing compares to the strikingly beautiful and luxurious interior. The lobby features beautiful marble and stone work throughout, along with stunning brass and gold accents. The Pendry’s stunning interior design makes it an ideal location for flash photography, allowing couples to capture every detail and highlight the hotel’s unique features.
The Civic Opera Building is a true gem in the heart of Chicago. Its art-deco style and ornate details make for stunning and dramatic photos. The exterior boasts impressive Indiana limestone columns that provide a grand entrance to the building. The lobby is just as breathtaking with its stunning marble floors and soaring ceilings, providing a perfect backdrop for any engagement shoot. The dramatic staircases are also a highlight, providing a perfect place to capture those intimate moments between the happy couple. Overall, the Civic Opera Building is a timeless location that exudes class and elegance, making it a perfect choice for any engagement session.
Choosing the location for your engagement session in Chicago can be an exciting and daunting task. With so many incredible options, it’s essential to choose a location that truly speaks to you and your person. Whether you’re looking for stunning architecture, natural beauty, or luxury settings, Chicago has something for everyone. From the iconic views at North Avenue Beach to the botanical gardens of Garfield Park, and the elegant settings of the Art Institute of Chicago you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot to capture your love story. So take a deep breath, explore your options, and trust your instincts. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the moment!