Chicago boasts some of the most exciting wedding venues in the Midwest. Whether you prefer an intimate space or a grand one, the Windy City has got you covered. While your venue will undoubtedly offer fantastic photo opportunities, Chicago has numerous iconic spots for wedding photos that you might want to explore. But how do you decide where to go and fit it into your wedding day schedule? I’ve put together this guide to help you plan and have also listed my top 6 favorite locations in Chicago for wedding party photos.

Things To Keep in Mind

Transportation

Before diving into my favorite photo locations, let’s consider how to fit these spots into your wedding day timeline. Think about how you’ll travel to and from these locations. It’s best if you can find a way for your entire wedding party to travel together. Options like a party bus, trolley, limo service, or something similar can keep your crew together and on schedule.

Work with Your Photographer

Before diving into my favorite photo locations, let’s consider how to fit these spots into your wedding day timeline. Think about how you’ll travel to and from these locations. It’s best if you can find a way for your entire wedding party to travel together. Options like a party bus, trolley, limo service, or something similar can keep your crew together and on schedule.

Check the Chicago Calendar

Check Chicago’s event calendar for any large-scale events that could affect your travel to photo locations. Events like Lollapalooza, the Chicago Marathon, or Mexican Independence Day can make certain areas of the city difficult to reach or time-consuming. If your wedding coincides with such an event, your photographer can suggest alternative, closer locations for your photos.

Obtain Your Permits

Many of the public locations in Chicago require permits for photography, and you’ll usually need to apply for them at least a month in advance. Keep in mind that permit fees are not typically included in your wedding package.

Top 6 Locations in Chicago

Now that we have the basics hashed out on planning how to fit travel time and wedding party photos into your Chicago wedding, it’s time to look at some of my favorite locations in the city. Remember Chicago is a HUGE city with so many great locations for photos so if your favorite spot isn’t part of the list don’t feel like you can’t take your wedding party photos there instead!

Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building and the Riverwalk display some of Chicago’s most iconic architecture.  There is SO much to love about the Wrigley Building and everything else around the space.  Modeled off a Spanish cathedral, the Wrigley Building is one of the most iconic buildings in Chicago, known for its night time glowing façade and great location overlooking the Chicago River.  Though this location can be a busier space, with often one-to-two wedding parties there at the same time during peak Saturday hours, the views are worth it.

Lincoln Park Honeycomb

The Lincoln Park Honeycomb contains one of the most jaw dropping locations for wedding party photos in the city of Chicago.  In order to take your wedding party photos at the Lincoln Park Boardwalk and the Honeycomb you will need to obtain a permit.  You can obtain a permit via the Lincoln Park Zoo Website. Trust me the beauty of the park combined with the views of the Chicago skyline are worth it though!

Milton Olive Park

If you’re looking for a skyline view that has fewer people around than say North Avenue Beach or Montrose Harbor, opt for Milton Olive Park!  Milton Olive Park is one of the best locations for wedding party photos in Chicago because of the amount of space there is within the park, and the beautiful skyline view that can be seen via the shore line and park.  As of 2022 Milton Olive Park does require a permit to take photos there but with no fee.  You can obtain your permit via the Chicago Park District website.

The Art Institute Gardens

The garden outside the art institute is one of the most beautiful gardens in the city of Chicago.  Located in the heart of Michigan Avenue, the Institute and the gardens that surround it are absolutely breath taking.  Made up of a handful of raised beds and a canopy created by 3 staggered rows of honey locust trees, the Art Institute Gardens is the perfect location for wedding party photos in Chicago.

Ping Tom Memorial Park

Located in Chinatown on the south branch of the Chicago River, Ping Tom Memorial Park is a sweet little park with beautiful skyline views.  Ping Tom Memorial Park is known for its natural area, it’s city views, it’s river front location and the beautiful Pagoda that stands in the park.  Unfortunately, the Pagoda does require a permit to shoot there, so if you were hoping to take photos in the Pagoda you will have to plan ahead for your session.  You can obtain your permit via the Chicago Park District website.

Planetarium/Museum Campus

Museum Campus is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the city.  With breathtaking lake front views, endless gardens, and plenty of space for you and your wedding party, it’s no wonder it made my top 6 list!  Museum Campus’s skyline views are some of the most beautiful locations in the city.  You do need a permit to shoot here that you can obtain via the Chicago Park District.

Bonus Location: Your Venue!

As more and more unique wedding venues are popping up all over the city of Chicago, it’s becoming more and more popular to take your wedding party photos at your wedding venue! There are SO many great venues with plenty of space for all of your wedding party photos as well as your portraits. Some of my personal favorites though are The Greenhouse Loft, The Arbory, Salvage One, and Loft Lucia!

With these incredible Chicago locations in mind, you can now plan them into your wedding day timeline. If you’re unsure about fitting them into your schedule or need help building a wedding day timeline, feel free to reach out and book me as your photographer. I’m here to guide you!