Weather in the Midwest can be, unpredictable to say the least! If you’re planning an engagement session or wedding, I’m sure it’s crossed your mind that weather could potentially pose a problem for your photos. That’s why as you’re planning your engagement photos you and bae will want to have a backup plan for your Chicago session in case of rain.

Why Do You Need to Plan for a Backup Location?

Chicago has SO many beautiful buildings that make up the city. But, there aren’t a lot of buildings that you can use for photos without planning ahead. Along with that, rescheduling an engagement session can be challenging. If you’re from out of town or planning your session during the summer, it can be extremely challenging to reschedule.   That’s why today I’m going over where to take engagement photos in Chicago when it rains.

How to Prepare for your Rainy Day Engagement Session in Chicago

Before we can get into the best locations around Chicago for some rainy day engagement photos we first need to prepare ourselves for the occasion. The weather in Chicago and the midwest in general can change at the drop of a hat. It’s important to be prepared in case the forecast shifts on you. There’s a lot that you can do to plan and prep for a rainy day session, but one of the most important things to keep in mind is that no matter what we’ll make this a session to remember, rain or shine! Your engagement photos are so special as they capture who you both are and what your relationship is like as you head into this next chapter of life together. We’re not going to let some rain stand in the way of that!

Plan Ahead For the Conditions

As your engagement session gets closer, you’re going to want to keep an eye on the weather.  I will also be checking the weather, for the most part, every day as we approach your session. Know that you’re not alone when you’re constantly refreshing your weather app!  In general, the session will go on unless the forecast calls for weather that could put the three of us at risk for injury, or could potentially damage my photography gear.

Next, you’re going to want to plan for the typical weather that comes with that midwest season.  If you’re planning for a spring or summer session and there is a chance of rain, you’ll want to plan ahead so that you’re prepared.  Keep an eye on the weather up until a couple of hours before your session.  Remember, the weather in the midwest can change at the snap of a finger!

Have a Backup Location

Most of the go-to locations for engagement photos throughout the Chicagoland area are outdoor locations. Having a backup location for your engagement session can give you peace of mind as you’re planning your engagement session. You’ll know you have a dry option if rain does come on the day of your session, and if it doesn’t end up raining, you can go with either option. Note that many indoor spaces do require permits for engagement photos in Chicago. Check with the building’s website before deciding on the location.

What to Bring to a Rainy Day Engagement Session

Whether you and your partner decide you want to tough it out in the rain, or you’re walking to and from your indoor location, you will still most likely be exposed to rain.  You will not want to have to worry about clothes, or hair altering because of the rain, so it’s important to plan accordingly.  Things like waterproof shoes, makeup and other gear, can help to make a rainy engagement session a lot more comfortable.  Clear umbrellas also make for a super cute and intimate accessory for your engagement session!  You might also want to bring backup shoes, clothes and maybe even towels to your session.  If you do end up soaked with rain, you’re going to want to make sure you can be dry for your ride home!

Embrace the Weather

Last but not least embrace the weather that you end up having for your engagement session. If you check the forecast the day before your session and it’s 100% rain, let’s get ready for it and make the most of it! The rain can be a TON of fun if you get comfortable and are open to getting a little wet. Splashing in puddles, dancing in the rain, and kissing under your umbrella are just a few moments that can happen in your session. If you’re having a hard time picturing how it would look and if all of that works for an engagement session head to Pinterest and search for rainy engagement photos to get a look at the possibilities.

If you use one of the locations on this list, you can do a little bit of both! Stay dry for the majority of the session in the location you choose. Then head out in the rain for the last couple of minutes and have some fun! That way you still document all the moments you want before getting soaked in the rain.

Where to Take Engagement Photos in Chicago When it Rains

If you’re looking for some locations for your engagement photos that keep you dry, here are some of my favorites!  These locations combine the best of both worlds in that they do have views of beautiful outdoor spaces, while you’re still covered for the most part from the rain that comes with the day.  Here are my favorite places to take engagement photos in Chicago when it rains.

Honeycomb

One of the most iconic spots in the city for engagement photos is the Honeycomb in Lincoln Park!  This super unique architecture piece is one of a kind. The structure frames a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline behind it. The Honeycomb is also located in one of Chicago’s most beloved parks.  This Honeycomb is located on the Lincoln Park Board walks, so you’ll be able to take in the scenery of Lincoln Park while still being protected from rainfall.

Garfield Park Conservatory

This indoor location has SO many unique and beautiful spots for exploring and for photos.  I would recommend going on a weekday a little bit earlier in the day.  The Conservatory can get extremely crowded on weekends. This just escalates on rainy days as Chicagoans are looking for something to do while still immersing themselves in nature.  Going right when the conservatory opens will help you to have the space to yourselves for your session. You can get your permit for your engagement session at the Garfield Park Conservatory here!

London House Cupola

For Engagement sessions and proposals, you will have to plan ahead and reserve the London House Cupola, but it is SO worth it!  At the London House Cupola, you can reserve the space for either 30 minutes or 60 minutes. This creates an intimate experience for you and bae and allows us to have the space to ourselves.  With the London House in such a cool location throughout the city, you can see SO many iconic buildings from on top of the structure. With the awesome location, we can also plan to start or end your session here. Then we can still spend a bit of time out and about throughout the city.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is one of my personal favorites. The Lily Pool as it is such a cool and unique location in the city of Chicago.  This hidden Chicago spot is such a cool location for engagement photos because of its unique architecture, and its intimate feel.  When you step inside, it’s hard to tell you’re still in a major city.  This nature-filled spot is a great location for rainy day engagement photos in Chicago. Between all the greenery and some of the structures that make up the Lily Pool space, you have plenty of options for staying dry.

The Art Institute

Can you believe you don’t need a permit to take your photos here?!  The Art Institute is such a cool and unique location for your engagement photos.  Walk around the exhibits, and take in some of the beautiful architecture that makes up the space. Then, you can end your session out in the garden if you don’t mind getting a little wet!  

Ping Tom Memorial Park

At Ping Tom Memorial Park, there are a LOT of architectural structures that make up the space. With its many tunnels, architectural structures, and beautiful city views, Ping Tom Memorial Park is a great location for couples who still want to be out and about in the city without getting completely soaked by the rain. Plus, each of these structures is only a short walk away from one another. This makes for a perfect location for rainy day engagement photos as you will have the best of both worlds. A covered location still surrounded by Chicago’s natural beauty.

Midwest weather tends to be ALL over the place. This is why when it comes to planning a spring or summer engagement session, it’s important to have a plan!  These 6 rainy day locations for engagement photos in Chicago should help you to create a great backup plan for your session. Along with a backup plan, they will also create a great experience for your engagement photos!  For more location ideas and inspiration for your engagement session, check out one of my most recent blogs on Proposal Locations in Chicago!