CHICAGO LOCATION GUIDE
CHICAGO LOCATION GUIDE
Gibsons Italia- Riverwalk
This one feels like a little secret. Tucked along the river near Gibsons Italia, you get skyline views and the L train running by in the background but without the heavy tourist traffic you’ll find at the more “obvious” spots. It’s calm. It’s open. It feels intimate. Because it’s a bit more tucked away, couples instantly relax here. No big crowds watching. No waiting for strangers to clear the frame. When the L rolls by mid-shot? Chef’s kiss. Urban. Romantic. Effortless. And low-key one of the best hidden gems in the city
Permit: No permit needed!!
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Truly any season!! This location also photographs so well at all times of day.
Meeting spot: Gibsons Italia: 233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
Parking: Paid street parking.
Full Galleries: Emily + Josh (wedding), Katie + Brendyn (wedding)
The Kinzie Street Bridge gives you skyline, river, steel beams, and that dreamy city glow all in one spot. It’s bold. It’s iconic. It screams we’re in Chicago without even trying. You get the industrial texture of the bridge mixed with those soft river reflections and glassy skyscrapers in the background which means your photos feel equal parts romantic and editorial.
Permit: No permit needed!
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Truly any season! I always love focusing on architectural spots during the winter, so this would definitely be a great winter location. Always gorgeous!!
Meeting spot: We can meet on the bridge on the corner of Kinzie + Canal.
Parking: Check out SpotHero or paid street parking.
Full Galleries: Blake + Alex, Reichardt Wedding
Kinzie St Bridge
Under the L Tracks
There’s something about the grit of the steel beams, the rhythm of the tracks overhead, and the way the light filters through that just hits different. It’s urban, a little cinematic, slightly chaotic in the best way and somehow still romantic. It’s the perfect spot for couples who love the city, want that editorial edge, and aren’t afraid of a little movement and magic. Timeless, iconic, and undeniably Chicago.
Permit: None needed!
Meeting spot: somehwere on Lake Street! Lake + Damen area is great!
Parking: Check out SpotHero! There is also paid street parking on most of Lake st.
Full Galleries: Reichardt Wedding, Mojek Wedding
This is the skyline + nature combo. From the boardwalk + bridge you get one of the prettiest skyline views in the city! The buildings reflecting on the water with tall grasses and greenery framing everything. It feels peaceful but still very much Chicago. And then there’s the iconic honeycomb pavilion!! You get skyline drama, soft nature vibes, and an instantly recognizable Chicago backdrop all in one place. Best of both worlds.
Permit: No permit needed unless you want to rent the honeycomb pavilion which I only recommend if it’s for a proposal because otherwise we cannot guarantee we will be able to photograph in there if someone else has it reserved.
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Not recommended in the winter when most of the plants are dead. Spring-Fall are the best!
Meeting spot: In front of Cafe Brauer: 2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Parking: There is free street parking on Stockton Dr, paid street parking on Clark, as well as a paid lot at the Chicago History Museum: 1730 N Stockton Dr.
Full Gallery Links: Allison + Jordan, Nicole + Scott, Rachel + Will, Hillary + Daniel
Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk
Lincoln park conservatory gardens
Right outside the Conservatory is such a dreamy little pocket. You get the gorgeous glass greenhouse as your backdrop, perfectly manicured gardens, fountains, and seasonal blooms that always photograph beautifully. It feels romantic and refined. The symmetry out front is chef’s kiss!! Those clean pathways leading up to the Conservatory make for the prettiest framing. Green, fresh, and full of that classic Lincoln Park charm.
Permit: No permit for outside the conservatory. If you want to shoot inside let me know! I believe the permit is $85.
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Late Spring-Fall! I do not recommend this location during the winter months since it is primarily nature locations. It also depends on when they plant the flowers. Some years they wait until late May.
Meeting spot: In front of the Lincoln Park Conservatory: 2391 N Stockton Dr. Chicago, IL 60614
Parking: There is free street parking on Stockton Dr, paid street parking on Clark, as well as a paid lot at the Chicago History Museum: 1730 N Stockton Dr.
Full Gallery: Becca + Collin
lake Michigan Sailboat
Okay… this is main character energy on another level. Out on the water with the Chicago skyline behind you? Unreal. You get open lake views, wind in your hair, the sun reflecting off the water!! It feels romantic, a little adventurous, and completely unforgettable. It’s perfect for couples who want movement and something a little different. Champagne pop on the bow? Walking barefoot on deck? Sunset glow over the skyline? Say less. Bold. Playful. So wildly Chicago. You'd have to rent the boat from a company and someone would drive it for us. If you get motion sickness, this one isn't for you. Also making sure you are comfortable + confident moving around on a boat and not afraid of the wind!
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Defintiely summer!
Meeting spot: Whichever dock you rent the boat from!
Full Galleries: Sneh + Hirava, Saurabh + Shivani
Museum Campus Skyline
If you want that jaw-dropping skyline view without being in the middle of downtown chaos, this is it. From Museum Campus, you get the entire Chicago skyline in front of you. Wide open, dramatic, and so good at sunset/ blue hour. It’s one of those spots where you can spin, walk, pop champagne, or just soak it in without feeling rushed. Big skyline energy. Open space. So unmistakably Chicago.
Permit: None needed!
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Any time of year!! This location can be extremely windy but regardless we would make it work, it can just be very cold especially in the winter.
Meeting spot: Outside the Adler Planetarium.
Parking: There are parking lots over here as well as paid street parking on E Solidarity Dr. which is cheaper than the lots. You can also check out SpotHero.
Full Galleries: Crystal + Preston, Ana + Alec (old gallery), Maggie + Orion (old gallery)
If you want something playful and a little nostalgic, this spot is pure magic. Margie’s has that old school soda fountain vibe- vintage booths, neon signs, giant sundaes, and all the cozy charm. It feels colorful, quirky, and totally different from your typical skyline backdrop. It’s perfect for couples who don’t take themselves too seriously. Share a sundae, steal a cherry, laugh in a booth! It’s retro, intimate and full of personality. And so Bucktown! .If this is your vibe, let's do it!!! We called beforehand to find out if we could shoot there and the owners were amazing!! They requested we come in before they opened so we started at 8am. If you are interested let me know and I will give you their contact information to call and set a date!
Permit: None needed but need to contact the owners beforehand so we can go in before they open!
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Any! SO cozy in the winter,
Meeting spot: Margie's- Bucktown location. 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (there are multiple locations so make sure you GPS to the correct one).
Parking: Lots of free street parking + paid street parking if you want a closer spot.
Full Gallery: Valerie + Cody
Margie’s Candies
Millennium Park/ Lurie Garden
If you want iconic Chicago and a little hidden greenery, this combo is so good. Millennium Park gives you that instantly recognizable city energy- clean architecture, skyline peeks, and that polished downtown feel. Then you step into Lurie Garden and it’s like a secret escape. Tall grasses, seasonal blooms, and skyline views framed by nature? Yes please. You get the best of both worlds in one walkable area — bold city lines mixed with soft, organic texture. City chic meets garden romance.
Permit: There is an $35 permit fee for their simple permit. If photographers want to share the photos on social media they are required to purchase a $350 permit, but the clients are allowed to share under the $35 permit! You can visit HERE for the contact to find more info/ obtain the permit. Also, photographing at the bean is TOUGH because it is so filled with tourists.
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Typically better in Spring-Fall for the gardens.
Meeting spot: The Millennium Monument at 201 E Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601
Parking: Check out SpotHero or nearby lots! Lots of street parking as well.
Full Gallery: Jerry + Kim
This spot feels like a hidden slice of calm right next to the city. You get one of the most underrated skyline views! The buildings behind you with Lake Michigan wrapping around the other side. It almost feels like you’re standing on your own little peninsula with the city as your backdrop. The tree-lined path leading in is so good for those walking, candid moments, and once you’re at the end, it’s just wide open sky and skyline drama. Peaceful, scenic, and such a strong Chicago moment without the heavy crowds.
Permit: Technically you need one that is $45 but I never get one unless it’s for a wedding day! You can obtain the permit HERE.
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Any! SO cozy in the winter,
Meeting spot: The entrance of the park at the gate off Ohio st.
Parking: I definitely recommend getting a SpotHero spot for over here! This is right next to Navy Pier and can be crowded. Typically there is a walk from the closest parking.
Full Galleries: Alexandra + Drew Wedding, Nora + Corben, Sabrina + Kent Wedding
