CHICAGO LOCATION GUIDE
CHICAGO LOCATION GUIDE
Your fav neighborhood
Sometimes the best backdrop isn’t the most iconic one, it’s the one that feels like you. Your neighborhood coffee shop. The corner bar where you had your third date. The tree-lined street you walk every Sunday morning. The brownstone steps you sit on in the summer. That’s the magic. Neighborhood sessions feel personal and relaxed. No big production. No heavy tourist traffic. Just you two in a place that already holds memories. Whether it’s brick buildings, quiet side streets, murals, or your go-to patio, these sessions are less about “look at the skyline” and more about “this is our life here.” Intimate. Personal. So uniquely yours.
Permit: None.
Full Galleries: Amanda + Grant, Amanda + Erik, Baily + Mark, Jesse + Ashlee (all old galleries)
Okay… welcome to my office. North Ave is hands down the most iconic blue hour spot in all of Chicago. When the sun dips and the sky turns that unreal cotton candy blue, the skyline lights up behind you and it’s just next level. You get full skyline, lakefront energy, and that perfect city-meets-water backdrop all in one frame. It’s bold. It’s vibrant. It feels alive. Yes, it can be busier than some other beaches… but when that blue hour hits? Worth. Every. Second. Big skyline. Glowy sky. Absolute Chicago magic. And let me know if you want all skyline photos or some on the beach too!
Permit: None needed.
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? This spot is amazing during all seasons! Even during the winter months IF you can handle the cold + wind. This location is the best 15-30 minutes before sunset and 10 minutes after for blue hour. I normally recommend pairing this spot with another location and ending here.
Meeting spot: We would meet outside of Castaways: 1603 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 and get started there.
Parking: There is a paid parking next to Castaways. Or I recommend looking up parking SpotHero for a cheaper option.
Full Galleries: Peyton + Evan, Karlie + Andrew, Kate + Joey, Caitlin + Michael
North Avenue beach
Old Post Office
This spot is architecture heaven. Inside, you get massive windows, polished floors, soaring ceilings, and that clean, modern-industrial vibe. The light pours in and everything feels big, bold, and editorial. It’s sleek without feeling cold! Just strong lines, open space, and city energy. And then… the rooftop. The rooftop views are insane. So much open space to move around. It feels elevated, dramatic, and very “we run this city” energy.
Permit: Permit fee is $150 and super easy to secure. They have another permit for $250 if you also want to shoot on their rooftop. It is so gorgeous. You can obtain a permit by contacting them HERE.
Meeting spot: We will meet at the front of the Old Post Office: 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607
Parking: There is lots of street parking around the area! Just leave yourself enough time to find parking and time to walk over to the meeting spot. Also check out SpotHero if you'd rather park in a parking garage. Pricing is always cheaper on SpotHero that paying at the garage.
Full Galleries: Gabbi + Benny, Beckwith Wedding
Palmer House
If you love drama and old-school glamour… this is your place. The ceilings alone are a masterpiece- painted murals, gold detailing, chandeliers that glow in the most flattering way. It feels rich, historic, and straight out of a vintage movie scene. The grand staircases, ornate architecture, and warm lighting give everything that romantic, slightly dramatic edge. It’s bold in a classic Chicago way, not modern and sleek, but grand and full of character. Elegant. Moody. A little Gatsby energy in the heart of the city.
Permit: Fee is $500 but if this is your vibe- WORTH IT. If you are interested, let me know and I can get the contact information for you to obtain a permit!
Meeting spot: We will meet at the front of the Palmer House: 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
Parking: There is lots of street parking around the area! Just leave yourself enough time to find parking and time to walk over to the meeting spot. Also check out SpotHero if you'd rather park in a parking garage. Pricing is always cheaper on SpotHero that paying at the garage.
Full Gallery: Alex + Jake
Ping Tom Park
One of my ABSOLUTE FAVS. You get skyline views from Chinatown with the river, plus that iconic red pavilion that adds the coolest pop of color and architecture. It feels different from your typical Chicago backdrop! A little softer, a little more tucked away. There’s greenery, water, bridges, and city views all in one spot, which makes it so versatile. And it’s usually way less chaotic than the big tourist hubs. Scenic. Unique. A little unexpected in the best way.
Permit: None needed! Technically there is one needed if you want to shoot at the Pavillion but I haven’t been asked before. Skyline and greenery spots do not need one.
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Spring- Fall! I do not recommend this location in the winter unless we are using it as just a second location in front of the city skyline.
Meeting Spot: We would meet underneath the Ping Tom Memorial Pavilion: 1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Parking: There is free street parking but it can be hard to find on a busy evening so I recommend finding a SpotHero. There are a couple lots in the area too that are normal cheap!
Full Galleries: (some of these couples shot at multiple locations so if you are confused as to which location is which let me know and I will guide you!) Christina + Paul, Kyra + Tom (old gallery), Anna + Hubert(old gallery), Maggie + Orion (old gallery)
Retro River boats
If you want something that feels straight out of a vintage postcard, this is such a fun option. Those classic river boats cruising through downtown with the skyline towering above? It’s peak Chicago energy. The mix of historic architecture, moving water, and city reflections makes everything feel alive. It’s playful and a little nostalgic- like you’re on a date night from another era, but with modern skyscrapers all around you. City views. River breeze. A little old-school charm right in the middle of it all.
Permit: No permit needed but I always recommend booking 2 boats because then I can be in one and you two can be in another. This will help us get a LOT more variety in angles. I can either bring a friend with to drive my boat OR you can hire a capitan through the booking site OR if you have a friend that you'd want to bring with that works too! These boats can be a little tricky to operate but seriously makes for a blast of a session. $$ varies on the day of the week and season.
Use this link to look at available times and to book: BOOK HERE.
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Defintiely late spring- early fall!!
Meeting spot: We would meet at the City Winery on the riverwalk: 11 W Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601.
Parking: Definitely check out SpotHero or paid street parking in the area- leave extra time to walk to our destination!
Full Galleries: Alex + Nate, Cindy + Travis
Riverwalk
If you want architecture, water, bridges, and skyline all in one walkable stretch- this is your spot. The Riverwalk gives you layered city views everywhere you turn. Historic buildings mixed with modern glass towers, iconic bridges, boats cruising by, and the river reflecting it all back at you. It feels alive but not overwhelming. There’s movement, texture, and depth in every direction, which makes photos here feel dynamic and full of personality. Urban. Architectural. Peak Chicago energy in the best way.
Permit: None needed!
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Any season!
Meeting spot: We would meet at the Lasalle St. bridge on the corner of Wacker and Lasalle.
Parking: There is lots of paid street parking along the side streets but I would definitely check out SpotHero if you aren’t used to street parking.
Full Galleries: Christy + Syed, Jared + Zac, Ashley + Mark (old gallery)
Union Station
If you want cinematic, this is it. The Great Hall is unreal- towering columns, marble floors, that massive arched window pouring in light. It feels dramatic in the best way, like you’re in an old Hollywood love story about to catch a train together. The symmetry in there? So good. The staircases, the benches, the glow from the windows !! It all photographs beautifully. Grand. Classic. A little romantic movie moment right in the middle of Chicago.
Permit: There is a permit fee of $150 to shoot here. I always secure a permit for weddings but have not for engagement sessions. I can leave this up to you if you want to get a permit or not! I haven't had an issue not having one before but doesn't mean it can't happen! They require 48 hour notice and for a money order to be dropped off at Union Station to get the permit. Normal checks + online payments are not accepted (it's 2026 idk what their problem is LOL). Information to obtain a permit HERE.
Meeting spot: Outside of Union Station: 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
Parking: There are parking lots over here. They can be pricey so make sure you look beforehand or check out SpotHero. There's also plenty of paid street parking in the area.
Full Galleries: Johanna + Matt, Katie + Drew, Hannah + Trevor
University of Chicago
If you want straight up European vibes without leaving the city, this campus is unreal. Gothic architecture, ivy covered stone buildings, archways, hidden courtyards- every corner feels like it belongs in a romantic period film. The texture and detail here are next level. It’s quiet, spacious, and full of little tucked-away spots, which makes it easy to explore and find backgrounds that feel intimate and unique. Moody. Architectural. Old world charm right here in Chicago.
Permit: None needed!
Meeting spot: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel: 5850 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. There has been recent construction at the chapel (middle lower photo) but hoping it will be done soon!!
Parking: There is lots of street parking around the area! Just leave yourself enough time to find parking and time to walk over to the meeting spot.
Full Galleries: Danny + Liz, Anna + Hubert Wedding
If you want modern city energy with a little edge, West Loop is SO good. Think brick warehouses, industrial textures, clean lines, trendy storefronts, and some of the best restaurant patios in the city. It has that cool, urban feel without the full downtown chaos. You get alleyways with character, murals, and streets that feel stylish but still relaxed. It’s perfect for couples who love date nights, espresso martinis, and that effortlessly cool vibe. Trendy. Textured. Very “we live here and we love it” energy.
Permit: None needed!
When is the ideal time to take photographs here? Any season!
Meeting spot: We would meet outside of Green Street Smoked Meats: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Parking: Paid street parking aroung the area or check out SpotHero!
Full Galleries: Peyton + Evan, Lauren + JT, Anna + Hubert
