Photo Location Guide
Welcome to our
Photo Location Guide!
Super excited to share some of our favorite locations around Chicago and the Chicago Suburbs for Group Photos and Portraits!
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If you know for sure where you want to go, CLT+F to find it on our list. If you know the neighborhood or venue nearby, give that a search too!
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Each section will show you some inspirtation photos from that location and other important info about the space - whether or not it requires a photo permit, etc.
Chicago Park & Outdoor Locations
Chicago Riverwalk
No permit needed! Cannot say enough great things about just walking the riverwalk and taking in the sights. Such a fun location if your ceremony or reception are at any Loop and River North venues!
Gallery, courtesy of: Victoria Saint Martin Photography
Lakeshore East Park
Permit needed. Great location if you’re getting married at any Loop or River North venues - but highly recommend if you’re at the Aqua, Regis, or Fairmount Hotels.
Gallery, courtesy of: Jess Diaz Photography
Maggie Daley Cancer Survivor’s Garden
Permit needed. Love this location for downtown Chicago weddings! Especially venues like The Palmer House, Chicago Cultural Center, The Fairmount, and the Chicago Athletic Association.
Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Gallery, courtesy of: Fox + Ivory Photography
North or South Garden at the Art Institute
Permit Needed. Must be within museum hours (M/W/Fri/Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-8pm, Closed Sundays & Tuesdays) Great spot if you’re getting married at any Loop or River North venues! Very popular with wedding at the Chicago Cultural Center and Chicago Athletic Association.
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Gallery, courtesy of: Jonathan James Photography
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Permit Needed. Perfect if your ceremony or reception is at: Lacuna Lofts, Chicago Illuminating Co, Bridgeport Art Center, Revel Motor Row, Mae District, Tethered Events, or the Zhou B Art Center. The bridge overhang is also great for a partial - misty - rain plan!
Address: 1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Gallery, courtesy of: Once like a Spark Photography, Sandra Armenteros Photography, J Brown Photography
Wrigley Building
No permit needed! Great location if you’re getting married at any Loop and River North venues! You will see other wedding couples there - so be patient. It’s worth the wait! Perfect for weddings at the Sheraton, Salon 61, RPM, River Roast, and the Ivy Room.
Address: 400-410 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Gallery, courtsey of: This is Feeling Photography, Louie Abellera Photography, Fox + Ivory Photography
Humbolt Park Fieldhouse
Permit Needed. Worth the trip here if your ceremony or reception are at: WildmanBT, The Joinery, Stan Mansion, Sarabande, Rockwell on the River, or any West Loop Venue!
Address: 1400 N. Sacramento Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Gallery, courtsey of: Fox + Ivory Photography
Lincoln Park & Honeycomb
Permit Needed. Love this location if you’re getting married in any of these locations: Cafe Brauer, Salvatore’s, The Drake Hotel, The Renaissance Hotel, and just about any downtown venue! It’s super easy to pop in and out of the park.
Address: Conservatory - 2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Gallery, courtsey of: Victoria Saint Martin Photography, This is Feeling Photography, Louie Abellera Photography
Olive Park
Permit Needed (Contact: 312-744-6635). Excellent group photo location if you’re getting married in any of these venues: The Chez Wedding Venue, The Ivy Room, Chicago Winery, or any Loop or River North Venue.
Address: E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Gallery, courtsey of: Louie Abellera Photography
Lyric Opera Building
No permit needed! Public Areas (Lobby) are open to public. Great rain plan! Perfect for any Loop, West Loop, or River North venue. Especially venues like The Library, Loft Lucia, Salon 61, and other churches in the nearby area!
Address: 20 N Wacker Dr STE 400, Chicago, IL 60606
Gallery, courtesy of: Madi Ellis Photography
Shedd Aquarium + Adler Planetarium Lakefront
No permit needed, but admissions fees required. Super popular group photo location if you’re getting married at these venues: LM Studio, Venue SIX10, Chicago Illuminating Co, Revel Motor Row, and Tethered Events.
Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Gallery, courtesy of: Mark Trela Photography
Chicago Indoor Locations
Renaissance Chicago Downtown
Will need to have a room booked to take photos. But always a great hotel for getting ready photos and first look photos if you’re getting married at any Loop or River North venues!
Address: 1 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Gallery, courtesy of: Mikaila Dusenberry Photography
JW Marriott Downtown
Will need to have a room booked to take photos here. But it’s a perfect location for a first look and getting ready photos if you’re getting married at any Loop or River North venues!
Address: 151 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603
Gallery, courtesy of: This is Feeling Photography
Freehand Hotel
Will need to have a room booked to take photos. But their suites are perfect for getting ready and first look portraits if you’re getting married at any Loop or River North venues!
Address: 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Gallery, courtesy of: Mark Trela Photography
Garfield Park Conservatory
Permit Needed. Ideal location for wedding party photos if your ceremony and reception are at: WildmanBT, Ovation, The Arbory, The Fulton West, Fairlie, and any West Loop venue!
Address: 300 N. Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
Gallery, courtsey of: Victoria Saint Martin Photography, Frankie Isabel Photography
Thompson Hotel
Will need to have a room booked to take photos. But this photo is always worth the cost of the room rental!!
Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Gallery, courtsey of: This is Feeling Photography
Suburban Locations
Lilacia Park
No permit needed! And it’s a great option if your ceremony or reception are at: The Westin Lombard, Pinstripes Oak Brook, Venuti's, or a church in the western suburbs!
Address: 150 S Park Ave, Lombard, IL 60148
Gallery, courtsey of: Fox + Ivory Photography
Hyatt Lodge
Will need to have a room booked to take photos here. But it’s perfect for getting ready and first look photos if your reception is also at: The Westin Lombard, Pinstripes Oak Brook, or another western suburbs venue.
Address: 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Gallery, courtsey of: Sherah Grose Photography, Carol Bax Photography
Monument Park
No permit needed! Ideal if you’re getting married at Victoria in the Park, any of the venues around Rosemont, or one of the many gorgeous churches near the O’Hare area.
Address: 6167 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
Gallery, courtsey of: Melissa Marie Photography
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