Chicago is a city of dazzling contrasts—iconic skyline, lush gardens, historic architecture. I am constantly asked by couples on what my location suggestions are to take their engagement or wedding photos in the city. To save you hours of guesswork, I’ve curated my top 15 Chicagoland spots with practical, real-world tips: the best light and timing, where to park, and what permits you may need so your session runs smoothly. Whether you’re a couple planning engagement photos, a fellow creative mapping a shoot, or a visitor chasing postcard-worthy views, this guide is designed to help you step into each location with confidence—and walk away with timeless, magazine-worthy images.

1. Adler Planetarium

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Why it works: You get a stunning lakeside view of the Chicago skyline, framed by the Planetarium building and Lake Michigan. It’s a dramatic backdrop especially for sunset or twilight.
When to go: Late afternoon into golden hour, or just after sunset for skyline lights. Early morning can also be nice for fewer people and calm water reflections.
Parking & access: Located at 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The Museum Campus lots are managed by the Chicago Park District/Standard Parking. Adler Planetarium
Permit/rules: Personal photography is generally allowed. But if you bring professional gear (tripod, lighting), you may need to inquire. Cameras must be handheld and unobtrusive. Permit is required if photographing within the property of Adler Planetarium itself (ie. building and steps).

2. South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago

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Why it works: A serene, intimate garden in the heart of the city — ivy-covered walls, a pool and sculpture, lush trees. A nice contrast to high-energy city scenes.
When to go: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light, or in fall when the leaves/ivy change color.
Parking & access: The garden is part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s grounds (111 S Michigan Ave). Street parking or nearby garages in the Loop.
Permit/rules: For personal use, a permit is not required but note museum admission may apply for indoor spaces. For anything with lighting/tripods you must contact the museum.

3. Chicago Board of Trade Building (LaSalle Street)

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Why it works: Classic Chicago architecture: symmetry, grand facade, urban street lines. Great for editorial or formal photos with a strong architectural backdrop.
When to go: Early morning on a weekday or weekend to avoid heavy traffic and crowds. Overcast days may yield more even lighting on the building surfaces.
Parking & access: Located in the Loop on LaSalle Street. Use downtown parking garages; street parking may be limited.
Permit/rules: None on public road right and sidewalks around the front of the building. Large setups in public/privately-managed spaces may need a permit in the City of Chicago

4. Field Museum (Museum Campus)

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Why it works: Part of the Museum Campus, the Field Museum has classic museum architecture plus proximity to lake & skyline. Good for a mix of culture + environment.
When to go: Morning or golden hour; museum exterior + skyline light works best at dusk.
Parking & access: Museum Campus lots via the Chicago Park District/Standard Parking.
Permit/rules: If you’re just photographing exteriors, likely fine. But if on museum interior, large gear or commercial work, check museum policies. As many public-managed sites, a park permit may apply

5. Lurie Garden (in Millennium Park)

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Why it works: A beautifully designed garden space right in the heart of Chicago’s Millennium Park. Great for mixing nature + city.
When to go: Early or late day for best light; in spring/summer the garden is lush, in fall the color is especially nice.
Parking & access: Parking garages associated with Millennium Park; also public transit is convenient.
Permit/rules: Since this is part of the Chicago Park District managed area, photography/filming permit may be required for anything commercial or with big equipment.

6. Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk

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Why it works: This is a mix of natural landscape and city skyline glimpses through tree cover or boardwalk settings — great for a more relaxed or organic feel.
When to go: Golden hour works great; in fall especially for foliage. Morning is quieter.
Parking & access: Street parking in Lincoln Park neighborhood; some lots adjacent to boardwalk/trails. Plan for walking.
Permit/rules: Because this is a public park area under Chicago Park District, a permit may be required for professional setups

7. Milton Lee Olive Park

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Why it works: A lakeside park with sweeping views of the skyline. Excellent for dramatic sunset or skyline silhouettes.
When to go: Sunset is prime here. A little before the sun dips gives strong golden light on the buildings and lake.
Parking & access: Street parking or park lots adjacent to the lakefront; verify signage for park lot rules.
Permit/rules: As a Chicago Park District managed location, professional-level shoots may require a permit.

8. Wrigley Building

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Why it works: A striking architectural landmark with bright white facade and ornate detail, located by the river and bridges — ideal for classic city portraits.
When to go: Early evening (blue hour) or early morning before signage/traffic peaks. Night shots of its lit facade also work beautifully.
Parking & access: Located near Michigan & Wacker; there are multiple garages nearby; street parking may be metered.
Permit/rules: If using the private building plaza or inside building, check with building management. For the exterior public sidewalk, standard public-space rules apply — large gear/footprint may trigger permit requirements via the city.

9. Chicago Riverwalk and Bridges

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Why it works: The Riverwalk gives access to bridges, water reflections, architectural lines and urban energy — versatile for many styles of photography.
When to go: Early morning for calm water/reflections, late afternoon or dusk for lights. After rain can yield beautiful reflections.
Parking & access: Use downtown garages and then walk to the Riverwalk level; or use public transit.
Permit/rules: Public walkway under city jurisdiction; professional shoots may need a permit if using tripods/lighting or blocking pathways

10. University of Chicago Campus

Why it works: Beautiful collegiate architecture, historic buildings, green courtyards — gives a classic, timeless look and works well for portraits or editorial.
When to go: Early morning or during off-peak campus hours; fall adds color.
Parking & access: On the south side of Chicago (Hyde Park); campus lots or street parking; check visitor parking rules.
Permit/rules: Private university campus — though general public photography may be allowed, for professional/commercial usage advanced permission may be required.

11. North Avenue Beach

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Why it works: Beach + skyline = unique mix. Sand, water, city — versatile for casual/romantic/sunset sessions.
When to go: Sunset is especially strong here. Early morning if you want fewer people and soft light.
Parking & access: Beach parking lot near the Boardwalk (paid). Also street parking in Lincoln Park area or transit.
Permit/rules: Standard park/beach rules apply; for large gear or blocking beach access, a permit may be required via the Chicago Park District.

12. Civic Opera House

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Why it works: An elegant historic theatre building, exterior and lobby details offer memorable architecture and lighting.
When to go: Evening for façade lights or interior for dramatic lighting. Weekday evening may be quieter.
Parking & access: Located downtown; multiple garages/valets around.
Permit/rules: As a privately-owned theatre property, you may need building management permission for non-public area access – for exterior sidewalk it might be simpler, but check for special events.

13. Chicago Theatre

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Why it works: The iconic bright red marquee is instantly recognizable. Works well for bold, fun, urban night shots.
When to go: Dusk into night when the marquee lights are on. Also early morning if you want fewer crowds.
Parking & access: Theatre is in the Loop; garages nearby; street parking metered.
Permit/rules: For regular sidewalk photos, likely fine; for blocking sidewalk, big gear or inside the theatre space, check with theatre management or city.

14. Northerly Island

Why it works: A little further out but offers excellent lakefront paths, open vistas, skyline horizon — great for outdoors/natural city mix.
When to go: Sunset or sunrise; fewer people at these times.
Parking & access: Access via the lakefront paths; parking at adjacent lots or beach lots; check signage.
Permit/rules: As park land (likely under Chicago Park District), professional shoots may require permit.

15. The Rookery Building

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Why it works: Historic architectural gem (with interior light court by Frank Lloyd Wright) — great for dramatic interiors, symmetry, classic architectural portraits.
When to go: Morning when interior light is strongest, or when building lobby is less busy. Exterior evening may be interesting too.
Parking & access: Located downtown; building has nearby garages; verify access to lobby and any restrictions.
Permit/rules: Because this is a private building, interior photography will require a permit. The cost varies by location inside The Rookery. For exterior public sidewalk imagery, general public usage likely allowed but check for commercial gear/footprint.