If you just got engaged, no doubt one of the things that was on your to-do list is the must-have engagement photos. You don’t just want them anywhere - you want it to be special and capture the beauty of this special time in your life. Finding a place for such an important moment isn't always easy! No worries - whether you are from Chicago or its suburbs, I've done all of the research for you so that all you have to do is pick a spot and start taking gorgeous photos for your forever memories. Read on ahead as I guide you through tips on finding engagement session photoshoot locations in Chicago and the suburbs.

* = Permit Needed

Chicago Locations:

Chicago is full of great engagement session locations everywhere you go, but here are a few of the best ones.  

• Best Chicago Engagement Session Locations for Skyline Views
  • Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk
  • London House Chicago
  • Milton Lee Olive Park
  • Montrose Harbor
  • Museum Campus
  • North Avenue Beach
  • Ping Tom Park
  • Sir Georg Solti Garden
• Iconic Chicago Engagement Session Locations
  • Chicago Board of Trade
  • Chicago Theatre
  • Michigan Avenue & The Magnificent Mile
  • Navy Pier *
  • Riverwalk
  • Wrigley Building
• Locations for Indoor Engagement Sessions in Chicago
  • Art Institute of Chicago *
  • Chicago Cultural Center *
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Lincoln Park Conservatory * $45 permit
  • Salvage One  *
• Best Locations for a Fine Art Engagement Session in Chicago
  • Lehmann Mansion
  • Loyola University Campus
  • Lyric Opera House
  • Northwestern University
  • Union Station
  • University of Chicago
• Outdoor Chicago Engagement Photo Locations
  • Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
  • Jane Addams Memorial Park
  • Lurie Garden
  • Shakespeare Garden
  • Layola Campus
  •  

* = Permit Needed

Local Engagement Photo Locations in the Northwest Suburbs:

Believe it or not, the Chicago suburbs has some stunning photo locations for engagement sessions.  Here is an extensive list of some of my top engagement session locations in the suburbs.  

• Lakewood Forest Preserve - Wauconda, IL
• Ryerson Forest Preserve - Riverwoods, IL
• Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm - Schaumburg, IL
• Busse Woods - Rolling Meadows, IL
• Independence Grove  - Libertyville, IL *
• Vehe Barn - Deer Park, IL
• Downtown Long Grove, IL
• Chicago Botanic Garden  * (Admission & Parking Fee, Possible Permit)
• Grant Woods Forest Preserve - Ingleside, IL

Additional Engagement Session Locations in the surrounding areas:

• Cantigny Park *($50 Permit + Parking Fee)
• Lighthouse Beach - Evanston, IL 
• Fabyan Forest Preserve & Japanese Garden 
• Naperville Riverwalk & Downtown - Naperville, IL 
• Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL * ($100 permit + Admission Fee)