The Windy City is one of my favorite locations to photograph elopements, weddings and engagement sessions. I’m also constantly in the city on my days off as well, bumming around and socializing.
As a Chicago elopement photographer and Chicago wedding photographer, I always joke that we can literally walk a half block and have dozens of great spots to shoot in. It’s true though, Chicago can provide an endless array of photographic opportunities. I’m located 30 minutes from the windy city and love to capture elopements there as well as large weddings.
Let’s get into some images as well as a list of some of the best locations for Chicago elopements and Chicago Zoom weddings.
A bride walks along the boardwalk at North Avenue Beach.
Bride and groom in Chicago with Navy Pier in the background.
Best Ceremony Locations For Chicago Elopements
Lurie Garden - A great spot in the heart of downtown that combines nature along with a background of the city skyscrapers.
The Morton Arboretum - For inside ceremonies, the Sycamore Room and Founders Room are beautiful and outside is the Fragrance Garden and Morton Terrace.
The Cancer Survivor’s Garden - A hidden treasure in the hearts of the city provides views of Lake Michigan and the Field Museum.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool - Located in Lincoln Park, this hidden garden is designed to resemble a river and the tranquil waterfall there is a terrific spot for your intimate ceremony.
These are merely a few Chicago elopement location ideas for you. There are many other locations from outdoor gardens to hotel and restaurant banquet rooms. Follow the links above to learn more.
Create Your Own Unique Indoor Chicago Elopement
For a really unique Chicago Elopement, I highly suggest you take a look at Peerspace. Think of them as an airbnb type of service for event spaces. There are tons of interesting Chicago buildings renting out small to large area spaces for photo shoots, meetings, events and elopement ceremonies / intimate receptions as well. They have an awesome phone app too. Many of these locations feature wifi which will be helpful if you are having a Zoom wedding. Follow this link to check out Peerspace.
Blowing kisses in front of Dylan’s Candy Bar.
Bridal portrait underneath the L tracks in downtown Chicago.
Locations For Elopement Portraits In Chicago
As I stated previously, Chicago provides tons of great opportunities. It’s just going to depend on what you want out of your creative wedding portraits in Chicago. Here’s a partial list of where we can go for your wedding pictures in Chicago.
Lincoln Park Zoo - This area has views of the city in addition to a nature vibe. It’s also in close proximity to my next pick…
North Avenue Beach - Have Lake Michigan as part of your wedding day as well gorgeous view of the city.
Millennium Park / Lurie Garden - A great combination of flower gardens and urban skyscrapers. We may to dodge some crowds, but hey - that’s what city life is all about.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool - Nature within the city, a beautiful and tranquil spot in the heart of the city.
Bucktown - An eclectic neighborhood on the northside for a very urban feel.
Loop - The Chicago River and the Chicago Theater are a few of the backdrops along with the L train for some gritty and urban looking Chicago wedding pictures.
Bride and groom take stroll in Lurie Garden in Chicago.
Chicago skyscrapers tower over the bride as waves come in from Lake Michigan.
Transportation
So how do we get around to all of these locations during your Chicago elopement? If it’s just the couple, myself (and possibly an assistant), I suggest Taxis or Ubers. We do not want to be driving and parking all of the time. We want to maximize our time shooting.
If a wedding party is involved then I’d suggest renting a party bus for them as well as myself to travel in.
Please fill out the Contact Form to inquire about availability for your elopement. Elopement Photography Packages and Chicago Elopement Officiant Packages are listed below.
The bride hails a taxi in downtown Chicago.
4 hours of wedding photography by Steve Vansak
Digital images via download (hi-resolution, includes printing rights)
Online photo gallery and ordering
Secure the date with a signed contract and a retainer payment of $500.
Take 10% off when paid in full at the time of booking.
4 hours of wedding photography by Steve Vansak
Digital images via download (hi-resolution, includes printing rights)
Online photo gallery and ordering
The Elopement Album (12”x12”, 20 pages)
Secure the date with a signed contract and a retainer payment of $500.
Take 10% off when paid in full at the time of booking.