Situated on the blue waters of the great Lake Michigan is one of this country’s most photogenic cities. With a skyline showcasing world-famous architecture alongside historic parks and beaches, it’s no wonder people from all over the world visit the city. But the amazing backgrounds aren’t limited to only the downtown. Head in just about any direction and you’ll find why so many people have fallen in love with the neighborhoods of this town.
So if you’re planning a photoshoot in the windy city and have no idea where to start, check out this helpful guide for some of my personal favorite outdoor locations. You’ll find on this list many of the most iconic destinations as well as a few hidden gems beloved by locals.
Each spot includes highlights, what type of photo shoots it’s a good location for, and how difficult it is to take pictures at the location on a scale of 1-5. 5 being the most difficult.
Highlights: Landscaped gardens, skyline views, variety, near other dynamic views
Good for: Family, Engagements, and portraits. Requires permits for special events, e.g, weddings.
Access: 3
Situated in the heart of Chicago’s Millenium Park, this 2 ½ acre park is one of my favorite downtown locations for its stunning gardens set against the city backdrop. Designed by the renowned Piet Oudolf, you’ll find vibrant perennials blooming three seasons of the year alongside a water canal where your kids can make a wish. Just steps away from two of the most visited Chicago destinations–Cloud Gate and the Pritzker Pavillion, this verdant garden is a relatively quiet oasis for families, engaged couples, and wedding parties. Once you finish taking pictures, walk across the BP bridge by Frank Gehry to Maggie Daley Park where you’ll find hours of playground attractions.
Highlights: Views of downtown with stunning landscape and mutual ponds.
Good for: Family, Engagements, and portraits. Requires permits for special events, e.g., weddings.
Access: 3
Highlights: Old-growth trees create gorgeous dappled light.
Good for: Uniqueness, Engagements, and portraits. Access: 3
Highlights: Striking and unique view featuring both the city and lake.
Good for: Natural Wedding, Engagements, and portraits. Requires permits for special events, e.g., weddings.
Access: 3
Highlights: Architecture, urban, and river all in one.
Good for: Wedding, Engagements, and portraits. Requires permits for special events, e.g., weddings.
Access: 3
Highlights: One of the best spots in Chicago for both nature and a skyline view.
Good for: Engagements and portraits.
Highlights: Stunning architecture and landscape create an elegant setting in the middle of downtown Chicago.
Good for: Engagements and portraits. Best when you make an appointment. Permit cost: $150.
Highlights: Natural light. Hip, vintage.
Good for: Wedding, Engagements, and portraits.
Highlights: Natural light indoors. Architecture, Unique Backgrounds. Historic steps
Good for: Natural Family, Engagements, and portraits. Requires permits for special events, e.g., weddings.
Access: Inside 4 (call ahead) outdoors 2
Highlights: Natural light. Hip, vintage.
Good for: Wedding, Engagements, and portraits.
Access: 1
For nature lovers in a city full of concrete, visit the West Ridge Nature Center, where you’ll forget you just parked on a crowded, noisy street. Until recently, this spot was an underdeveloped area in Rosehill Cemetary (don’t worry, no one was ever buried here). In 2015, Chicago Park District began restoring the 21-acre space into an ecological parkland with native species, winding pathways, and multiple water features.
Highlights: Fun. Unique.
Good for: Engagements, family, and portraits. Requires permits for special events, e.g., weddings.
Access: 2
Along the 606 trail, you’ll find miles of bike paths, art installations, and unique tree-top views of Chicago. Originally an industrial train line, it is now a high-traffic destination for locals out for a ride or resting among its many landscaped areas.
Highlights: Water Feature, Landscaping, Butterfly Garden, Fieldhouse
Good for: Wedding, Engagements, and portraits. Requires permits for special events, e.g., weddings.
Access: 2
Initially designed by William Le Baron Jenney, who is best known today as the father of the skyscraper, but later expanded upon by Jens Jensen who added unique waterway features, this sprawling park on the southwest side of Chicago is a historic destination. Among its nearly 20 acres, you’ll find twisting trails snaking past weeping willows, rolling hills, and one of Chicago’s classic fieldhouses.
Highlights: Natural light. Architecture. Covered outdoor section.
Good for: Wedding, Engagements, and portraits. Requires permits for special events, e.g., weddings.
Access: 2
There are so many more places around Chicago to explore and consider for your photography needs. I’ll keep this updated as new ideas pop up. If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments below. If you’re interested in booking your own portrait or engagement session, contact me here, call 402-304-4057, or email maggie@rifeponcephotography.com.
For a few of my favorite outdoor photo locations, check out the links below:
Chicago has limitless places to photograph memories. Bad weather? No problem! Our grand city has got you covered with many indoor locations to get you that idyllic picture. Good weather? Of course, that’s not a problem either. With our urban, lakeside, and greenscape areas surrounding us, you’re sure to find an ultimate spot for photographic perfection.
If you do take photos at any of these Chicago locations, I’d love to see what you captured. Feel free to share @maggierifeponce on Instagram. Happy photographing!
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