Rent an outdoor photoshoot location in Chicago, IL

With so many iconic buildings and pristine gardens Chicago is a fun city to plan a photo shoot within. The hardest part is choosing one or a few places to hold your shoot. Whether you're looking for Christmas family photography, elopement images, or portraits to enhance your portfolio, Chicago has no shortage of outdoor spaces to consider.

Many of the best outdoor photo locations in Chicago feature landmark art installations, as Millennium Park does. The Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately called "The Bean" by locals, is world famous and a great addition to the background of any outdoor photo shoot. Crowds may need to be dodged - or they can enhance the lifestyle narrative being told through your images. People in the background show that you are loving life in a major metropolis, which many editorial and fashion brands seek to showcase.
If you're looking for a relaxed, natural vibe you're in luck. The Windy City is known for its skyscrapers but it also offers easy access to wooded parks, meadows, botanical gardens, and beaches. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers outdoor photography options that are unmatched anywhere in the city. Even in the winter the manicured beds are well worth the cost of getting a permit for posed portrait photography.

The once-in-a-lifetime aspect of weddings means that we need to choose our outdoor photo location with care. Everything from the weather to the scenery should fit the mood you have in mind. A cheerful lifestyle character, with bright skies and lighting is best matched with active surroundings. Downtown Chicago is perfect for showcasing an urban atmosphere, with the downtown Board of Trade building being a fantastic choice. The Wrigley Building is another favorite for Chicago newlyweds, with the canal and DuSable Bridge visible for background context.
For a more intimate setting try Museum Campus, located in between the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. It's easy to get enough distance with the right angle that people aren't visible in the background - but the magnificent Chicago skyline is.
Gritty, urban alleyways and buildings with graffiti offer a contemporary take that runs counter to the polished, pristine look of classical wedding photography. For a more unique photography experience, scout out locations along Bucktown. The eclectic street art, cafes, and themed bars offer a personalized wedding look for couples who don't want images that look like everyone else's. Regardless of whether you're looking for pet, maternity, family, or wedding photography, Chicago has a venue that perfectly fits your concept.