Your engagement photos reflect your unique love story, and selecting the right location is essential to capturing your personality as a couple. A thoughtful setting elevates your photos and creates a memorable experience. Here are tips for choosing a location that resonates with you, paired with examples from real engagement sessions in the Chicago area.

1. Reflect on Your Story

Choose locations that connect to your personal story. Think about places that hold sentimental value. Where did you first meet? Where was your first date? Is there a spot you love visiting together?

Rey and Chaehyun’s engagement session was a beautiful nod to their story, bringing them back to where they first met—the Art Institute of Chicago. Every moment felt personal and meaningful. Reflecting on your story to choose a location, just as Rey and Chae did, is a wonderful way to make your engagement photos truly unique.

2. Highlight Your Interests and Hobbies

Your engagement session should reflect what you love doing together. Are you foodies exploring new restaurants? Nature enthusiasts spending weekends hiking? Pet parents who adore your furry friend?

Caitlin and Tom envisioned their engagement photos as a romantic date night downtown. Dressed to the nines in formal attire, they started the evening with martinis at one of their favorite bars, setting the perfect mood. They even booked a room at the Pendry for the night, where we captured playful and intimate moments of them enjoying their favorite pizza—Papa John’s!—and champagne in bed. The result was a collection of uniquely personal and unforgettable photos that perfectly reflected their love story.

3. Choose a Place That Matches Your Style

Decide whether you prefer timeless, elegant settings or casual, urban vibes. Your location sets the tone for your photos. Couples planning chic city weddings might gravitate toward iconic landmarks or stylish venues, while others with rustic or romantic aesthetics might opt for gardens, forests or open fields.

Lucinda and Conor’s engagement session was at the Formal Gardens along Michigan Avenue and inside the Art Institute of Chicago. These locations perfectly matched their timeless style. The Formal Gardens provided lush greenery in the city’s heart, while the Art Institute’s interiors added an elegant touch.

4. Consider the Time of Year

Seasons play a big role in your location choice. Spring blooms, summer sunshine, fall foliage and winter snow each create a unique mood for your photos. Plan your session around the seasonal look you love most.

Maddie and Mike’s winter engagement session was the perfect blend of cozy and scenic. We started at Lurie Garden, where the muted tones of the winter landscape created a stunning backdrop for their photos. Then, we warmed up at a local café, capturing sweet and intimate moments that balanced the beauty of the season with their relaxed, indoor vibe.

5. Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise

Your photographer helps you find locations that photograph beautifully and align with your vision. They know the best spots for lighting, composition and capturing authentic moments.

If you’re stuck between options, I’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect engagement session location involves finding a place that feels like you. Whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a tranquil garden or a sentimental spot, the right location sets the stage for capturing your connection and love story in an authentic way.

If you’re still deciding where to take your engagement photos, I’d love to help! Together, we’ll find a location that matches your personality and creates stunning, meaningful images you’ll treasure forever.