Chic Indoor Chicago Engagement Location Ideas
Indoor Chicago Engagement Location Ideas
Yep. There’s snow on the ground. Again. In mid April. A few weeks ago I shared a few of my favorite Chicago engagement session locations with you guys. Given the crummy weather, I thought I’d share a few favorite indoor Chicago engagement locations for when the weather just won’t cooperate. These indoor locations work well for a rainy spring afternoon just as well as a cold winter morning, so keep these in mind for all times of the year. Plus, a majority of these suggestions can also work for your wedding day, so take note! These are just a few recent favorites of mine. I’d love to hear more of your ideas, so be sure to share in the comments below.
The Rookery Building
It’s hard not to fall in love with the winding, spiral staircase at the Rookery. When I see this staircase, I instantly think Chicago. Lucky for you, it’s an option for your engagement or wedding portraits! And as far as indoor locations go, this place is iconic.
The Rookery Building is located 209 S LaSalle St. in the Financial District of Chicago. A photo permit is required in order to take photos here and you must purchase the permit in advance. Prices range from approximately $150-$300, depending on the length of your reservation and what locations you’d like to use.
Photo sessions can be scheduled between 6:00am-8:30am and anytime after 5:30pm on Mondays through Fridays. Reservations can be made anytime after 2pm on Saturdays or anytime on Sundays. Because the Rookery also hosts many weddings and events, please keep in mind that weekend availability may be limited.
The Art Institute
For those of you looking for a romantic, classic, city look, The Art Institute of Chicago is the best. Of all the indoor locations, this may be one of my personal favorites. Even when the weather isn’t an issue, this is a gorgeous location for photos. You can easily do your entire session here from start to finish. And hey, if it happens to be nice outside, the gardens are my favorite.
To avoid crowds, I recommend taking photos at the Art Institute during weekdays or weekend mornings. To avoid the lines, preorder your tickets in advance. Tickets are listed at $25 per adult. The Art Institute is open from 11:00AM-5:00PM, Thursdays through Mondays. As long as the photoshoot is unobtrusive, no photo permit is required.
Tip: The Art Institute currently opens at 10:00am for members only. If you happen to be a member, I’d strongly recommend taking your photos as soon as they open. It will feel like you have the entire museum to yourself! I have a membership and often bring my clients into the museum promptly at 10am to avoid the crowds.
Address: 111 S. Michigan Avenue
Hours: Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm
Photo Permit Required: No, Please read through the Art Institute’s rules on photography
Ticket Cost: $25 per adult
Parking: Valet (available at 159 E. Monroe entrance, $28 cash only) or Grant Park South Garage
Your Favorite Neighborhood Spots
I absolutely love the idea of an editorialized engagement shoot and picking indoor locations that are meaningful to you is the best way to achieve this look. Think about places that are special to you or that you frequently visit. Maybe it’s a local cafe, a romantic restaurant or bar with the best cocktails. Finding a place that already makes you feel at home will give your photos that extra personal touch.
For these types of indoor Chicago engagement locations, please always call ahead and ask for permission. You’ll find that many business owners are happy to let you take photos in their spaces, but they may prefer you come in at a certain time or be restricted to a specific area.
Union Station
Union Station in Chicago offers a stunning backdrop for indoor engagement photos with its grand architecture and timeless elegance. The iconic Great Hall, with its soaring columns, marble staircases, and soft natural light filtering through the skylights, creates a romantic and sophisticated setting. It’s a perfect choice for couples seeking a classic yet dramatic indoor location, especially on a rainy or chilly day.
This location does technically require a photo permit (learn more on their website here), but most of the time I’ve found if we are quiet and discreet I can photograph here without much of an issue.
Garfield Park Conservatory
This is perfect for when you want summer, but Chicago gives you snow. Cold will not be an issue at Garfield Park Conservatory. It’s always warm, humid and filled with greenery and beautiful light. Rain or shine, this place is a Chicago gem and great for engagement photos.
Garfield Park Conservatory is located at 300 N. Central Park Avenue, offers free parking and is open from 9:00AM-5:00PM. You do need to purchase a Photo Permit through Chicago Park Districts to take photos here. CPD requires a $35 application fee + a $45 photo permit fee for 1 hour of pictures.
Address: 300 N. Central Park Avenue
Hours: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Photo Permit Required: Yes
Cost of Permit: $80
Parking: Free Street Parking & Parking Lot
Salvage One
If you gravitate towards an eclectic, vintage vibe, Salvage One is a great option for an indoor engagement session. The loft setting, exposed brick walls, stained glass windows and rooms filled with funky furniture and vintage antiques makes for a fun and one-of-a-kind location. Did I mention you’ll have access to all 3 of their floors, 60,000 square feet of space, and their outdoor courtyard?
Salvage One is available for photo shoots Monday-Sunday, but you need to arrange an appointment with them in advance. Keep in mind, they are open to the public Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you’d like the place to yourself, I recommend scheduling a photo shoot during the week.
Address: 1840 W Hubbard Street
Hours: By Appointment
Photo Permit: Yes
Cost: $150
Parking: Free Street Parking
If you’d like to work together for your engagement session, I’d love to hear from you! You can email me at ashley@artistrieco.com or complete my contact form here.
