Chicago engagement photography

Chicago engagement photos that feel like you

A relaxed hour at the lake, the river or your own spot, with 30 to 60 hand-edited photos. $450, or free with a wedding package.

Book your session See pricing

What you get

An hour that is just yours

One relaxed hourTime to walk, talk and forget the camera, with one or two locations close together.

30 to 60 edited photosEvery image edited by hand and delivered in a private online gallery in high resolution.

Save the dates, sortedA full print release, so the photos go straight onto cards, invitations and your wedding website.

A practice run for the weddingYou meet the person photographing your wedding and learn how we work before the big day.

Our work

Couples, as they are

See the full portfolio →Read what couples say →

Where we shoot

Chicago spots we love

We plan your session around the season, the light and the look you want, then meet you there.

Golden hour in Chicago on November 7: 3:56 PMSunset at 4:37 PM. Sessions start about an hour before sunset.

Check any date →

SkylineNorth Avenue BeachThe classic skyline-over-the-lake shot. The towers glow in the hour before sunset.Golden hour here on your date →

GreeneryLincoln ParkThe Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the conservatory and tree-lined paths, a short walk apart.Golden hour here on your date →

City lightsThe RiverwalkBridges, river light and the Wrigley Building for a polished, city-at-dusk look.Golden hour here on your date →

EditorialFulton MarketBrick warehouses, loading docks and string lights for an editorial, street-style session.Golden hour here on your date →

Open skyMontrose HarborOpen sky, the harbor and a wide skyline view, with fewer crowds than downtown.Golden hour here on your date →

PersonalYour own spotWhere you met, your first apartment, your favorite bar. Places that mean something make the best photos.Tell us your spot →

When to go

Chicago, season by season

Sunset times are for the 15th of the month in 2026. Book about two months before you want to send save the dates.

SpringBloomsSunset around 8:04 PMMagnolias and tulips along the lakefront and in Lincoln Park. Light jackets, soft light, and the city waking back up.

SummerLong eveningsSunset around 8:23 PMLate sunsets, the beach and the lake at its bluest. Book an evening slot so the heat and the crowds have eased off.

FallMost bookedSunset around 6:08 PMThe most popular season for a reason: warm color in every park, crisp air and earlier sunsets that are easy to plan around.

WinterCozy and quietSunset around 4:44 PMSnow on the skyline, holiday lights and cozy indoor spots. Short sessions, warm coats, and golden hour comes early.

Pricing

Simple, up front

On its own$450A complete one hour engagement session with an edited gallery of 30 to 60 photos, booked on its own.Book your session

With your weddingFreeA complete one hour engagement session with an edited gallery of 30 to 60 photos, perfect for your save the dates, included with your wedding collection.See wedding packages

How it works

Easy from start to gallery

Book your sessionSend your dates and the look you want. A session on its own is booked with a small deposit.
Plan it togetherWe pick the spot and the time around golden hour and send a short guide on what to wear.
The sessionOne relaxed hour. A few prompts, lots of walking and talking, no stiff posing.
Your gallery30 to 60 hand-edited photos in a private gallery, ready for save the dates.

Before your session

A little prep goes far

Outfits. Bring one dressier look and one that feels like a normal Saturday. Pick colors that sit well together, skip big logos, and wear shoes you can walk a few blocks in. The what to wear guide has examples.

Timing. Plan to start about an hour before sunset, and leave the evening free so nobody is watching the clock. Use the golden hour calculator to see the time for your date.

Feeling awkward? Almost everyone does for the first ten minutes. We give simple prompts, keep you moving, and the real moments show up once you stop thinking about the camera.

Planning the wedding too? Your engagement session is the best way to meet your team. See Chicago wedding photography or photo and video together.

Questions

Good to know

How much is an engagement session?

A one-hour session is $450 on its own. It is complimentary with qualifying wedding packages, so most couples who book their wedding with us get it free.

What is included?

A complete one hour engagement session with an edited gallery of 30 to 60 photos, booked on its own.

Where should we take engagement photos in Chicago?

North Avenue Beach and Montrose Harbor for the skyline, Lincoln Park for greenery, the Riverwalk for city light, Fulton Market for an editorial look, or anywhere that is yours. We help you pick based on the season and the look you want.

What time of day is best?

The hour before sunset. The light is soft and warm and the skyline starts to glow. Our sunset and golden hour calculator shows the exact time for your date and spot.

When is the best season for engagement photos in Chicago?

Fall is the most popular, for the color and the comfortable weather. Spring has blooms, summer has late sunsets at the lake, and winter has snow and holiday lights. Book about two months before you want to send save the dates.

Do we need a permit?

Most public spots in Chicago do not need one for a small session. Some parks, gardens and private buildings charge a fee or need a booking ahead. We check the rules for your spot when we plan.

What should we wear?

Two outfits at most, colors that go together without matching, and shoes you can walk in. Our what to wear guide has examples.

What if the weather is bad?

We watch the forecast together in the days before and move to a backup date or an indoor spot if it turns. Light clouds are fine, and often flattering.

Can we use the photos for save the dates?

Yes. You get a full print release, so print save the dates, invitations and frames anywhere you like.

How soon do we get the photos?

Engagement galleries come back well ahead of your wedding, in time for save the dates. Tell us your print deadline and we plan around it.

Ready for your session?

Send your dates and we reply within a day, or call (312) 884-9453.

Book your session