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Garfield Park Conservatory wedding photographer & videographer
Photography and film for Garfield Park Conservatory weddings, planned around the light at Garfield Park Conservatory and the walking between spots. Photography from $1,000, videography from $650, both from $1,100. Travel inside the Chicago metro is included.
An honest planning note
Garfield Park Conservatory is at 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, about 5 miles west of the Loop in a straight line. Its public listing calls it a botanical garden and park on the West Side: plant rooms under glass, with outdoor gardens and the park around the building.
The conservatory runs its own wedding and photography rules, so start with the conservatory itself for what is allowed on your date. Below is how we would plan the photos: the light, the spots, a sample day and what it costs.
Planning the photos
When the light is at its best
Computed for the venue's own location, on the Saturday nearest the 15th of each month. Central time. Shaded rows are the main wedding season.
| Saturday | Golden hour starts | Sunset | Golden light | Ceremony to catch it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 17 | 4:04 PM | 4:47 PM | 43 min | 2:45 PM |
| Feb 14 | 4:43 PM | 5:22 PM | 39 min | 3:30 PM |
| Mar 14 | 6:19 PM | 6:56 PM | 37 min | 5:00 PM |
| Apr 18 | 6:57 PM | 7:35 PM | 38 min | 5:45 PM |
| May 16 | 7:25 PM | 8:05 PM | 40 min | 6:15 PM |
| Jun 13 | 7:44 PM | 8:27 PM | 42 min | 6:30 PM |
| Jul 18 | 7:41 PM | 8:22 PM | 41 min | 6:30 PM |
| Aug 15 | 7:12 PM | 7:50 PM | 38 min | 6:00 PM |
| Sep 12 | 6:28 PM | 7:05 PM | 37 min | 5:15 PM |
| Oct 17 | 5:28 PM | 6:06 PM | 38 min | 4:15 PM |
| Nov 14 | 3:49 PM | 4:30 PM | 41 min | 2:30 PM |
| Dec 12 | 3:35 PM | 4:19 PM | 45 min | 2:15 PM |
The last column is when a 30 minute ceremony should start so family photos finish just before golden hour, the same math as our wedding sunset calculator.
A June Saturday in the conservatory
A starting point, not a rule. Our timeline builder makes one for your real date.
- 3:30 PM Getting ready photos and details
- 5:00 PM First look and wedding party photos in the shade
- 6:00 PM Guests arrive, we cover the ceremony space
- 6:30 PM Ceremony (30 minutes)
- 7:00 PM Family photos close to the ceremony spot
- 7:44 PM Golden hour portraits, two or three spots
- 8:27 PM Sunset, then into the reception
- Getting ready nearby? From the Loop it is roughly 5 miles, and slower on Saturday afternoons. Leave real buffer before the first look.
- Every move between spots costs time on foot. Two or three portrait spots close together beat a tour of the conservatory.
Priced up front, the same everywhere
The same packages as our pricing page. A small deposit holds your date and goes toward your total. The rest is split into monthly payments that run automatically, and everything is paid a month before the wedding.
Photo & Video
- Intimate, 2 hours$1,100
- Classic, 4 hours$1,800
- Luxe, 6 hours$2,200
- Premier, 8 hours$2,900
Photography
- Portrait, 4 hours$1,000
- Timeless, 6 hours$1,250
- Keepsake, 8 hours$1,450
Videography
- Moment, 2 hours$650
- Story, 4 hours$1,050
- Encore, 6 hours$1,400
- Cinematic, 8 hours$1,700
Travel inside the Chicago metro is included. Add a second shooter, drone and more in the package builder. Delivery: gallery in 6 weeks, film in 10 weeks.
Weddings, as they felt
From our portfolio. Ask us for galleries from weddings like yours.
More for your Chicago wedding
Good to know
Do you photograph and film weddings at Garfield Park Conservatory?
Yes. Garfield Park Conservatory is in Chicago, on the West Side of the city, inside the Chicago metro, so travel is included. Photography, videography or both together are priced up front on this page.
Have you shot at Garfield Park Conservatory before?
Ask us when you check your date. If we have not worked there before, we scout it ahead of your day so we know the light, the walking times and the backup spots.
Do we need a permit for photos at Garfield Park Conservatory?
The conservatory sets its own rules for wedding and portrait photography, and they can change by season. Check with Garfield Park Conservatory directly before you plan around a spot. We work inside whatever they allow.
What time is golden hour at Garfield Park Conservatory?
On the Saturday nearest June 15 golden hour starts at 7:44 PM and the sun sets at 8:27 PM. On the Saturday nearest October 15 it starts at 5:28 PM with sunset at 6:06 PM. The table above has every month.
How many hours of coverage do we need?
Six hours covers getting ready through the start of the reception for most weddings here. Eight hours covers the whole day through the dance floor. Walking between spots adds time, so lean longer rather than shorter.
How do we book, and do we need a deposit?
Send your date and venue through Check your date. We reply within a day with availability and the package that fits. A small deposit holds your date and goes toward your total. The rest is split into monthly payments that run automatically, and everything is paid a month before the wedding.
Is your Garfield Park Conservatory date still open?
Tell us your date. We reply within a day, or call (312) 884-9453.