You’re engaged! Yay! This blissful time in the wedding process, when everything is just getting started, is so exciting. By now, you’ve probably gotten started on planning and booked a photographer (hopefully me!) But you might be at a loss as to where you can shoot your engagement session. What is even available given the current climate?
With all of the closures happening in Chicago it can be confusing as to what is accessible to the public and what isn’t.
We may be in the heart of the pandemic, but tons of engagement hot spots are definitely still available. This is a great time to capture some unique (socially distant) images that encapsulate the time we’re in. Plus, with a lot of people continuing to stay home, there’s a good chance that you won’t have a ton of people crowding the background of your beautiful photos. I made a point to hop around to a few of the most popular and (my personal) favorite locations in Chicago to make sure they’re available*. Here’s some insider insight into some of Chicago’s best covid-friendly engagement spots.
*This list is current as of 8.05.2020.
This spot really captures the vibe of the all the hustle and bustle that is Chicago. It’s simple, yet exciting, and will add a lot of movement to your photos, making it the perfect engagement session location. I will likely convince you to J-walk, so be prepared. 😉
This area provides amazing views of downtown Chicago with a taste of nature. There is so much variety at this location with the pavilion, the bridge, tall grass, and boardwalk, it’s almost as if you get five locations in one. I could spend hours photographing here, producing a different outcome each time. Not to mention, it’s free!
When COVID restrictions eased, you might have noticed everyone flocking to the lakeshore bike path. If you want beach photos for your engagement session, I suggest trying to beat the crowd. Sucking it up for a sunrise shoot can be daunting, but I promise the photos are always worth it. The clean background and horizontal skyline couldn’t be more fitting for a “save the date”.
THIS LOCATION. WOW. I could literally spend forever here and still find cool areas to photograph. The morning light here is prime, so if you’re thinking about a sunrise engagement session, do. It. They are currently open with modified operations. Timed-entry passes and tickets are required for all guests and will help ensure paced arrivals and moderated attendance numbers.
A positive of the quarantine is the significant traffic decrease in Chicago. This, of course, applies to both cars and people, and works in our favor. The time is now if you want downtown photos! The less people the better. The Wrigley Building is the perfect spot for a classic and recognizable background. Plus, it’s a great backdrop to show off your Chicago pride!
The Riverwalk has always been one of my top recommendations for couples. There’s something about the serene water mixed with the industrial buildings that create the perfect backdrop for any portrait. The iconic Chicago location is easily identifiable, and sure to awe your friends and family. And, just like Wrigley, now would be a great time to get those beautiful downtown photos taken.
This park is the best of both worlds. It’s an amazing outdoor getaway full of greenery, despite its location in the heart of the city. I highly recommend shooting in one of the flower filled gardens. They provide a tremendously romantic backdrop for your engagement photos. The indoor areas do require a mask, but there are plenty of outdoor spots that we can utilize mask-free. Click here for an amazing example of a covid-friendly wedding in Cantigny Park.
A few of my sessions are simply just walking the streets of Chicago. It’s always a simple, yet elegant shoot, and makes for a perfect quarantine-friendly location.
I can make even the most arbitrary tasks look photo-worthy and beautiful. It’s a gift. Waiting for the walk sign to turn green? I gotchu. Waiting for the Red line train? Yup.. Got it.
All of the locations listed above are open to the public with minimal or no limitations. One of my favorite views of downtown Chicago, the Adler Planetarium, is still open with restrictions. The road leading into the planetarium is closed, but patrons can walk the sidewalks and enter the grounds. If you want to talk about logistics for this location, hit me up and we’ll chat about what is do-able.
COVID-19 has left us with plenty of restrictions on our normal, everyday life, but that certainly doesn’t mean that everything has to be on pause. It just means that we need to be a little more creative with our choices for the time being.
Which location listed above best matches your personal engagement style? Let me know in the comments below!
Copyright 2020 Gavyn taylor Photo LLc
A city living fur momma who has turned a love for photography into a dream career. Now I am providing my couples with beautiful memories that they will cherish for a lifetime!
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