My Fave Places to Take Wedding Party Photos in Chicago

Here’s your sign: your wedding party photos don’t have to be at your venue. As a Chicago wedding photographer, trust me when I say that I’m always down to add some variety to your gallery by taking a quick trip to another location for bridal party pics. So if you’re looking for the best Chicago wedding party photo locations, I’ve got you covered with ones that are a little nontraditional and never boring. 

Why Taking Wedding Party Photos at a Different Location is the Move

If this is a new concept to you, I get it. It’s different. It’s not traditional. And that’s why I love it so much. 

Here are the most common reasons that I see couples take their wedding party photos somewhere other than their venue: 

•  To add variety

Maybe your venue doesn’t have as many editorial locations as you want, or maybe you just want your couple and family portraits in a different setting than you do your bridal party portraits. Whatever the reason, you can never go wrong with adding variety to your gallery, trust me. 

Chicago is full of so much texture, so many colors, so many spaces that rock for unique, interesting photos. And if you’re anything like me, that’s what you crave. You never, ever have to limit yourself to just one spot, and that sounds like something you love… Yeah, we’re gonna get along just fine. 

• For a fun bestie trip 

Sometimes, taking a step away from the wedding day chaos can be the best choice you make. And when it’s with your favorite people in the world? It always makes for a fun time. I mean, everyone singing along to Dreams by Fleetwood Mac in a rental bus on the way there might just end up being one of your favorite memories of the whole day. 

• Because who wants boring? 

If you’re anything like me, boring isn’t in your vocabulary. You want things different. You want to be unique. And as your Chicago wedding photographer, I love that for you. 

If I had to guess, you’re probably someone who already knows that you don’t have to follow rules on your wedding day. It can quite literally be whatever you want it to be, and that includes going to take pictures wherever you want! 

Where to Take Your Wedding Party Photos in Chicago (Hint: None of Them are Boring)

Union Station 

The staircases alone make Union Station a winner. The creams and golds always have me unwell, and the architecture gives such a luxury feel that’s easy to add to any wedding gallery. 

Union Station is within walking distance of a few of my favorite wedding venues (including City Hall Events), and a quick subway ride from several other downtown Chicago wedding venues, so it doesn’t take too much time out of your wedding day to go get wedding party photos here. 

University of Chicago Campus

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with the campus of the University of Chicago. It’s genuinely so gorgeous, and it has so many little nooks and crannies that are full of editorial goodness. And don’t even get me started on the colors in the fall; they’re to die for.

It’s forever one of my favorite spots for any type of photos (engagement, couple portraits, families, you name it), but it has so many wide-open spaces that make it especially great for wedding party photos. There’s so much texture, so much room for movement, and the lighting is always good AF here. 

Even though it’s a little bit below the main downtown Chicago area, the campus is conveniently located near some parks and some chapels nearby, if that’s your wedding venue style. 

La Salle Bridge 

If you love all things iconic, this one’s for you. We all know and love the La Salle Bridge over the Chicago River, and trust me when I say that this space makes for some really incredible wedding party photos. Waterfront views and city backdrops? Love. 

The La Salle Bridge is also super close to one of my absolute favorite wedding venues, The Ivy Room (which you can see a full guide for here). So, if you’re planning your wedding there, it’s a super-easy 15 minute walk over, and it’s a win-win location-wise.

Wrigley Building 

Okay, the lines of The Wrigley Building? Truly insane for photos. If clean lines and editorial energy feel so you, you’ll love this one. 

Again, it’s right downtown, so it’s convenient to so many venues and to the subway. Pops of color look incredible in front of the city building views, so if you have a bold wedding party, this space is a must. 

Garfield Park Conservatory 

Garfield Park Conservatory is full of amazing textures and lush colors, so when I say it adds dimension to your gallery… I mean it. 

It’s another spot that fits bold colors so well, but since it’s so colorful on its own, it’s also great for a more neutral wedding party. 

Also note that this one is a little further from downtown, but it’s perfect for couples getting married at The Fairlie or The Atria. 

The Art Institute of Chicago

Any photos taken at The Art Institute are some of my favorites, full stop. And know that the South Garden is a can’t-miss area here. It’s so stunning that I literally cannot cope with it. The bridges and fountains make this an editorial dream for me, so if you’re getting married nearby (like at The University Club of Chicago), wedding party photos here are a must. 

Our photo ops at The Art Institute are unlimited, so I’ll always recommend building a little extra timeline room if you’re taking photos here. There are just too many gorgeous spots that we can nottt miss. 

Milton Lee Olive Park

Milton Lee Olive Park is a secluded little park that feels secluded, but lets you still see the city skyline. Think Central Park, but in Chicago. It’s perfect if you want to be outdoors and in nature for your wedding party photos, but don’t want to feel too far from the city either. It gives you waterfront views, city views, and lawns all at once, so if you want variety, it’s got it. 

The park is also super convenient and nearby tons of luxury Chicago wedding venues, like The Ivy Room (again, one of my faves!), The Ritz Carlton, and The Murphy. 

Salvage One 

Salvage One is one of my most beloved Chicago wedding venues (seriously, it’s made it into like three blog posts). It’s like a vintage store turned venue, so if you’re anything like me (read: spends more time at the thrift than at home and loves all things eccentric)… You’ll love this one. 

Even if you don’t choose Salvage One as your wedding venue, the exposed wood and dim lighting still make for some super unique wedding party photos that hit every time. It’s perfect for mismatched bridal parties and a little bit of fun, vintage texture. 

More Ideas for Your Bridal Party Photos

If you love the vibes of taking separate wedding party photos but just can’t find time in your day for going to a different location, here are some more ideas to elevate bridal party photos a bit: 

• Fun posing: think candids, visual layering, and tons of movement
• Props: vintage pieces and unique textures can bring your wedding party photos from basic to trending on Pinterest in no time
• Take a quick walk, because even if it’s not going to a totally different space, getting outside for some city street photos can add variety easily 

Wren and Rose Photography | Chicago Wedding Photographer

If you can’t tell already, I’m a Chicago wedding photographer who specializes in pictures that are rad and never boring. And that goes for everything from wedding party photos to couples portraits. If that kind of eclectic, editorial vibe scratches something in your brain, you can inquire about booking me right here.