Creative Chicago Wedding Photos (That Aren’t Just “Stand in Front of the Skyline”)

Hearing “creative Chicago wedding photos” has the same effect on me as saying “wanna go for a walk?!” as it does for my dog. My ears perk up, I get excited, I kinda wanna start running around in circles… You know the vibes. 

Seriously, though, as a Chicago wedding photographer who loves all things quirky and creative and a little bit nontraditional… Unique wedding photos are my whole jam. So, if you’re the type of couple who wants wedding pictures that aren’t just standing there smiling in front of the camera with Chicago’s gorg skyline behind you, I’ve got you covered with some Chicago wedding photo ideas you’ll love. 

Ideas for Chicago Wedding Photos for The Ultra-Unique Couple

If you’re spending your days on Pinterest gathering wedding photo inspiration for your wedding day… Let me stop you right there. One, you’re probably seeing the same generic poses over and over. Two, the best wedding photos aren’t planned. They’re the ones that are captured in the real moments. So no matter how long you spend trying to create a wedding photo checklist, know that the best pictures will come naturally.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are a few things we can do to get some more of those moments flowing (think timeline, movement, finding some really cool texture throughout the city), and that’s where I step in. 

Without further ado, here are some ideas to get Chicago wedding photos that actually feel like you. 

Getting-Ready Candids With Friends

Okay, getting-ready photos? They’re seriously underrated. 

Getting ready with your people is one of the most fun, exciting times of the whole day. Mimosas are flowing, your favorite Fleetwood Mac songs are playing, you’re probably belly laughing for, like, three hours straight… It’s the perfect time to get candids that are all about your friendships, and that’s something so special!! 

The Quiet, In-Between Stuff 

Sure, first looks make for some really sweet, really emotional photos, but so do you two holding hands at your sweetheart table in front of everyone you love. And so does your mom wiping a tear that you didn’t even see away after she helps you zip up your dress. And so does your childhood best friend giving you a huge hug after not seeing you for 10 years. Those are the moments I’m all about capturing as a Chicago wedding photographer. 

Stylized Detail Photos

Listen, I love a good flat lay as much as the next wedding photographer, but adding some extra visual interest to your detail photos? That’s my jam. Think of shoes hanging on a chandelier, a half-eaten cupcake lying on a table at the reception, or even your rings around the chopsticks you used for the sushi you had for dinner. That’s what makes your details feel like yours, and that’s what I’m all about. 

Unique Angles

Trusting your Chicago wedding photographer is always the move. 

I love some variety, which means we’ll be getting aerial shots, shots with some movement and dancing, and even some where I’m basically bending over backwards and you’re standing there thinking, “Ummm… WTF is she doing??” 

Grungy Chicago Spaces

If your venue allows it, I’m always gonna be down for hitting the street to find a few places that are essentially just editorial playgrounds. Maybe it’s an alleyway that has some really cool shadows, or a hotel lobby with a gold elevator, or even a mural in Chinatown that has your exact wedding colors. Whatever it is, I’m a big fan of it. Because these are the moments that take your gallery from a traditional wedding gallery to “Woah… This is cool AF.” 

Bar Hop Portraits

In that same vein, hitting a bar in your wedding outfits is a crowd pleaser every time. It could be a super classy bar like Cindy’s Rooftop or a dive bar like Ghost Donkey, and it’ll make for wedding photos that are so unique and nontraditional that I literally just can’t take it. Plus, we have a damn good time taking them! 

Reception Dance Floor Chaos

One thing I love in life? A packed dance floor. 

Checkered dance floors, disco balls and colorful uplighting are basically my whole inspo as a Chicago wedding photographer, so if your dance floor has any of that, you’ll find me snapping thousands of pictures, trust. The blur of you dancing with your best friends will get me every time, and the way the disco ball reflects on your sparkly wedding reception dress is actually a can’t-miss photo op. 

Nighttime Direct Flash Photos

While we’re on the topic of reception photos, direct flash wedding photos have my heart. The editorial vibes are immaculate, and the way it lets me play with sparkle, shadows, and shine?? Yeah. I’m in love. 

How to Get Chicago Wedding Photos That Actually Feel Like You

My best tip to get Chicago wedding photos that are so you is to be fully you. Having a good, laid-back timeline, building moments of pause into your day, and doing things to keep you fully away from the stress are what really make photos good. Because having a good time = photos where you look like you’re having a good time. 

Here are some tips I keep up my sleeve as a Chicago wedding photographer who’s all about real, authentic moments: 

• Get comfortable in front of the camera with an engagement photoshoot (which you can find my guide on here)
• Plan a timeline that gives you space to breathe (here are my top wedding day tips for that)
• Book a Chicago wedding photographer who FULLY gets you and your vibe. I promise it’ll make a world of difference!! Check out this guide on how to pick the wedding photographer that feels more like a soulmate than a vendor. 

Wren and Rose | Chicago Wedding Photographer for the Funky Couples

If you’re the type of couple who wants nontraditional, funky, full-of-personality Chicago wedding photos, you’re in the right place. Learn all about my approach here, and if you loveee what you see, you can inquire about booking me right here!