Logan Square + Wicker Park Engagement Photo Guide for Funky, Artsy Couples

I’m a Chicago engagement photographer who’s pretty easy to please… All you have to do is say “creative engagement photos,” and I’m basically jumping for joy!! And some of my all-time favorite Chicago spots to get those funky, grungy engagement photos of my dreams?? Logan Square and Wicker Park. They’re basically all my favorite things (thrift shops, record stores, exposed brick, neon signs, etc.) stuffed into one place. So my photographer brain?? Yeah. It goes wild. 

If that sounds anything like you… You’re gonna LOVE this blog post. Keep reading to see my ultimate guide on getting super-creative, super-artsy Chicago engagement photos in Logan Square and Wicker Park, as a Chicago engagement photographer who just gets the vibe. 

Logan Square + Wicker Park: Why They Make the Perfect Engagement Photo Locations for Unique Couples

One thing that you can count on me for? I’m not ever gonna be the girl who goes for something traditional. My whole style is basically disco aesthetic meets neon lights meets your favorite Fleetwood Mac song, and if that sounds anything like you… I actually cannot wait to meet you, babes!! 

That being said, my Chicago engagement photo style is all about everything unique, creative, and a little quirky. And Logan Square and Wicker Park? They make me feel like a kid on Christmas. There are grungy alleyways and lit-up signs and brownstones and editorial spaces everywhere you look, and that’s my whole idea of a good time. 

Engagement sessions are incredible here because there are so many little spaces to pop into that fit your personality AND look good AF on camera. Let’s get into planning a session in these neighborhoods!! 

The Type of Couple That a Logan Square and Wicker Park Engagement Photoshoot Works Really Well for

My couples who choose Logan Square and Wicker Park engagement photos are always super cool. Think of the kind of people who: 

• Listen to vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes just because you like the vibes.
• Spend their weekends going to their favorite coffee shop, then hitting the thrift.
• Use fashion as a form of self-expression (picture 70s boho or bold, maximalist style).
• Want engagement photos that feel like them, not cookie-cutter images you could find after scrolling on Pinterest for two seconds.

Sound like you? I’m actually obsessed with you already. Just let me know when you want to meet at Logan Square, k? 

How to Plan Your Logan Square or Wicker Park Engagement Photos

Aside from just being essentially what lives inside of my brain materialized… Logan Square and Wicker Park engagement photoshoots are actually easy to plan. There’s not much fuss or stress to get the perfect Chicago engagement pics here, and I love that! 

Engagement Photoshoot Ideas in Logan Square + Wicker Park

Okay, my favorite way to approach a Logan Square/Wicker Park engagement photoshoot is to make it a neighborhood walk-style session. I know the best route to take, where we start by walking around Logan Square (getting those classic city street + balcony photos), then popping into a few shops before we head to Wicker Park. 

It’s cozy, it’s casual, and the photos? They always turn out so damn good. Bonus points if we get some of you two at home. 

Do You Need a Permit for Logan Square and Wicker Park Engagement Photos? 

You can let out a big exhale because you don’t have to deal with permitting for engagement photos in Logan Square or Wicker Park. That’s kind of the dream TBH, since they can be so tricky to get.

The Best Time to Take Engagement Photos Here to Beat the Crowds

Unfortunately, I’m not the only person in the world who thinks that Logan Square and Wicker Park are cool, so there’s a really, really good chance there will be people around. Luckily, as a Chicago engagement photographer who shoots here often, I know how to work around a crowd! So it’s no big deal. 

I always suggest that we come on a weekday, as early in the morning as we can. Most shops (and grub) open around 10:00 or 11:00 am, so if you want to pop into those, I recommend that we start walking through the neighborhood a little before then. 

As far as the best time of year for engagement photos in Logan Square and Wicker Park, reference my seasonal guide to Chicago engagement photos. I have to say… I’m a sucker for how these spots look in the fall. There’s something about the brick + fall-colored leaves that gets me every time!! 

The Best Locations in Logan Square and Wicker Park for Engagement Photos

Murals and thrift shops and cafes and dive bars and rooftops… Oh my!! 

I’m always all for the idea of popping into a cute ‘il bar or coffee shop during a neighborhood shoot like this, and Logan Square and Wicker Park are full of cute places to head into. Here are a few of my faves, broken down by category: 

Bars

• Meadowlark – for dim, moody lighting that feels like a serious scene in a romance movie
• Black Hole Bar – if you’re into more of the dive bar vibe (and you want some cute AF pool table engagement photos, which, duh) 
• Revolver – the most aesthetically pleasing little spot with INCREDIBLE drinks 

Coffee Shops

• Ipsento Coffee – it has a brick wall and a blue color palette that I couldn’t be more obsessed with
• Colectivo Coffee – bright colors and something like tropical boho vibes make this one a super unique spot
• The Avondale Coffee Club – for a more cozy, comfy feel

Thrift Shops

• El Dorado – not only will you score some great finds, but it’s also just damn adorable in here for pics
• Vintage Underground – which I’m 100% obsessed with the vibes of

Record Stores

• Record Breakers – one of my faves, and perfect for casual engagement photos
• Artifact Records – for super cozy, aesthetic vibes

Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas That Fit the Vibe

I have a whole guide on what to wear for engagement photos just like this, but if you need some inspo, here are a few that I love: 

• Anything 70s-inspired. Boots + skirts, retro patterns, you name it. 
• Bold, bright colors. The way they look against the brick?? SO good. 
• Textured outfits. Think feathers, leather, denim, or even sequins!! 
• Comfortable (but cute, of course) shoes. We’ll definitely be moving around, so make sure your feet aren’t gonna hurt. That does not make for good engagement photos. 

Wren and Rose | Chicago Engagement Photographer

Let’s plan the Logan Square engagement session that feels like you, whether it’s grungy and moody, bright and colorful, or super casual and cozy!! You can reach out right here, and we’ll chat about your vision ASAP.