Over the years as a Chicago Wedding Photographer, I have been able to learn the ins and outs of the city and find some of the best indoor Chicago photography locations. Choosing the perfect indoor photo location can be tough, but incredibly important.
Your backdrop can make or break your photos, which is why finding some hidden (and not so hidden gem) indoor photo locations is a must! While this can apply to getting your wedding portraits taken, all of these locations also serve as the perfect Chicago engagement photo spots!
Whether you’re looking for a weather-safe option during the summer or a warm winter getaway these indoor locations in the Chicago area will be the perfect backdrop for your photos.
Garfield Park Conservatory
A fan favorite for any indoor Chicago photography location here in Chicago would have to be any sort of botanical garden. In this case, however, the Garfield Park Conservatory serves as one of the largest botanical gardens in the country!
The Garfield Park Conservatory is an 184-acre park that is home to thousands of plant species and flora. You can step away into your private oasis, away from all of the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s because of this, that it makes it one of the more peaceful indoor Chicago wedding photography locations.
Photography Permits and Regulations
While the Garfield Park Conservatory does serve as one of Chicago’s finest indoor Chicago photography locations, that does come at a price. There are a lot of photographers and couples wanting to photograph at the Garfield Park Conservatory. It’s because of this that you need to purchase a permit for you to do any photography/videography at the Garfield Park Conservatory. As of 2024, you will need to pay a permit fee of $80/hr per location. You will also need to reserve a date/time at the Garfield Park Conservatory as well to ensure entry!
Click here to reserve a date/time at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Amanda + Ryan’s Garfield Park Conservatory Wedding
I’ve had the honor of capturing many beautiful engagement sessions, proposals, and weddings at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Feel free to glance at Amanda and Ryan’s gorgeous intimate wedding inside this botanical garden.
Bookstore | Pilsen Community Books
Another great option for you looking for an indoor Chicago photoshoot location is your favorite bookstore! Maybe I’m just a book nerd over here, but I absolutely love the idea of getting lost between the shelves of thousands of books. No? Just me? If you’re an avid book reader then I highly recommend checking out some local or your favorite bookstores to see if that would be a good option for your photoshoot. I highly recommend checking out Pilsen Community Books which offers plenty of book options and the interior is just beautiful!
Photography Permits and Regulations
Since every business will be different, I recommend reaching out directly to see if you are permitted to photograph inside their business! It’s always best to do this rather than winging it, in the off chance that you may end up getting kicked out.
Bowling Alley | Timber Lanes, Avondale Bowl, or Southport Lanes
One of my favorite moments during shoots is when my couple chooses an activity, in this case, bowling! A bowling alley is a great way to enjoy an activity and a different approach to your indoor Chicago photoshoot. On his wedding day, Jay spent the morning with his groomsmen bowling and gearing up for the exciting day ahead which I thought was a great idea. Not every photo/shoot idea has to be prim and poised. In fact, I prefer the exact opposite! I want your photo shoot to be as raw, real, genuine, and organic as it gets! That’s where the real magic is. Some of my favorite bowling alleys to check out are Timber Lanes and Avondale Bowl. All would serve as great indoor Chicago photography locations.
Photography Permits and Regulations
As with many Chicago businesses, the best approach is to call ahead and ensure that you are permitted to photograph inside the business. Many businesses will suggest coming right at opening or closing, to avoid a heavy crowd of people. Either way, being in good graces with the businesses will ensure that you can have as much time as needed for your shoot without getting kicked out!
Arcade | Emporium Arcade Bar
An arcade is one of the coolest indoor Chicago photoshoot locations that you can go to. It’s a great way to lighten the mood, have fun, and play some of your favorite games! For their wedding day, Sarah and Eric made a pit stop at the Emporium Arcade Bar. They played skeeball and had a few drinks before making their way back to their guests. It’s a perfect location if you’re looking for games, good drinks and even to listen to some live music!
Photography Permits and Regulations
The Emporium Arcade Bar does not require a permit to photograph here. However, like any Chicago business, please be mindful and call ahead to ensure that you are permitted to photograph here.
Coffee Shops
This is more of a generalized statement, but coffee shops are some of the easiest (and coziest) indoor photo locations here in Chicago. Thankfully, since we are in such a big city, we have a plethora of coffee shops to choose from. It’s a much more casual environment and allows you and your partner to enjoy a good ol’ cup of joe while getting your photo taken. It’s a win-win in my book! Some of my favorite local Chicago coffee shops are The Allis, 3 Arts Club Cafe, and Caffe Streets.
Photography Permits and Regulations
Most coffee shops do not require a permit to photograph there. However, like any Chicago business, please be mindful and call ahead to ensure that you are permitted to photograph here.
Bar, Restaurant or Food Shop
Another great idea is to head to your favorite bar, restaurant, or food shop if you’re looking for an indoor Chicago photoshoot location. Bonus points if this specific bar or restaurant is meaningful to your relationship such as a first date spot, engagement spot, etc. I’m a huge proponent of being intentional when it comes to your photos, so heading to a spot that helps tell your story will make your photos that much more special.
Photography Permits and Regulations
Most restaurants, bars, or food shops do not require a permit to photograph there. However, like any Chicago business, please be mindful and call ahead to ensure that you are permitted to photograph here.
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city’s most infamous landmarks. Opened back in 1897, the Chicago Cultural Center offers breathtaking interior design and architecture that are perfect for your indoor Chicago photoshoot. Inside you will find two stained-glass domes, free music, dance, and theater events, lectures, art exhibitions, and more. The landmark serves as a universal venue for any and everyone to explore the beauty that is the Chicago Cultural Center. It’s definitely one of my favorite indoor Chicago photography locations due to its grand stature and stunning decor that photographs just beautifully.
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at the Chicago Cultural Center for your indoor photoshoot, you do not need to purchase a permit. However, there are some rules that you must follow to shoot here at the Chicago Cultural Center.
- Refrain from wearing clothing that sheds glitter, beads, feathers, etc.
- Ensure that stairways, hallways, and walkways are accessible and usable to the public
- No areas of the building (including restrooms) may be used for changing clothes or doing hair/makeup
- Security staff have the discretion to end any photography session if it’s deemed disruptive
Read more about the photography rules and regulations at the Chicago Culture Center!
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is another one of Chicago’s infamous landmarks that you have to check out. It’s one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, making it a destination spot for many while here in the city. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the best indoor Chicago photography locations, especially if you love art. One of the reasons why I love the Art Institute of Chicago so much for this reason is that you can get really cinematic and beautiful images here. Wandering through the halls of some of the greatest and most breathtaking pieces of art you will ever see. If you’re an art lover and want to break away from traditional photos, then the Art Institute may be up your alley.
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at the Art Institute of Chicago, you will need to fill out the Filming and Photoshoot Proposal Form (linked below). This goes for both engagement photos and wedding photos. Most times, I have never had an issue shooting inside this location. I highly recommend becoming a member so that you get early access to our shoot before the crowds show up later in the day!
Some guidelines to follow if you want to shoot inside the Art Institute of Chicago:
- Carts and all filming/photography equipment must be kept at a safe distance from all works of art
- No food or drink may be brought into any gallery spaces
- Hair and makeup may only be applied in the restrooms or administrative offices
- Refusal to follow these rules allows for immediate removal from the premises
Fill out the Filming and Photoshoot Proposal Form here!
Read more about the photography rules and regulations at the Art Institute of Chicago!
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Inside of Lincoln Park is the Lincoln Park Conservatory. A beautiful conservatory and botanical garden that is a perfect indoor Chicago photoshoot location. Inside of the Lincoln Park Conservatory, is the home of exotic plants and showstopping flowers. Much like the Garfield Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is a tropical oasis in the heart of the city. Making for a much more peaceful photoshoot location for either your wedding or engagement photos.
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, you need to purchase a permit. As of 2024, you need to pay a $35 application fee along with a permit fee of $45/hr per location. You will also need to reserve a date/time at the Lincoln Park Conservatory as well to ensure entry!
Read more about permit pricing and rules at the Lincoln Park Conservatory here!
The Old Post Office
Talking about historical landmarks, we can’t not mention The Old Post Office. To any of you outside of Chicago, this may seem like your run-of-the-mill old post office building. To us Chicago natives, we know the beauty that is held within the four walls of The Old Post Office. An old post office headquarters first established back in 1921 has now been repurposed as an office and event space.
With seven different event spaces, this Chicago landmark is one of the best and most diverse event spaces you can have. If you’ve ever seen photos at The Old Post Office, you are most likely going to look at The Historic Lobby. A 12,742 square foot space that has floor-to-ceiling white marble walls, original brass detailing, and a 1920s art deco design. Making it an incredibly unique backdrop for your Chicago photo shoot and one of my favorite indoor Chicago photography locations.
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at The Old Post Office, you need to purchase a photography permit. As of 2024, the current fee for a photography permit is $150. To purchase the photography permit please contact events@tpochicago.com
Chicago Union Station
Chicago’s Union Station is an iconic city landmark and once you step inside, you’ll know why. Chicago Union Station is a working train station that also doubles as one of the most beautiful indoor Chicago photography locations. This station embodies a vintage-glamour feel with towering columns, breathtaking ceiling decor, archways, and balconies. Its grand structure makes you feel like you’re in a palace and photographs beautifully, which is why it’s one of my favorite photoshoot locations in Chicago.
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at Chicago Union Station, you will need to purchase a photography permit. As of 2024, the current fee for a photography permit is $150. Chicago Union Station does not accept cash, credit card payments, or personal checks. They accept cashiers’ checks or money orders only in person. For you to properly purchase your photography permit for Chicago Union Station, you need to follow a few steps.
- Photo and film permits must be obtained at least 48 hours before the photography date
- Submit your permit form to 500 West Jackson, Suit 107 between Monday – Friday from 8 AM-5 PM
Fill out the photography permit form at Chicago Union Station here!
Harold Washington Library Center (Winter Garden)
Located in Chicago’s South Loop is the Harold Washington Library Center. Many events can be held at the Harold Washington Library Center and it’s because of this that there are plenty of event spaces to choose from. However, the standout event space (IMO) is the Winter Garden. It’s an elegant and spacious atrium that offers terrazzo and marble floors and a 52-foot glass-paneled dome that covers the entire room. It’s because of this that you get some amazing natural light. As you know, we are all about that here. The Winter Garden space at the HWLC is the perfect backdrop setting for any indoor Chicago photoshoot and I’m in LOVE!
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at the Harold Washington Library Center’s Winter Garden, please contact them directly at 312.747.4130 or email rentals@chipublib.org.
The Rookery Building
Considered a masterpiece building another infamous Chicago landmark is The Rookery Building. Built in 1888, this holds a piece of Chicago’s history from the inside/out. The Rookery is decked out with grand staircases, skylights, and unique detailing. Making it one of the best indoor Chicago wedding photography locations. The Rookery Building’s pièce de résistance is its light court, which serves as the focal point for the entire building. With an oriel staircase, marble detailing, and a phenomenal skylight, this is a must-see feature of The Rookery that we have to photograph.
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at The Rookery Building, you will need to purchase a photography permit. Pricing for the permit will depend on how long you wish to shoot at The Rookery. Prices vary from $150-$275 depending on which package you choose. You can view pricing via the authorization form linked below. Once you have filled out The Rookery Building authorization form, please submit the form to nwalsh@tjbc.com. There are also some rules and regulations that must be followed while shooting at The Rookery Building.
- You must shoot during open hours, Monday – Friday from 7 AM-6 PM or Saturday from 8 AM-2 PM
- All visitors must check in with the front desk
- No tripods or equipment to touch the floor
Fill out the photography permit form for The Rookery Building here!
Chicago Athletic Association
Last, but certainly not least, is the Chicago Athletic Association. Set in an 1890s Gothic building, the Chicago Athletic Association is a unique indoor Chicago photoshoot location that is just heavenly. What used to be a sportsmen’s club, the Chicago Athletic Association has turned it into a destination indoor Chicago photoshoot location and Downtown Chicago hotel. It brings together a vintage-modern feel that photographs beautifully with plenty of different spaces to choose from. From restaurants and bars to even just the lobby as you enter the building. So much attention to detail went into the design of the Chicago Athletic Association, making it one of the best Chicago photoshoot locations to check out for your upcoming shoot!
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at the Chicago Athletic Association, you will need to purchase a photography permit. The hourly rental rate is $1,500/hour. Please contact the marketing department in advance of your shoot to inquire about permit fees. You can reach them directly at press@chicagoathletichotel.com.
Indoor Chicago Photography Locations
Whew, if you made it to this point… congratulations! This was quite the blog but well worth it, especially if you’re looking for some BOMB indoor Chicago photography locations. To reiterate, all of these locations are perfect for whatever photoshoot you’re looking to have. Whether it be your wedding day, engagement shoot, or a just-for-fun type shoot. While I wish I could rave about each and every photoshoot location that I love, there just isn’t enough time in the day. Hopefully, this will give you a bit more insight when it comes to choosing photoshoot locations and why they can be so important!
Get In Touch! | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Hey, I’m Emma! A Chicago Wedding and Elopement Photographer ready to document your day in a candid and documentary style. If you enjoyed reading all about these Indoor Chicago Photography locations, inquire here, and let’s chat through the vision of your wedding day!
