If you’re struggling with deciding where to take your engagement photos, listen up! We are so lucky that Chicago has a plethora of different and beautiful engagement photo locations. This abundance of different locations makes it sometimes difficult to choose where you should take your engagement photos. While to many this may not seem like the world’s biggest decision, it can really influence the overall feel of your photos.
A big tip that I recommend to my couples is to choose a location that is meaningful to you and your partner and can tie in with the vibe of your wedding. For Miles and Alexandria, these romantic Chicago Cultural Center engagement photos were the perfect blend of everything they wanted. History, stunning architecture, and would match perfectly with their wedding venue, The Colvin House. Fun fact, I actually have shot a wedding there before!
This breathtaking engagement session at the Chicago Cultural Center was the perfect location to play around with lighting, and shadows and see what sort of magic we could create.
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This Cultural Center opened back in 1897. With its late 19th-century architecture and design, the Chicago Cultural Center offers a unique beauty that is perfect for your Chicago engagement. Inside the Chicago Cultural Center, you are greeted with two stained-glass domes along with 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.
Photography Permits and Regulations
To photograph at the Chicago Cultural Center for your Chicago engagement 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
- Do not use flash inside the building to protect the stunning interior (and they WILL kick you out immediately so watch out haha)
Read more about the photography rules and regulations at the Chicago Culture Center!
Miles + Alexandria’s Romantic Chicago Cultural Center Fall Engagement Photos
Miles and Alexandria wanted their engagement photos to fit a more editorial, cinematic, and romantic type feel. These photos would be used for not only social media but also for their wedding website and save-the-dates. So safe to say… the pressure was on like Donkey Kong.
Both Miles and Alexandria are career actors, so being in front of the spotlight is no issue for them. They both enjoy all of the lovey-dovey type poses but wanted to keep things still authentic to them and their personalities. Wandering through the grandiose nature of the Chicago Cultural Center is unreal. With M+A it was effortless and dare I say it… poetic? It was everything they envisioned and they’re definitely some of my favorite moments I’ve captured so far.
Kind Words From Miles + Alexandria
“My fiancé and I booked our engagement shoot with Emma in December 2023. We are over the moon, not only with our photos, but with how our entire experience went. When we sent her our inspo pre-shoot, she asked questions to zero in on the vibe we were going for. At our shoot, she kept in mind specific poses or looks we especially loved. Emma did a great job making us feel comfortable to be ourselves in front of the camera with an even balance of posing and candid moments. Not only did we get beautiful photos, but we also feel they really captured our love. If you’re looking for excellent photos with a timeless aesthetic, definitely consider booking with Emma!”
Chicago Engagement Photo Inspiration
Part of my job is to help my couples receive inspiration for their Chicago engagement. Build off of what you love and uniquely curate your engagement session to fit you and your story. Take a look at some of my other favorite Chicago engagements I’ve had the honor of documenting in the past!
Lucas & Meredith’s Cinematic Engagement on the Kinzie Street Bridge
Gabby & Kyle’s Nature Boardwalk Chicago Engagement
Connie + Steve’s Engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago
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 Miles and Alexandria’s Romantic Chicago Cultural Center Fall Engagement Photos, inquire here, and let’s chat through the vision of your wedding day!
