PHOTOGRAPHED BY GIA · 600+ WEDDINGS
My favorite wedding photography ideas for Chicago couples: skyline portraits, detail shots while getting ready, quiet moments at the ceremony and sunset photos at your venue.
Where to Find Wedding Photo Inspiration
Wedding Ideas are sometimes too many, and hard to choose exactly what you need. I suggest starting several months, prior to the wedding, with a wedding folder and start putting in it everything you see and like in wedding magazines. It makes it easier to choose from when the time comes.
Ideas such as wedding dresses, and all other wedding party apparel, flowers, color schemes, invitations, bouquets and boutonnieres, table settings, honeymoon destinations, wedding music, wedding photography and video and wedding venues. Also, a good idea would be to ask friends already married and most importantly always have someone there that could help you with anything you might need.
As a bride myself, the best wedding tips I could give anyone is to NOT stress out too much and to NOT micro manage.
Whether I like it or not, during the wedding planning process and the wedding day itself, things happen that I cannot control, so I suggest hiring a party planner to help with everything you might need, or if working on a budget have a family member or close friend help you in all things wedding related.
As far as wedding photography tips are concerned, I think you should go through various magazines and see which photos you like best, or at least pick a style of photography preferred, whether it may be a traditional photography style or photojournalistic style. Once you have that settled down, photography wise, you’re good to go.
For a quicker service and a free quote call Gia now at local (312) 927-7238 to schedule a no obligation consultation.
20 Wedding Photography Ideas for Chicago Couples
Here are the ideas my couples love most, many of them only possible in Chicago. Pick three or four that feel like you and tell your photographer early so they fit into the timeline.
Chicago skyline and city ideas
- Skyline from the lakefront: North Avenue Beach and the Adler Planetarium have the classic views.
- The Riverwalk at golden hour: bridges, water and warm light between the towers.
- Theater marquees and old signs: the Chicago Theatre sign is a favorite after dark.
- Street canyons: LaSalle Street and the Loop give dramatic, architectural portraits.
- Early morning at Millennium Park: beat the crowds for clean shots.
- Greenhouses: Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories for lush, weatherproof portraits.
Full details, timing tips and permits are in my guide to the top wedding photo locations in Chicago.
Getting ready and detail ideas
- A flat lay of your invitation suite with your rings and heirlooms (see wedding details photography).
- Your dress hanging in the window light.
- Letters exchanged before the ceremony.
- Your dad or mom seeing you dressed for the first time.
Ceremony and portrait ideas
- A first look in a quiet hallway or courtyard.
- Private vows read just between the two of you.
- A wide shot of the full ceremony from the back or balcony.
- A golden hour portrait break, even just 10 minutes.
- A wedding party walk-off with real laughter.
Reception and seasonal ideas
- A private last dance before the room fills up again.
- A sparkler or bubble send-off (check your venue’s rules).
- Fall color portraits in the suburbs or the arboretums.
- Snow portraits in winter. See my winter and snow photo ideas.
- A trash the dress session on the lakeshore after the wedding.
How to Turn Ideas Into Great Photos
- Prioritize. Choose your top five ideas; you won’t have time for fifty.
- Plan the timeline around them. Locations and travel time matter more than poses.
- Share inspiration early. Send your photographer a few favorite images a month before the wedding.
- Leave room for the unplanned. The best photos are often the ones nobody planned. That’s the heart of candid wedding photography.
For poses to go with these ideas, see 15 natural wedding poses, and for planning help use my wedding photography checklist.
Wedding Photography Ideas FAQ
Do we need permits for wedding photos in Chicago?
Some locations require them, including several parks, gardens and arboretums. I help couples check permit rules when I plan portrait locations.
How many photo locations can we fit into a wedding day?
Usually one or two besides the venue. Travel time in Chicago adds up quickly, especially on Saturday afternoons.
What are unique wedding photo ideas in Chicago?
Skyline views from the lakefront, the Riverwalk at golden hour, theater marquees at night, conservatory greenhouses in winter, and lakeshore trash the dress sessions after the wedding.
How do we choose which wedding photography ideas to use?
Pick three or four that fit your venue and timeline. I’ll help you plan the rest so the day doesn’t feel rushed.
Planning Your Chicago Wedding?
I personally photograph every wedding I book. Tell me your date and venue, or call (312) 927-7238.