Winter engagement photos · Chicago
Snow Engagement Photos in Chicago
Crisp air, crystal-clear skies and a snowy skyline: how to plan, what to wear and where to go for winter engagement photos you will love.
Winter engagement photos in Chicago look best with fresh snow, a great coat and a short outdoor session planned earlier in the day.
Snow, Skyline and Crisp Winter Light
Winter engagement photos are a great idea if you really want to remember Chicago’s crisp air, postcard-perfect, crystal-clear skies and frigid temperatures. As you can imagine, this requires lots of patience and being able to put up with the cold weather, but the final product is worth the while by offering photographs of exquisite quality and great diversity.
In Chicagoland, for example, Lake Michigan, with its frozen water and snow-covered shore is an all-time ideal location, especially during winter time when cold weather keeps the usual crowd away. We all know what that means, right? The two of you in the best spots and with the great skyline or the lake in the background with nobody around to interfere.
Alternative natural locations are Chicago’s various recreational parks and forest reserves that would make you remember the white wonderland forever. For the most adventurous or winter-sports lover, hitting the slopes is definitely the way to go, with matching snowboards and winter gear. Ideally, in that situation, you might as well consider having a destination engagement party and spend a nice weekend in a ski resort.
If you travel to your destination, always leave extra time for unexpected delays, reduced visibility combined with wet or snow-covered roads may create slower travel times than initially anticipated. Allowing for extra travel time will make your day less stressful because you will be less rushed and will feel secure in knowing everyone will arrive safely. If you’re lucky and the weather is perfect, arriving sooner is preferable since you will have additional time for more photos.
Always dress for the worst weather case scenario. Especially, treat your feet to winter boots and bring an extra pair of socks just in case. The bride’s dress, combined with the snow on the ground, will cover her boots in photos. Shawls or wraps can be created to match your existing bridal gowns and will help keep necks, backs, arms and hands warm. Matching mittens, hats and scarves are a creative way to bundle up in winter and look fashionable in your photos. Similarly, if you are trying a skiing theme, make sure you have matching gear.
Another important thing to remember is to look for locations that feature dramatic holiday light displays to create a colorful ambiance in your photos. Some public parks and zoos cater to the holiday crowds by providing enchanting illuminations. Train stations often decorate for the holidays and allow for fun photos featuring holiday shoppers passing in a blur of motion with bags in hand.
Last, but not least, look for great locations, such as famous buildings, historic mansions or cozy cottages that can provide a great backdrop for your winter engagement pictures. If you’re looking to capture portraits outdoors consider a location that would allow you to also move inside quickly if the weather becomes unbearable. Conservatories with outdoor gardens often provide indoor locations within a short walk, and therefore are the perfect location provided you also plan the engagement party inside.
For great service and a free quote call Gia now at local (312) 927-7238 to schedule a no obligation consultation.
How to plan
How to Plan Snow Engagement Photos in Chicago
Snowy sessions are some of my favorites, but winter needs a different plan than summer. Here is how I prepare my couples:
01
Watch the forecast together
Fresh snow is the goal. I keep my schedule flexible in winter so I can move a session a day or two to catch a snowfall.
02
Book earlier in the day
In December the sun sets around 4:20 pm, so most winter sessions start between 2:30 and 3:00 pm to use the soft light.
03
Keep it short outdoors
20 to 30 minutes in the cold, then a warm-up break inside, then back out. Comfort shows in your faces.
04
Plan an indoor backup
Within walking distance: a cafe, a hotel lobby, a museum or a conservatory.
05
Use the blue hour
Right after sunset, city lights and snow glow together for magical, cinematic photos.
What to wear
What to Wear for Winter Engagement Photos
A great coat is your outfit
Camel, cream, burgundy or deep green coats look stunning against white snow.
Add texture
Chunky knits, wool scarves, velvet or faux fur.
Coordinate accessories
Hats, gloves and scarves in two or three colors. Avoid neon ski gear unless it’s a ski-themed shoot.
Warm layers underneath
Thermal layers keep you comfortable without showing in photos.
Waterproof boots
And an extra pair of socks. Bring hand warmers for between shots.
Coat Colors That Pop Against Snow
Camel and cream
Burgundy and charcoal
Deep green and ivory
Classic black and red
More outfit advice is in my guide on what to wear for engagement photos.
Holiday lights
Holiday Lights and Winter Backdrops Around Chicago
- Lincoln Park ZooLights and the holiday displays in Lincoln Park.
- The Magnificent Mile when the trees are lit for the season.
- Christkindlmarket for a cozy, festive look (busy, so go early).
- The Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories for warm, green indoor portraits.
- The frozen lakefront at North Avenue Beach and Promontory Point for ice and skyline views.
- Arboretums in the suburbs for snowy forests and seasonal light shows (tickets or permits may be required).
For a full list of winter spots, read the best Chicago engagement photo spots for winter and top places for a winter photo shoot in Chicago.
Questions
Winter Engagement Photos FAQ
Is it too cold for engagement photos in a Chicago winter?
Not if I plan for it. Short outdoor sets, warm breaks and good layers make winter sessions comfortable, and the photos are worth it.
What if it doesn’t snow on our session day?
I can reschedule to catch the next snowfall, or embrace a cozy winter look with holiday lights, coats and indoor locations.
When are the best months for snow engagement photos?
Usually late December through February, when snow is most likely to stay on the ground.
How much does a winter engagement session cost?
A session with Gia Photos is $325 for about 1 to 1.5 hours at one or two locations. See Chicago engagement photography, more engagement photo ideas, or check availability.
What should we wear for winter engagement photos?
A great coat in a color that pops against snow, warm layers underneath and waterproof boots.
Winter sessions
Ready for Your Snow Engagement Photos?
Sessions are $325, about 1 to 1.5 hours, and photographed by Gia herself.
Want the proposal itself on camera, not just the engagement session? See my surprise proposal photography in Chicago, planned with you and hidden until the yes, or go back to Gia Photos, Chicago wedding photographer.