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Chicago Art Institute Engagement

written by

Meghan Kujawa-Smith

published on

February 3, 2025

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filed under

Engagements, Featured

Why the Art Institute of Chicago?

Because have you seen a more stunning staircase in your life?! In all seriousness, the Art Institute of Chicago is a gorgeous location for your engagement session in Chicago, both inside and out. Around every corner is a new iconic architectural scene filled with beautiful natural light. Not to mention it boasts a world-class art collection you can spend hours getting lost in. The location of the Art Institute is also conveniently located near several other landmarks in Chicago if you want to make a real event out of your engagement session.

A couple shares a kiss in a patch of sunlight on the Grand Staircase.
A couple leans on a balcony railing in front of a museum gallery
A couple leans in for a kiss in a patch of sunlight on the Grand Staircase in black and white.
A man brings his hand up to his fiance's chin as they sit in a patch of sunlight on a bench.
A couple dances in the sunlight on a balcony.
A close up of the couple's shoes, one in white strappy heels and one in black loafers.
A shot from above of the couple walking down the grand staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago.
The couple holds hands at the bottom of the Grand Staircase.
The couple kisses, the sunlight hitting the sides of their faces.
A couple gazes at each other in front of an impressionist gallery at the Art Institute of Chicago.
A close up of the couple's hands reaching toward each other in front of a still life painting.
A blurry black and white image of a couple spinning in front of a painting.

What do I need to know?

  • The Art Institute of Chicago is open to the public 11am – 5pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. They have extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. They are not open Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • There is a permit required to take professional photos within the museum, and you can read more about their filming policy here.
  • Flash photography is not allowed in order to protect the art pieces. If you have your heart set on a direct flash vibe, this is not the place!
  • Weekdays, especially in the morning, are the ideal time for your session in order to avoid lots of tourists.
The couple walks out of a gallery and into the light-filled balcony.
The couple sits on a bench in front of a gallery of paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago.
The couple walks out of a gallery and into the light-filled balcony.
A couple's reflection is visible in the window as they sit on a museum bench.
A couple leans in for a kiss on a bench in an art gallery.
A man looks at his fiance while sitting on a museum bench, the sun glowing around them.
A couple sits on a bench in front of a stained glass window.
The couple leans on the doorframe of an art gallery hallway in the Art Institute of Chicago.
A couple kisses on a bench in front of a large stained glass window.

What spots are best for photos??

  • The Grand Staircase: Just within the museum’s entrance, this stunning set of staircases practiclly glows in the sunlight
  • The South Garden: Lush gardens and a fountain make this a dreamy outdoor spot at the museum for photos
  • The North Garden: More sculptural and modern than the South Garden
  • Michigan Avenue Entrance: Bronze lion statues on the grand outdoor entrance. Iconic.

Other locations nearby:

  • Millenium Park (everyone knows The Bean!)
  • The Chicago Theater
  • The Riverwalk
The Chicago Theater sign visible between tree branches.
A couple looks seriously at the camera, the woman's sunglasses between her teeth.
A photo of the Chicago Theater sign with the couple facing each other in the foreground.
The couple kisses as they lean against an entrance to the L in front of the Chicago Theater.
The women looks at the camera over her sunglasses as her fiance smiles at her.
The couple leans against the entrance to the L, the Chicago Theater sign visible in the middle.
The couple walks across the street toward the Chicago Theater.
The couple holds hands in front of the Chicago Theater.
A black and white image of the couple walking across the street toward the Chicago Theater.
The couple runs down the sidewalk toward the camera, the Chicago Theater in the background.
The couple smiles at each other, the Chicago Theater sign visible between them.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most gorgeous engagement session locations in Chicago and the entire Midwest. It’s classic elegance lends itself perfectly to engagement photos. Feeling ready to book your own engagement session in Chicago? Let’s connect!

A black and white image of the couple sitting on a large staircase by the Chicago Riverwalk.
The couple holds hands as they walk across a busy street in downtown Chicago.
A black and white image of the couple sitting on a large staircase by the Chicago Riverwalk.
The couple holds hands, the woman walking away from the camera toward the river as people walk by.
A close up of the couple's shoes in front of the Chicago Riverwalk.
The couple laughs together overlooking the Chicago River.
A couple kisses on a bridge overlooking the Chicago River, photo taken over the shoulder of a passerby.
The couple stands in front of the Chicago River, the woman holding the man's jacket over her shoulder.
The woman holds the side of her sunglasses, engagement ring in focus.
The couple eats a Chicago dog together on the colorful patio of a restaurant.
The couple sips margaritas together on a colorful restaurant patio.
A close up of the couple's shoes underneath the restaurant table.

Book your own Chicago engagement session here!

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About Meghan

Your photographer should be as laid-back and spontaneous as you are–someone who enjoys a fancy pastry, loves to bring out old film cameras, and cheers you on when you decide to splash around in a nearby fountain. If you want an easy easygoing and creative wedding photography experience, we're meant to be.

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