Best Places on Chicago’s North Shore to Take Engagement or Wedding Photos

In the midst of planning a wedding, one of the best (and most fun!) things you can do is take a break and spend a few hours exploring your favorite spots with your partner while you take photos you’ll cherish forever. Whether you use them for your invitations or add a few framed photos around your house, you’ll love having the memories and physical reminder of your newlywed days. But the perfect photos start with the perfect setting. Here are six spots around Chicago’s North Shore that make beautiful backdrops for your photo shoot.

North Shore Lakefront  
Various Locations in Evanston, Glencoe and Winnetka
Sand, sun, sparling blue water, what more do you need for the perfect background for your photos? Check out Evanston's beaches, six in total, as well as the lakefront parks between Clark and Lee Street for prime photo ops. Take a walk over at the Northwestern University Lakefront for some unique shots with the painted rocks and incredible Chicago skyline views.  Closer to Glencoe? Head to Glencoe Beach for some gorgous photos on the pier and be sure to take some photos up on the bluff overlooking the water before you head down to the sand. Winnetka offers three beautiful beaches to choose from for your photos (Elder Lane, Maple Street and Tower Road) or head to Maple Street Park and capture some greenery with your lakefront pics.

North Shore Lakefront

Emily Oaks Nature Center 
4650 Brummel St., Skokie
There's no better backdrop for your photos than nature and there's plenty of gorgeous opportunities to take advantage at Emily Oaks Nature Center. With a two-acre pond, walking paths, and native wildflowers and grasses, this is a beautiful option for your photo op. You can even come back to reminisce together as you enjoy events like campfires, canoeing, and tours.

Emily Oaks Nature Center, Skokie

Redfield Estate
1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
Sitting on the grounds of the Grove, the Redfield Estate serves as stunning scenery for your photos no matter what time of year it is. Capture the spring and summer flowers, the fall leaves or the fresh winter snowfall. Stroll through a few of the 150 acres of the Grove to discover idyllic nature scenes perfect for more photos.

The Redfield Estate, Glenview

Grosse Point Lighthouse 
2600 Sheridan Road, Evanston
Take your photos with a National Historic Landmark! This lighthouse was built in 1873 to safely guide ships to the Chicago area. Today, visitors can enjoy the beautiful grounds surrounding the lighthouse year-round or take a tour from the middle of May to September. End your session at nearby Lighthouse Beach for some fun in the sand.

Gross Point Lighthouse, Evanston

Chicago Botanic Garden 
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
If you're looking for a beautiful spot with a variety of possible backdrops for your engagement photos, look no further than Chicago Botanic Garden. With more than 30 gardens and natural areas over 385 acres and nine islands, including Evening Island, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Waterfall Garden, there's plenty to explore as you find the perfect spots for your photos. Plus, you can make an entire day of it thanks to daily events, dining options, and more. Please note that restrictions apply and a permit is required (learn more here).

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Gardens at the Community House 
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
Formerly called Arches Garden, this renovated outdoor space at the Community House in Winnetka is perfect for your engagement or wedding photos thanks to lush greenery, benches, and brick architecture. Call 847-881-9370 to make sure the space is available as it's also a popular setting for weddings and other events. When you're done, you can then make your way throughout downtown Winnetka for additional photos.

 

This entry was posted in Attractions, and tagged Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago North Shore, Chicago's North Shore, Evanston Beaches, Evanston Lakefront, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Illinois, Lakefront, North Shore Chicago, North Shore, Skokie, Winnetka, .