Winter Engagement Session Chicago Locations & Tips

Winter Engagement Photos

Chicago winter is fast approaching and that means winter engagement sessions are right around the corner! We have had the opportunity to take some beautiful engagement photos in the winter months. We wanted to share some inspiration along with ideas for locations for Chicago winter engagement photos and tips for taking photos in the winter. Thinking of taking photos this winter? These tips are for you!

Chicago Engagement Photos Locations

We have taken engagement photos in the winter in many locations around Chicago. A few of our favorites are in Millennium Park, which turns into a winter wonderland in the cold months. Many of these locations look different in the summer than in the winter, but we have shot winter engagement sessions at each of these locations and they’ve turned out great! You can view many of our winter engagement sessions on our Portfolio page.

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

The Bean is a favorite Chicago spot for photos any time of year. We love taking snowy winter photos here because the reflection creates a super cool look that can’t be replicated! The backdrop of Chicago skyscrapers photographs beautifully, easily making Cloud Gate a favorite location for winter engagement photos.

Millennium Square

Another spot in Millennium Park that we love taking photos at is Millennium Square. This is another location that is absolutely beautiful in the winter! The surrounding buildings and lights create a perfect backdrop for romantic Chicago engagement photos.

South Rose Garden

In the warmer months, South Rose Garden is filled with beautiful blooms. It’s just as beautiful in the winter, though! Think snow-covered trees and bushes lining a beautiful walkway. This makes it another awesome photo location in Millennium Park.

Winter Engagement Photo Outfits

One of the biggest things on your mind when you think of planning a winter engagement sessions is probably what to wear to your session. How can you pull off a winter session while looking great? One word—layers! The weather can change up very quickly, so make sure to bring warm outer layers. Bring a warm coat or even a blanket to warm up between locations or as we take a break. You should also make sure to wear shoes that will keep your feet warm and that you can walk through snow in. We recommend waterproof shoes or boots. If you want, you can bring an additional pair of shoes to change into while we are shooting. It’s harder to change into multiple outfits in the winter, so you could plan on wearing one outfit for all of your photos and adding a cute jacket to change your look. Check out some outfit inspiration on our Pinterest boards.

Tips for Winter Engagement Sessions

Aside from wearing warm layers and shoes, we have a few more tips that will help you stay comfortable and look great during your winter engagement session.

• Wear waterproof mascara and eye makeup to prevent smudging in case your eyes water. Wind and cold can make you tear up and can easily ruin regular makeup. Don’t forget a setting spray either!
• Plan on bringing a friend to hold extra layers or shoes during your session. Your friend can keep your coats ready to go for mid-session warm ups.
• Be prepared to take photos earlier in the day since it gets dark earlier in the winter. Being natural light photographers, we shoot before the sun sets and this can be around 2:30-3:30 pm in some parts of the winter. You might need to leave work early, so make sure and plan ahead for that!
• Remember the reason you’re taking engagement photos. You’re getting married!! This is something to celebrate, rain or snow! We love winter engagement sessions and know that you will too.

Engagement Photographers

Having engagement photographers with plenty of experience shooting outdoors in the winter can help you have a great experience. We are a husband and wife photographer team based in Chicago and we know all of the best winter photo locations and tips and tricks to keep you warm and comfortable even in cold weather. We’d love to help you plan your engagement session for this winter. If you have questions about where we can take photos, what weather is best for winter sessions, or how to choose your outfits, contact us! We can help you plan your winter wonderland engagement session.