Chicago Photography Permits

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Chicago Photography Permits
with Mei Lin Barral Photography

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Exploring portrait session locations in Chicago & want to know where you can photograph with or without a Photography Permit? I’ve got you!

There are endless photo spots in Chicago but a lot of the most popular require more pre-planning to ensure that you follow all requirements & get photography permits as necessary. If you’re incorporating your four-legged family in your portrait session, be sure to learn how to calm your energetic and hyper dog here.

Use this guide to explore photo locations & learn how much planning you’ll need to do and if you need to arrange a photography permit for your Chicago portrait session!

Planning an intimate wedding? Learn How to Plan a Chicago Intimate Wedding here. If an elopement is more your style learn How to Plan a Chicago City Hall Elopement here, How to Elope in Chicago here, and Chicago Photography Permits here.

If you’re wanting to include as many LGBTQ+ wedding vendors as possible, learn about Chicago LGBTQ+ Wedding Vendors here.

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1. Lincoln Park Conservatory

Gorgeous greenhouses, beautiful plants, and it’s warm inside year-round – what more could you ask for in a location for your photos? Lincoln Park Conservatory is a gorgeous option for your photo session! View a couple’s portrait shoot here to see the lovely photos that could be shot at this location.

Your first step in planning your shoot is to make a free reservation to ensure that you’ll be able to enter during your desired day + time. Reservations are available to make 2 weeks in advance of your date. Once you confirm your reservation, you will apply + pay for a $35 application fee + $45 per hour of photography through the Chicago Parks District (it comes out to $85 with taxes).

Other Lincoln Park locations that require the same permit include Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, Great Garden, the North Pond Laughter Gazebo, the Rosenbaum Gazebo, and the Plaza W of North Pond Restaurant.

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2. Art Institute of Chicago

Few indoor locations in the city have more natural light than the Art Institute of Chicago! The archways, windows, and beautiful staircases make a stunning backdrop for your photos – and that’s before even getting to all the artwork.

While a permit is not necessary, you must pay admission to the museum. Admission is $32 per adult totaling $96 for you, your love, and your photographer. If you’re a member of the museum, then admittance is free! A bonus to a membership is early access to the museum one hour before it opens to the public which means fewer people to go around for your photos. Information & tickets can be found here.

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3. Chicago City Hall

Planning a wedding at Chicago City Hall and want to take photos before or after your ceremony? Luckily, photography is not only permitted inside City Hall but is free! You can take photos during your ceremony and take advantage of the arched hallways for beautiful pictures as well. Learn all about planning your Chicago City Hall wedding here.

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4. Garfield Park Conservatory

Looking for an even larger conservatory for your photos? Garfield Park Conservatory is the spot for you! With flora varying from desert cacti to lush ferns to flower shows, there is certainly a room in the Conservatory to find the perfect photo backdrop.

Your prep process for photos here is the same as if you were taking photos at Lincoln Park Conservatory. First, you’ll make a free reservation to ensure that you’ll be able to enter during your desired day + time. Reservations are available to make 2 weeks in advance of your date. Once you confirm your reservation, you will apply + pay for a $35 application fee + $45 per hour of photography through the Chicago Parks District.

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5. Chicago Cultural Center

What could be a better backdrop for your photos than the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world? Chicago Cultural Center features gorgeous backdrops including the dome, stunning windows, and other great architectural details that are sure to make your photos pop!

Admission is free and a permit is not required for photos within operating hours. I recommend that you start your session right at the opening time of 10:00 am so that there are fewer guests to navigate around.

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6. Salvage One

Are three floors of vintage & eclectic goodies with seemingly endless photo spots, more your vibe? Salvage One is the place for you! Exposed brick, stained glass windows, an outdoor courtyard, and plenty of vintage goodies mean that you’ll find the perfect spot for your photos.

To arrange a photo session at Salvage One, you will first reach out to schedule an appointment any day of the week. I recommend that you schedule your session for Monday-Thursday to have all 60,000 square feet to yourself as it is open to the public on Fridays and weekends. A photography permit will cost $150 per hour.

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7. Chicago Union Station

Stunning columns & gorgeous staircases are a great portrait session background at Chicago Union Station. The high ceilings contrasting the marbled floor is quintessential Chicago.

While photo sessions on the exterior of the station are free, to photograph indoors you will need to request a permit and pay $150 by money order or cashier’s check.

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8. Your Favorite Haunts!

Looking to put a personal touch on your photo session? I highly recommend reaching out to your favorite coffee shop, local bookstore, or bar to get photos at the places you love to spend your time. A first date spot, your weekly coffee date location, or the place you first met could all make for a gorgeous photo series that is as unique as you!

I recommend calling ahead or stopping in before scheduling your shoot day to speak with the owners to ensure that you are permitted to shoot there. Most small businesses would love to be a part of your love story!

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Now you know all about photography permits & can start planning your perfect Chicago photo session! Want to work together? Inquire here!

Planning an intimate wedding? Learn How to Plan a Chicago Intimate Wedding here. If an elopement is more your style learn How to Plan a Chicago City Hall Elopement here, How to Elope in Chicago here, and Chicago Photography Permits here.

If you’re wanting to include as many LGBTQ+ wedding vendors as possible, learn about Chicago LGBTQ+ Wedding Vendors here.

Photos from various weddings & couple sessions photographed by
Mei Lin Barral Photography