Michael + Juliana | Art Institute Elopement
Michael + Juliana | Art Institute Elopement Portraits in Chicago
Where should you take pictures after an elopement in Chicago?
Michael and Juliana wanted their wedding photos to feel relaxed and true to the city they call home. After their elopement, they planned a morning of portraits focused on enjoying Chicago together instead of rushing from place to place. They were drawn to locations that felt iconic while also reflecting their love of art and architecture.
We planned a portrait route that flowed naturally through downtown, starting indoors and ending with classic Chicago scenery.
Where are some indoor places to take wedding pictures in Chicago?
We started at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. It’s an incredible photo location thanks to its mix of art, architecture, natural light, and quiet moments. Especially early in the day when there is the members only access time.
Because I’m a member of the Art Institute, we were able to enter during members only hours. This meant fewer people, calmer galleries, and the chance to move through the space with very few distractions. Having the museum nearly to ourselves made a huge difference in the experience and the photos.
Should you hire a photographer for your City Hall elopement?
Absolutely! Even if you plan for portraits afterward or the next day.
Planning portraits after an elopement gives couples time to slow down. There’s no pressure, no strict schedule, and no distractions. Michael and Juliana were able to focus on each other, laugh, and really take everything in, and that ease shows in their photos.
These are the images you’ll come back to again and again. When you think about it, these are the photos you’ll be showing family, sharing years from now, and looking back on decades later. Seriously though, imagine reliving one of the best days of your life 20 years from now.
What are the best places to take photos inside the Art Institute of Chicago?
Inside the museum, we spent time exploring the Modern Wing, which features artists like Pablo Picasso and other abstract and surreal influences. This is one of my favorite areas, both for enjoying the art and for photos. The space has beautiful natural light, clean lines, and a few moodier corners that photograph incredibly well.
From there, we made our way into the Impressionist galleries, which feature some of the most recognizable artwork in the museum. This space is filled with color and texture, including Monet’s Water Lilies and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte , that massive painting made up of thousands of tiny dots. We even stopped to say hi to the homie Vincent van Gogh along the way.
What famous movie was filmed at the Art Institute of Chicago?
One of the most fun parts of the session was recreating a moment inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This cult classic famously features the Art Institute, including scenes near Seurat’s pointillist painting and nearby sculptures.
You better believe we recreated those shots. It added a fun, nostalgic touch
Where are the best places to take wedding pictures downtown Chicago?
After leaving the museum, we walked through Millennium Park. While it’s definitely a popular spot, knowing where to go makes all the difference. We found quieter areas with great light and clean backgrounds that kept the focus on Michael and Juliana.
Some great photo spots near the Bean include:
Lurie Garden
BP Pedestrian Bridge
Jay Pritzker Pavilion Lawn
Crown Fountain Plaza
Maggie Daley Park
Michigan Avenue edge
All of these areas are walkable and offer very different looks within a small radius.
Can you take wedding pictures inside the Chicago Cultural Center?
Yes, you can and it’s one of the best free indoor photo locations in Chicago.
We ended the session at the Chicago Cultural Center, a stunning building known for its grand staircases, ornate interiors, and the famous Tiffany Dome. Photography is allowed inside, but flash is not permitted. Some areas can be low light, but I have the gear for it!
Should we take wedding pictures after our wedding?
Making time for portraits like these is something couples never regret. These photos capture how it felt to just get married, not just what the day looked like.
Michael and Juliana’s session was relaxed, fun, and full of real moments exactly how wedding photography should feel.