Do I Need a Photo Permit for Popular Chicago Locations?
Written by curator, Lisa Kathan Photography
At CHI thee WED we’re often asked the same question:
“Do we need photo permits for popular locations and landmarks in Chicago?”
The answer? probably yes.
Most of the most popular public spots in the city require a permit for photography that must be purchased in advance.
If you’re set on having your wedding or engagement photos at a location that requires a photo permit, here’s info about the most popular photo locations around the city so you can plan to get your permit in advance.
Specific contact and pricing info can be found by clicking the location links.
Garfield Park Conservatory
The Conservatories: Garfield Park & Lincoln Park
The conservatories have so many great options for photos, and are a great choice if you’re getting married in the winter months or want a “bad weather” backup.
Important note, following the pandemic, the conservatories initiated a 2-step process for photography: you must first make an appointment for your time slot with the conservatory, then secure a photo permit through the Chicago Park District.
Chicago’s Museum Campus
Skyline Views: Montrose Harbor & the Museum Campus
Beginning in 2022, the Chicago Park District began requiring permits to shoot some of the most popular views of the Chicago skyline.
You can get your permit online through the Chicago Park District.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool sits behind the Lincoln Park Conservatory and is a quiet spot, both for photos and wedding ceremonies.
Permits are for 1-hour and if you plan to have your ceremony there, there is a 15-person limit.
The Honeycomb
Lincoln Park: The Zoo & the “Honeycomb”
Lincoln Park Zoo has free entry, but if you plan to go there for photos, you must secure a permit.
The People's Gas Pavilion (called the Honeycomb by locals) is a great spot for photos and wedding ceremonies, with a view of the skyline. You must secure a permit to use it, and it is frequently in use on weekends in the summer and fall.
Permits for these locations are administered by Lincoln Park Zoo.
Other Lincoln Park Area Locations
Lincoln Park is very large, and much of it is managed by the Chicago Park District — these are additional spots in Lincoln Park that require a permit:
Lincoln Park Great Garden (south of the Conservatory)
Laughter Gazebo at Lincoln Park North Pond
Lincoln Park Plaza West of North Pond Restaurant
Lincoln Park Rosenbaum Gazebo
Chess Pavilion at North Avenue Beach
Permits for these locations are administered by the Chicago Park District.
Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is located in Grand Park and is one of the iconic symbols of Chicago.
The fountain is typically on from spring through late fall, and permits are managed by the Chicago Park District.
Cancer Survivors Garden at Maggie Daley Park
The Cancer Survivors Garden is a beautiful little spot for photos and small wedding ceremonies. It’s located in Maggie Daley Park and is tucked between Millennium Park and Lake Shore Drive.
Permits are by the hour and are administered by Maggie Daley Park.
South Side Gardens: Humboldt Park Formal Garden & Jackson Park Osaka Garden
The Humboldt Park Formal Garden and the Jackson Park Osaka Garden are some of the most beautiful — and lesser known — spots in Chicago. The flowering trees and gardens make spring and summer a great time for photos at both locations.
Permits for both gardens are administered by the Chicago Park District.
The Pagoda at Ping Tom Park
Ping Tom Park has a unique skyline view of the city — and did you know the Chicago Water Taxi makes a stop here? Located in Chinatown, it boasts beautiful wall art and a pagoda structure, perfect for wedding ceremonies and photos.
A permit is required to use the Pagoda, and is managed by the Chicago Park District.
The Rookery
The Rookery
This art deco building is located in the heart of the Financial District and is famous for its Oriel spiral staircase. The historic building offers some iconic shots, and if you love architecture, you really can’t get more Chicago.
Union Station
Union Station is another piece of beautiful Chicago architecture. However, in order to secure a permit, you must make an appointment to purchase your permit in person.
Permits are only required to shoot indoors, you don’t need a permit to shoot outside the building.
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
While not inside the city of Chicago limits, lots of couples ask about it — so it’s worth mentioning.
The Chicago Botanic Garden has many beautiful options for photos. But be warned: it’s about 20 miles north of Chicago and has a hefty permit fee — plus a parking fee — and you can only do photos during the peak sunlight hours (not ideal for photos).
Millennium Park
Millennium Park
All the “artist created” locations in Millennium Park (the Bean, Pritzker Pavilion, Lurie Garden, Crown Fountain) require separate permissions from the artists.
Millennium Park photo permits are administered privately and must be secured in person.
Navy Pier
If you’re planning to do a photo shoot at Navy Pier, your photographer must apply for a permit and show proof of insurance. There is no fee if the shoot is short.
Your photographer should contact the Media & PR contact for Navy Pier (email at link below).
An important note about permits
Permit fees are almost never included in the price when you hire your photographer, so it’s important to know that you’ll probably be responsible for the costs of any location permits. You should discuss your location plans with your photographer — experienced photographers will often have permit-free locations where they like to shoot. They will not be the “hot spots” and may not have skyline views, but they can make suggestions if you’re looking to avoid additional fees.
Another note, most permits require 2+ weeks, and some of the offices can be difficult to reach. So make your plans accordingly, and have a backup location in mind in case you’re not able to secure a photo permit before your planned visit.