Grant Park Engagement Photos [TIPS + REAL PHOTOS]

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Grant Park, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is known popularly as “Chicago’s Front Yard.” With many of the city's most popular attractions, there are almost endless opportunities for Grant Park engagement photos.

Totaling more than 300 acres Grant Park is actually a collection of many notable parks (Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park) and iconic landmarks (Buckingham Fountain, Art Institute of Chicago). It also encompasses Museum Campus, home of the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.

The iconic Buckingham Fountain at the center of Grant Park operates from April to October with water displays every 20 minutes and light displays after dark. Long allées of American Elm trees create leading lines and provide a strong feeling of nature in the urban park.

Much of Grant Park was originally part of Lake Michigan and has been expanded through land reclamation projects in the late 19th century and early 1900s. In the autumn, Grant Park is one of the best places in the city to view fall color - especially the Red Maples that can be seen from Lurie Garden.

The Chicago Lakefront trail carves through the eastern edge of the park along Lake Michigan. Grant Park is also the home to multiple marinas and harbors including Dusable Harbor and Monroe Harbor, the home of the Chicago Yacht Club and Columbia Yacht club.

Located along the park’s western edge, The Art Institute of Chicago South Garden creates an intimate escape next to bustling Michigan Avenue.

There are two official garages - Grant Park North and Grant Park South. You can also find deals on parking garages with SpotHero.

In most cases, I’ll suggest traveling by Uber/Lyft during our engagement session. It’s less complicated than figuring out parking at each destination and often less expensive.

Driving ourselves usually eats a lot of time with the added logistics of parking and getting to where we want to go. If you have a friend or family member who wants to drive us, that can be a convenient option as well.

Because Grant Park encompasses many different spaces, the short answer is no. For most common locations only service animals are allowed.

While there is a dog-friendly area at 951 S. Columbus Drive, it’s mostly ashphalt & pea-gravel and not super photogenic.

It’s usually better to start with dogs in a less crowded area that won’t be overwhelming for your pooch.

Here’s some more information on how to include your dog in engagement photos