My Favorite Luxury Chicago Venues for Editorial Photos From a Wedding Photographer

I have a soft spot for luxury Chicago venues that feel like more than just a place to host a wedding. Give me beautiful architecture, dramatic interiors, interesting textures, and a little room to play. That makes me very happy as an editorial wedding photographer. These are the kinds of spaces that make me want to slow the day down and create portraits that feel straight out of a magazine.

And honestly, that is exactly the kind of wedding I want to photograph more of as I look into next year.

The dreamy editorial newlywed portraits. The bridal shots that belong in Vogue. The grooms portraits that make you stop your scroll. As a wedding photographer I see my job as half documenting your big day as it unfolds… and half giving you the elevated portraits to take home that make you feel like the coolest, best version of yourself. 

So here are some DREAM luxury Chicago venues that lend themselves perfectly to editorial portraits AND seamless high-end wedding days. 

1. The Old Post Office

The Old Post Office is such a cool mix of historic Chicago architecture and modern design. The building has 2.5 million square feet of space, soaring ceilings, tons of natural light, and several event spaces. The Penthouse is especially fun for portraits with its exposed brick and loft-like feel. Then there is The Meadow, a 3.5-acre rooftop with 360-degree city and river views. 

• Location: 433 W. Van Buren Street
• Standout features: Historic architecture, exposed brick, rooftop views
• THE VIBE: Modern, architectural, and veryyyy Chicago

2. 167 Green Street

167 Green feels like the perfect option for a couple who wants a wedding with a little edge. The 17th floor includes an 8,000-square-foot Town Hall, a rooftop terrace, and multiple smaller spaces. The skyline views are a huge plus!! So many magical photos we can create here.  

I can also already picture a bride in a structured gown walking through the space while her partner wears a classic black tux. Add some dramatic florals and a little time for portraits, and you have the recipe for something seriously so, so good.

• Location: Fulton Market
• Standout features: Skyline views, rooftop terrace, modern interiors
• THE VIBE: Fashion-forward

3. The Armour House

Just north of Chicago in Lake Forest, The Armour House is a completely different kind of luxury. It is historic, romantic, and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Great Hall features a grand staircase and marble mantel, while the Garden Room overlooks the formal gardens through floor-to-ceiling windows. 

• Location: Lake Forest
• Standout features: Grand staircase, marble details, gardens
• THE VIBE: Old-world, romantic, and timeless

4. Chicago Athletic Association

Then there is the Chicago Athletic Association, which is basically a dream playground for an editorial photographer. The White City Ballroom has vintage stained glass and views toward Millennium Park. The Madison Ballroom brings in walnut floors, gold-leaf details, and enormous crystal chandeliers. There are also playful spaces like Stagg Court. 

• Location: 12 S. Michigan Avenue
• Standout features: Historic architecture, stained glass, chandeliers
• THE VIBE: Classic Chicago with a fashion-forward twist

Why These Spaces Work So Well for Editorial Photography

The couples who tend to hire me are not afraid to take a little extra time for portraits. You care about the details. And you want images that feel intentional, elevated, and personal. As a wedding photographer, you are speaking my language!

That is what makes luxury Chicago venues so exciting to me. The setting becomes a part of the storytelling too.

If you are planning a Chicago wedding and want photographs that feel a little more editorial, these are absolutely on my dream list and I’d love to chat with you!