The Art Institute of Chicago Engagement Session | AJ + Mitch
AJ + Mitch wanted a chic, editorial feel for their engagement session, so naturally, we headed to the Art Institute of Chicago for their engagement photos. The Art Institute is absolutely stunning on its own, and Mitch + AJ’s love fits right in with the art. Not to mention, their outfits were perfect for the space.
While there are so many gorgeous parts of The Art Institute of Chicago for engagement photos, you cannot beat the South Garden, Woman’s Board Grand Staircase, and the Spiral Staircase, where we spent most of our time during their session. We also spent some time in the Arts of Asia area and at the amazing Michigan Avenue entrance. I couldn’t have loved getting to spend the time with them more!
The Art Institute of Chicago
Founded in 1879 and located in downtown Chicago near Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicag is a top art museum with art that spans centuries and the globe. Their rotating exhibitions allow you to experience thousands of pieces of art from all around the world in one place. It is truly an inspiring place to be and a must when visiting the city! Even as a local, I enjoy every chance I get to explore both the famous, iconic works within the Art Institiute and the less-known, new pieces. Not only is the Art Institute home to more Monet (a personal favorite of mine) than any other museum in the world, the architecture of the museum itself is exquisite. The beauty of the Art Institute cannot be overstated.
Preparing for your Art Institute of Chicago Engagement Session
There are several things to take note of when preparing for your engagement session at the Art Institute of Chicago. First, you will want to consider timing. The museum is open Monday 11:00 am-5:00 pm, Thursday 11:00 am-8:00 pm, and Friday-Sunday 11:00 am-5:00 pm. The Art Institute is busy regularly, but evenings and weekends tend to have the most traffic. Consider having your engagement session in the morning or late afternoon to avoid overcrowding. Better yet, invest in the membership program at the museum. The Art Institute is open to members only from 10:00-11:00 am (on day when they’re open). This time is guaranteed to be the least busy, allowing more freedom to move around and less people in the background of your photos. However, if you are only wanting photos outside of the museum, I would schedule your engagement session on Tuesday or Wednesday.
If you are not a member of the Art Institute, the admission for ranges from $20-32. It is important to remember that bookbags and large bags are not allowed within the museum, so both you and your photographer should limit what they plan on bringing into the Art Institute. Travelling lightly for your Art Institute of Chicago engagement session is definitely the way to go, as you’ll have to continually find corners and places to tuck your things into as your being photographed.
If you’re looking for a second indoor spot for engagement photos that features beautiful architecture, I definitely recommend the Rookery Building, also in downtown Chicago.
Mitch + AJ
Mitch + AJ are getting married this June at Artifact Events in Ravenswood, Chicago. Like many couples these days, they have a true modern day love story, having met online. Their first date was at their favorite Boystown bar, Roscoe’s, which they still frequent. AJ proposed to Mitch on their 5-year dating anniversary. He surprised Mitch with a helicopter tour of the city followed by dinner at the Michelin Star Filipino restaurant Kasama. Then, they came home to Mitch’s friend having decorated their condo and that’s where AJ proposed! Of course, Mitch said yes, and the rest is history. They have now been together over six years.
Their engagement session was the perfect mix of romantic, sweet, sentimental, and editorial. We did the majority of their photos inside of the Art Institute, while also taking advantage of the Art Institute grounds and Michigan Avenue. Then, we wrapped up their session at their first apartment they lived in together, which was just a short walk from the museum. It was the perfect October day for an engagement session with these two cuties!
Looking for an editorial and documentary photographer for your Art Institute of Chicago engagement session? Reach out here. I’d love to document your story in this remarkable space.
