Top 5 Places to Propose in Chicago

Trying to find a location to propose that is not overly crowded and also has a great backdrop for photos can be difficult.  You want that special moment to be between you and your significant other, not you and a thousand other people around you bumping into you as they walk by.  After years of photographing the city both for clients and simply for ourselves, these are our top spots to pop the question.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

This is probably one of the quietest spots in Lincoln Park that we’ve encountered.  As you enter, the sounds of the bustling city start to fade and give way to the sounds of the water and birds chirping.  You are surrounded by tons of greenery and there is a beautiful stone path that meanders around the pond that you can stroll along.  The path is in the shape of an oval so if you decide to hire a photographer to photograph the proposal, they can guide you on what areas are best so they can capture the shot but still be a distance off so your significant other would never know they were there.

*Keep in mind the lily pool is not open during winter.

Milton Olive Park

This is one of the two most unobstructed views of the skyline we’ve found to date.  Located just north of Navy Pier this park is tucked away between the Pier and Ohio Street Beach.  When you walk through the park’s entrance you are greeted by a long tree lined path.  If you walk the length of the path you come to a large concrete patio that juts out over the lake.  This patio area is free of trees and other distractions that would hinder your view of the skyline. 

Museum Campus

This location can be versatile as it is a large area but the most iconic place is in front of the Adler Planetarium.  The view from the end of Solidarity Drive is aptly named the Skyline Walk and for good reason.  It is also the second of our two most unobstructed views of the city’s skyline.   

This spot can be more crowded at times however it is a large area so you have the space to move away from the crowds if you wish.

Art Institute Gardens

These gardens, like the Lily Pool in Lincoln Park, is another quiet hideaway.  These gardens are both located directly off Michigan Avenue and adjacent to the Art Institute, one on the north side and the other on the south.  Both are landscaped beautifully and are fully of trees and flowers.  One side even has a large fountain.

Garden of the Phoenix

This location is also sometimes referred to as Osaka Garden and is nestled just south of the Museum of Science and Industry.  As it is not located in downtown it does not get as crowded as some of the more popular spots which can make it an even more intimate spot.  Bonus tip – if you go late April to early May you can catch the Cherry blossom trees which are absolutely beautiful!

We have also turned this blog into a Vlog. If you watch until the end you’ll get to see a bonus 6th location!