ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
THE EXPERIENCE
From Chicago's lakefront to hidden garden gems, engagement photos are as unique as your love story.
Nova Photos turns every glance, laugh, and quiet moment between you into images you'll keep forever. Whether you're dreaming of outdoor engagement photos in a sun-lit park, romantic beach engagement photos along Lake Michigan, or a cozy winter engagement session in the snow, we know exactly how to make it beautiful.
Chicago engagement photos aren't just about the backdrop, they're about feeling like yourselves in front of the camera. Our photographers guide you through every pose, so nothing feels stiff. Beyond stunning images, your session builds real comfort with your photographer before the wedding day arrives. Book your wedding with Nova Photos and receive $100 off your engagement shoot.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Our engagement photography and videography is designed to be both meaningful, flexible, and affordable, so you can focus on each other while we handle everything else with incomparable quality. All engagement photos & video packages include
- 45 - 60 minute session at the location of your choice
- Any location within a 35-mile radius of our studio (locations beyond 35 miles will incur a fee)
- Personal online gallery for viewing, downloading and ordering prints
- Full digital download of all edited, high-resolution files with no watermarks or extra fees
- Photos downloadable directly from your gallery; video delivered via email link for instant download
- Outfit changes are allowed
- Nova Photos handles permit acquisition for locations that require one — client is responsible for permit and parking fees if applicable
- Engagement sessions can be extended 30 minutes for an additional $50
LOCATIONS WE FREQUENTLY SHOOT AT:
ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL
Peaceful, picturesque outdoor engagement photos with natural charm
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDENS
Stunning indoor floral backdrops in every season
CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
Elegant architecture and artistic interiors for a timeless look
MILLENNIUM & MAGGIE DALY PARKS
Iconic cityscapes and open green space in the heart of downtown
LAKE KATHERINE
Quiet Lake views and wooded trails for a serene outdoor shoot
CATIGNY PARK
Classic gardens and beautiful estate architecture
GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY
Lush, colorful indoor oasis, able to be used year-round including winter
KATHERINE LEGGE MEMORIAL PARK
Rustic charm in a forested setting, ideal for outdoor engagement photos
LINCOLN PARK
Urban nature at its finest combined with a classic Chicago engagement spot
MORTON ARBORETUM
Expansive natural beauty which provides gorgeous backgrounds for fall and winter sessions
ADLER PLANETARIUM
Unmatched Chicago skyline views meet waterfront elegance
UNION STATION
Grand, timeless architecture for a more editorial feel
WHY CHOOSE NOVA PHOTOS?
WHAT TO EXPECT WORKING WITH YOUR CHICAGO ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
With years of experience capturing authentic and unscripted moments across Chicago’s most beautiful locations, we create sessions tailored to your unique story. We lead every session with warmth and intention, helping you feel comfortable and confident, ensuring natural, heartfelt images that reflect your love and personality, starting from the first camera click. The result is images that look and feel genuinely like the two of you.
Because your engagement photos near this milestone deserve zero compromises, every session comes with professional backup equipment and photographers. As a multicultural, LGBTQ+ friendly studio, we celebrate every couple’s love story, providing a welcoming, stress-free experience from start to finish. From your first consultation to gallery delivery, we handle every detail so you can be fully present and enjoy every moment of your shoot.
OUR APPROACH
PERSONALIZED CONSULTATION
We begin by understanding your style, personality, and what you envision for your photos.
LOCAL GUIDANCE
Whether you prefer iconic cityscapes, quiet parks, or hidden gems, we help select spots that perfectly complement your story.
NATURAL, CANDID MOMENTS
We encourage genuine interactions and relaxed poses to capture laughter, tenderness, and all the emotions in between.
EXPERT USE OF LIGHT & SEASONS
As locals, we know when and where to shoot for the best natural light and seasonal beauty.
TAILORED EXPERIENCE
Each session is customized to your comfort level and style, balancing creativity with ease to make you feel confident and authentic in front of the camera.
FAQS
How do I choose the right affordable engagement photographer in Chicago?
Start by reviewing portfolios to find a style that genuinely resonates with you. That means it could be anything from an aesthetic that's light and airy, moody and dramatic, or warm and candid. Look for an engagement photographer in Chicago who communicates clearly, makes you feel at ease, and has real experience shooting at local outdoor, beach, and winter locations. Strong reviews, transparent pricing, and a clear booking process all matter. Nova Photos checks every box — and dates fill up fast, so don't wait to check availability.
What is Nova Photos guarantee?
Every session comes with our commitment to professional, reliable service. That means a trained photographer, backup equipment on-site, and no surprise fees. You'll receive all edited, high-resolution digital files with no watermarks and no hidden costs to download them. If anything goes wrong on our end, we make it right.
How long does an engagement photo shoot in Chicago take?
Our standard engagement session runs 45–60 minutes. With having up to an hour for a shoot, that means the photographer and the couple have enough time to move through a location naturally, try a few different spots, and capture a variety of moments without feeling rushed. Need more time? You can extend your session by 30 minutes for just $50.
What does the session include?
Every engagement session includes personalized location guidance, relaxed posing direction, wardrobe change flexibility, and expert timing for the best natural light. Your online gallery, which is delivered no later than 2 weeks after your shoot, includes all professionally edited, high-resolution images ready to download, share, print, or turn into albums and keepsakes.
How do we reserve our date for engagement photography in Chicago?
Reach out through our contact form or availability checker to secure your preferred date. Engagement sessions book quickly, especially outdoor and beach shoots during peak Chicago season, so we recommend locking in your date as soon as you have one in mind. A deposit reserves your spot.
How far in advance should we book our engagement proposal photographer?
We recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance, especially if you're planning outdoor engagement photos during spring or summer, or want a specific iconic Chicago location. Winter engagement photo sessions tend to have more flexibility, but earlier is always better to ensure your preferred date and photographer are available.
Do we receive all the edited digital images after our session?
Yes, every package includes a full digital download of all professionally edited, high-resolution images. Photos are downloadable directly from your online gallery, and if you've added video, your link is emailed for instant download as well.
What to expect after the shoot?
Your online gallery will be ready within 2 weeks, with every image carefully edited in Nova Photos' signature style of a clean, vibrant, and emotionally rich look. From your gallery you can download high-res images, order prints or canvases, design custom albums, share privately or publicly with family and friends, or request rush edits if you need your photos sooner.
From yes to forever, let's capture the spark.
