Your engagement photo session is such a fun and important part of your wedding journey! There is a tremendous amount of outfit planning, hair and make up appointment making, schedule coordinating, etc. If you are planning a Winter or Spring session, it might be easier to reschedule your shoot. Sometimes, though, I have couples flying in from other areas and rescheduling is not an option. Other times scheduling conflicts get in the way. I have, therefore, put together a list of ideas for you to use in case there is rain the forecast during your scheduled engagement session to keep your regularly scheduled photo session AND still be excited about it!

1.) Take the photos at the Art Institute of Chicago

You can do the entire session indoors and still have incredible images. This is a playground for creative minds and the modern wing has no shortage of incredible spots to take photos. It is a $20 entrance fee per person (OR free admission is offered every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm). Check out this blog post to see a full portrait session here. Even if museums aren’t really your thing, the stunning architecture still offers a variety of options for you!

2.) Find a Greenhouse

Greenhouses are totally underrated if you ask me! You are in a temperature controlled environment (no shivering or sweating!). There is so much greenery and often some floral features depending on what the season is. Some of my favorites are the greenhouse at Wilder Park Conservatory, Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Bird Haven Greenhouse. There’s also a greenhouse at the Chicago Botanical Garden! Some of these require photo permits that need to be purchased a few days in advance. So depending on the location, it’s important to plan ahead!

3.) Have a Cozy In-Home Couple’s Session

I. Love. Doing. In-home. Sessions. I repeat. I LOVE these! You have the opportunity to showcase your personalities and the essence of your relationship. Binge watching Netflix, drinking morning coffee together, being silly together. The home is where these favorite memories are made and where you can best be yourselves.

4.) Plan a Date Night

This is another great way of showcasing something unique about your relationship. If you’re book lovers, you can choose a book store or library. If your first date was a coffee shop, what a perfect place to capture this time in your relationship! If you love pizza and wine, let’s have some during the engagement session. I find that it not only helps couples relax when they choose an engagement session that involves doing something they love, but they also have so much more fun!

5.) Dance in the Rain

Also an underrated option! You can have SO MUCH FUN with your fiancé if you embrace the weather and just dance in the rain. I’ll bring the umbrellas! If you need more convincing, check out Lauren and Will’s engagement blog post, when it rained throughout the majority of the shoot!