Where you need a photo permit in Chicago | 2024 Chicago Photography Permit Rules at Iconic Chicago Photo Locations
Many popular photo locations downtown and in the greater Chicago area require a permit and/or fee. Some of the fees are minimal, around $25-50 per photo session, while others can be quite a bit more, between $150-$250 per session. It’s important to take the permit and fee requirements into account when planning your session. Most locations require a minimum of 7-14 days notice prior to the session. I have also found that some locations can be unresponsive or slow to respond, so you’ll want to give yourselves ample time to plan and secure the necessary permits before your session.
Below you’ll find a list of many popular portrait locations throughout Chicagoland, along with more information about permits and fees, if required. A general guideline - if you are shooting anywhere managed by the Chicago Park District, you will need a permit. You can visit the Chicago Park District website here to learn more.
A few guidelines when shooting in any public location in Chicago, whether a permit is required or not: 1) always practice safety precautions to keep yourselves out of harms way, particularly on/near roadways, 2) do not interrupt the flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic, 3) be mindful of passersby’ experience of the location 4) share the space with the locals, tourists and any other photoshoots present. Following these best practices will ensure your photo session is most likely to complete without being asked to leave the premises.
Please note: Many locations are linked with more information about the location, as well as information about permits and fees, if applicable. While extensive research went into compiling this list, it is neither an exhaustive of possible locations, nor exhaustive documentation of permits and fees required per location. It’s always important to double check to confirm you have the most updated information for a location prior to booking. When in doubt, contact the city directly.
Chicago Park District: (312) 763-6710
City of Chicago: Dial 311 (within Chicago) / If calling from outside of Chicago, call: 312-744-5000
Key —
*Requires a permit
$ Permit fee of under $50
$$ Permit fee of $50-$150
$$$ Permit fee of over $150
Waterfront
North Avenue Beach Gold Coast *$
North Avenue Beach - Chess Pavilion Gold Coast *$
Oak Street Beach Gold Coast *$
Ohio Street Beach Streeterville *$
Milton Olive Park Streeterville
Diversey Harbor Lincoln Park *$
Belmont Harbor Lakeview *$
Lakefront Park The Loop *$
Museum Campus South Loop *$
Northerly Island Park South Loop *$
Montrose Beach & Harbor Uptown *$
Loyola Beach Rogers Park
Promontory Point Hyde Park
Clark Street Beach Evanston *$
Lighthouse Beach Evanston *$
Gillson Beach Wilmette
Lake Forest Beach Lake Forest *$
Quintessential Chicago
North Avenue Beach Gold Coast *$
North Avenue Beach - Chess Pavilion Gold Coast *$
Ohio Street Beach Streeterville *$
Milton Olive Park Streeterville
Navy Pier Streeterville *$
Wrigley Building (outside) River North
Riverwalk & bridges River North
Buckingham Fountain The Loop *$
Millennium Park The Loop *$
Lurie Garden The Loop *$
Maggie Daley Park The Loop *$
Grant Park The Loop *$
Chicago Theater (outside) The Loop
Wrigley Field Wrigleyville *$
Museum Campus South Loop *$
Chicago Board of Trade Building (outside) The Loop
Under/near the L tracks
Ping Tom Park Pagoda Chinatown *$
Nature & Green Space
Lincoln Park Lincoln Park *$
Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk / South Pond Lincoln Park *$
Lincoln Park Great Garden Lincoln Park *$
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Lincoln Park *$$
Lincoln Park Conservatory Lincoln Park *$
Montrose Beach & Harbor Uptown *$
Milton Olive Park Streeterville
Addams (Jane) Memorial Park Streeterville *$
Lurie Garden The Loop *$
Grant Park The Loop *$
Northerly Island Park South Loop *$
Garfield Park Conservatory Garfield Park *$
Jackson Park Osaka Garden Jackson Park *$
Busse Woods Rolling Meadows
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve Lake Forest
Merrick Rose Garden Evanston *$$$
Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe *$$$
Cantigny Park Wheaton *$
Morton Arboretum Lisle *$$
Indoor Locations
Your favorite bar, restaurant, rooftop, coffee shop, ice cream store *call ahead for rules & permission
Your favorite movie theater, concert venue, bowling alley *call ahead for rules & permission
Your favorite/go-to L station
Lincoln Park Conservatory Lincoln Park *$
Garfield Park Conservatory Garfield Park *$
Union Station West Loop *$$
Salvage One West Town *$$
The Art Institute of Chicago The Loop *$$
Chicago Cultural Center The Loop
The Old Post Office West Loop Gate *$$
Rookery Building The Loop *$$$
Location Agnostic
Along your favorite street’s or neighborhood’s sidewalks
Under or near the L tracks / your favorite or go-to L station
Your favorite bar, restaurant, rooftop, coffee shop, ice cream store *call ahead for rules & permission
Your favorite/go-to L station
