Chicago Winter Engagement at The Art Institute and Miller’s Pub

I got to kick off my 2025 with Lisa and Colm’s Chicago winter engagement session! The beginning of January is always buzzing after the holidays, and downtown Chicago was definitely still in the spirit. When I first heard from these two, I learned of their love for travel, nature, history, and art… and that they’re members at the Art Institute (like me!). It was pretty much a given from the start that we’d take engagement photos there 🙂

Art Institute Engagement Photos

The Art Institute of Chicago is easily one of my favorite places in the city. I could spend days walking through the galleries, viewing the rotating exhibits and permanent art pieces alike. It’s also (surprise) one of my favorite locations for photos in downtown Chicago! Especially in the winter months, or in case of rain on your wedding day, The Art Institute has been a top photo location for our couples over the years.

When we arrived, Colm and Lisa immediately wanted to visit the Thorne Miniature Rooms. If you’ve never visited this part of the museum, I highly recommend it! We spent the afternoon wandering through the halls, making sure to stop for photos with some iconic pieces (and Lisa’s guitar solo). We talked about the holidays, travel, and wedding planning, of course! When the sun began to set, it was time to head to Miller’s for happy hour.

Miller’s Pub Engagement

After a quick wardrobe change, we headed down the street to Miller’s Pub! This Chicago institution is worth a visit for any tourist or local. Reminiscent of the Irish pub where they had their first date, Lisa and Colm felt right at home – and couldn’t have been easier to photograph! Somehow we were able to capture art, history, a cozy pub atmosphere and holiday vibes all in one session. I had an absolute blast hanging with these two and can not wait for their Chicago wedding day this summer!!

Looking for more Art Institute engagement session inspo? Check out these other sessions on the Blog!

Lucinda & Mark | Kasia & Jonathan | Jolene & Will

Candid photo of engaged couple on a bench in a gallery of the Art Institute of Chicago
Entrance to the Thorne Miniature Rooms gallery in the Art Institute of Chicago
Engaged couple embraces while viewing one of the Thorne Miniature Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Couple leans in for a kiss while viewing the Thorne Miniature Rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Engaged couple embraces on a colorful, text-covered staircase inside the Art Institute of Chicago
Black and white photo of man kissing his partner's cheek on a staircase in the Art Institute of Chicago during the couple's downtown winter engagement session
Black and white photo of couple hand in hand as they descend a staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago during downtown winter engagement session
Couple poses playfully in front of a large stained glass window in the Art INstitute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Portrait of happy engaged couple in front of a large stained glass window at the Art Institute of Chicago
Man in burgundy blazer kisses smiling woman in blue dress in front of a stained glass window in the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Couple walks in front of a large stained glass window in the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Engaged couple views Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte in the Art Institute of Chicago
Couple holds hands beneath Georgia O'Keeffe's Sky above Clouds IV at the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Black and white photo of engaged couple holding hands walking up a staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago with Georgia O'Keeffe's Sky Above Clouds IV in the background
Couple stands side by side viewing Edward Hopper's Nighthawks in a gallery of the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Woman in a blue jumpsuit playfully mimics in Picasso's The Old Guitarist during Art Institute of Chicago engagement session
Engaged couple holds hands and admires abstract paintings in a gallery of the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Black and white photo of couple sitting on a bench holding hands in the Art Institute of Chicago holding hands with abstract art in the background during downtown Chicago winter engagement session
Creative photo of silhouette of a couple embracing by a window in the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown winter engagement session
Engaged couple walks through a gallery of the Modern Art Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago
Couple poses playfully in a gallery of the Art Institute of Chicago with colorful abstract paintings on the wall behind them during their downtown winter engagement session
Engaged couple smiles and holds each other on a staircase in the Art Institute of Chicago
Creative photo of silhouetted couple standing on a winding staircase in front of large glass windows at the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown Chicago winter engagement session
Black and white photo of couple descending a spiral staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago during their downtown Chicago winter engagement session
Black and white detail photo of engaged couple's hands and engagement ring at the Art Institute of Chicago
Exterior of the Art Institute of Chicago
Couple sits in Miller's Pub, sipping drinks and sharing snacks beneath holiday decorations and a Chicago Bulls banner during downtown Chicago winter engagement session
Engaged couple smiles and embracessurrounded by Christmas decorations at Miller's Pub in downtown Chicago
Candid photo of engaged couple enjoying drinks and laughing together at Miller's Pub in downtown Chicago
Black and white photo of couple sharing a toast during at Miller's Pub during their downtown Chicago winter engagement session
Couple playfully shares a french fry at Miller's Pub during downtown Chicago winter engagement session
Couple kisses outside Miller's Pub in downtown Chicago at night during winter engagement session

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