Chicago Cultural Center Elopement: Luke & Kathy

Kathy and Luke’s Chicago Cultural Center elopement took place on a freezing cold winter day in the heart of the city. This Chicago Cultural Center elopement felt intimate and intentional from the very beginning, with the focus fully on the two of them and the experience they were creating together. As a Chicago elopement photographer, these are the days I’m most drawn to.

I met Kathy and Luke at the Chicago Cultural Center, where we quickly stepped inside to warm up and start their portraits. Shooting beneath the Tiffany Dome is always a highlight. The scale of the dome, combined with the soft glow above, creates such a timeless backdrop. I also love using the window light throughout the building to create moody, romantic images. One of the best parts of a Chicago Cultural Center elopement is how many incredible photo spots are tucked into one location, from grand staircases to quiet hallways.

Wrigley Building

After spending time inside, we bundled up and headed back out into the cold. Our next stop was the Wrigley Building, which is one of my favorite winter locations. The architecture and river views give photos a classic Chicago feel, especially on overcast days like this one. Kathy and Luke embraced the cold and trusted the process, which made the portraits feel effortless and natural.

From there, we headed to City Hall, where Kathy and Luke were officially married. City Hall ceremonies are simple, emotional, and full of meaning, especially during the winter months. As a Chicago elopement photographer, I love how these moments slow everything down and allow couples to be fully present.

Chicago El

We ended the session at the Quincy Brown Line stop, adding a fun, urban finish to the day. It felt like the perfect way to wrap up such a meaningful elopement. Congratulations to Kathy and Luke on an unforgettable day and the start of this next chapter together.