Walden Chicago Wedding | A Winter Wedding in Downtown Chicago

Rooftop portrait of a wedding couple at Walden Chicago

Kayla and James’ Walden Chicago wedding was a perfect Chicago winter day. Sun out, the air felt crisp, and there was something a little magical about it. Chicago was absolutely beautiful and it felt like something out of a storybook. Romantic, easy and joyful, it was one of my favorite weddings to photograph.

Why Walden Chicago Stands Out As A Wedding Venue

One thing that I hear about the Walden over and over again is that it’s just a well-oiled machine. From my experience, it’s absolutely true! From the venue layout, to each of the spaces, and the team they have at the Walden, everything runs smoothly time and time again. If you’re considering the Walden Chicago for your wedding, I can tell you with full confidence that they will help your day feel coordinated and well-run.

For Kayla and James, it gave them the space to stay present instead of worrying about what was happening next, which is what I want for all of my couples. They’re so cute together, and they have a natural playful energy, which was a joy to capture. They were really able to enjoy their wedding, which shines through in their photos.

Another part of the Walden that I loved was the bar downstairs. It made for the perfect spot to sneak away to during the reception and add in some fun flash portraits.

Having the right vendor team elevates your entire wedding experience. Here are some of my favorite Chicago wedding vendors to work with!

Walden Chicago wedding photos at the bar

A First Look with Chicago Skyline Views

Even in December, the sun kept shining and we were able to use the rooftop at Walden for their first look. With the Chicago skyline right behind them, it was the perfect spot for their emotional reveal. First looks are always one of my favorite parts of the day, and theirs has got to be one of my favorites. When James turned around and saw Kayla for the first time, he said in the most adoring voice, “She’s the most beautiful girl in the world.” Cue happy tears!

See more rooftop wedding portraits from an Intercontinental Chicago wedding here.

First look on the rooftop at Walden Chicago

Chicago Wedding Portraits at Wrigley Building & Union Station

After their first look, we headed into the city for portraits, starting at the classic Wrigley Building on Michigan Ave in downtown Chicago. This spot is classic for a reason. It’s one of my favorite wedding photo spots not only because it has an amazing view of the city, but somehow, no matter what the timing or circumstances are, it always has gorgeous lighting. The light reflects perfectly off the buildings, and with its neutral color, everyone in the photos always pops. Since it was December, the iconic Christmas tree was set up nearby, which added some winter holiday magic to their wedding day.

Bridal party in downtown Chicago on the trolley

Wrigley Building wedding party portraits in downtown Chicago

Rooftop portraits of a bride and groom at Walden Chicago

Christmas tree Wrigley Building bride and groom portrait

Next we stopped at Union Station Chicago for indoor couples photos. As a Chicago wedding photographer, it’s become one of my go-to spots for an indoor weather backup. With the grand scale of the space and multiple gorgeous staircases to shoot in front of, it’s an elegant spot in any weather and gives you a completely different look while still feeling classic Chicago!

Union Station Chicago wedding couple kisses in front of staircase

Ceremony at Walden Chicago

Guests were greeted with adorable holiday cocktails as they arrived at the ceremony, which immediately made the space feel warm and welcoming. Kayla and James’ dog, Vinny, walked down the aisle, and of course stole the show! The two then read their vows in front of their loved ones.

One of my favorite moments as a wedding photographer is right after the couple says, “I do.” For Kayla and James, the look on their faces walking back down the aisle was everything. Following the bride, groom, and the bridal party out after the ceremony I was able to capture a candid moment that I always love - the immediate joy as everyone hugs, high fives and celebrates with the newly married couple.

See more of my Chicago wedding photography work in my portfolio.

Bride and groom kiss at their indoor Walden Chicago wedding ceremony

A BEAUTIFUL CHICAGO Wedding Reception

I really loved a few of the unique elements of their Walden Chicago wedding reception! The decor and design was so much fun and so fitting for Kayla and James. Hanging disco balls, a checkered dance floor, and purple uplighting? Obsessed. It was like no other wedding I’ve photographed at the Walden.

Instead of a DJ or band, they brought in dueling pianos by Kaleen Dolan Music, and it ended up being one of the coolest parts of the night. The performers kept the crowd involved the entire time, taking requests and keeping the energy high. All evening the two singers took turns playing and hyping up the crowd. 10/10 would recommend dueling pianos for a wedding reception!

The dance floor was full all night, and it was clear Kayla and James were locked in and enjoying every moment celebrating with their people. Scroll to the end for some fun dancing photos!

Disco ball and checkered dance floor wedding decor at Walden Chicago

Bride and groom dance at their Chicago wedding reception at Walden Chicago

Kind words from Kayla & James

“Audrey was a joy to work with for our engagement photos and wedding day photography. From our very first interaction, Audrey was responsive, accommodating, and supportive, making us feel at ease throughout the entire process. Her professionalism, love for photography, and talented approach was evident in the amazing photos she captured that truly portrayed us as a couple.

She made us feel comfortable in front of the camera and ensured she captured every moment we could have ever imagined from our special day. The photos we received from our engagement photoshoot and wedding day are better than we could have ever imagined and we are so thankful to have these photos forever to remember these special moments. We would recommend Audrey to anybody looking for an excellent wedding photographer!!”

- Kayla & James

Couple cut their cake at Walden Chicago wedding reception

Tips for Planning a Walden Chicago Wedding

If you’re planning a Walden Chicago wedding, there are a few things that can help your day feel smooth:

Take advantage of the rooftop for portraits. Walden’s rooftop is one of its biggest highlights, with skyline views that work perfectly for a first look or couple’s portraits. For winter weddings in Chicago, I always recommend keeping this flexible and pairing it with an indoor backup like Union Station or the venue itself!
Plan for nearby Chicago photo locations. One of the biggest perks of Walden is its location. You’re just minutes from iconic spots like the Wrigley Building and Union Station, which makes it easy to build variety into your photos without having to go too far.
Build in time for elevator access and city movement. Since Walden is a multi-level venue in downtown Chicago, adding a little buffer time into your timeline for elevators, loading in/out, and transportation helps everything stay on track.
Use the full venue for photos. Walden has multiple spaces that photograph really well, including the black wall for groom’s portraits, the second level for family photos, and the bar downstairs (my personal favorite!). Stepping into a different space for a few minutes can add a lot of variety to your gallery.
Hire a wedding photographer who knows the venue well. Trust me, this makes all the difference! They will guide you to all the best spots, as well as know what will work with the time available. (Read more about me and my approach to shooting weddings!)
Trust the flow of the venue and team. Walden is known as a well-oiled machine for a reason. The layout and team help guide the day naturally, which allows you to stay present and actually enjoy your wedding instead of worrying about logistics.

Couple toasts at their Walden Chicago wedding ceremony

Chicago Wedding Photography | Walden Chicago

If you’re looking for a Chicago wedding venue that makes it easy to focus and be fully present and enjoy every moment together, Walden Chicago is a great option. It’s a gorgeous wedding venue in downtown Chicago that has everything you need in one spot, and provides a phenomenal experience for every couple I’ve photographed there.

If you’re planning your Chicago wedding and want photos that feel natural, fun, and true to you, reach out through my contact page, and let’s set up a time to chat!