5 Best Chicago Wedding Photographers 2025
An insider's guide from someone who actually knows the market.
Most "best photographer" lists are SEO spam written by people who've never held a camera.
This one is different.
I'm a working Chicago wedding photographer. I've shot 250+ weddings, know the venues, know the vendors, and know whose work actually holds up when you zoom in. I've seen portfolios that look stunning on Instagram fall apart in a full gallery—and photographers with modest online presences who deliver extraordinary work.
This list is short on purpose. Five photographers. All verified credentials. All real pricing. All people I'd trust with my own sister's wedding.
Full disclosure: Yes, I'm on this list. I put myself at #1 because I genuinely believe I offer something no other Chicago photographer can—a decade of professional theater training that transforms how camera-shy couples experience being photographed. You can judge that claim by the work.
The other four? They earned their spots. Different styles, different strengths, all excellent.
Let's get into it.
1. Jeremy Glickstein Photography
Cinematic storytelling meets theater-trained comfort
Why #1
I'm the only Chicago photographer combining 10+ years of professional theater acting and acting coaching (notable credits: Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Jeff Award recipient) with a fine art photography background.
That theater training isn't a fun fact—it's the foundation of everything I do. After a decade helping actors access authentic emotion on stage, I learned exactly how to help couples who "hate being photographed" forget the camera exists.
The result? Seventy percent of my clients describe themselves as camera-shy. By the end of our time together, they're telling me it was the most fun they've had in front of a lens.
Credentials:
- WPJA Spotlight Photographer
- Fearless Photographers Member
- Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
- Best of ZOLA 2025
- Preferred Vendor: Chicago Winery
- 151+ Five-Star Reviews
Clients have dubbed me the "bride whisperer"—and I've earned it one nervous couple at a time.
See If We're a Good Fit →2. Victoria Sprung Photography
Bold documentary style with masterful lighting
Why She Made the List
Victoria has 11 Fearless Awards—more than any other Chicago photographer. That's not a participation trophy; Fearless is one of the most competitive wedding photography awards in the world.
With 700+ weddings since 2007, she's seen everything and can handle anything. Her specialty is finding incredible light in difficult conditions—dark venues, winter weddings, challenging indoor ceremonies. Where other photographers struggle, she thrives.
She also teaches photography to other wedding photographers, which tells you something about her mastery of the craft.
Style: Vibrant color, documentary/photojournalistic approach, bold creative lighting. Think punchy, energetic, and real—not soft and pastel.
View Victoria's Portfolio →3. Lauren Ashley Studios
Luxury elegance with an ethereal touch
Why They Made the List
Lauren Ashley Studios has built a reputation for images that clients describe as "ethereal," "magical," and "otherworldly." Their team approach means you get multiple skilled photographers working in a cohesive style—useful for large weddings with simultaneous moments happening in different locations.
Reviewers consistently mention two things: the calming presence of their photographers (especially Lauren and Mallory), and the speed of their sneak peek delivery. When you're eager to see your photos, getting beautiful previews quickly matters.
Style: Timeless, classic with creative flair. Strong attention to light and composition. Magazine-editorial feel without looking overdone.
View Lauren Ashley's Portfolio →4. Madi Ellis Photography
Documentary storytelling for unconventional love
Why She Made the List
Madi has 17 WPJA documentary wedding photography awards and 30 Diamond Awards for engagement portraits—serious recognition from organizations that judge actual images, not popularity.
Her strength is authentic emotion. She describes her work as creating "time machines" that let you relive your day exactly as it felt. For couples who want genuine moments over posed perfection, she's an excellent choice.
Reviewers consistently mention her calming presence and how natural they felt during photos. She's also proven herself with complex multicultural weddings, handling multiple ceremonies and traditions with care.
Style: Documentary/photojournalistic with fine art sensibility. Emphasis on texture, connection, and candid emotion.
View Madi's Portfolio →5. BK Rose Studio
Fine art photography with full-service flexibility
Why They Made the List
Kat and Brett Rosenberg are a husband-and-wife team with 17+ years of experience and over 5,000 clients. That longevity matters—they've refined their craft through thousands of weddings and know how to deliver consistently.
Their unique advantage is offering both photography and videography in-house. When the same team handles both, coordination is seamless and you get a cohesive look across your photos and film.
Based in Libertyville, they're particularly strong in the Northwest Suburbs—Lake Forest, Highland Park, Glenview, Lake County venues. If your wedding is in that area, they know the light, the venues, and the logistics.
Style: Fine art with emphasis on timeless, elegant imagery. Story-driven approach with attention to authentic moments.
View BK Rose's Portfolio →How I Chose These Photographers
I evaluated Chicago wedding photographers based on:
- Verified credentials: Awards from respected organizations (WPJA, Fearless, ISPWP, PPA) where actual images are judged by peers
- Review consistency: Not just star ratings, but what clients actually say about their experience
- Portfolio depth: Full galleries, not just highlight reels—because anyone can curate 20 great shots
- Years of experience: Enough weddings to have encountered every possible challenge
- Transparent pricing: Photographers who publish their investment levels rather than hiding behind "inquire for pricing"
I intentionally kept this list short. There are other good photographers in Chicago—but these five represent distinct styles at verified quality levels. Whether you want documentary authenticity, luxury elegance, cinematic creativity, or suburban convenience, one of these photographers will fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Chicago wedding photographers cost in 2025?
Top Chicago wedding photographers typically range from $6,000 to $10,000+ for full-day coverage. Budget-friendly options start around $2,500-$4,000, while luxury photographers may charge $12,000-$20,000+. The photographers on this list range from $6,600 to $7,700+ for their wedding collections.
What makes a great Chicago wedding photographer?
The best Chicago wedding photographers combine technical skill with the ability to make couples feel comfortable. Look for verified credentials (awards from WPJA, Fearless, ISPWP), consistent 5-star reviews mentioning comfort and professionalism, a portfolio style that matches your vision, and experience at your venue or similar settings.
How far in advance should I book a Chicago wedding photographer?
Top Chicago wedding photographers book 12-18 months in advance for peak season dates (May-October). For popular Saturday dates, booking 18+ months ahead is recommended. Winter and weekday weddings have more availability, often booking 6-12 months out.
What's the difference between documentary and traditional wedding photography?
Documentary (photojournalistic) wedding photography captures moments as they naturally unfold with minimal posing, focusing on authentic emotions and candid interactions. Traditional photography emphasizes posed portraits and formal group shots. Most modern photographers blend both styles, offering documentary coverage throughout the day with some directed portraits during golden hour or key moments.
Should I hire a photographer with experience at my wedding venue?
Venue experience is helpful but not essential. An experienced photographer can scout any location and find great light. What matters more is their overall portfolio quality, lighting skills (especially for indoor/low-light venues), and their ability to make you feel comfortable. Ask to see full galleries from similar venues if yours is particularly challenging.
Ready to Find Your Photographer?
If my approach resonates—cinematic imagery, theater-trained comfort, bespoke collections—I'd love to hear about your wedding.
See If We're a Good Fit →151+ five-star reviews · Preferred vendor at Chicago Winery · WPJA · Fearless · PPA