Fall Family Photography at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, IL
- Oct 31, 2025
- 3 min read
I LOVE the Garfield Park for my fall photography sessions. It is an ideal location because Chicago's fall weather is SO unpredictable. It could be 60 degrees and sunny with beautiful fall leaves, or it could be 35 degrees and raining cats and dogs! Well, since we've already put in so much work for our session together and since this season is jam-packed with so many things and clients, it is often hard to "reschedule" at a time that is convenient for everyone. Well, what comes in handy are places like the Garfield Park Conservatory, where, no matter the weather, we have a guaranteed amazing holiday card in the making!
The back of the Garfield Park Conservatory is seriously a GEM! I LOVE this place and have so many personal memories here as it seriously serves as an oasis for city living. I also have so many memories here with my clients over the years. This is definitely a location families like to return to, and I seriously can't recommend it enough. The leaves here are GORGEOUS, and there is such a variety in a small space.
What to know about shooting at the Garfield Park Conservatory
I am a photographer who likes to do things the right way, so we can just focus on being together and not have to lug around extra things, or "sneak around". Therefore, I want you to be as prepared as possible for this location.
You will need to make a reservation in order to go to the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, IL. You can do this on the day of, but sometimes time slots fill up, so I highly recommend doing this in advance. Going to the Conservatory is free for Chicago residents only (and you will need to bring and show proof of residence). So if you are NOT a Chicago resident, you can pay online ahead of time and come with your reservation loaded on your phone for scanning upon arrival.
You need a photography permit to shoot here. This is something that I will take care of/organize, and this fee will be added to your session. As of Spring 2026, it is a $90 fee (for the application, permit fee, and processing fees). I am totally upfront about this at the beginning, but I promise you, it is totally worth it.
As of Spring 2026, the front entrance is STILL under construction. What this means is the entrance is a bit further north than the normal parking lot and not as accessible/stroller-friendly. If you want to find street parking closer to this entrance along Central Park or drop off your party closer to this entrance, that might be a better fit (especially if the weather is poor).
The Conservatory closes PROMPTLY at 5 pm (except for on Wednesdays) and doesn't allow photographers to sign up for permits after 4 pm on those days, so please be aware that your session will be at an earlier time slot. This is ideal for the fall when sunset is a bit earlier as we will most likely sign up for the last slot of the day for outdoor images unless it's later in the season and know we will be shooting inside, and then a 10-1 pm slot is actually more ideal.
The interior of the Conservatory is often quite warm. I do not recommend lugging around big coats, so I recommend leaving your coats in the new entrance/coat area close to where I'll meet you in Horticulture Hall. I have never had issues leaving things in this space (from diaper bags to North Face and Patigonia coats), but please do be wise and carry your valuables with you or leave them discreetly in the car.
There are often a decent number of other people in the interior of this space, and sometimes other photographers, so that means we will have to be patient in some locations. There are definitely some picturesque spots that are worth "the wait" (never more than 3 minutes).
For more information on scheduling a lifestyle fall photography session at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, IL with me, please inquire here, as I would LOVE to fit you into the schedule this year during the peak change of leaves!
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