Your engagement is such an exciting time, and finding the perfect spot for your photos is a big part of the fun! Central Illinois is packed with beautiful places that can make your photos feel extra special. Whether you love the peaceful vibe of a hidden park, the rustic charm of an old barn, or the energy of a downtown setting, there’s a spot that’s just right for you. Think about places that mean something to you as a couple—like where you had your first date or where the big proposal went down. Wherever you decide, Central Illinois has so many amazing backdrops to make your engagement photos just as memorable as the love story they’re capturing.
Bloomington
- Funks Grove: A picturesque spot filled with vibrant natural colors, serene woods, winding trails, and fields of wild grass. You’ll also find a charming wooden bridge, a peaceful creek, and both outdoor and indoor chapel spaces to explore.
- Moraine View State Park: This scenic nature reserve offers plenty of trails, including ones lined with wild grass and wildflowers. It’s home to Lake Dawson, complete with docks and a swimming beach. There’s also a campground, horse trails, a big horse barn, and a long, straight road that stretches across the dam—perfect for photos or a quiet stroll.
- Downtown Bloomington: A vibrant hub with plenty of cafes, bars, and unique shops nestled among beautiful historic buildings. The area is full of character, with alleys, colorful wall murals, and landmarks like the courthouse museum. The Castle Theatre, with its glowing light-up marquee, is just a couple of blocks away.
- Uptown Normal: This lively area is filled with cafes, bars, and shops, plus the iconic train station and grassy uptown circle. Don’t miss Mother Murphy’s graffiti staircase for a unique photo spot. It’s just a quick drive to Anderson and Underwood Parks, and the historic Normal Theatre stands out with its vintage marquee.
- Ewing Park 1 and 3: These parks are perfect for a classic outdoor vibe, with plenty of trees, a playground, and trails that connect the two parks. Ewing 3 features a beautiful bridge over a creek, and you can even head down into the creek for some unique nature shots.
Champaign
- University of Illinois Arboretum/Japan House (Champaign)
- Arboretum – The Arboretum is full of lots of bright, vibrant flowers, lush trees, and tons of unique backgrounds.
- Japan House – This location is perfect for nature lovers, with its serene pond, scenic trails, and towering trees. In season, cherry blossoms add a romantic touch, while a quaint bridge and a cozy gazebo area provide picture-perfect spots for your engagement photos.
- Allerton Park and Retreat – Allerton Park and Retreat has SO many different locations/backdrops to utilize, including: Allerton Mansion, Fu Dog Garden has a tower that you can enter called “The House of the Golden Buddhas”, a green house, a sunken garden, various gardens with hedges, sculptures, trail, flowers, and of course, tons of green space.
- Lake of the Woods/Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens – Lake of the Woods and Mabery Gelvin Garden in Mahomet offers a stunning setting for engagement photos, featuring a charming red bridge, a tranquil koi fish pond, a small waterfall, and the lush beauty of a botanical garden. They also offer season displays for the fall (a rustic wagon with pumpkins and mums) and winter (Christmas lights).
Peoria
- Jubilee State Park: A beautiful spot for nature lovers, featuring vibrant woods, wild grass, and colorful wildflowers. It’s perfect for hiking along nature trails, exploring a charming creek, or taking in the beauty of the sunflower field. There’s even a campground for those who want to stay a little longer.
- Warehouse District: This area has a cool industrial vibe with brick roads, alleys, and unique businesses housed in old industrial buildings. Some spots offer a riverfront view and are close to the riverwalk. Plus, it’s near fun attractions like bars, a distillery, and even an axe-throwing venue.
- Donovan Park: A sprawling, open park full of hills, trees, and lush green spaces. It features a pond and plenty of walking trails that wind through tall wild grass, making it a peaceful and scenic place to explore.
- Marriott Pere Marquette: This elegant luxury hotel in downtown Peoria is full of charm, with marble stairs, gold elevators, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the city skyline. The sitting areas are beautifully furnished with stylish chairs and couches, offering the perfect spot for relaxing or capturing timeless photos.
- Luthy Botanical Garden: A haven for plant lovers, with gorgeous outdoor gardens, a large fountain, and vibrant flowers and trees all around. Stroll along overhung pathways or step into the indoor greenhouse to see exotic plants and trees. Inside, you’ll find quaint cafe tables and benches for relaxing. It’s also right next to Peoria Zoo, which boasts its own stunning park and grounds.
Springfield
- Centennial Park: A peaceful spot with wide-open wild fields, a park area, and a scenic bike and walking trail lined with trees, making it great for casual strolls or nature-inspired photos.
- Downtown: The area features the iconic Capitol building, which is stunning both inside and out. For a unique perspective, head to the Hoogland Center for the Arts parking garage for an awesome shot with the Capitol building in the background!
- Horace Mann Insurance: This location stands out with its beautiful landscaping, a charming old train station, and artistic greenery walls that add a touch of character to the space.
- Lincoln Memorial Gardens: A serene retreat featuring Lake Springfield, scenic trails, and trees. Depending on the season, you can also find gorgeous wildflower fields that create a stunning backdrop.
- Washington Park: A picturesque park with water features, lovely trees, elegant pergolas, and a greenhouse that adds a touch of charm to the setting.
Complete Weddings + Events Makes Your Central Illinois Wedding Planning Simple
The Complete Weddings + Events team has collaborated with numerous event and wedding vendors that you might consider for your Central Illinois wedding.
With our expertise in photography, videography, DJ, photo booth, and coordination services, we are here to help make your wedding planning easy! After you’ve taken the time to celebrate your engagement, reach out to us and start tackling your wedding to-do list.
Waiting to start planning? No worries, head to our blog or Instagram page in the meantime for all things wedding to get you inspired!