Now booking 2026 + 2027 weddingS - Chicago + Worldwide!
photography
Courtney Carney
Memories That Feel as Good as They Look
Chicago Wedding Photographer
I photograph weddings across Chicago, from the Riverwalk and skyline views to historic venues and modern spaces throughout the city. With a calm, organized approach, I capture real connection, natural movement, and moments that feel honest, joyful, and true to your day.
The moments that matter most aren’t always the ones on the timeline. They’re the glances, the laughter, the deep breaths, and the joy that unfolds naturally throughout the day. The loud laughs, the quiet pauses, and the in-between moments that make it all feel real — these are the memories worth holding onto long after the wedding is over.
For couples who love big, laugh loud, and want it all remembered
Joyful, True-to-Life Chicago Wedding Photography
I photograph Chicago weddings for couples who care deeply about how their day feels and want to stay present while it unfolds.
Chicago wedding days move fast, and between packed timelines, iconic locations, and meaningful moments happening all at once, having a photographer who brings calm direction makes all the difference. I guide when needed, step back when it matters, and focus on capturing the moments that happen naturally in between.
If you’re getting married in Chicago and want photos that feel joyful, natural, and true to YOU, you’re in the right place!
A relaxed wedding photography experience focused on real moments
Chicago Wedding Photographer For The Modern Couple
Joyful wedding photography for couples who love big
· You care just as much about the in-between moments as the big ones
· You want to actually enjoy your wedding day, not feel rushed or overly posed
· You love the little details, but not at the expense of being present
· You value photos that feel like you, not just pretty pictures
· You want to laugh often, celebrate big, and soak it all in
· You’re wildly in love with your favorite person!
This Experience is for you if...
is this for you?
A Classic Wedding at Cafe Brauer in Chicago
A Bright, Garden-Inspired Wedding At Blumen Gardens
Liesl + Mike
Bree + Joe
Annie + Parker
A Peek At Featured Chicago Galleries
A glimpse into real wedding days I’ve photographed in and around Chicago
A Joyful, Fun summer wedding at Eagle Brook Country Club
Courtney + Tyler
“I Would Hire Courtney 10,000x Over"
kind words
If I had to redo my entire wedding, I could go with another venue, different food, or even another dress, but I would always choose Courtney to photograph it!
from Chicago couples
A simple, thoughtful process that keeps things easy, intentional, and never rushed
From Our First Chat to Your Wedding Day Memories
First Up: Let's Meet!
Fill out the contact form below. (Yes, it really is that easy!) Once I receive your inquiry and ensure I’m available for your date, I’ll be in touch with an email going over all the details of what a wedding experience with me looks like. We’ll take the time to get to know each other and if you decide we’re the perfect fit for your day, we’ll get your date safe and secured through an easy-to-use online booking system. You’ll be able to review your collection details, sign your contract, and pay your deposit online. It’s wedding planning as fast and easy as ordering off Amazon, does it get much better than that?!
1.
Your Engagement Session
Now that you’re booked, here’s where the fun begins! First on the list? Scheduling your engagement session!! This is truly one of my favorite parts of the experience, it gives us the chance to hang out and have fun together before the wedding! I’ll be sending over my exclusive style guide to ensure you look and feel your best for your session. After your session, you’ll get your very own feature on the Courtney Carney blog plus an online gallery of your photos to share with all of your family and friends!
2.
Planning Your
Day
This is the meat and potatoes of our time together...planning your day! We’ll work to make sure I’m completely prepared with planning sessions, emails, timeline creation, family formal lists, a detailed wedding questionnaire, and plenty of texts full of GIFs. Remember me saying I’m an Enneagram 1? This is all pre scheduled so we’re always knocking this out at exactly the time we need to be. I work with each of my Courtney Carney couples to plan their day to guarantee we can have a photo-friendly timeline so you can relax and focus on having a good time!
3.
It's Time! Your Wedding Day!!
Your big day is HERE!! This is where you get to sit back and relax, knowing you’re in good hands! I’ll be there to capture the candid moments, the beautiful details, and all the perfect little moments in-between. Like the way your mom tears up putting in your veil, your dad getting emotional seeing you in your dress for the first time, the look the two of you share the first time you see each other that day, your first kiss as a MARRIED couple, the soft, secret smiles the two of you share during dinner and toasts, and all the hilarious dance moves your family and friends bring to the dance floor. I’m so excited to share your story!
4.
After The Wedding-Gallery Delivery
I'm always SO excited to jump right into editing your images, you'll receive a few sneak peeks the day after your wedding! Once your gallery is complete, I'll send you a link that's easy to share all your memories with your family and friends. Order an album? After your gallery is delivered, simply mark your favorites in your gallery and I'll use these to create a custom proof of your album. You'll get the chance to review and make any customizations before it's sent off for printing. Easy peasy!
5.
Minimum cups of coffee per day
# of hours spent binge-watching friends
photographs taken
number of happy clients
The Wedding Experience
Your wedding day goes by in a blur, but the way it felt — that should stay with you forever. My job is to gently slow it all down and guide you through it, so you can be fully present with the person you love and walk away with images that feel just as romantic, real, and joy-filled as the day itself.
Your love story is anything but ordinary —your wedding photos should be too!
I wanna know!
Want the lowdown on my favorite locations to shoot around Chicago? Click below to see which ones topped the list!
The Best Locations For Engagement Photos In Chicago
Must-read blog post
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