James + Emma
Nature Boardwalk | Bridge over South Pond
Planning a March Proposal at Lincoln Park's South Pond Bridge
If you’re thinking about proposing in Chicago in early March, Lincoln Park’s South Pond Bridge might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s quiet, scenic, and just far enough off the beaten path to feel personal—especially this time of year when the park isn’t packed with people.
I recently photographed a proposal there for James and Emma, and it was such a beautiful reminder of why this spot works so well—especially for surprise proposals.
Why the South Pond Bridge is Perfect for a Proposal
The South Pond Bridge sits along the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk, right by the zoo. It gives you this incredible view of the skyline over the pond, and even in early spring when the trees are still bare, the setting is peaceful and picturesque.
James chose the bridge because he and Emma had spent a lot of time walking the boardwalk together. The location meant something to them, and we planned the moment so I could be there in advance, camera ready, without tipping anything off. When they walked onto the bridge, James dropped to one knee, Emma said yes, and the whole thing was pure magic.
Tips for Planning a Proposal in Early March
Chicago weather in March can be unpredictable—it could be sunny and 55, or snowing sideways. But that’s part of the charm if you’re up for a little spontaneity. Here are a few tips I always share when helping plan a proposal this time of year:
Time it right – Late afternoon is usually best. The light softens and you get a little bit of that golden glow. Even if it’s overcast, it still looks great in photos.
Layer up – Proposing outside in March means jackets, gloves, and warm shoes. Just make sure you’re both comfortable enough to enjoy the moment (and take a few portraits afterward).
Weekdays = more privacy – If you can swing a weekday, the area is usually much quieter. Fewer people around makes it easier to keep the moment private and stress-free.
Have a backup plan – In case the weather turns wild, we can always shift the time or day a bit. I help build in that flexibility when we plan your session.
Do You Need a Permit?
Lincoln Park Zoo does require a photo permit for posed sessions on their grounds, but the Nature Boardwalk and South Pond areas are public spaces. If you're keeping things simple—just a surprise moment and a few portraits—you're usually good to go without one. If you’re planning to set up décor or props, let’s chat about the best way to handle that.
Nearby Spots to Celebrate After
After the big moment, a lot of couples plan a mini celebration. Some bring champagne to pop right after, others head to a nearby restaurant. A few solid options:
Café Brauer – Right next to the boardwalk, perfect for a quick toast or bite.
North Pond – A bit more upscale, and tucked right into the park.
Lincoln Park neighborhood spots – Plenty of cozy places if you want something casual.
How I Help Make It Happen
My goal is to make this as smooth and stress-free as possible. I’ll help you choose the best spot, figure out timing, scout the area in advance, and even help you practice what to say or how to get your partner in the right place without suspicion. I’ve done a lot of these—and I’m here to help you pull it off.
James and I worked together for a couple of weeks leading up to his proposal. We mapped out the route, picked the exact spot on the bridge, and built a game plan so everything went off without a hitch. Emma had no idea what was coming, and it was so fun to capture her surprise and joy in real time.
Thinking about proposing at Lincoln Park’s South Pond Bridge?
Let’s talk. I’m happy to help brainstorm ideas and walk you through exactly how to make it personal, meaningful, and smooth from start to finish.
And when you're ready, reach out—and we can start planning a session that feels like you.
Congrats again!
I’ll be in touch soon with the full gallery, in the meantime enjoy these highlights!
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