9 of My Favorite Places for Wedding Portraits in Peoria, IL

As a wedding photographer in Central Illinois, I am so grateful to have SO many wonderful locations for my couples to enjoy, both in terms of wedding venues and portrait locations. One such city that has plenty of both to go around is Peoria, IL, which I’ve actually covered before when talking about my favorite wedding venues in the city.

Today though we’re instead taking a look at some of my favorite places for wedding portraits in Peoria, so settle in, grab yourself a snack and a drink, and let’s check out some of these beautiful spaces together!

1. Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette // 501 Main St, Peoria, IL 61602

First on my list is the incredible Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette, an extremely elegant hotel found in the heart of Downtown Peoria! For anyone that’s visited or stayed in this hotel you know why it’s on this list. The hotel’s lobby features some of the most elegant architecture found in Peoria, it’s legitimately breathtaking. The central location also makes it incredibly easy to get to for anyone that’s celebrating their wedding day in Peoria, IL. There’s also plenty of other locations just a short walk away for more portrait opportunities, some of which we’ll see later in this list!

2. Luthy Botanical Gardens // 2520 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603

If you’re in the mood for some more natural wedding portrait opportunities in Peoria, IL then the Luthy Botanical Gardens are a must consider. Found just a few miles north of the heart of downtown, the pristine gardens of this space make for some of THE most amazing backdrops for wedding portraits. 5 acres of magical outdoor garden space set an incredible scene for your wedding portraits, just know that there is a permit requirement to have your photos taken here. It’s a small price to pay though for a space as lovely as this!

3. Donovan Park // 5805 Knoxville Ave, Peoria, IL 61614

Donovan Park is next on our list, and this takes a natural setting for your wedding portraits to the next level. Just a few more miles north of the Luthy Botanical Gardens, Donovan Park is actually Peoria’s first accredited arboretum! Scenic hiking trails, tranquil bodies of water, a sculpture garden, and an abundance of natural beauty to enjoy all set the scene for a wonderful wedding portrait location in Peoria!

4. Blackbird…On the Drive // Airbnb in East Peoria

Moving right along we have our first wedding portrait location in East Peoria, IL, and that is this astounding Airbnb! This distinct Airbnb earns its Blackbird namesake as the house features this STUNNING all black siding. I strongly encourage you to consider booking this Airbnb for your stay in Peoria on your wedding weekend as it not only makes for incredible wedding portraits, but also a top notch getting ready space as you can see from Elaina and Clayton’s wedding day!

5. ICC Horticulture Land Laboratory & Arboretum // 1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL  61635

Also in East Peoria, about 10 minutes from Downtown Peoria, is the Horticulture Land Laboratory & Arboretum of the Illinois Central College! This is yet another phenomenal space for couples looking for a more natural backdrop for their portraits, with a few sculptures and other beautiful details in the mix as well. To see more of the space check out Elaina and Clayton’s day again as they had their newlywed portraits taken here following their ceremony!

6. Forest Park Nature Center // 5809 N Forest Park Dr, Peoria Heights, IL 61616

Another favorite spot of mine for anyone looking to have their wedding portraits taken surrounded by the beauty of nature! The Forest Park Nature Center sits just next to Donovan Park, and features a ton of magical hiking trails to explore and enjoy. This space is especially wonderful in the fall as the different colors on the trees create the most stunning backdrop for your newlywed, wedding party, and/or family photos.

7. Peoria Warehouse Historic District // Around 800 SW Washington St in Peoria

Peoria’s Warehouse District has been the site of much of the city’s revitalization as of late, and I for one am ALL for it! This part of town features historic brick buildings that create such a wonderful historic setting with seemingly endless opportunities for portraits. Being in the center of Downtown Peoria also gives you easy access to other portrait opportunities nearby, like the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette which is only a mile away!

8. Pettengill-Morron House Museum // 1212 W Moss Ave, Peoria, IL 61606

Next on my list is the Pettengill-Morron House Museum! Sitting just outside a mile from Downtown Peoria, IL, this historic 1800’s house is an amazing option for wedding portraits for a number of reasons. In addition to the wonderful location, the house also features Victorian style architecture, a striking outdoor garden space, and can even be rented as a wedding venue if you’re interested! If that’s the case you’ll have to contact the Peoria Historical Society’s Office at 309-674-1921.

9. On the River! // Running Through Peoria and East Peoria

Of course the Illinois River that runs through Peoria and East Peoria has to be on my list, it just wouldn’t be complete without it! There are SO many spots along the river that it’s impossible to pick just one to feature on this list. Whether you’re after something completely natural, or a good mix of nature and the downtown of Peoria, you can find a spot that fits your vision for wedding portraits on the River in Peoria, IL!

BONUS! East Port Banquet Center // 703 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL 61611

SURPRISE! I haven’t done this in a minute, but I decided to sneak a 10th location onto the list, and it’s none other than the East Port Banquet Center! This space was actually featured on my list of my favorite wedding venues in Peoria, IL, but it also works wonderfully as an option for anyone looking for wedding portraits on the water of the Peoria Lake.

Those are 10 of my favorite spots in and around Peoria, IL for wedding portraits! There are still plenty more places within the city that offer amazing portrait opportunities, as well as a ton that are just a short drive outside of Peoria. So whether something on this list caught your eye, or you’re still searching for the perfect space for your wedding portraits, there’s a good chance you can find it in Peoria! If you’re interested in having me document your wedding day in Peoria or the greater Central Illinois area head to my contact page to send me an inquiry, and if you’re in need of more wedding planning resources be sure to check out some of my other articles on the blog!