Hi, I'm Kenny Nakai.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to document some of the city's most beautiful love stories.
I hope you find inspiration here and connect with the feelings I had when I created each photo.
Hi, I'm Kenny Nakai.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to document some of the city's most beautiful love stories.
I hope you find inspiration here and connect with the feelings I had when I created each photo.
Real tips on lighting, locations, logistics, and what makes this Forbes Five-Star hotel photograph beautifully. From a photographer who has been shooting here since the year it opened.
I still remember the first wedding I photographed at The Langham, Chicago back in 2013, the year it opened. It was New Year's Eve, and I remember being told it was only their seventh wedding. At the time, it was rated as a four-star hotel, and I distinctly remember thinking: how is this not a five star hotel? The design, the service, the feel of the space. It all felt elevated from day one. It didn't take long before they earned that Five-Star rating.
Fast forward to today, and The Langham, Chicago has built one of the strongest reputations in the city:
Since that first wedding in 2013, I've photographed countless Langham, Chicago weddings and I still never get tired of walking into that lobby. It's one of those spaces that feels luxurious without trying too hard.
QUICK FACTS
Style: Modern Luxury
Capacity: 250-312 guests
Ballroom: 22ft Ceilings
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: 330 N Wabash Ave
Investment: $$$$
"Kenny's aesthetic of capturing the emotion & feelings of every moment gives us the gift of feeling & remembering those moments forever. Personable and professional, Kenny made our wedding timeless."
Samantha & Pete
-The Langham Chicago
"I saw his past work that he did at the Langham and knew he was the one for us.
He makes the pictures look like art...He is also easy to work with. He's calm and friendly but has no problem telling you what to do to get the perfect picture."
Brianna & Jim
-The Langham Chicago
— Photographer's Note
They also consistently hire some of the best people in the industry. Their wedding and event team is top-tier, and everything feels smooth and intentional. I've worked alongside their Director of Catering for over 15 years across different Chicago venues — she's easily one of the best in the city. That professionalism trickles down into every detail of the day, which makes my job easier and your day smoother.
This might sound like a small detail, but on a wedding day, it matters more than you'd think. The Langham has eight elevators. They're large, fast, and efficient.
Throughout the day, we're constantly moving: getting-ready suites, first look, lobby, ceremony, ballroom, back upstairs. Having enough elevators keeps everything on schedule and stress-free. At venues with only two or three elevators, I've felt the time pressure simply because people couldn't move efficiently between floors.
BONUS: The elevators are actually really photogenic. I'll often take a quick portrait inside one. Gorgeous, modern, and different from anything else in the building.
Five-star across the board. Black marble countertops, clean glass tile, spacious layout, and always immaculate. They're located close to the ballroom (but not too close), and maintained constantly throughout the event. It honestly feels like they've just been cleaned every time you walk in.
Travelle is located on the second floor with a beautiful lounge overlooking the Chicago River. I've photographed a more intimate wedding reception in their private dining space, and it works wonderfully for smaller celebrations. It's also worth noting for rehearsal dinners and pre-wedding events. If you're considering a multi-day experience at The Langham, this is a great option to explore with their events team.
There's a lot to love here from a photography standpoint. The black and white marble floors. Subtle gold accents. Beveled mirrored panels. The hanging glass orbs from the ceiling. Everything is intentional, clean, and layered in a way that photographs beautifully. The lobby alone gives you a variety of looks without needing to go anywhere else.
— Photographer's Note
What I love most about this space is that it doesn't compete with the couple...it frames them. The architecture adds context and elegance without being distracting. That balance is harder to find than you'd think. Many beautiful venues photograph poorly because every element is fighting for attention. The Langham has figured out restraint.
One of the biggest advantages of a Langham Chicago wedding is the natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Chicago River, bridges, Wabash Avenue, and Lake Michigan depending on your angle. That light flows into the lobby, ballroom, and getting-ready suites.
For me, that means I can photograph moments in a more natural, organic way without relying heavily on flash or interrupting the flow of your day. I always try to use ambient light as much as possible because that's how it actually felt when you were there. The Langham makes that easy.
The Devonshire Ballroom is spacious, with 22-foot ceilings and large windows that bring in natural light. At the same time, blackout curtains allow you to completely change the mood of the space when you want something more intimate or dramatic for the reception. There are also additional rooms nearby for staging, quiet moments, and other parts of the day. Everything is close together, well thought out, and never feels cramped.
The Langham sits right in the heart of downtown, and you're surrounded by incredible photo opportunities within just a few minutes of walking. It's Chicago wedding photography at it's finest.
And if those spots don't match your style, timing, or the light on your day, I have an extensive library of nearby locations I draw from depending on what will work best for you.
Let's start with the obvious — you feel it the moment you step off the elevator. The symmetry, the light, the textures all come together perfectly. The hanging orbs, mirrored panels, floor-to-ceiling windows, and architectural details make this one of the best indoor photo locations in Chicago, full stop.
One of my personal favorites. I'll often step into the middle of Wabash Avenue to create a perfectly symmetrical shot with the couple and wedding party under the Langham sign. It's clean, bold, and very Chicago. The framing is so simple and yet so elegant.
As you walk in through the main entrance, you're greeted by a large open atrium with high ceilings. This is a great space to use while waiting for the wedding party or after we come back from outdoor portraits. The light in this space varies significantly by time of day, so I always factor in the specific hour when planning how to use it.
One of the most iconic wedding photo locations in Chicago. Yes, it can get crowded, especially in summer, but I've always been able to make it work. The view overlooking the river never gets old, and the architecture of the Wrigley Building provides a backdrop that reads as distinctly, unmistakably Chicago.
— Photographer's Note
There are plenty of additional spots both inside and around The Langham...but I keep some of those close to the vest so your day feels like a discovery rather than a checklist. After 10+ years photographing here, I know which angles work in which light, and which ones I'd never use. That knowledge is what you're hiring when you hire me for a Langham wedding.
With so many beautiful interior spaces, it's easy to forget about the view. But incorporating the floor-to-ceiling windows into your photos helps tell the story of where you are. Seeing the Chicago River and skyline adds depth and context that you simply can't recreate later. Some of my favorite Langham images are portraits where the city is visible but secondary. The couple is the subject, Chicago is the frame.
This isn't for everyone, but I always recommend it. Even 10–15 minutes outside at night can give you something completely different. The Langham marquee lit up, the reflections on the river, and the city lights all around. It feels cinematic in a way that daytime photos at the same locations don't. Chicago at night is different, and The Langham's location makes it one of the best spots in the city to experience it.
Having photographed Langham weddings throughout all four seasons, these are the details that affect timing more than couples expect:
There are a lot of great options here. More than most couples can fully use in a single day. We'll work together to prioritize what matters most to you and build a timeline that allows us to maximize your photo opportunities without feeling rushed. The earlier we have this conversation, the better your timeline will be.
The 2nd floor lobby is one of the best photo locations in the building, but it fills quickly once guests arrive. I always recommend carving out time to use that space earlier in the day before the cocktail hour begins. It makes a significant difference in what's possible.
Quick Reference
Website
CAPACITY
250-312
STYLE
Modern Luxury
Ballroom
Devonshire · 22-ft ceilings · 4,840 sq ft
Phone
(312) 923-7005
INVESTMENT
$$$$
RATING
Forbes 5 Star · 10 consecutive years
If you're planning a wedding at The Langham Chicago and want photos that feel natural, elevated, and effortless...I'd love to connect and hear what you're envisioning.
I've been photographing here since 2013. I know the light, the angles, the timing, and the team.
That knowledge means your wedding day is one less thing to figure out — and one more opportunity to be fully present for it.
Other Venues I know well.
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61 5 Star reviews from couples who trusted me with their special day
I'm Kenny Nakai, a Chicago wedding photographer creating beautiful, timeless imagery since 2007. For couples who value artistry, authenticity, and the moments that last forever.
