Tucked away behind the stone walls and ivy-covered buildings of Northwestern University is a place that looks like it was literally plucked out of a Jane Austen novel. Welcome to Shakespeare Garden—a hidden gem in Evanston that’s so romantic it should come with a warning label for spontaneous proposals and heart-eyes overload.

If you're thinking about popping the question, or just want engagement photos that scream timeless elegance with a cozy, garden-party twist, this spot’s calling your name.

What Makes Shakespeare Garden So Special?

Let’s get this straight—it’s not just a garden. It’s a whole vibe.

Designed in 1915 (yep, it’s got that vintage cred), the garden is packed with over 50 types of plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Think lavender, roses, thyme, and lilies, all framed by wrought-iron gates and stone benches. You’ve got lush hedges, cobblestone paths, and the kind of filtered sunlight that photographers live for.

And because it’s nestled in a quiet corner of Northwestern’s campus, you won’t have to dodge a bunch of tourists or screaming kids. It’s like your own secret sanctuary of swoon.


Why Choose Shakespeare Garden for Your Engagement?

  • Unparalleled Romantic Ambiance: The garden's carefully curated flora, winding paths, and secluded nooks create an inherently romantic and intimate atmosphere. It feels like stepping into a scene from a beloved play.
  • Stunning Natural Beauty: From vibrant spring blossoms to the rich colors of autumn, the garden offers breathtaking beauty year-round. Each season paints a unique and captivating backdrop for your special moment.
  • Literary Significance: For book lovers and those who appreciate the power of storytelling, the connection to Shakespeare adds a layer of intellectual and romantic depth to your engagement.
  • Privacy and Seclusion: While located on a university campus, the garden offers pockets of privacy, allowing for an intimate and personal proposal experience away from large crowds.
  • Beautiful Photo Opportunities: Every corner of the Shakespeare Garden is picture-perfect. Your engagement photos will be filled with natural light, vibrant colors, and a touch of whimsical charm.
  • Free and Accessible: Unlike many private venues, the Shakespeare Garden is generally open to the public, making it a beautiful and accessible location for your proposal.
  • Northwestern University Charm: The surrounding campus of Northwestern University adds a touch of classic collegiate beauty to the overall experience.

Best Times for an Engagement Session Here

  • Spring: Everything’s in bloom and the colors are insane—pink blossoms, green vines, and fresh florals everywhere.
  • Summer: Lush, warm, golden hour glow. Bring the champagne and twirl in the grass.
  • Fall: Leaves start turning, and the ivy on the campus walls goes full fire mode. Total romance.
  • Early morning or sunset: That soft light hits just right for dreamy photos and quiet moments.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Engagement Shoot

  • Go classic with your outfits. Neutral tones, soft pastels, or earthy colors pair beautifully with the garden. Think: cottagecore meets modern chic.
  • Bring a book or blanket. Want cozy picnic vibes or a candid reading-together shot? Do it.
  • Don’t forget a bouquet. Even just one or two flowers tied with ribbon will elevate your whole shoot.
  • Let your photographer lead the way. There are little pockets of magic all over—arches, hidden corners, ivy-draped walls.

Planning a Proposal at Shakespeare Garden?

Do it. Just do it.

Bring your partner for a casual stroll and cue the “Oh, look at this lovely old garden” moment. Have your photographer hiding nearby (or pretend they’re just doing campus shots). When you hit that perfect little stone bench in the back? Boom. Drop to one knee and let the fairy tale begin.

Bonus move: sneak in a bottle of bubbly for a private toast afterward. You’ll both be floating for days.


Capturing the Moment

Don't forget to consider how you'll capture this precious memory:

  • Hidden Photographer: Hire a photographer to discreetly document the proposal. Their candid shots will be treasured memories for years to come.
  • Friend with a Camera: Enlist a trusted friend to hide nearby and capture the moment on camera.
  • Selfie Setup: If you prefer a more intimate approach, plan a scenic "selfie" opportunity where you can pop the question.

Why Couples Love This Spot

  • It’s intimate and off the beaten path
  • Nature + history = major romance
  • Super photogenic all year round
  • Easy access from Chicago
  • Perfect for low-key lovers who want something meaningful without being over-the-top

A Love Story Written in Blooms

Getting engaged at the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University offers a unique and enchanting start to your forever. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the timeless words of love, your proposal will be a moment as magical and memorable as a scene from one of Shakespeare's greatest romances. It's a place where your own midsummer night's dream of love can truly begin.

Shakespeare Garden, Northwestern University

Gothic cathedral building with stone walls and tall spire tower photographed during daytime.
Close-up architectural detail of a stone observatory dome with ornate iron railing against cloudy sky.
Gothic stone church tower rises against cloudy sky with bare tree branches visible to the side.
Stone building exterior with dormer windows and slate roof creating a gothic architectural detail in shadow-cast lighting.
Sunlight streams through trees in front of white country house creating magical backlit atmosphere in garden.
Sunlit path through trees with lens flare creating a magical forest atmosphere at golden hour.
A winding path through a park with large trees and green foliage casting shadows in golden light.
A lush garden path lined with trees and blooming flowers leads through a tranquil countryside landscape at sunset.
A small white stone chapel with Gothic architecture sits beneath towering trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Delicate clusters of pink mountain laurel flowers bloom among green foliage in a garden setting.
A couple stands together on grass beneath autumn trees during golden hour.
Two people hold hands while standing beneath golden autumn trees during sunset in a garden setting.
A couple holds hands and shares an intimate moment at sunset in a park with autumn trees in the background.
A romantic couple embraces in a garden at sunset with golden autumn trees in the background.
A romantic couple shares a tender kiss in front of autumn foliage at sunset in a garden setting.