Lily Pool Permits
Have your event in the beauty of
The alfred caldwell lily pool
Begin your life together surrounded by the natural beauty and privacy of a unique National Historic Landmark in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Designed by Alfred Caldwell in 1936, the Lily Pool includes an architecturally significant pavilion, a trickling waterfall, and native plantings.
After decades of erosion and damage, the Lily Pool was restored from 1998-2002 to Caldwell’s original design by the Chicago Park District and the Lincoln Park Conservancy. Then for much of the 2024 and 2025 seasons the Historic Lily Pool Pavilion underwent a meticulous and extensive rebuilding and restoration that unfortunately caused a prolonged closure of the beloved park.
The Alfred Caldwell is open now through November 20. This natural sanctuary will also be open as a venue for your intimate wedding and other events, proposals, and photography. You can book your permits using our online permit booking calendar. For hours and other information about the Lily Pool, please go to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool page on our website.
All wedding; engagement, family, or other posed non-professional and professional photographs must obtain a permit in advance from the Lincoln Park Conservancy.
Photography Permits are required for any non-commercial or commercial photography/videography posed at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool taken by professional or amateur photographers. Examples of non-commercial photography include wedding, proposal, engagement, maternity, family, or individual portraits.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Booking Calendar
Book your event, ceremony, or photography permit here. Non-private & Private Permits are available.
For a list of available permits and pricing, tap here.
Tap the Book Now button below to access the Booking Form & Calendar
Book NowPermit Use Guidelines
The Lincoln Park Conservancy reserves the right to deny services if these guidelines are not observed.
For a full list of the Lily Pool Visitor & Permit Guidelines, you can view and/or download our guide here!
- Event Permit Bookings must be submitted at least seven (7) days prior to your event.
- Photography Permits for the Lily Pool can be made, if available, at the time of your arrival at the Lily Pool.
- Attendance must not exceed maximum capacity restrictions.
- No food or beverages are allowed in the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool.
- No décor is allowed without prior approval. Guests are responsible for setting up, taking down, and removing décor within your permit timeframe.
- No plant or floral arrangements are allowed (except for wedding bouquets and boutonnieres). No use of chalk or paint is allowed anywhere on the site.
- For environmental reasons, no balloon releases or throwing of petals, rice or confetti of any kind is allowed.
- For safety reasons, no open flames or candles are allowed.
- A live soloist is acceptable if arranged with the Lincoln Park Conservancy in advance. Amplifiers are not necessary for the space. Small Bluetooth speakers are acceptable.
PLEASE STAY ON THE PATHS. Movement in planted areas can permanently damage delicate, rare, expensive, and/or historic plant materials or seedlings that may not be visible at the time of your visit. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is Lincoln Park’s only National Historic Landmark Garden—please help keep its plant community alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there restrooms on the Lily Pool grounds?
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool does not have any restrooms. Public restrooms can be found in the Lincoln Park Zoo’s East Gate – Gateway Pavilion and the Lincoln Park Conservatory when they are open to the public. Make sure to check their hours before your permit.
What if it rains during my permit time?
In the event of severe weather, you may adjust your ceremony start time or date if there are no other special events scheduled at the Lily Pool (please check with Lincoln Park Conservancy in advance). Many couples have a contingency plan set ahead of time for an alternate, indoor ceremony location such as their reception venue.
The Lily Pool does not have shelter from rain. Umbrellas are encouraged.
What is our closure policy for private and non-private permits?
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is offering limited permits for events that will close the park to the public. This is to ensure all visitors can enjoy the garden during its open hours. This restriction does not affect non-closure event permits such as non-closure weddings, proposals, or photography, where the site remains open during the event.
What is our permit cancellation policy?
Shoud a cancellation be necessary in the event of rain, or for any other reason, the Lincoln Park Conservancy will refund your payment less a service fee. Refund eligibility varies based on the permit type purchased.
Are Event & Photography Permits available for other venues and outdoor areas in Lincoln Park and how do I get more information about how to obtain a permit?
Permits for Events and Photography for venues like the Lincoln Park Conservatory and other outdoor areas of Lincoln Park are available through the Chicago Park District.
For Special Event Permits and Venue Rentals, please visit the Chicago Park District at Special Event Venues.
To conduct a professional journalism-based activity on park property an approved News Media Confirmation Form is required. To obtain this form, contact the Chicago Park District Department of Communications at (312) 742-4786. Fees do not apply for news media filming & photography.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about booking a permit at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool?
Have questions? For questions not addressed in the Booking Calendar, Guides or FAQ, please send an email to Lily Pool Permits