Top 25 Engagement Session Location Ideas in and Around the Charlotte Area!
A list of our top 25 engagement session location ideas
We are providing you with a comprehensive list of ideas for those of you who may be planning your engagement session in and around the Charlotte area. These are all from a photographer’s perspective and are all great locations to have your engagement session shot at. So let’s get started because this is a long list!
Charlotte:
1. Freedom Park
This is one of the most popular options, but for good reason! One, it’s free. Two, it’s a beautiful park with lots of variety! The large bridge in the center and the pond with willow trees around it, are all great reasons to do your session here. Another great spot at this park is the creek that runs behind the main trail, and along the back trail of the park.
2. Marshall Park
The perfect urban setting and one of the best skyline views, since it is pulled back from the city a bit. There are also lots of locations around the corner that are great to shoot at. This location is perfect for the modern, urban couple, not looking for a lot of greenery.
3. Uptown Charlotte
One of our favorite things to do is to meet our couples at Romare Bearden Park in the center of uptown, and walk around the city shooting at various locations. It’s a fun way to get lots of different locations in a short amount of time. Again, this is great for couples who like a more urban feel to their photos.
4. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens $
Daniel Stowe is a great location! It has beautiful gardens and a great conservatory/greenhouse. We love the variety that it offers. This is a great location for those who like a more refined garden.
5. Latta Plantation
Another one of our top locations to shoot at is Latta Plantation. There are great trails through the woods, a nice setting on the water, a dock, a large field.. there really are several great spots at this beautiful park!
6. Fisher Farms
This is a great location if you love the look of fields! It is several acres of fields, and has the perfect sunset! There is not a ton of variety here, and most shots will contain fields or trees.
7. Clark’s Creek Nature Preserve
Clark’s creek is more of an “overgrown park”. I wouldn’t consider it a field, as most of the grass and shrubbery is overgrown, but it’s a great look for those who like a more rustic/rural feel to their photos. There is also a small pond that is a great spot for photos as well.
8. Duke Mansion $
This option does require payment, but there’s a reason that many people pay to use this option. The Duke Mansion, not only has beautiful grounds and gardens, but the mansion itself is beautiful in photos. You do have access to indoors as well.
9. Wing Haven $
A quaint garden in the city, Wing Haven is the perfect spot if you want the best of both worlds. You could do some photos downtown, and then come to Wing Haven for a more intimate garden setting, that doesn’t even feel like you’re in the city anymore.
10. UNCC Botanical Gardens $
This is a great option if you like the look of Daniel Stowe, but want something a little more affordable. There are lots of beautiful locations to shoot at in this garden!
11. Downtown Davidson/College
Such acute little town with lots of personality! The campus of Davidson is breathtaking with large trees and the beautiful buildings and architecture on campus. Plus, you can stroll around downtown Davidson for a few photos as well.
12. Jetton Park/ Lake Norman
Anywhere around Lake Norman is great. Jetton Park is always a favorite, because of the “Beachfront” to Lake Norman that you have access to. It’s a beautiful park with lots of potential.
13. Dairy Barn/Anne Springs Close Greenway $
The Dairy Barn/Anne Springs Close Greenway is a popular option for our clients. Tons of locations to shoot at and lots of variety. You can get the open fields, but also have the white barn in the background or some of the other fun homes on the property. The sunset here is also amazing.
Outside of Charlotte:
14. Black Balsm Knob
One of our favorite locations to shoot at in the mountains is Black Balsm! It’s a short hike to a beautiful 360 view of the blue ridge mountains, and believe it or not, there is still a good amount of variety without having to go too far.
15. Craggy Gardens
Craggy Gardens is another great spot because the hike itself is beautiful, and we always end up stopping on the way up. There are so many breathtaking views once we get to the top, and it’s a great location if you love show stopping photos.
16. Biltmore $
Ah, The Biltmore. Who doesn’t love it? Again, SO many opportunities here. You have all around the house to shoot, plus the property itself is stunning! Need I say more?
17. Grove Park Inn $
This is a location that I haven’t seen used too much for engagement photos, but it’s a great on in my opinion! The views from the Inn are stunning, and the property around it is just as beautiful. Lots of options here as well!
18. Hotel Domestique $
Okay, if you love Europe, this one is for you! I can imagine a fun hat and sundress here. It looks like you’ve stepped out of NC and into Italy. Really a show stopping venue with beautiful grounds.
19. Charleston
This is a popular one for lots of our clients! Charleston is beautiful- I think we can all agree. We know some great spots in downtown Charleston with all the pastel colored homes and cobblestone streets that make the most romantic southern backdrop.
20. Graylyn Estate $
Another location that gives me all the European vibes. This gem is located in Winston Salem, and is a short drive from Charlotte. It has a beautiful cobblestone drove, amazing bridge, and an overall breathtaking property, that makes you feel that you are in another time and place.
21. Reynolda Gardens $
Another beautiful location in the Winston Salem area! If you love the garden theme, but are looking for something that is not as cookie cutter. There is a small fee, but the location is well worth it.
22. Raleigh Museum of Art
Okay, we love this location. It has the best of both worlds- the most perfect field you have ever seen + a more urban outdoor space that creates amazing photos!
23. Lake Lure
This is another good location if you don’t want to go too far out of the city, but you want a different location than Charlotte. Lake Lure is a beautiful space with both water and mountains, and is so romantic for an engagement session! For even more fun- rent a canoe!
Other Ideas:
26. Your Venue!
Most venues offer free use of their space for engagement sessions, and this is a great way for your photographer to see the area, and scope out locations for your wedding day.
27. Your Home!
This is a sweet option if you just purchases a home together! Why not do an in-home session?! You could even do something fun like cook together, if that’s something you’re into. You could always choose another location for some more photos as well.