Yay!!! You’re engaged!! Whether you just said yes or have been engaged for a little bit, its never too early to think about where you would like your engagement photos done. And honestly even if you’re not engaged and just want to do a couples session, these are AWESOME choices to consider!!
The way that I handle these sessions, is really to spend this time getting to know you both as a couple, what you love to do together and how you like to spend your time together. I work with you to craft a beautiful date day that I just get to accompany you on! Think of me as your third wheel that just happens to have a camera to capture your adorable moments along the way. 🙂 You deserve to have an amazing time and take the stiffness of taking photos out of the book! I’ll get to show you how fun it can be, and how you wont even notice I’m taking photos. You’ll be so engaged (see what I did there? ) with each other that you will forget all about the camera attached to me. We’re going to have so much fun!
Now, Virginia offers a wide range of beautiful locations for engagement photos. Whether you prefer natural landscapes, historic sites, or urban settings, here are some popular engagement photo locations in Virginia that are super fun to explore together:
- Shenandoah National Park: This stunning national park stretches on for MILES and features breathtaking mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque meadows, providing a scenic backdrop for your engagement photos. We can find a gorgeous spot most anywhere in Shenandoah.
- Virginia Beach: With its sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, this coastal destination offers a romantic setting for beach-themed engagement photos. Now, if you know me you know that the beach is my happy place and getting to share that with my couples and encourage running in the water and sandy smooches is my ALL TIME FAV. If you don’t feel like heading all the way to VA Beach, there are lots of other beaches we can go to too!
- Colonial Williamsburg: Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, a well-preserved historic district. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautifully landscaped gardens create a charming atmosphere for vintage-style engagement photos. I grew up 35 minutes outside of Williamsburg and can attest to how BEAUTIFUL it is. There is so much stunning architecture and filtered sunlight through the big trees that it just makes you shine. There are lots of places to go, and while it is a historic area that has tourists, its so big that we have lots of spaces to ourselves! Plus there’s lots of cool shops and coffee places. 🙂
- Richmond Canal Walk: Now you’re closer to my home base area! Located in downtown Richmond, the Canal Walk is a picturesque urban setting along the James River. We’ve got scenic walkways, trails and train overpasses, historic landmarks, and views of the city skyline make it a popular spot for engagement photos. The Canal Walk is beautiful, and also has some botanical gardens along spots like Dock Street. One of my favorites in this nearby area is also Libby Hill Park which has an AWESOME overlook of the city as well as cobblestone paths and a tree tunnel!
- Maymont Park, Richmond: Maymont is GORGEOUS, and is also close to me and I’m so thankful it is. This expansive park has tons of lush gardens, rolling hills, and a stunning Victorian mansion, a lil gazebo. And also has a ton of backdrops, including Japanese gardens, waterfalls, and open fields, making it ideal for nature-inspired engagement photos. I’m thinking elevated wine and cheese picnic, read a book to each other while the wind blows your hair softly across your face and he tucks that loose strand behind your ear, then you go run through the gardens together and imagine the whole place is yours… OK OK someone come do their session here, I love Maymont!!
- Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway: If you want to escape to the mountains and also feel like you just stepped into a movie moment in the PNW, then let’s take a drive along Skyline Drive, which is a scenic road that runs through Shenandoah National Park. With panoramic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this location provides a breathtaking backdrop for your engagement photos. There are lots of overlook spots which is fantastic for getting a variety of looks and feelings in your gallery. And if you want to have two outfits up in the mountains, don’t worry. I have a pop up changing tent so you can change halfway through!
- Belle Isle, Richmond: Another sweet spot here in Richmond is located along the James River. Belle Isle offers a mix of nature and urban elements. The island features wooded trails, rocky riverbanks, and an old quarry, allowing for a diverse range of engagement photo opportunities. I love walking the trail down to the giant rocks in the river. Whether you want to dance on one and be surrounded by water as the sun goes down or want to snuggle up together and sun bathe, or walk around in the fields underneath the bridges Belle Isle is really fun!
- Mount Vernon: Let’s get some history in the mix! The historic home of George Washington, located just outside of Alexandria, offers a beautiful setting for engagement photos. The huge estate’s gardens, colonial architecture, and waterfront views provide a timeless backdrop for a classic feel. Sometimes it feels nice to time travel at a home.
- Norfolk Botanical Garden: Have you felt like I love being outside in nature yet??? I do, and I love when you, my couples do too!! This expansive garden boasts an gigantic impressive collection of plants, including sweet rose gardens, Japanese gardens, and even a butterfly house. The vibrant colors and serene atmosphere make it an enchanting location for engagement photos. Greenhouse vibes yall!!
- Great Falls Park: Last on our list for today but certainly not least, because I LOVE Great Falls Park. It’s situated along the Potomac River, Great Falls Park offers dramatic views of cascading waterfalls and rugged cliffs. Pretty pathways where the sun hits the ridge just right and these hills sing! (Emperor’s New Groove anyone??) Anywho, this natural setting provides a unique and adventurous backdrop for engagement photos. I mean who hasn’t dreamt of either getting engaged or having photos done by waterfalls!!
All of these places are beautiful and well loved by Virginians and many who travel here to Virginia to have their memories captured here! Remember to check with any location for permit requirements or restrictions regarding photography sessions. I’m happy to help you do research and figure out if a permit or fees are required. Some gardens venues do have professional photographer fees in order to take photos at those locations. Like I said, I’m happy to help you figure out if permits and fees apply to your location you’d like. I’m so excited for all of you who want to go on an adventure and capture the essence of your relationship in these beautiful Virginia settings. If you’re reading this post before booking with me, let me know what # location you’d like to go to in one of the comment blocks on your inquiry form!!
I’ll link my inquiry page down below for you as well as social media where you can see my latest work and engagement sessions in some of these places!
Book your session here!
https://theguzmanphotoco.com/contact
