For a couple in love, your engagement photos capture one of the most important moments of your lives. Whether you use those photos to share on social media, brand your wedding as an event, or create a keepsake for years to come, choosing the right backdrop is an important decision.
Looking to commemorate your love — and your style as a couple — by traveling to a stunning location for your engagement photo session? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Romantic Mansions and Historic Homes
For the ultimate romantic look, check out the grand mansion and French-style gardens of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, or a Venetian gothic-style mansion like the Ca’d’ Zan House in Sarasota, Florida. For a more down-to-earth, nostalgic vibe, opt for the colorful row of Victorian homes known as the Painted Ladies in San Francisco.
Gorgeous Gardens
Nothing beats flowers and fountains as a backdrop for love. With that in mind, make your way to Dumbarton Oaks in Washington D.C., and don’t miss the exquisite Orangery, one of the oldest structures still standing in the park.
Other beautiful locations include Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina; the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis; or the Chicago Botanic Garden. These spots have proven very popular for engagement photos, allowing couples to create a frame-worthy save-the-date card that will get you and your guests excited about your big day.
Sophisticated and Urban
Power couples and those who enjoy cityscapes should consider a photo session on or in front of landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or Charles Village in North-Central Baltimore. In New York City, top choices include the Brooklyn Bridge, New York Public Library (a la Carrie Bradshaw), or the iconic beauty of Grand Central Station. Beautiful options in Washington D.C., include the Washington Monument or Jefferson Memorial, especially during the springtime to capture clouds of heavenly cherry blossoms.
Adventurous and Grand
If you and your partner enjoy outdoor adventures, plan a trip to a national park and let the grandeur of nature be your backdrop. Top options for mountain terrain include Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hidden Lake, Grinnell Glacier and Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. You could also hike to or rent a boat on the scenic clear waters of Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, or opt for the imposing butte of Devils Tower in Wyoming.
Alternatively, choose gorgeous desert scenery as your backdrop at Grand Canyon National Park or The Wave in Coyote Buttes. For lush greenery, travel to the Giant Forest in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California. Or, go for the tumbling waterfalls at McWay Falls in Big Sur, California; Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan; or Multnomah Falls in Oregon.
For a truly dramatic backdrop, travel across the Pacific to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With the right spot and the right photographer, you might even capture views of lava in the background.
Fun and Funky
If your style leans more toward the quirky than the classic, head toward the Painted Hills of Oregon for a unique and natural backdrop. Or, travel to Salvation Mountain in Southern California to riff on the “Love” artwork already emblazoned on the hillside.
Whatever you decide to do for your engagement photos, be sure to make them fun and uniquely you!
