Top Engagement Session Locations Near Richmond, Virginia
So your special other popped the question and asked you to marry them? First of all, congratulations!!
The next step is to figure out where you want to take your engagement photos. Engagement photo sessions are definitely a fun time all around they allow me to get to know you better as a couple and vice versa, as well as it allows you guys to savor your time as an engaged couple so years from now you can look back on the photos and remember what it was all about!
Being a photographer in Richmond, Virginia I’ve seen just about every location there is to see. Here are just a few of my favorite locations in and around the Richmond area!
Libby Hill Park
Honestly, Libby Hill Park is probably my favorite location for most photoshoots in and around Richmond. It is such a versatile place for a photography session.
There is the city skyline as well as the overlook of the river nearby. The sunset here is one of the best in the city for those golden hour photoshoots! Fall is one of the best times to shoot here, but I honestly don’t think there is a bad time to be at Libby Hill Park.
Maymont Park
If you’ve lived in or around Richmond for a while you’ve most likely heard of Maymont Park. This park is around 100 acres! There are so many locations within the park for us to explore for your photography session. Such as Italian and Japanese Gardens, Gazebos, the Maymont Historic Mansion, and even a Petting zoo! There is pretty much not a bad spot in the park for photos. It is also a short drive to Byrd park and the lakes near by if you want to shoot at more than one location!
Main Street Station & The Virginia State Captiol
For those who are looking for an urban vibe to their photos, look no further than Main Street Station. There are trains, wall murals, and beautiful old brick buildings in the heart of Richmond. It is also possible to shoot inside if you make a reservation with the Main Street Station staff themselves, yet most decide to shoot outside the station.
I decided to bundle Main Street Station and the Virginia State Capitol together as one location . They technically aren’t right next to each other but they are a five-minute drive apart.
The State Capitol has some beautiful views no matter which direction you’re facing. Please keep in mind sometimes there is construction or special events that may stop us from going to the main part of the capitol.
Most decide to go to both locations to allow for different backgrounds and sceneries, but you could always just shoot at one location.
This list of engagement photo locations could go on for forever, so for the sake of the length of this post I’m going to leave just a small description for the rest of the locations!
Bell Isle
Belle Isle is such a fun place to have an engagement photography session. Other than the long walk across the bridge, everything is pretty close by. The quick access to the James River rocks and water are the highlights of this spot. The views are amazing!
For those who want to be adventurous, this is the perfect spot to take those in the water shots! Once you’re across the bridge you almost forget you’re in the middle of the city.
If you’re still interested in having a few shots with the cityscape in the background, it’s possible to grab some on the suspension bridge.
Carytown
Located in downtown Richmond, this place has so much character and plenty of photo locations! We could shoot at a diner where you both met for the first time or just walk the streets and we pose as we go!
There are so many cool mom and pop shops all around Carytown for us to have a laid back and relaxed photoshoot. There will most definitely be people here, so if you're looking for a more spot with seclusion, this may not be the best spot for you!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a 50 acres, botanical garden in Henrico County, just outside of Richmond, Virginia. It features over a dozen themed gardens, a conservatory, library, and café. This location does require a permit to shoot here and it does come with an extra fee from the park itself. Check out their fees and rules here.