back

The Best Engagement Photo Locations in Atlanta

List of the Top Atlanta Engagement Photo Locations, curated by an ATL Wedding Photographer | Photo shoes an oval-cut diamond engagement ring against a clean stone backdrop

Why Atlanta Is a Photographer’s Dream

Atlanta offers a vibrant blend of historic charm, modern skylines, and lush greenery. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic architecture, dreamy gardens, or edgy urban backdrops, Atlanta engagement photo locations have something for everyone. It’s the perfect canvas to tell your love story. Plus, let’s not forget the golden hour lighting in Atlanta—it’s pure magic!

Whether you’re locals or simply in love with the city’s vibe, it’s time to explore the locations that make Atlanta engagement photo sessions unforgettable.

List of the Best Atlanta Engagement Photo Locations, Curated by a GA Wedding Photographer based in ATL | Photo shows a couple posing for their engagement session against a lush green garden backdrop, wearing a blue suit (him) and a long white dress (her)

Top Atlanta Engagement Photo Locations: Pros, Cons, and Permits

From enchanting parks to iconic cityscapes, here are some of the best Atlanta engagement photo locations to consider (in no particular order)!

1. Piedmont Park

Pros: This sprawling park offers a mix of city skyline views, open fields, and tree-lined paths. It’s like having three backdrops in one – perfect for filling your gallery with variety! The Midtown skyline reflecting off Lake Clara Meer is one of my favorite features of this spot.

Cons: It’s a popular spot, so you might have to dodge joggers and dog walkers. Early mornings or weekdays work best for avoiding crowds.

Permits: A permit is required for professional photography, but it’s easy to obtain through the Piedmont Park Conservancy. All permit costs are covered in my top and mid-tier packages! Inquire for more details.

2. The Atlanta BeltLine

Pros: The BeltLine’s murals, greenery, and industrial charm make it an eclectic choice. It’s perfect for couples who love an artsy or modern vibe.

Cons: The BeltLine can get busy, especially on weekends. Timing your session is key – again, early mornings may be your best bet.

Permits: Permits are usually not required, but it’s always a good idea to check depending on your exact location.

3. Cator Woolford Gardens

Pros: This hidden gem feels like stepping into a fairytale. With its lush gardens, stone staircases, and elegant columns, it’s romance personified.

Cons: It’s a private venue, so you’ll need to book in advance and pay a rental fee.

Permits: Yes, permits and reservations are mandatory. But in this case, it’s worth every penny for the exclusivity and charm.

4. The Swan House at Atlanta History Center

Pros: If “classic elegance” is your theme, the Swan House delivers. This historic mansion and its gardens create a timeless backdrop.

Cons: Limited availability can make scheduling tricky, especially during wedding season.

Permits: Required, and the fees can be on the higher side. If you’re one of my couples, I’ll walk you through the process for obtaining a permit. We just need to contact the Atlanta History Center for availability and details!

5. Midtown Skyline Overlook

Pros: For skyline lovers, this overlook offers an iconic Atlanta cityscape that’s breathtaking during sunset.

Cons: It’s a bit of a hike to get to the perfect spot, but the view is worth it.

Permits: None required, making it a hassle-free choice.

6. Oakland Cemetery

Pros: A cemetery might sound unusual, but Oakland is a historic and beautifully landscaped location with unique architectural details.

Cons: It’s not for everyone. If you prefer something more traditional, this might not be your vibe.

Permits: Required for professional photography sessions. But I always feel good paying when the fee supports the upkeep of historic landmarks.

7. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Pros: Located within Piedmont Park, this garden is a haven of colorful blooms, romantic pathways, and stunning greenhouse structures. It’s perfect for couples who love nature and vibrant settings.

Cons: Admission fees apply, and it’s best to book early to avoid crowds.

Permits: Professional photography permits are required. Check the garden’s website for details.

8. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Pros: This historic estate features grand architecture, manicured gardens, and a magical ambiance. It’s ideal for couples seeking an elegant and sophisticated backdrop.

Cons: Availability can be limited due to events, so plan ahead.

Permits: Yes, reservations and permits are needed for photography sessions.

9. Lullwater Park at Emory University

Pros: This serene park offers wooded trails, a picturesque lake, and charming stone bridges. It’s a peaceful and intimate setting for romantic photos.

Cons: It’s a bit off the beaten path, so you’ll need to plan for extra travel time.

Permits: Permits are not typically required, but it’s always good to double-check.

Book Your Dream Atlanta Engagement Session

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the best Atlanta engagement photo locations, it’s time to turn your vision into reality. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic charm of Piedmont Park, the artistic flair of the BeltLine, or the timeless elegance of the Swan House, I can help plan the best session for your style!

Contact me to book your engagement session at one of these dreamy Atlanta locations. I can capture your love story in a way that’s as unique and beautiful as your relationship and the marriage you’re building together.

the LATEST

Fine Art Wedding Photography: What Is It? And Is It Right for Your Atlanta Wedding?

Must-Have Wedding Photos: How to Structure Your Wedding Day to Create & Capture Unforgettable Moments

Fine Art Luxury Wedding Photographer in Atlanta | A black and white bird's eye drove photography view of a bride hugging her father at the altar at her wedding ceremony as he hands her off to be married

Luxury Wedding Photography: What Sets It Apart and Why It’s Worth the Investment

Visit Blog Home

featured

A Low Country-Inspired Hilton Head Island Wedding | Hilton Head Island Wedding Photographer

When Taylor reached out about having me photograph her Hilton Head Island wedding, I could hardly believe it. Since marrying my husband, I’ve enjoyed annual trips to Hilton Head with my in-laws, who have been visiting for years. I’m not much of a beach person (love my lake life!) but the beauty of the low country made this a top bucket list place for photographing a future wedding. Kolby & Taylor made that a dream come true, as they lived their own dream day! On September 14 at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Kolby & Taylor tied the knot – and I got to be a Hilton Head Island wedding photographer.

A Hilton Head Island Engagement

Kolby and Taylor met while they were in their respective professional programs. Kolby was attending Duke University for Physical Therapy. Taylor was attending law school at UNC Chapel Hill. They connected pre-Covid, stayed in contact all throughout, and finally met in person when they each returned to campus in August of 2020.

As a couple, they made a habit of exercising together every morning, taking walks and runs to talk about life and their goals. They also love visiting Hilton Head Island, where Taylor’s family lives. The beach is their happy place, where they both enjoy the sunshine and relaxation time. Kolby will listen to a podcast, and Taylor will read her books. They also like to play Spikeball, chat about life, and enjoy the water.

Fast forward a couple years. Kolby and Taylor would travel to spend a lot of time in Hilton Head, where Taylor’s family lives. After what Taylor thought was just a normal weekend visit, they went out to dinner, and her whole family decided to take a walk through a nice park on the water. While posing for pictures, Kolby got down on one knee! That park has now become a special place on the island for the two of them.

Their Hilton Head Island Wedding Day

Their wedding day was a source of some slight anxiety that week. Kevin and I decided to take a week to visit Hilton Head. We celebrated our second anniversary on the island. But the entire week, the weather was not kind to us. It was rainy, chilly, humid, and very few hours of actual sun the entire week. The forecast threatened much of the same miserable wedding for Kolby and Taylor’s big day.

To be clear: RAIN ON A WEDDING DAY IS OK. It’s unavoidable, and you can still get GORGEOUS images on a rainy day. I have plenty of proof of that from Zach & Camille’s wedding, Mary & Joey’s wedding, Kevin & Emma’s wedding, and so many more! My own wedding day still stands as the rainiest wedding I have ever attended, and I LOVE my wedding photos.

But I knew rain would add certain challenges based on their chosen Hilton Head Island wedding venues. Their ceremony was set for the beach at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. I selfishly wished, for the sake of my photos (and for Kolby & Taylor’s experience), that the sun would peek out even if just for the ceremony.

The Lord heard our prayers, because the entire day was fantastic weather!! Our only challenge was the intense wind on the beach, but even that couldn’t affect how beautiful the ceremony was. I shot quickly and took many photos of each shot to ensure we had at least one good option despite windswept hair and dresses.

Between the glorious, glowy sunlight and the wind, their portraits on the beach turned out to be so epic! Taylor’s dress flew dramatically in many of the shots. And her hair and makeup artist deserves a round of applause. Her updo survived and looked gorgeous even as the wind took the wispy pieces left out.

Highlights of the Day

There was so much to love about this wedding. On a personal note, it was my first wedding back in the saddle after giving birth to my daughter! (Birth story soon to come!) Despite worries of feeling a little rusty with postpartum brain fog, I’m feeling bold enough to say this was my favorite/best work yet! Here are some highlights you’ll want to seek out as you scroll:

A Dreamy Tower

Shoutout to Taylor’s friend and bridesmaid Jordan for showing me the tower room at Gull Island Manor, a short-term rental house in Sea Pines! I never would’ve known to wander up there, but it ended up being the dreamiest spot for details and Taylor’s getting ready photos! That light – *chef’s kiss*!

Lean Supplies And A Broken Ring Dish

For the couple’s wedding day details, I really didn’t bring a ton with me from my usually packed styling kit. We had to travel light to fit the essentials. What’s more, my favorite ring dish snapped in half when I dropped it going up the stone steps to the manor!

It was time to get creative. I actually ended up loving the look of my broken ring dish and decided to use it! I also found some dead palm foliage on the outer landscaping to feature in the flat lay of details. Paired with a wisp of Spanish moss, what once was a lean styling kit soon became true-to-location details that made the photos sing “Hilton Head Island wedding.” This just goes to show: Less is more. The less I have to work with in preparation for styling details has sometimes led to my most creative work!

A Touching Island Wedding Ceremony at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Despite the crazy wind, we were all so grateful for beautiful sunlight during Kolby & Taylor’s wedding ceremony at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. Kolby & Taylor opted out of having a First Look, so I was dead set on getting Kolby’s reaction to seeing his beautiful bride. What I captured was one of the sweetest Groom reactions – instant happy tears as she came down from the dunes.

Another standout moment from their ceremony happened toward the end. Kolby’s dad officiated the ceremony. After a beautiful exchanging of the rings, and just before inviting the first kiss, he began choking up as he pronounced them husband and wife. It was so profound coming from a father (and now father-in-law). You could hear the soft “aww” reactions from the guests. That was such an emotional, happy moment!

Experience > Tradition

Kolby & Taylor planned a truly personal and intimate wedding reception at Gull Island Manor. It more so mimicked a dinner party than wedding reception. They hosted a warm cocktail hour with an open bar featuring their signature cocktails. Guests could explore the grounds while enjoying appetizers and getting their photo taken by the live painter commissioned to watercolor their portrait for a unique take-home gift.

When dinner was ready to start, guests descended to the lower tier of the garden overlooking the marsh. There, a long singular table was set with cheesecloth, candle sticks, place settings, and customized name plates made out of oyster shells.

The couple came down last, but there was no planned fanfare. They decided to forego the traditional dances and simply welcome guests to a laid back dinner serenaded by live musicians. This allowed the couple plenty of time to mingle with each guest and create special memories with the entire party, including a surprise visit from Keebler their dog. I absolutely loved this approach to a wedding celebration – and I could tell everyone else did too!

Final Thoughts From Kolby & Taylor’s Hilton Head Island Wedding

I’m so honored to have served as Kolby & Taylor’s wedding photographer. The entire experience was a dream for me – one that I hope opens the opportunity for even more chances to expand as an HHI wedding photographer. Their warmth and friendship was extended to me from the start, and their guests and family were a true delight to spend the day with.

I’ve begun asking couples to share what they love most about one another, and what excites them for marriage. Here’s how they answered.

What Taylor Loves Most About Kolby

“I love how devoted Kolby is to our little family. He is the most selfless person I know and would do anything to make things easier on others. He supports me emotionally and has the utmost patience when it comes to helping me navigate stressful situations, and he would do literally anything for our dog Keebler. Keebler gets to go to the dog park, walks, gets bones, pup cups, everything! He’s so spoiled because Kolby likes to take such good care of him.”

What Kolby Loves Most About Taylor

“I love how much Taylor guides and anchors me in our life. I am a very good-with-the-flow person which helps me stay optimistic and positive. However, I struggle sometimes with direction and focus because of this. Taylor has given me so much purpose in life and given me the direction for how I want my life to go. She is so ambitious and helps me make goals for ourselves that I would’ve never thought possible. Even in the few years I’ve known her, she’s helped me achieve goals and see a future I would’ve never thought possible for myself and for us.”

The Most Beautiful Thing About Marriage: According to Kolby & Taylor

“The most beautiful thing about marriage in my eyes is the commitment to stand by your partner no matter what life brings. My parents have had a long marriage and I admire the way that they’ve stuck by each other through every challenge. It’s easy to walk away from something when things become difficult but marriage is the commitment to another person to instead engage with them and work through the issues instead of walking away. In my eyes, marriage is beautiful because its permanent.”

K&T, I wish you both so much happiness in your marriage. Enjoy your honeymoon in Europe!!

If you love my work and you’re considering getting married in Hilton Head Island, or another destination in the southern East Coast, I would love to chat! I am based in the DC area but travel often for weddings. Contact me for more information!