Top 19 spots for engagement photos in Charlotte NC
Choosing the Right Location for Your Engagement Photos in Charlotte
Charlotte is brimming with fantastic spots for engagement photos, and I’m always excited to share some top recommendations with my clients. Here’s a glimpse into the best locations for engagement photos in Charlotte, NC, and rest assured, I have plenty more insights and ideas to offer!
If you’re still searching for a wedding photographer, I’d be thrilled to discuss my wedding Collections with you. Most collections include a complimentary engagement or bridal session as a gift to you.
Engagement Locations in Uptown Charlotte
Romare Beardon Park
Romare Bearden Park, right in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, offers a perfect mix of urban charm and natural elements.
This 5.4-acre park features colorful waterfalls and scenic gardens, with a stunning view of the Charlotte skyline.
Just a heads-up, it’s a popular spot for local events, so check the calendar when planning your engagement session!
The Green
The Green, a vibrant and whimsical park in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, is perfect for couples looking for a playful and unique spot for engagement photos.
Located between the Mint Museum and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, this park features literary references, the iconic Charlotte sign, and whimsical fish fountains.
Remember, since it’s privately owned by Wells Fargo, you’ll need a permit for extended photo sessions.
Marshall Park
Tucked away in the Second Ward, Marshall Park is a hidden gem perfect for capturing your engagement photos.
With its large open fields, charming fountain, and peaceful lake, the park presents a blend of nature and cityscape.
The panoramic views of the Charlotte skyline adds a dramatic touch to any photo, especially with the vibrant colors of fall.
Charlotte Convention Center
For a clean and modern engagement photo setting, check out the Charlotte Convention Center.
Located conveniently across from The Green and close to the museums in Uptown Charlotte, its entryway features impressive columns that provide a simple yet elegant backdrop for your pictures.
First Ward Park
First Ward Park, Uptown Charlotte’s newest park, offers a fresh backdrop with its city skyline views and tree-lined walkways.
It’s close to engaging spots like the 7th Street Station and the colorful murals along the light rail. The park isn’t usually crowded, making it easy to find parking and capture peaceful moments.
Plus, it’s right across from the lively walls of ImaginOn and next to the UNC-Charlotte’s Dubois Center uptown campus.
Truist Field (Charlotte Knights)
Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, Truist Field is a standout choice for engagement photos.
As the home of the Charlotte Knights, it not only showcases the city skyline but also offers private access for photo shoots.
Experience the thrill of walking on the field for yourself by checking their session pricing here.
Curious if your wedding date is available? Reach out today and make sure you don’t miss out on booking your preferred day.
Engagement Locations Around Charlotte
SouthEnd
SouthEnd, located just south of Uptown Charlotte, is perfect for engagement photos with its iconic murals, like the Heart Wall, and unique urban architecture.
Wander along The Rail Trail next to the light rail to experience the vibrant public art that defines this area.
Once an industrial zone, SouthEnd has evolved into a lively neighborhood peppered with great spots to eat and relax, ideal for a bite before or after your photo session.
NoDa
NoDa, Charlotte’s historic arts district, is another unique spot for your engagement photos. Named after North Davidson Street, this neighborhood offers colorful street art, unique boutiques, and delicious dining spots, all within walking distance and accessible by the LYNX Blue Line light rail.
For a fun twist, include a visit to Salud Beer Shop during your session to enjoy some local brews from their constantly rotating tap list.
Camp North End
Camp North End is just a few miles north of Uptown Charlotte and it’s a fantastic spot for engagement photos with a vibrant, artsy vibe.
This former industrial complex is now bursting with life, featuring colorful murals on every wall and a mix of food spots, shops, and entertainment venues.
While it’s great for photos most nights, keep in mind that Fridays and weekends can get pretty busy, so you might prefer a quieter weekday evening to capture that perfect shot.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is one of Charlotte’s most popular photo locations, so choose your timing wisely as it may be crowded. Located off East Blvd, between Charlotte’s historic Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods, it has plenty of lush foliage, charming bridges and a beautiful lake with a central fountain offering endless photo opportunities.
The park runs along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway near the Discovery Place Nature Museum, and there is easy access to more secluded, off-the-beaten-path spots.
Midtown Park
Midtown Park, situated along South Kings Drive next to the Metropolitan Shopping Center, is a charming spot for engagement photos with its elegant stonework and shady pergola.
The park features a beautiful staircase that connects to the Little Sugar Creek Parkway, leading to nearby Pearl Street Park, Elizabeth Park, and Thompson Park, home to St. Mary’s Chapel. Throughout Midtown Park, there are several picturesque spots with views of the Charlotte skyline.
Curious if your wedding date is available? Reach out today and make sure you don’t miss out on booking your preferred day.
Engagement Sessions at Local Gardens
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens ranks as one of my favorite spots for engagement photos in the Charlotte area.
This 30-acre paradise features stunning fountains, wide pergolas, and an array of gardens, including an Orchid Conservatory. The rich diversity of colors, shapes, and textures ensures a beautiful backdrop year-round.
Heads up, the gardens does charge a location fee of $250, but waives it for couples planning their wedding there.
McGill Rose Garden
Just outside Uptown Charlotte and adjacent to the vibrant NoDa Arts District, McGill Rose Garden is an intimate venue for engagement photos.
This urban oasis, filled with lush rose varieties and beautifully manicured paths, creates a romantic backdrop ideal for your photo session.
Keep in mind, photographers need an annual pass to shoot here and times need to be scheduled.
UNCC Botanical Gardens
The natural beauty of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is a great location for your engagement session.
These gardens on the UNCC campus feature a variety of scenic elements such as a picturesque pond, several bridges, and a gazebo. The unique moon gate entrance to the Asian garden and a woodland area filled with rhododendrons and local flora offer diverse photo opportunities.
A $50 donation is requested for photo sessions, contributing to the maintenance of this beautiful space.
Waterfront Parks around Charlotte
Jetton Park
Jetton Park in Cornelius, just a short drive north of Charlotte, is another favorite because of its beautiful settings on Lake Norman.
It features a variety of picturesque spots including a lakefront, walking trails surrounded by tall trees, grassy areas, and a cozy gazebo.
For the most magical light, I recommend scheduling your photo session in the late afternoon or early morning when the sun sets spectacularly over the lake’s beach and filters through the tree-covered paths.
Carrigan Farms
Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, a family-owned farm just 30 miles north of Charlotte, offers a unique and stunning setting for engagement photos.
Its standout feature is the old stone quarry, where granite cliffs soar seventy feet above a serene pond and a cascading waterfall.
Depending on the season, you can also plan your session to include activities like strawberry picking, exploring a pumpkin patch, or wandering through sunflower fields, adding a charming seasonal touch to your photos.
McDowell Nature Preserve
Set along the shores of Lake Wylie at the North Carolina-South Carolina border, McDowell Nature Preserve is an ideal location for engagement photos, especially with its diverse natural landscapes.
Hiking trails lead you through serene wooded areas, offering lush scenery in the spring and summer, and rich, colorful foliage in the fall.
Make sure to take advantage of the picturesque waterfront deck and fishing pier for beautifully framed shots by the water.
Colonel Francis Beatty Park
Colonel Francis Beatty Park is a natural haven perfect for engagement photos, featuring lush greenery and trails that meander around a picturesque pond.
Strap on your hiking shoes to fully explore what the park has to offer.
The serene water reflecting the trees is especially captivating in early mornings and evenings, and the scenery becomes truly spectacular with the vibrant colors of fall.
Curious if your wedding date is available? Reach out today and make sure you don’t miss out on booking your preferred day.