These are a collection of some of my favorite places to have an engagement shoot in no particular order with some added information.
Maymont
Alright I know what you’re thinking, “everyone in RVA always goes to Maymont.” Yes this is true but there are a few key reasons why. It is diverse, no need to get a permit, and it has a wide range of hours. The diversity of location is a key here as you can use its wide range of theme to complement the clothing or style of the couple. The wide genus of trees also mean Maymont stays greener for longer, allowing for some life in otherwise more subdued landscapes during the winter months.
Things to consider: For all of the positive things I can say about Maymont, they don’t win the accessibility award. If you or your partner is disabled and needs accessibility this is not the most friendly of choices especially to get down to the main gardens area. That being said, access does exist it’s just not the easiest to reach. Another point to consider is the overall traffic of this place. It gets extremely busy during the spring and summer season. Most high schoolers take prom photos here so be prepared to share the space during those peak times of year.
2. Forest Hill Park
This is one of my absolute favorites especially during fall engagement sessions. The foliage is represented so beautifully here. It is a popular place but has a large grounds space so it is easier to find some privacy amongst the crowds. One of the highlights of this space is the man-made lake that sits at the heart of this park. Truly a stunning background in almost any time of year.
Things to consider: Humidity can get pretty bad if the area has just had a rainstorm. For those whose hair tends to really fizz up make sure you keep in mind the forecast especially during the hotter months.
3. Canal Walk / Pipeline
What could be more Richmond than the pipeline and canal walk? Richmond is a place where city and nature can intersect in unique ways. It has easy access to the river via the beach that sits a few yards from the Byrd St. entrance. For photographers and couples that enjoy nature this is a great location. The canal walk offers a complementary vibe to the pipeline with beautiful bridges, benches, and local art.
Things to consider: The Canal walk is very accessible, but the pipeline is a lot harder to access for someone with disabilities. If Richmond has received a good rain in a 2-3 day period before your scheduled shoot, expect the water level to be higher and the west access to be flooded. I would recommend starting your session on Browns Island and walking the canal walkway until after the mural courtyard. Once past that point, divert to the right and walk back the direction towards Browns; you should see a sign for the pipeline walkway. Mind the 3 to 4 step ladder and be prepared to squeeze past local Richmonders.
4. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
This space offers a lot and has expanded in the past few years to offer even more outside space. The museum itself is free aside from parking. The outdoor space offers artistic sculptures and green spaces to explore. Inside offers a wide variety of theming and ambience that will lend a wide range of diversity to the overall vibe of your engagement photos.
Things to consider: Tripods are not allowed here so if extra light or stabilized photography is needed this isn’t the place for you.
5. Libby Hill Park / Church Hill Overlook
There are a lot of positives about deciding to do an engagement session at Libby Hill / Church Hill Overlook. The biggest positive is the overlook of the city in both places. Libby Hill gives a good overlook of Shockoe Bottom and the James River. The Church Hill Overlook gives great views of Shockoe and the James Monroe building and surrounding area. Libby Hill offers some diversity in the way of several fountains with circular stone benches that offer seating or framing aids.
Things to consider: Libby Hill more so tends to be relatively popular for photoshoots and picnics. If your engagement shoot is set for a warm sunny day expect a lot of local Richmonders out and about in these parks.
6. Sunday Park
Quiet and peaceful Sunday Park is a local gem. Beautiful docs leading to the beautiful swift creek reservoir and nature surrounding you with easy to navigate paths. It can be busy from time to time but overall is easy to access. The not so secret “secret” of this place is the fantastic sunsets that it nearly guarantees every night. Sunsets are especially strong with some light cloud cover.
Things to consider: As said above, Sunday Park can be a little busy at times so expect more people during peak seasons for weddings months, summer to early fall. Butler Portraits is located right in this area so be mindful of their designated area. The Boathouse is also located here with outdoor seating. Could be worth stopping in for one of their brick fired pizzas… could make for a good photo moment… just saying…. *wink wink*
7. Main Street Station
This is arguably more iconic than the canal walk/ pipeline. Some quick history for you: this icon was built in 1901, and by the 20’s it was welcoming trains everyday. It has survived two fires and received catastrophic damage during Hurricane Agnes. It is now thriving as a historical gem and venue for weddings and events, on top of remaining an active train station. Clearly it boasts great history but also even greater views. The interior is complete with high ceilings, marble pillars and floors, and large windows to really take advantage of the large amount of natural light. The exterior gives you both street access and the exterior architecture is unlike anything in Richmond.
Things to consider: This is a public access hub and especially during busy times of the day it can get crowded and congested.
8. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
I could be biased but I think the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is up there as one of the best on the East Coast. Its diversity is highly sought after and its landscape takes inspiration from Japanese, Italian, Ancient design. Because of this it is one of my favorites on this list.
Things to consider: Lewis Ginter does have a fee for photography sessions. It isn’t cheap either so if you’re looking to have your engagement shoot here, prepare to have a fee added to your session. For how busy this place can be, the space is large enough that one could tuck away into a corner or section of the gardens and not have to compete too much for space.
9. Bandy Field Nature Park / University of Richmond
This is one of my favorite places to do what I like to call the picnic engagement. Nice blanket, basket, good food, literal endless possibilities with this format. This place is especially beautiful in the fall. A literal minute walk from each other, the campus of the University of Richmond is nearly 200 years old. It boasts beautiful visuals and a marrying of both old world style charm and nature. The light here in and near golden hour is some of the greatest in the Richmond area.
Things to consider: In and around this location because it is a functioning and thriving university it can get a little congested and crowded.
10. Ashland Berry Farm
The berry farm is a great place for a more documentary style engagement with some intermingled posed or directed shots. Between the hayride and strawberry / sunflower fields in the spring and summer respectively this is a great place to ensure a timeless landscape.
Things to consider: I think this may be a case of stating the obvious but this is a very beloved place and because of this it can get crowded. However, in terms of the more “documentary” approach I wouldn’t say that this detracts from that style and only adds value and a lived in feel to your images. Another important note this is more sunflower focused but understand that bees and things that sting can be near and around the fields so proper protection such as bug spray and lemon oil (for ticks) may be advisable. Since we are talking about this… I would also like to specifically say being CPR and First Aid certified as a photographer is very important. Things happen and it is great to be prepared and ready for those kinds of occasions.
Honorable Mention: aka a place I’ve always wanted to do an engagement session at:
11. The Virginia Museum of history and culture or more simply (The Virginia House).
I included this as an honorable mention for two reasons:
Reason 1: It is my dream engagement session setting. Upon a quick google of the photography taken of this place, one is met with stunning visuals both inside and out. Its Virginia specific history is long but rich starting in 1925. Located right next to Agecroft another stately manor. Much like Agecroft, The Virginia House has a beautiful garden which lies behind the estate. Generally, it looks good in all weather and light you can’t go wrong when deciding to take photos here!
Things to consider:
Reason 2: The reason that makes this such a monster of a place to photograph… At minimum it costs $200 to rent for 2 hours. This is the minimum and that price doubles after 5pm. It is an incredibly fair yet hard price to rationalize to a couple especially because this would generally be on top of the fee for the actual session. But the visuals are worth the price of admission. To each their own! I hope to one day add this to my list of places I had the honor to photograph.
So whether you are a photographer looking for a good place to have an engagement session or a couple in search of your dream setting, I hope this informs you and helps you make your decision!
