5 Iconic Engagement Session locations in Richmond, Virginia
So you just got engaged and you’re announcing to all of your friends and family, but now what? You want to continue to bask in the excitement of this new stage without just jumping head first into wedding planning (because we know how big of a mountain that can become!) but what else is there to do?
Well, now is the perfect time to take a breather, pick up some wedding mags to browse, and book your engagement session. Let’s show off that ring and savor the moment, because the engagement season is so so short.
Richmond has a TON of amazing spaces to plan your engagement session around, and more than just “this place looks pretty” as reasons to choose them. As a photographer, I get to see them all. Here is just a handful of my favorites and why I think they are the perfect spot for your engagement session!
Libby Hill
Why is Libby Hill at the top of the list? Well obviously for the city skyline and river overlook! It can be a bit breezy, but it’s worth braving for the epic shots! It’s actually one of my most frequently requested locations, and honestly… you can see why!
In addition to the skyline and river, you also have cute cobblestone lanes and historic houses, along with the charm of a sweet park to picnic in after your shoot. This space is especially gorgeous during the fall, when all the trees change colors!
Maymont
If you live in Richmond and have never been to Maymont… do you really live in Richmond? This beautiful park offers more than just trees and flowers, but big open fields, Italian + Japanese gardens (with a koi pond!), and even a petting zoo (if that’s your cup of tea). There is truly no bad spot to choose within the park, which is probably why it’s so popular.
Another great factor is it is walking distance to Byrd Park and the lakes there, so you can easily fit multiple locations into your session!
Belle Isle
I absolutely love this space, despite the longer walk to get here. You can get right up next to and even stand in the water, which provides a gorgeous backdrop for your engagement photos. One of the coolest things about Belle Isle, is once you are semi-far down the path, it is easy to forget that you are actually in the middle of a city. The views from the hanging bridge also allows for some cityscapes, so you can really get the best of both worlds.
The Canal
If you like water spaces but Belle Isle isn’t your vibe, the Canal is a great medium. The space is more structured with refined architecture in one part and you can walk a little ways down and still get some more nature driven backdrops. My favorite part of this space is honestly the strong lines from the overpasses and cool little vignettes you can find just from taking a stroll around the area. It’s just so easy to be creative and not have to recycle the same spaces and same spots.
The Canal is also just a short walk from Main Street Station which is another very cool space to take your photos in. You have to make reservations ahead of time, but you could easily fit both spaces into your session.
Forest Hill Park
I know I’m talking a lot about water features, and you’re going to hear me talk about one more. Forest Hill Park boasts a BEAUTIFUL lake and gazebo, in addition to a creek that is usually flowing (do not attempt to use the creek after heavy rains, however, because it ca get quite high and fast!). Forest Hill Park has a cozy vibe that makes me think of Central Park in the Fall. Have I ever been to Central Park? No. But for some reason, that is where my mind goes haha!
There’s also a lot of cool stone stair cases and other architectural features that you will find if you take a walk around. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a bad angle to this park.
So there you have it! 5 FANTASTIC options for your engagement sessions. Richmond has no shortage of cool spaces, however, so stay tuned and you may see a follow up post!