Choosing the perfect location for your engagement photos can be overwhelming. If you've already hired me as your photographer, rest assured that I provide customized location recommendations, tips for getting the most out of your session, and advice on wardrobe selection. However, if you're still in the planning stages or simply eager to explore your options, you're in luck!
Louisville, KY, offers a wealth of unique engagement session locations. Whether you're drawn to scenic parks, sentimental neighborhood spots, or prefer the idea of a personalized date-night theme, this guide has something for you.
Discover the top engagement session spots in and around Louisville, complete with essential insights on permits, accessibility, and stunning images showcasing each location's beauty throughout the seasons.
Jump to each engagement session location here:
1. The Parklands of Floyd’s Fork
The Parklands, spanning nearly 4,000 acres across Louisville, offer unparalleled diversity in their landscapes. From tranquil hiking trails winding through lush woods, babbling streams, and serene ponds to meticulously maintained stone paths meandering through woodland gardens, there's a backdrop to suit every taste. You'll find yourself amidst open meadows, expansive fields, and even rolling hills full of vibrant wildflowers.
Comprising Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park, Turkey Run Park, and Broad Run Park, The Parklands provides endless opportunities for discovery. And with the ever-changing seasons, no two visits will be the same. From the delicate flowers of spring to the golden fields and evergreen views of winter, every photography session feels unique.
Another great perk is year-round access to clean and spacious restroom facilities, complete with single-seat and gender-neutral options. The parks cater to diverse interests and abilities, offering a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking, fishing, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Accessible, paved paths ensure that everyone, including those using mobility aids, can fully enjoy the beauty of the parks. Plus, with its dog-friendly policy, furry companions are welcome to join in on the outdoor fun and exploration.
While photographers are required to purchase an annual permit for sessions within The Parklands, it's absolutely worth it. By supporting the upkeep of these community spaces, photographers contribute to the preservation and accessibility of these facilities for years to come. Simply fill out the online form to obtain your permit!
2. Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Just thirty minutes south of Louisville lies one of my favorite destinations for both photography sessions and hiking! Bernheim offers an expansive array of backdrops, boasting a variety of trees that brightly bloom in the spring and put on a colorful show in the fall. Picturesque lakes, numerous ponds, a breathtaking canopy tree walk, meandering creeks, inviting hiking trails, expansive fields, and captivating site-specific artwork provide endless opportunities for creative exploration.
Emphasizing ecological stewardship and conservation, Bernheim is not only a stunning setting for your photo sessions but also a cause worth supporting through the purchase of a photo permit. Their commitment to impactful initiatives includes hosting recurring residency programs for visual artists, participating in ongoing scientific research studies, collaborating with schools and communities on tree-planting efforts, and much more.
Bernheim is dog-friendly, ensuring your four-legged companions can join in for your photos. While the restrooms are spacious, please note that they are gendered. There are numerous paved areas accessible for those using mobility aids that provide quite a bit of flexibility, but the options are slightly fewer compared to the Parklands.
Photographers should be mindful of planning their start time carefully at this location. Forest Hill Drive closes one hour before the main gate, and Guerilla Hollow shuts down thirty minutes before the main gate, with park rangers limiting access approximately half an hour before their respective closings. Additionally, the park's closing time varies with the seasons, ranging from 5 PM in winter to 9 PM in the height of summer. Familiarizing yourself with the timing and the movement of light within the space is key to a seamless experience. If you're new to photographing here, I highly recommend a visit beforehand to acquaint yourself with the surroundings and plan accordingly when bringing clients.
3. Your Favorite Date Spot
To create a relaxed and natural atmosphere, I often encourage my couples to approach their engagement sessions as dates. Choosing activities that resonate with both partners not only showcases each of your personalities but also allows for spontaneity, resulting in more genuine candid images.
Over the years, I've enjoyed documenting couples incorporating various date-like activities into their sessions. From cozying up with board games at their favorite neighborhood bar to leisurely bike rides through scenic parks, or even indulging in creative art nights, each session is uniquely tailored to reflect the couple's personalities and interests. Other popular choices include pottery classes, nostalgic bowling outings, baking sessions, arcade adventures, playful rounds of miniature golf, or immersive distillery tours. With so many options available, couples have the freedom to curate a session that truly captures their unique relationship.
4. Your Neighborhood + Local Park
There's a unique charm in capturing your photos in a neighborhood you love and frequent. While locations like The Parklands or Bernheim may offer more natural diversity, your local area can hold sentimental value—maybe it's the park where you had your first date or the neighborhood where you currently live together. Moreover, parks nestled within neighborhoods provide opportunities to blend your session with other activities, like taking a page from the date night section and grabbing coffee or cocktails nearby. Or you could start with an in-home session and then walk to your favorite park. Permitting will vary depending on location, but you can find permit info for Metro Parks here.
A few combinations I’ve found successful include:
Saint James Court + Central Park
The Highlands + Cherokee or Tyler Park
Nulu or Butchertown + Waterfront Park
Frankfort Ave + Crescent Hill Reservoir
Beechmont + Iroquois Park
5. Falls of The Ohio
If you're torn between a cityscape or a nature-inspired session, The Falls of the Ohio offers the best of both worlds. With its rugged rocky outcroppings, lush canopy of trees, and unique driftwood, it's a versatile location. Plus, when photographing towards the river, you have the bonus of the Louisville skyline in the backdrop. It’s also close enough to the city to allow for seamless integration with downtown or Nulu, adding even more variety.
To check conditions for your shoot, you can conveniently view the current river level on their website to confirm accessibility to the fossil beds. While the Interpretive Center is open year-round, it closes at 5 PM along with its restrooms. Many areas are ADA accessible, but please note that the paved path down towards the fossil beds doesn't extend all the way down. There can be some fairly large steps and general scrambling when exploring the beds, so it's something to be mindful of when planning your outfit and session logistics.
Additionally, obtaining a permit is necessary for photography sessions at The Falls of the Ohio. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources permit covers all Indiana State Parks and many other natural areas, including Charlestown State Park and Deam Lake, both of which also offer breathtaking backdrops.
6. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
If you're seeking meticulously manicured gardens and are willing to invest in a day pass, then Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is the ideal destination for you! Boasting a diverse array of backdrops, from a romantic stone castle to picturesque Yew-lined paths, secluded woodland nooks, and a lush cottage-garden style garden, Yew Dell offers endless areas for stunning photographs. Additionally, you'll find a greenhouse, a historic cabin, a walled garden, and a sunken rock garden with a tranquil pond and beautiful Japanese maples.
It's important to note that photography sessions are restricted to open hours, which may pose limitations, especially if you're aiming for golden hour photos, as the gardens close at 4 PM. However, despite this constraint, there are still plenty of areas that offer excellent opportunities for photography, even during harsh afternoon sunlight. On occasion, photographers may be allowed access later in the day during special events, although this is typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All sessions must be scheduled in advance.
Notably, Yew Dell hosts "Hounds on the Grounds" most Sundays, allowing leashed dogs to accompany visitors. Additionally, the majority of the Yew Dell property features paved paths, ensuring wheelchair accessibility, including the route to the restrooms— and although they are not gender-neutral, they are spacious and accommodating.
7. Your Own Home
In-home sessions capture your genuine connection in a cozy, familiar setting where you feel completely relaxed. Picture yourselves enjoying your favorite activities together—whether reading, gardening, playing a game, cooking, or simply snuggling with a warm cup of tea on the couch. These sessions offer an ideal environment for introverts, providing a comfortable space where they can truly be themselves. The resulting photographs serve as timeless reminders of this exact moment in your lives, capturing the depth and significance of your connection.
Ready to book your engagement session?
Reach out and let me know what you have in mind! If you’re wanting more inspiration, check out additional engagement sessions here.
